Harihareshwar – A Long-Awaited Journey to the Coastal Jewel of Konkan
A calm and serene getaway, perfect for a long weekend retreat
Summer Escapes and Konkan Dreams
Before social media put hidden gems on the map, the raw beauty of the Konkan coast was a well-kept secret — known mostly to locals who either lived there or had roots in the region. For those of us born and raised in cities like Mumbai or Pune, summer vacations meant one thing: heading back to our native villages in Konkan. Our idea of a 'tourist destination' was rarely beyond the boundaries of Maharashtra, and usually nestled somewhere along its rugged west coast, between Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. We’d heard names like Harihareshwar and Diveagar whispered among relatives and friends, but limited connectivity and infrastructure kept these coastal paradises just out of reach.
A Long-Awaited Journey Begins
After moving from Mumbai to Pune, we finally started ticking off places from our long-pending Konkan bucket list — the ones we’d been postponing for years. At the very top of that list was Harihareshwar. Still relatively unknown and untouched by the viral wave of reels and shorts, it held a kind of quiet charm that made it all the more appealing. A few years ago, we finally got the chance to visit Harihareshwar and explore the surrounding region. Taking advantage of a long weekend, we hired a cab from Pune and set off for a 3-day coastal escape.
We initially wanted to stay right in Harihareshwar, but unfortunately, we couldn’t find a decent homestay or resort available at the time. The MTDC resort — one of the most fantastic options — was fully booked too. So, we decided to base ourselves in Diveagar instead, and plan a full-day trip to explore Harihareshwar from there.
There were two routes to reach Harihareshwar from Diveagar — one was the regular inland road, well-paved and faster. The other was a slightly longer coastal route that runs alongside the breathtaking Arabian Sea. Naturally, we chose the scenic one!
Visit to Harihareshwar Temple
After a stunning, hour-long scenic drive, we finally reached the Harihareshwar Temple. Despite it being peak season, there wasn’t much of a crowd, and we were fortunate to have a peaceful darshan. The temple complex houses two shrines — the Kalbhairav Temple and the main Harihareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The atmosphere inside the temple complex was calm and serene. Even though we arrived a bit late in the morning, the winter weather kept things pleasantly cool — a perfect setting for spiritual reflection.
If the tide allows, one should not miss the Pradakshina route around the temple. At the very least, make your way to the top of the cliff along the path — the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea from up there are absolutely breathtaking.
Leisurely Photo session near Harihareshwar beach
As a photography enthusiast, one of the biggest highlights of Harihareshwar for me was capturing the stunning views from the cliff along the Pradakshina Marg. Since there was no high tide that day, we were lucky enough to climb down and explore the beach route. The naturally carved rock formations along the path are like nature’s own art gallery — you simply can’t resist taking out your camera to capture them. Trust me, once you're down there, you'll completely lose track of time in the best way possible.
Not to miss delicious homemade dishes / cold drinks
As a rule of thumb, we never miss the chance to try local homemade drinks like Kairiche Panha (a refreshing drink made from raw mangoes) or Kokum Sarbat while visiting tourist spots. On the way to the Harihareshwar temple, there are a few small stalls that serve delicious local homemade dishes such as Ghavna and Amboli, along with the drinks mentioned above. These simple, flavorful meals add to the overall experience of exploring the Konkan region.
What else to add in Harihareshwar trip
If you have ample time and your own vehicle (or a hired one), you can explore a few beautiful nearby places:
Diveagar
The calm and serene white sand beach of Diveagar is just an hour’s drive from Harihareshwar. Don’t miss trying a modak—a popular sweet Konkani delicacy—along with a hearty lunch at one of the local khanavals (traditional home-style eateries).
Velas Beach
Velas Beach is well known as a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles, which come ashore here to lay their eggs. The annual Turtle Festival, held between March and April and organized by local villagers, celebrates the conservation of these endangered turtles. Velas is just 10 km from Diveagar.
Murud-Janjira Fort
Located about 23 km from Diveagar and around 70 km from Harihareshwar, Murud-Janjira is a majestic sea fort built on a small island just off the coast. It's known for its impressive architecture and rich history.
Best time to visit Harihareshwar
Summers in this region are typically hot and humid, followed by about four months of heavy monsoon. The best time to visit Harihareshwar is from October to February, when the weather is pleasantly cool and ideal for sightseeing, beach walks, and temple visits.
How to reach Harihareshwar
By Air: Harihareshwar doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest major airports are in Mumbai and Pune, both around 180 to 200 km away. From either city, you can hire a cab or take a private vehicle to reach Harihareshwar comfortably.
By Train: The closest railway station is at Mangaon, about 60 km from Harihareshwar. However, only a limited number of passenger and express trains halt here, so it’s best to check the schedule and plan your journey in advance.
By Road: Traveling by road—especially in your own or a hired vehicle—is one of the best ways to reach Harihareshwar. The roads have significantly improved in recent years, offering a scenic and smooth drive from major nearby cities like Mumbai, Pune etc.