DAPOLI

Tourist Destination

Dapoli is 215 km away from Mumbai. It is also called the "Mini Mahabaleshwar" (Mahabaleshwar is a famous hill station in Maharashtra) because of its cool climate throughout the year. 

Dapoli is also the city which gave birth to many historic idols including Lokmanya Tilak, Sane Guruji, Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve, Wrangler Paranjape. 

It is close to the Arabian Sea (approx 8 km away) and acts as the main town (Taluka Headquarters) for several other small surrounding villages such as Anjarle, Mandivali, Sarang,Bandhtivare, Bhopan, Harnai, Dabhol, Navse (Bharti Ship Yard), Unhavare, Jaalgaon, Gavhe, Gimhavane, Asud, Vanand, Kherdi, Karde, Murud and Umberghar. 

Dapoli is nowadays developing as a tourist destination due its climate, tourist places, beaches, and scenery.

Dapoli is separated from the Sayhadri range by the Khed taluka. Dapoli has a seaboard of 50 km which stretches from Burondi, Kelshi to Dabhol. The coastline differs little in its general characteristics from that of other parts of Konkan. It is densely covered by coconut farms. 

The principal rivers are Bharja in the north and Vashishthi in the south. There is also a small river called Jog which flows through Bandhtivare,Sarang, Tadil, and into the Arabian sea.

Despite being only 8 km away from the coast of Arabian sea, the town is located at an altitude of around 800 feet (240 m).

Dapoli was the first Nagar Panchayat in India.

City of Education

The town has a very old school named after British citizen Alfred Gadney. It is popularly know as A G High School, Dapoli. Mr. Madhav T Talathi (Talathi Sir) was longest serving principal of that school from 1968 to 1988. During the time of the English empire, Dapoli was a military camp for British soldiers. Jeevan Kshishan Shala (Gadital), Kanya Shala, Purva Prathmik Shala, Saraswati Vidyamandir English Medium School, Urdu Highschool and also having English Medium school backside of Radhakrushna Mandir. 

Dapoli is also the home of agricultural university Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth.

Dapoli has a Centre for Krishna Consciousness movement, youth programs for Agriculture, under-graduate homeopathic college (Dapoli Homeopathic Medical College) and Ramraje Engineering colleges.

In city Dapoli having Boarding hostel school like Bahujan Hitay Vidyaarthy Vastigruh at Kalkai Kond, Girls hostel at near Urban Bank & other one is situated near Jalgaon village.

Famous Personalities

Dapoli is considered the birthplace of Bharat Ratna Maharshi Annasaheb Karve (Murud), Sane Guruji, and Lokmanya Tilak(Chikhalgaon), his wife(Ladghar)and Bharat Ratna P.V. Kane. Bharat Ratna Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar has studied for few years in Alfred Gadney Highschool (A. G. Highschool) near jalgaon village.

Dapoli - Beautiful Weekend Getaway Tourist Destination

Places to Visit

Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg Forts - Harne

Located 17 km from Dapoli at Harnai, the Suvarnadurg fort consists of two forts. Kanakdurga is the land fort and Suvarnadurga is the sea fort. The forts were originally built by the Adil Shahi dynasty and later captured and fortified by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660. Once there was a tunnel connecting both the forts but now the only way to get to Suvarnadurga is by boat. However, currently there is no regular boat service to the fort and one has to arrange for a ferry from the local fishermen. There is a lighthouse inside the Kanakdurga fort.

Dolphin and Turtle Festival
MTDC hosted the first ever Dolphin and Turtle Festival at Murud and Velas in 2013.
Being a long beach, Murud Harnai, hosted a variety of colorful and engaging activities in association with Suvarna Durga Paryatan Vikas Bahu Udeshiya Seva Sanghatna. Tourists enchanted with many entertaining and participative activities like Beach Cricket, beach sports
and sand sculptures. The local Malwani cuisine and the best quality fish from Kardhe served, along with relishes like Modak and Solakadi that tickle the taste buds of the visitors. The first mango of the season also up for taste at the festival. 
  
Along with Dolphin spotting, cultural programmes arranged by Cultural Department of Maharashtra like ‘Zakhdi Nrutya’ that make tourists dance to the tunes of folk music. A becharming beach musical night mesmerize audience, where renowned singers render Bollywood, Hindi and marathi bhavgeet songs based on the theme of sea. About 6000 tourists witnessed this extravaganza and boarded home stays at Murud Harnai during the Festivals.  

Velas hosts the nesting of endangered Olive Ridley Turtles that migrate thousands of miles to
lay their eggs on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Maharashtra. Velas is a mere one‐and‐a‐half
hour’s drive from Murud Harnai. MTDC, in association with Kasav Mitra Mandal, has arranged 500 tourist stays to witness this unusual phenomenon of turtle hatching and the inception of their journey to the Sea. Contact persons Mr.Shailesh More: 9422433639 – Murud Harnai. Mohan Upadhye : 8983767388 – Velas  

Panhalakaji Caves

Main article: Panhalakaji Caves

Located on the Dapoli-Dabhil Pangari road is a place called Panhalekaji and can also be accessed from Khed via Vakavali & Tetavali. The “Leni” or caves at Panhalekaji are a must-see. You can drive up to the caves. The place is situated deep in the valley near the confluence of the ‘Kotjai’ and ‘Dhakti’ rivers. You can watch many birds and reptiles in the surrounding jungle and river. There are 29 caves and many sculptures around the area. The whole area is very beautiful. according to villager there are 15 to 16 crocodiles in river.

How to reach Panhalakaji
Panhalekaji is situated around 21 km from Dapoli. State Transport (ST) buses run between Dapoli and Panhalekaji. You can also hire an auto rickshaw or drive down. Rented jeeps / cars are available.
Directions from Dapoli to Panhalekaji (shorter route):
• From Dapoli bus stand, take the second left at Kelaskar Naka towards Dabhol
• Turn left near Nante towards Panhalekaji
(Road Route: Dapoli – Kelaskar Naka – Jalgaon – Nante – Panhalekaji)
Directions from Dapoli to Panhalekaji via Wakawali:
• From Dapoli bus stand proceed towards Khed
• Turn right at Wakawali
• Continue on this road till you reach a ‘T’ junction (the left branch goes towards Unhavare and the right branch towards Panhalekaji). Turn right towards Panhalekaji
• This road slopes down towards Dabhil-Pangari. You have to turn right just before the slope ends on the big left curve. This will take you to Panhalekaji
(Road Route: Dapoli – Kumbhve – Wakawali – Gavtale – Panhalekaji)

Unhavare - Hot Water Springs

There are natural hot water springs at Unhavare Village, which is 35 km from Dapoli (Near Panhalekaji caves).[citation needed] Unhavare, 21 km from Vakavali & 17 km from Tetavali's is Dr. Deodhar farms (called keshav Baug) Dr Deodhar is an Expert In Algae from Bombay University, Has a guest house for tourists. The Hot springs are its only attraction. Lots of people from surrounding areas come here regularly to bath in the Hot Sulphur water springs. Separate shelters are made for men and women to take a dip in the rejuvenating hot water. The water is said to cure skin ailments. There are no charges for taking a bath here. There is a small masjid as well as school opposite to hot water. There is also "Mahamai Gram Devata Mandir" as well as "Vidya Mandir High School, starwin farare cricket ground known as "HUMBER" & a very beautiful farare masjid..

Kadyavarcha Ganpati

This Ganesh temple is at Anjarle village which comes under Dapoli taluka. Anjarle is famous for the "Kadyawarcha Ganpati" (Ganesh temple situated on a cliff). This ancient and magnificent Ganesh temple was originally constructed using wooden pillars in around 1150AD. It was renovated during the period between 1768 and 1780. At one time, people used to cross Anjarle creek (Jog River) in a boat and then climb the hill using steps that go through the Anjarle village. Recently a bridge has been constructed and you can take your car right up to the entrance of the temple.

The Ganesh idol is right-sided. This means that its trunk curves towards the right, ("Ujavya Sondecha Ganpati") which is very rare. Kadyawarcha Ganpati is the live deity (a jagrut daiwat) who responds to distress calls of common people (navsala pavnara Ganpati). The temple has a stone staircase on the right hand side to reach to the top of the temple (Kalas). You can get a magnificent view of the thick plantation of coconut trees, betel nut trees, Suvarnadurg Fort, blue sea and surrounding hills from the top. There is a pond in front of the temple where you can feed big fish and turtles. Beside the Ganesh temple there is a small but beautiful temple of Lord Shiva.

Keshavraj Temple

This location is between Dapoli and Asud Pul. It is said that this temple is "pandavkaleen" meaning that it has its origin more than 1000 years ago. The access is via Dabkewadi and after crossing the small river, the steep climb is refreshing. At this elevation, the fresh water is a marvel and is said to be originating from a tree trunk. this fresh water flows for 24/7 and throughout the year. The SHREE KESHAVRAJ "murti" is worth the darshan.

Harnai Fish Market

Harnai fish market is assumed to be one of the largest supplier of fish to Maharashtra and also Export. Many kinds of fishes including lobsters are to be seen in the market. There is an Auction carried on daily basis on the beach. 

Murud Beach (Place of Dolphin watch!)

Murud is a small town on the sea coast, about 12 kilometers from Dapoli. It boasts of one of the most beautiful and longest beach in Konkan region. One can also go for watching Dolphins little far away from the beach, on the local ferry available.

At the centre of the town is the Durga Devi Temple. This temple was built in the 18th century and has 28 exquisitely carved wooden pillars supporting the main porch. On the left of the entrance is a huge bell. This is supposed to have been captured by Chimaji appa Peshwa from the Portuguese in Vasai.

Dhondo Keshav Karve was born in Murud. The town's main square has a bust of this great personality.

Mandivali

Mandivali is a small town 40 km away from Dapoli, which is between Kelshi to Mandangarh City. Mandangarh City is 35 km far from Mandivali. Well educated and skills person working in Mumbai and Abroad. Jama Masjid Mandivali is available for Muslim prayer. They have strong unity in Village and respect all religions.

Dabhol

Dabhol is a port which is 28 km away from Dapoli. The famous Dabhol Power Station is erected near Dabhol by Enron, Which is now known as Ratnagiri Gas and Power Private Limited. This RGPPL was incorporated on 8 July 2005 and is promoted by NTPC Limited and GAIL (India) Limited. The company was set up to take over and revive the assets of Dabhol Power Company Project. RGPPL owns an Integrated Power generation and Re-gasified LNG facility. The power station is India's largest operating gas based combined cycle power station.

Bharati Shipyard Ltd operates from the port.

There is an ancient temple Chandika Devi temple. The idol of Goddess Chandika here, believed to be have formed naturally on its own (Swayambhu) and the temple is underground in a natural cave. To reach the deity, you have to pass through a low darkened passage. No light is allowed inside except that of oil lamp. There is a live spring of fresh water nearby which water all around the year has. Every year pilgrims throng here during Navaratri. This temple used to be frequently visited by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. 

Near to Dabhol there is a small village named Navse where the Bharti Ship Yard has developed and there is a Darga on the hill's of Navse which is called Balla pir which is attractive tourist to go there. 

History of Dapoli

Dapoli or Camp Dapoli (17° 45' N, 73° 10' E; p. 3,958), the head-quarters of Dapoli taluka, stands on an open plain. In 1818, Dapoli was fixed as the military station of the southern Konkan. In 1840, the regular troops were withdrawn. A veteran battalion was kept till 1857, and when this also was abolished, [Nairne's Konkan, 129.] the cantonment was broken up.

In 1862, the headquarters of the old Suvanadurg sub-division was moved from fort Goval at Harnai to Dapoli. Here also are the remains of the former military lines and the old and still habitable quarter guard. In a corner of the open plain, and divided from the market by the Harnai-Khed road, stands in dilapidated condition one of the chief features of the by-gone days, the picturesque old English church with a square tower and belfry. In 1878, the Societies for the Propagation of the Gospel removed their orphanage from Bombay to Dapoli. At present, the missionaries have left the church.

A DIARY OF A TOURIST/VISITOR

Text and Photographs Nilesh Korgaonkar 

Source http://www.rediff.com/travel/1998/oct/28konk3.htm

Dapoli

The conventional route to the town of Dapoli bifurcates from the main NH 17. But if you are heading there directly from Srivardhan, it is better to take another parallel road that comes up through the town of Mandangarh. Just before the town of Goregaon turn south for Ambet and Mandangarh. It's a great shortcut. But Dapoli is not on the coastline. Head for the fishing villages of Harnai and Anjarle, which are beyond it. The Suwarnadurg fort is located on an island not far off from the mainland, near Harnai.

The stretch of coast west of Dapoli is apparently popular with the locals. If you carry on beyond the main town towards the fishing village of Harnai, just before the road turns north along the coastline, about four km short of Harnai at Murud, you will come across a group of signposts advertising hotels. It's approaching road is three-four km long, unmetalled and pretty rough with steep gradients. The hotels are near the village of Karde and are probably illegal constructions as they are locate bang on small but very scenic beaches. They offer very basic, but comfortable accommodation and good coastal cuisine of fresh fried fish. The road peters out south of the last hotel. But beyond there are gently rolling hills, an ancient seaside temple and some tiny hamlets -– ingredients that make for some good solitary walks.

There is another minor, smaller road that goes to the village of Burundi from Dapoli. The Hotel Sagar Savli, with just four rooms to let, is located just short of the village where the road ends. The drive is picture perfect with a good road. Local cabs also ply along this road. The beach is beautiful and though you have to book in advance -- preferably from Bombay -- even if you cannot find place to stay, its worth the trouble to visit.

Dabhol

Another road from Dapoli goes to the south where it ends at the mouth of the Vashishti river at the town of Dabhol – of the Dabhol Power Corporation and Enron Power Project fame. The project is coming up on the other side of the river, though it takes its name from this town.

If you are on a two-wheeler or travelling by bus, this is the town to head for to cross over to the other side of the Vashishti and continue down the coast using the ferry. The ferry services from Dabhol commence from 0730 hours to 1800 hours. However, it is better to check the exact timings at the port office near the jetty. The ferry takes you to the jetty at Veldur and the arrival and departure of the buses from there is synchronised with that of the ferry. If you have bypassed Dapoli completely, then you can take a ferry service from Chiplun and sail down the Vaishishti river right up to its mouth at Dabhol or Veldur. The ferry departs from Chiplun early in the morning at about 0400 hours and returns later in the day sometime in the late afternoon.

Dabhol itself is not much of a place, consisting of just a solitary road and a fishing jetty. But with the coming up of the power project, it is slowly gaining importance and is quite likely to be completely transformed in a few years. There isn't much to see and one can just while away time by taking lazy walks along the road. In the evening, the jetty comes alive as fishermen with their catch come in and auction it to middlemen, who immediately load it into trucks for transport inland. A local market sprouts up nearby at this time and if you have the wherewithal to cook your own meals, you can get a bargain price for some of the freshest fish you are likely to taste.

Anjanvel

The village of Anjanvel lies on the opposite side of the river mouth. To get there, take the early morning ferry to the jetty at Veldur as Anjanvel does not have its own jetty. The bus that goes from Veldur further south, first goes to Anjanvel to pick up more passengers. Alight at the bottom of the steep slope where Anjanvel’s makeshift bus stop is located. Ask for the fort of Gopalgarh and the lighthouse of Tolkeshwar. Scamper up the slope through the village to battlements of the fort.

As you emerge through the trees and fields, and negotiate the final gentle plateau, a breathtaking view of the ocean dashing on the rocks below awaits you. The sight of -- ramparts of the ruined fort snaking downwards, rugged cliffs reaching out to sea and the lighthouse with two ancient temples nearby -- completes a truly stunning sight. The gentle chugging of a passing fishing trawler only adds to the beauty of the scene. I fervently wish that the construction of the project nearby does not, in any way, disturb this pristine scenery.

When I usually visit Anjanvel, I drive from Chiplun and Guhaghar. But during our last visit, we left our car at Dabhol and took the ferry to Veldur and the bus to Anjanvel. It was the last week of November and the fishing season was in full swing. From our high vantage point next to the Tolkeshwar lighthouse we could see the fishing trawlers hard at work hauling their nets. I couldn't but help comparing the scene to a typical busy day at the business district in any of todays large cities, where city slickers similarly went about their business. Only here, there was no noise, no pushing and shoving, no sweat and grime -- just turquoise waters and a blue sky and every trawler minding its own business.

Places to Stay

Srivardhan has only lodges with basic amenities. None of them can be booked in advance for want of any contact numbers in Mumbai. But you should not have any problem in finding accommodation if you are not too fussy and are only interested in spending a night or two.

Harihareshwar, a temple village south of Srivardhan and not very far away has a tent colony run by the MTDC (phone: 02147-26036). Bookings are better done at Mumbai before starting your trip.

Surprisingly Dapoli and the area around it has plenty of accommodation to cater to the budget traveller. Staying in Dapoli should not be a problem. But the hotels located along the coastline that we found were almost always full up.

Getting Around.

There are plenty of local buses that ply from the main bus terminus at Dapoli further to the west to the villages of Anjarle via Harnai, to Dabhol and Burundi. Check the timings for your destination on the timetable that will be displayed prominently or ask at the enquiry counter. If you are not on a restricted budget avail of the a chauffeur-driven rickshaw cab. Buses may not ply to all the hotels mentioned here, especially those that are on the rough track. You may have to get off and walk a little from the main road. Ask the bus conductor to let you know when the junction approaches. 

RATNAGIRI: ST Bus phone numbers (STD Code and phone number)

Ratnagiri	2352	222340
Mandangad	2350	225226
Dapoli	2358	282003
Khed	2356	263026
Chiplun	2355	252003
Guhagar	2359	240226
Lanja	2351	230022
Rajapur	2353	222029
Devrukh	2354	240038