Overview

The host, Harish Bali, is on a trip exploring the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. He starts in Murud, visits Janjira Fort, then travels to Diveaghar, Shrivardhan, and ends the day in Harihareshwar. The journey includes local cuisine experiences, sightseeing, and information on accommodation.

Destinations Visited

• Murud: Located 150 km from Mumbai. The host stayed at Murud Palace Hotel (Rs. 2000 for double occupancy). Visited the seaside in the morning.
• Janjira Fort: 4 km from Murud. Accessed via boat. The fort is located in the Arabian Sea. Explored the fort's history and viewed it from a distance due to rain.
• Agardanda Jetty Point: 5 km from the Janjira Fort viewpoint. Took a ferry to Dighi.
• Dighi: Reached via ferry from Agardanda. The road distance between Agardanda and Dighi is about 80 km, but the ferry ride is only 20 minutes.
• Diveaghar: 15 km from Dighi. Described as a peaceful, modern village with a population of 3500-4500. Visited the virgin beach which is 4.5 km long. Sea Gulls are visible during November - December. Water sports (jet-ski, banana ride) are available.
• Shrivardhan: 17 km from Diveaghar. Visited the beach, but access was limited due to the Ganpati Visarjan festival. It's the birthplace of Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa and famous for areca nut (supari). Also known for ancient temples.
• Harihareshwar: 17 km from Shrivardhan. Stayed at MTDC resort (Rs. 2800 plus taxes, starting tariff Rs. 1500). Religious place famous for Bhagwan Shankar temple and sea beach.

Accommodation

• Murud Palace Hotel (Murud): Rs. 2000 for double occupancy.
• Homestay in Diveaghar (Contact Siddhesh Bhai): Contact details to be mentioned in the description.
• Homestay in Shrivardhan (Rajendra Ji's Homestay): Rs. 1000 for a double occupancy room with home-cooked food.
• MTDC Resort (Harihareshwar): Rs. 2800 plus taxes (starting tariff Rs. 1500, varies by season and AC/non-AC). Advance booking recommended.

Food Experiences

• Murud:
  • Poha (served at a shop behind Murud Palace Hotel): Sweet flavor with coconut.
  • Aadu Wade (Arbi leaf fritters): Made from Arbi leaves covered in besan batter with spices and tamarind. Steamed and then fried.
• Agardanda: Coconut water (Rs. 40).
• Harihareshwar (MTDC Resort): Vegetarian thali (Solkadhi, Dal, Baingan Masala, Alu, sookhi sabzi, matar sabzi, and rice).

Activities & Points of Interest

• Murud: Sea view.
• Janjira Fort: Historical fort in the Arabian Sea. Boat trips available (subject to weather conditions). Padma Durg fort visible in the distance.
• Diveaghar: Peaceful beach, bird-watching (especially seagulls during November-December), water sports (jet-ski, banana ride).
• Shrivardhan: Beach, temples, birthplace of Balaji Vishwanath Peshwa, famous for areca nut (supari).
• Harihareshwar: Temple of Bhagwan Shankar, beach.

Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: The host mentions that November-December is a good time to visit Diveaghar for bird-watching (Seagulls).
• Janjira Fort: Access to the fort is dependent on weather conditions (rains may restrict access).
• Ferry from Agardanda to Dighi: The ferry service has a timetable. Check the schedule in advance to avoid waiting.
• Accommodation: Advance booking is recommended, especially at the MTDC resort in Harihareshwar.
• Konkan Cuisine: Be prepared for the use of coconut in many dishes.