Divyagar: A Detailed Travel Guide

Divyagar, a charming coastal village in Kokan, Maharashtra, is a popular destination known for its proximity to Pune and Mumbai, good roads, clean and vast beaches, coconut and betel nut groves, beautiful temples, Konkani hospitality, cuisine, and natural beauty.

History

The village's history can be traced back to ancient times:

• Mentioned in the "Vyadeshwar Mahatmya," a Sanskrit text from 1637.
• Legend says three Brahmins – Shridhar, Gangadhar, and Diwakar – came to Kokan in the 16th century. Diwakar is credited with re-establishing Divyagar.
• Some believe the name "Divyagar" comes from a lamp (diva) lit on the coastal rocks.

Historical artifacts and inscriptions can be found in the village, including:

• A Nizamshahi-era inscription at the village entrance, with text in Arabic and Marathi, mentions the village as "Dive."
• Rare sculptures of Abhishek Lakshmi or Gajanant Lakshmi near Shivaji Chowk.
• A "Gadhhegal" (hero stone) with an inscription dating back to 1254 AD, located in the courtyard of the Balka Joshi house.

Divyagar's rich history is evident in its ancient inscriptions and mentions in historical texts, suggesting it was a prosperous town from the 13th century onwards, having been ruled by dynasties like the Satavahanas, Mauryas, Rashtrakutas, Chalukyas and Shilaharas.

Location and Accessibility

Divyagar is a popular beach destination in the Raigad district, located on Maharashtra's 720 km long coastline.

• 155 km from Pune.
• 170 km from Mumbai.

Accommodation

Divyagar offers over 250 accommodation options, including resorts, hotels, and homestays. About 60-70 of these are homestays which provides an intimate and rustic experience of Konkan life.

Culture

While exploring Divyagar's alleys, you'll find traditional Konkani houses with:

• Courtyards (Saravlela Aangan)
• Tulsi Vrindavan (holy basil plant)
• Verandahs (Padvi)
• Wooden carvings and windows (lakdi kamani, dar khidkya)
• Tiled roofs (kavlaru chhat)

Food and Cuisine

Divyagar boasts a delicious local cuisine. Homestays and local eateries (khanavali) offer home-style breakfast, vegetarian, and non-vegetarian meals prepared with Konkani spices.

Breakfast options:

• Kanda Poha (flattened rice with onions)
• Dadpe Pohe (another version of flattened rice)
• Upma (semolina dish)
• Khichdi (rice and lentil dish)
• Bhajani Vade (fritters made from multigrain flour)
• Thalipeeth (multigrain pancake)

Vegetarian Thali specialities:

• Mirgund (crispy snack)
• Poha Papad
• Biraḍyache Usal (sprouted beans curry)
• Gharatli Mirchi (homemade chili preparation)

Other vegetarian delicacies include Puran Poli (sweet flatbread), Ukadiche Modak (steamed rice flour dumplings with sweet filling), and Solkadhi (digestive drink made from coconut milk and kokum).

Seafood is a must-try in Divyagar. Don't miss the authentic Konkani-style fish curry (Machhi Rassa).

Local cuisine often uses fresh coconut, enhancing the flavor of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

Recommended Restaurants:

• Vegetarian: Suhas Bapat, Hotel Lajja (Anand Kelkar)
• Non-Vegetarian: Ruturaj Holiday Home, Shri Sai Center (Pradeep Todankar), Konkan Swad Tondlekar Khanaval, Camelia Beach Resort
• Breakfast: Kshitij Holidays (Shrikant Avalsarkar)

Attractions and Activities

Divyagar beach is a major attraction:

• 5 km long, expansive shoreline
• Velas creek on the right side and the Karle River on the left
• Soft sand, seashells
• Beautiful sunsets

Water Sports: Jet Skiing, Banana Rides, Sofa Rides.

Unique Experience: Sirocco Marine Safari in the deep sea.

Marine Drive

Enjoy a scenic marine drive from Divyagar towards Shrivardhan:

• Picturesque hills, quaint villages.
• The sea on one side.
• Visit beaches like Shekhadi, Aravi, Shrivardhan, and Harihareshwar.

Nearby beaches and locations also to visit are Aadgaon, Velasagar, Dighi, Murud, and Janjira.

Camping

Camping opportunities can be found near Shekhadi during the marine drive safari.

Temples

Temples are significant attractions in and around Divyagar:

• Suvarna Ganesh Temple: Famous for the golden Ganesh idol discovered underground.
• Shri Roopnarayan Temple & Shri Sundarnarayan Temple: Ancient, renovated temples with intricate carvings.
• Uttareswar Temple: Located at the north end of the village, with Peshwa-era connections.
• Kusumeshwar Temple, Devkhol: Scenic temple surrounded by hills and greenery.
• Ganga Devi Temple, Wakalghar: Features five "kunds" (water tanks) and is considered a sacred place.

Offbeat Locations

For those looking for offbeat experiences, consider visiting the Karle Dam:

• Surrounded by dense forests and hills.
• A serene reservoir.
• Located off the Borli-Shrivardhan road, near Hujari village.
• Potential for spotting wildlife, especially during sunrise or sunset.

Fish Market

For fresh seafood, visit the Bharadkhol fish market located on the Divyagar-Shrivardhan road:

• Auctions take place in the morning and evening.
• Wide variety of fresh fish, including Surmai, Pomfret, prawns, crabs, Bangda, Mandeli, and more.
• Experience the lively atmosphere of the local fish trade.