Raigarh district General information
Raigad District is also known as Raigarh District, is a district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is located in the Konkan region. The district was renamed after Raigad, the fort and former capital of the Maratha leader Shivaji, which is located in the interior forests of the district, on a west-facing spur of the Western Ghats or Sahyadri range. The district had a population of 22,07,929 of which 24.22% were urban as of 2001.
The district is bounded by Mumbai Harbour to the northwest, Thane District to the north, Pune District to the east, Ratnagiri district to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west. It includes the large natural harbor of Pen-Mandwa, which is immediately south of Mumbai harbour, and forming a single landform with it. Part of the district is included in the planned metropolis of Navi Mumbai, and its port, the Jawaharlal Nehru Port.
The district includes Kashid and Kihim beaches, besides the towns of Khopoli, Khalapur, Uran, Patalganga, Rasayani, Nagothana, Pen. The largest cities include Panvel, Alibag, Karjat, and Mahad. The biggest city both in area and population is Panvel.
The district also includes the isle of Gharapuri or Elephanta, located in Uran tehasil which has ancient Hindu and Buddhist caves.
Geography
Raigad is located in south western side of Maharashtra State. The District Head Quarter of Raigad District is Alibag. Alibag is situated on western coast of India and on shore of Arabian Sea.
The Latitude of Alibag : 18.39 N
The Longitude of Alibag : 72.55 E
Tourist Place
Raigad Fort : This is the very heart of Maratha country -- Raigad, the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped block of hill, split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three sides. Stories of incredible valour and heroic deeds are etched on every pebble at Raigad.
It was here that Shivaji built his capital city in the 14th century, and here that he crowned himselfClick here for big view - Raigad for mahadarvaja Chhatrapati. For six years upto his death, Raigad remained the capital of the Marathas with its broad gates and magnificent monuments. There was only one pathway leading to the top, and prizes were offered to those who scaled the fort through unconventional methods. Though parts of Raigad are in ruins, yet they inspire an aura of grandeur.
Ballaleshwar Ganpati : Named after Ballal, son of Kalyan Shreshthi, from whose `tapasya', Ganesh appeared at pali. The deity is known as Ballaleshwar. Erlier the deity was placed in a wooden temple. The wooden temple was so constructed that the rays of the sun would fall directly on the deity from the two equinoxes of the temple. The temple was reconstructed in 1770 by Morobadada Phadanvis.
The Ganesh idol in the temple is 3 ft. high. Behind the temple, another temple of Ganesh, known as Dhundi Vinayak is situated. The Peshwas had installed the big bell, in the temple which is of Portuguese make. Nearby Pali is Sudhagad which is famous for its hot springs.
Varad Vinayak Ganpati : Knwon as Varad Vinayak, the temple is in Mahad village of Raigad district. A Ganesh devotee named Paundkar found this idol in a lake near the temple, three hundred and seventy five years back. The original temple is now enlarged. A spacious audience hall is built within the temple. The lamp before the deity is kept lit uninterruptedly for hundred years or so.
Birla Ganesh Temple : Great place....More or less similar to Hiranandani Garderns, Powai... The temple is open from 6.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. The tranport facilities are OK and affordable to all classes...Don't miss this....
20 Kms. away from Alibag is a small village named ' Salav ' on the Alibag - Roha route. There is a temple on a hill top near Salav village. Vikram Ispat company, a part of Birla udyog group has built this temple called ' Birla Mandir '. This temple is between the Vikram Ispat company and its beautifully located residential colony. It is a temple built in pure milk white marble and its dome can be seen from a long distance also. It can be reached by road or by climbing the steps. While climbing the temple steps one is always mesmerized by the landscape. On both sides of the steps is green velvet carpet of grass and beautiful flowers which will keep you spell bound for a minute.
The temple has marble floors and the hall of the temple is open from all sides. The ceiling of the temple is transparent which allows free flow of air and ample of light to come in. On entering the temple there is a square shaped nave.The nave is also made of marble and is very beautifully carved. The beautifully carved idol of 'Ganapati' is placed the nave. The idols of 'Riddhi and Siddhi' are placed on both sides of idol. Around the nave are small temples of 'Radha-Krishna', 'Shiv-Parvati', 'Bhavanidevi' and 'Suryadeva'. In the the garden next to the temple there is a statue of "Late Aditya Birla".
Kanakeshwar Temple : Hardly 12 kms from Alibag..cool climate and old temple of Lord Shiva.
The temple is situated on a small hill and the nearby village is ' Mapgaon ' which is almost 12 kms. from Alibag. The hill is almost 370 m high and we have to climb 700+ steps to reach the temple.
Elephanta Caves : Across the Mumbai Harbour, lie the seventh-century rock-cut temples of Elephanta. Once known as Gharapuri, or the Fortress City, the caves are now designated as a World Heritage Site and visited by hundreds of tourists both for their art historical and scenic value.
The Portuguese renamed this island Elephanta after a large stone elephant found near the shore ( the elephant sculpture collapsed in 1814, when the British relocated it to the Victoria Gardens now Mumbai's zoo, where it still stands). The cave temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and there is one main cave with several sculpted panels. By far the most arresting sculpture is of Maheshamurti or the Great Lord Shiva representing the three-headed god as the creator, preserver and destroyer. There are other delicate and unusual panels on the doorways and side walls. Once a year the MTDC arranges a two-day festival of dance and music here.
Mandwa and Kihim Beach : You will find these two beach fronts 12 miles north of Alibag on the north coast and easily accessible from Mumbai. Mandwa is a beautiful, untrodden beach. On a clear day one can enjoy a long, breathtaking view across the bay, up to the Gateway of India. Mandwa village too, has a charm of its own -- with its beautiful groves of coconut palms.
Murud - Janjira Fort : Formerly the capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, Murud is today popular for its alluring beach, whispering casurina, coconut and betel palms and an ancient fort. On a hillock to the north is the shrine of Lord Dattatreya, the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.
Battered on all four sides by sea waves, its strong walls yet standing intact and 40 feet high even at full tide is the majestic island fortress of the Siddis -- Murud-Janjira. Never conquered by an enemy for over 350 years since its construction by the Ahmednagar rulers under the supervision of their regent Malik Ambar in the 15th century, Murud-Janjira is probably the only impregnable fort on the 720 km Maharashtra coastline.
Neither the Portuguese nor the British could subjugate the fort. And the Marathas, despite their repeated attempts failed to subjugate the Siddi power.
The palace of the Nawab and the Janjira Caves are also a must for the tourist. And just a few kilometres away are two undiscovered beaches: Nandgaon and Kashid. Nandgaon is famous for its Ganapati temple and the annual fair held in honour of ths elephant-headed god every February.
Here you shall discover the charms of an island fortress. The beach is clear and spacious, fringed with palm trees. The fortress is 300 years old, an architectural marvel-in fact, once upon a time considered to be impregnable.
Hari-Harihareshwar Beach : Gentle winds, soft sands and inviting waters make Shriwardhan Bay irresistible to beach lovers. And if one relishes sea-food, there is no dearth of delicacies to sample here. The adventuerers can even take a small boat to the north side of the bay and explore a land where the "Peshwas" or prime ministers of the Maratha Kingdom, Originally resides. The "Peshwas Smarak" is of interest to most people who visit Shriwardhan.
The town of Harihareshwar, known for its tranquil and picturesque beach is also landmarked by Kalbhairav - the Shiva temple.
Hill Station - Matheran : Matheran is an undulating hilltop cloaked in shady trees, that sprawls languidly at an altitude of 800 m. The journey involves an adventurous two-hour ascent in a toy train, with food and drink vendors and monkeys jumping on and off as the valley glides by sedately. Alternately, a tough 11 km hike through thick and shady forests or a winding car drive can get you there as well.
Matheran's cliffs, with incredibely steep drops to the plains below, create stunning viewing points. These panoramic vistas, by day or by night, leave you feeling light headed. On a clear night, you can even see the lights of Mumbai from Hart Point. In fact, all of Matheran is a series of such quixotically named points that are popular if isolated sites for picnics and fireside revelry at night. Charlotte Lake, the Panthers' Caves and Paymaster Park are other attractions, especially for children.
Getting there is half the fun. A toy-like train meanders up the mountain, treating you to a breathtaking view. In Matheran itself there's plenty to see - Lake Charlotte, Honeymoon Hill, Panther's Cave, lots more. You can also go horse-riding and shop for exciting cane and leather articles.
The main bazaar offers a variety of items such as cane and leather articles, hats, chappals and the sinfully sweet speciality -- Chikki. Vehicles of any kind are not permitted in the town, which makes it a very quiet and serene place.
Weather : Temperatures vary from 16 C in winter to 32 C in summer, with an annual rainfall of 524 cms. October to May is the best time to visit.