Guhaagar Travel Guide: Top 20 Places

This guide provides detailed travel information for Guhaagar and its surrounding areas in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. The region is known for its beaches, temples, forts, and delicious Konkani cuisine.

Overview of Guhaagar

Guhaagar is described as a village in the Konkan region blessed with natural beauty. It's a popular tourist destination with various places to visit. The area stretches from Dhabol Khadi (Washisthi River) to Jaigad Khadi. The recommended itinerary includes visiting places from Anjanvel to Guhaagar, Palshat, Bhudhal, Velaneshwar, and Hedvi.

Best Time to Visit

• October to February: Ideal weather, pleasant climate, and a great time for bird watching (migratory birds). Generally considered the best time to visit Konkan.
• March to May: Summer season. Suitable for those who want to enjoy Konkani fruits like mangoes, jackfruit, and karvand. Evenings are pleasant.
• June to September: Monsoon season. Offers a chance to witness the raw beauty of the sea and the lush green landscapes. Requires careful planning due to heavy rainfall.

How to Reach Guhaagar

• By Road:
  • From Mumbai: Approximately 270 km via Mumbai-Goa highway or via Dapoli. Google Maps details are provided in the video description.
  • From Satara: Via Umraj, Patan, Koyna Nagar, and Chiplun, approximately 245 km.
  • From Pune: Can be reached via Dapoli.
• By Train:
  • Take the Konkan Railway to Chiplun. From Chiplun, take a state transport (ST) bus to Guhaagar.

Top Places to Visit (Detailed Itinerary)

A 2-4 day trip is recommended to explore Guhaagar and its surroundings, covering approximately 40-50 km of coastline. The itinerary includes:

1. Valukeshwar Temple (Guhaagar):
   • Located near the sea and coconut groves.
   • Ancient temple mentioned in the Sahyadri Khand of Puranas.
   • Features a Tulsi Vrindavan and Deepmala.
   • The Shivalinga is made of Shaligram stone.
   • Old idol of Lord Ganesha with a rosary in hand.
   • Located on the ancient coastal highway.
   • Don't miss the beach and fishing boats near the temple.
2. Asgoli Beach:
   • Located a short walk (100 feet) from the Valukeshwar Temple.
   • Scenic views of fishing boats and the sea.
   • Offers a view of the long stretch of Guhaagar beach.
3. Guhaagar View Point:
   • Located on a hill along the ancient coastal highway.
   • Provides panoramic views of Guhaagar beach.
   • Excellent spot to watch the sunset.
4. Palshet Port (Bandar):
   • Located down the hill from Asgoli Sada, accessible via a rough road.
   • Believed to have existed since the 16th century.
   • Ancient name was Palpattamai.
   • Potential for archaeological discoveries.
5. Shree Datta Temple:
   • Located on the way from Palshet Port.
   • Offers a divine experience.
6. Water Tank near Datta Mandir:
   • An old water tank for humans and animals.
7. Velaneshwar Temple:
   • Located after descending a steep slope from Palshet.
   • Part of the popular Guhaagar-Velaneshwar-Hedvi tourism circuit.
   • Temple with a unique dome-shaped peak.
   • Dedicated to Lord Shiva (Shiva Pindi).
   • Other deities include Kaalbhairav, Ganapati, and Laxminarayan.
   • Local people take "Kaul" (divine guidance) from the deity.
   • Spacious temple complex.
8. Velaneshwar Beach:
   • Clean sandy beach with coconut trees.
   • MTDC Resort, hotels and Bhakta Niwas (devotee residences) available for accommodation.
   • Good parking facility.
   • Ideal for swimming.
   • Located close to the Velaneshwar temple.
9. Hedvi Swami Samarth Math:
   • Recently built monastery with beautiful architecture and colors.
   • Peaceful atmosphere.
10. Hedvi Dashbhuja Ganpati Temple:
    • Very important and beautiful.
    • Located a short distance from Swami Samarth Math.
    • The idol of Lord Ganesha has ten hands.
    • Idol carved from a stone brought from Kashmir.
    • Goddess Siddhi Lakshmi is seated on the lap of the idol.
    • Legend says that the temple was built with funds provided by the Peshwas.
    • Located on top of a hill.
    • Don't miss the visit to this temple.
11. Hedvi Beach:
    • Benches along the sea for sunset views.
    • Calm and peaceful atmosphere.
    • Uma Maheshwar temple on the beach.
    • A river meets the sea at this beach.
    • The temple was built with funds from Ahilyabai Holkar (1770-80).
12. Baman Gali (Brahman's Hole):
    • A natural wonder located 5 minutes walk from Hedvi Ganapati Temple.
    • A large fissure in a rock near the sea.
    • During high tide, water gushes out forcefully through the crack.
    • Legend says a Brahmin was trapped in the hole.
    • Be cautious of the depth and force of water.

Food Recommendations

• Musale Hotel (Guhaagar):
  • Famous for vegetarian dishes.
  • Offers a variety of Konkani dishes like kothimbir vadi, thalipeeth, amrakhand, and puranpoli.
  • Located behind the temple.
  • Running since 1937, family managed hotel.
  • Special dishes include Ras Ghavan, Amboli, Bhajani Thalipith, Puranpoli, Modak, Shir and Dadpe Pohe.
• Jogaji Khanaval (Guhaagar):
  • A simple, satvik vegetarian meal option.
• Hotel Shraddha (Guhaagar):
  • Excellent place for seafood lovers.
  • Offers different types of fish thalis (Surmai, Prawns, etc.).
• Hotel Annapurna (Guhaagar):
  • Located on the left after turning from Vadeshwar.
  • Serves typical Ratnagiri style fish thalis (Surmai, Pomfret, Prawns, etc.).
  • Both veg and non veg dishes are available.
• Other Food Options:
  • Suruchi Thali
  • Zimbar's Lakshmi Khanaval
  • Palshet's Priya Gadar's Puranpoli and Musali's Puranpoli

Accommodation Options

• Osari Niwas (Naralachya Wadi):
  • Good place to stay
• Other Accommodations (Guhaagar Market to Anjanvel Road):
  • Nishigandha Beach Resort
  • Kamerkar Guest House
  • Safaalya Advait
  • Hotel Rajgad Kinara
  • Gulmohar
  • Tariff ranges from INR 1500 to INR 4000.
• Near Askoli:
  • Happy Cabins
  • Woods Home Stay (on the beach)
  • Tariff ranges from INR 3000 to INR 5000.
• Mango Village Guhaagar:
  • Bungalow society located 10 minutes from the sea.
  • A separate video is available for more details.

Additional Places (Mentioned in Previous Video)

• Guhaagar Main Beach
• Anjanvel Lighthouse
• Talkeshwar Temple
• Gopalgad Fort
• Shree Vyadeshwar and Shree Laxminarayan Temple

Important Safety Tips

• Be cautious while swimming in the sea, considering the wave height and depth.
• Use life jackets for water sports.
• Avoid littering and dispose of plastic responsibly.

Final Thoughts

The guide emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature and enjoying the beauty of Guhaagar and its surroundings. The video encourages viewers to share their favorite place in Guhaagar in the comments.