Guhagar
Guhagar is a city in the South Konkan region of Maharashtra, India.
Get in
editThe best way to get in is by road. Maharashtra State Transport (S.T.) buses ply from Mumbai, Thane and Pune. The S.T. Bus depot is right in the heart of town.
Chiplun is the nearest major city and is directly on NH17. The state highway turning off to the right when approaching Chiplun from Mumbai on NH17 leads to Guhagar which is approximately 40 km away.
People travelling from Pune can reach Guhagar by travelling to Satara on NH4 and then to Patan, Koayana Nagar and then by descending Kumbharli Ghat to reach Chiplun and finally Guhagar.
For those travelling southwards from Dapoli, there is a ferry service available from Dabhol to Dhopave (or Dhopav). Guhagar is approximately 15 km from Dhopave.
Get around
editGiven the small size of it, one can get around Guhgar Town by foot. However, there are other place worth seeing that require either your own vehicle or Local S.T. buses. However, given limited frequency of the S.T. Buses to most villages around, the former seems to be the best choice.
One can also hire auto rickshaw (3-seater) or Dumdum (6-seater) for the entire day and do a tour.
See
edit- Vyadeshwar - This temple of Lord Shiva is literally a stone's throw away from the S.T. Depot, right in the middle of the bazaar. It is the Kuladaivat of a lot of Kokanastha Chitpavan Brahmins (Surnames like Patwardhan, Godbole, Damle, Oak, Phadke, Apte, Abhyankar, Soman, Bhat, Ranade, Joglekar, Agashe, Kelkar, Deodhar, Pethe, Gadre). The Main Pujari at this temple is Bhave Guruji, and Poojas are being offered by the trust.
- Ufarata Ganpati - This temple of Lord Ganesha is 200 metres away from Bazaar, on the road to Anjanvel/Veldoor. The idol is carved in white stone (marble?) and was found by local fishermen around 300 years back. There is a legend associated with this idol, that's worth taking a note.
- Guhagar Beach - Guhagar beach is one of the cleanest and less polluted beaches in Maharashtra. The bus station is only 200m inland. The beach looks pretty safe though there are warnings posted by local villagers. There are chat stalls on the shore.
- Velaneshwar - Approximately 25 km south of Guhagar, along Guhagar-Hedvi road, is located this beautiful temple of Lord Shiva. The temple is right on the pristine sea shore. Just like Vyadeshwar, this too is Kuladaivat of lots of Kokanastha Chitpavan Brahmins. There are smaller temples of other gods like Shri Vishnu, Ganesha, Kalabhairav around the main temple. At the entrance is a tall Deepamaal.
- Hedvi - Hedvi is a small village located at approximately 27 km along Guhagar-Narvan road, towards south of Guhagar. This small village is yet another popular location around Guhagar that boasts of 2 places worth seeing. Most famous is the temple of Dashabhuja (10 Hands) Ganapati. This temple dates back to age of Peshwas. The idol of lord Ganesha is carved in marble and is supposed to be from Jammu-Kashmir. The temple has been renovated and is very clean and simple. The second place is around 3 km away from the temple, by the sea side, called Brahman Ghal (Gorge). On the same sea shore is the temple of Uma Maheshwari. One has to go past this temple to reach the Brahman Ghal. This beautiful natural wonder is a gorge in the black rock patch and is around 20 feet deep, 35 feet long and 1-2 feet wide in dimensions. During high tide, the sea water gushes in.
- Budhal - The sea shore of Budhal has both kinds to offer - serenity and danger. This very small town is located around 5 km from Village Adoor Phata along Guhagar Hedvi Road. The road is pretty bad and terminates at a spot that offers commanding view of the entire Budhal village and the rough rocky sea shore it has. One can also see a small temple and a virgin beach of yellow sand past the village.
- Chandika Mandir - Chandika Mandir is located around 15 km north of Guhagar. One has to travel to Veldoor (10 km away from Guhagar) and cross the Dabhol creek by launch to reach Harbor Dabhol on the north side. From Dabhol the Chandika Mandir approach road is around 4 km when traveling towards Dapoli. The temple is 15-20 feet underground in a cave. Electricity is forbidden inside so it is only lit by lamps and candles. However, it was discovered only 300 years back. Outside the temple is a tomb of the discoverer of this temple.
- Gopalgad - This ancient fort is located near Anjanvel - 11 km North of Guhagar, along the coast line. It is believed to be built at the start of 16th Century by the Siddis. It was captured by Shivaji Maharah in 1660. What remains today is only the ruins of this huge fort that spans 7 acres.
Do
editBuy
editHome-made Konkan products such as Amba Poli, Phanas Poli, Kokam Agal, pickles, jams, flours etc.
Eat
editRecommended restaurants include Hotel Suruchi[dead link] and Hotel Vainateya (near bus station).
Hotel Annapurna, Flate-701, Tower No-10, Petal Orchede (Sec-49, Gugaon), ☏ +91 9818661550. One of the best hotel for Veg and Non veg Meals.
Drink
editKokam Sarbat and Coconut Water is sold everywhere. Try Hotel Suruchi's (Guhagar Bazar Peth) special konkani solkadhi.
Sleep
editMost accommodations are for budget travellers and cost around ₹500 per day or less for a double room.
- Nisarg Resort (Shivaji Chowk, at Post Taluka).
- Hotel Rajgad, Varchapat (Near Durgadevi Temple), ☏ +91 97646 65775. Right next to the beach.
- Damle's Hotel Suruchi, at Bazar Peth near Vyadeshawar Mandir. Dining and lodging facility is also available. M: 09421137937
- Parag Sawant (Sagar Lodge), Bazar Peth (near Vyadeshwar temple), ☏ +91 -9420152272. First & the oldest lodge in Guhagar touching to Vyadeshwar Temple in the main Bazarpeth.
- Hindustan Resort (6km north of Guhagar), ☏ +91 94233 73333. Check-in: noon, check-out: 10AM. ₹800-2000.
- Kismat Residency Beach Resort, House no.104, Khalachapat (on Guhagar Beach). 8 double rooms, neat and clean hotel. ₹700/-.
- Mody Villa (9892091313 ) offers accommodations and quality food at seaside.
- Shantai by the Lake. Lakeside resort with swimming pool.