Harihareshwar Road Trip: A perfect weekend Getaway

Harihareshwar, a serene coastal town in Maharashtra's Raigarh district, holds a special place for its divine connection with Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva). Often referred to as the "Dakshin Kashi," it offers a unique mix of spirituality and natural beauty. Known for its tranquil beaches and the famous Harihareshwar Temple, it’s a destination where life slows down, giving you the peace you yearn for amidst the chaos of daily life. This was my second road trip since Lavasa, and my ever-enthusiastic mother and beloved wife were my travel companions. Unlike Lavasa, Harihareshwar doesn’t boast activities galore but promises a laid-back and rejuvenating experience.

Reaching Harihareshwar

Harihareshwar is approximately 200 km from both Mumbai and Pune. From Mumbai, there are two main routes. I chose the Atal Setu – Pen – Nagothane – Mangaon route (via NH66, NH 753F & MH SH 99) for the onward journey and took the Mangaon – Khopoli – Pune Mumbai Expressway route (via MH SH 99, NH 753F, NH66 & NH 548A) on the way back. The return journey was smoother with better roads and more food options.

We started at 8:30 AM, stopping for breakfast at Sai Sahara Restaurant on the Mumbai-Goa highway near Pen. The place offered decent food, clean washrooms, and ample parking space, although the food quality left room for improvement. After a hearty meal, we resumed our journey, but the traffic at Mangaon town added an unexpected delay of 30-40 minutes. Google Maps, in its usual fashion, suggested an alternate village road just before Mangaon. Trusting it, I took the detour, only to find myself traversing a narrow road beside a canal, which eventually led nowhere. A local suggested another shortcut to the Srivardhan route, but by then, my instincts told me to return to the highway. That decision cost us almost an hour. A similar mishap occurred when the map suggested leaving NH66 for a road through Roha village, further delaying us by another 30 minutes.

Mangaon is the nearest railway station to Harihareshwar, about 60 km away. Visitors relying on trains need to arrange private vehicles or take state buses for the final leg of the journey. From Mangaon, the journey transformed into a scenic drive through the ghats. The lush greenery and winding roads made the delays seem worth it. We finally reached Harihareshwar at 3:00 PM. Had it been an ideal journey without the detours, we could have reached by 2:00 PM, including a leisurely breakfast stop.

Checking into MTDC Resort

Accommodation options at Harihareshwar are limited. We booked a sea-view cottage at the MTDC Resort, our first time staying at a property managed by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation. While the location was unbeatable, overlooking the confluence of the Savitri River and the Arabian Sea, the property itself was in desperate need of maintenance. The check-in process was smooth. The staff had my booking details ready and only asked for my ID card since I availed a discount as a government employee. No IDs were required from my companions. A housekeeping staff was promptly assigned to arrange an extra mattress and bedsheets for us.

The sea-view cottages stood 100-150 meters away from the reception. Though their exteriors looked aged and worn, the interiors were clean and functional, with a working AC, fan, television, jug, and mosquito repellent. However, the washroom was not in great condition, and the changing room with a dressing table and wardrobe also seemed underutilized due to lack of upkeep. The best part was the verandah, offering a breathtaking view of the delta during low tide.

Exploring Harihareshwar Temple and Beach

After freshening up, we visited the Harihareshwar Temple, a short drive from the resort. The temple premises include spacious parking (INR 50 for a four-wheeler) and a shaded pathway lined with shops selling local snacks, souvenirs, and religious offerings. My wife and mother bought a lovely ladies’ purse as a keepsake. The temple houses shrines dedicated to Kal Bhairav and Harihareshwar, with a customary sequence of darshan: first Kal Bhairav, then Harihareshwar, and concluding again at Kal Bhairav. The premises were immaculately clean and well-maintained. There’s also a pradakshina path (route) comprising a trek around the temple, offering panoramic views of the sea and rocky terrain. However, we skipped it, considering it might be challenging for my mother. Photography is not permitted within the temple premises.

The adjacent Harihareshwar Beach was our next stop. The black sand beach exceeded my expectations in cleanliness and serenity. Low tide revealed an expansive stretch of sand. We enjoyed a short horse-cart ride for INR 50 per person and watched other visitors indulge in watersports like jet skiing and banana boat rides.

Resort Experience and Private Beach

Returning to the resort, we relaxed for a while before heading to Myraa Restaurant for dinner. The thalis, especially the Konkan fish thali, were a highlight. We also tried some Chinese dishes, which were surprisingly good. Nearby, a group of tourists enjoyed a bonfire with songs, adding to the lively yet peaceful atmosphere. By 9:30 PM, I called it a day. To my surprise, the coastal night turned chilly, and a single bedsheet wasn’t enough to keep me warm. It was unexpected, considering the proximity to the sea.

View from Sea View Cottage Rooms, MTDC Harihareshwar

The next morning, I woke up early and explored the private beach at the resort. The high tide had subsided, revealing ancient rocky formations that added a unique charm to the landscape. My wife and I spent some quiet moments on the rocks, basking in the calming sounds of the waves and the refreshing morning breeze. It was the perfect way to end our short yet memorable trip.

Harihareshwar was a much-needed break from the rush of everyday life. It’s not a place with grand attractions, but its quiet charm and natural beauty make it special. The peaceful beaches, the winding roads through the ghats, and the spiritual vibe of the Harihareshwar Temple came together to create a memorable experience. Having my mother and wife with me made the trip even more enjoyable. Whether it was navigating tricky detours or watching the waves crash against the ancient rocks on the private beach, these small moments brought us closer. The temple visit was calming, and though we skipped the pradakshina trek, the clean and serene atmosphere made it worth every minute we spent there. The MTDC Resort had its flaws, like the need for maintenance, but waking up to the sound of waves and the stunning sea view from the verandah made it easy to overlook them. The Konkani meals and the resort’s private beach were definite highlights of the stay. While the journey had its share of delays and missteps, they added a sense of adventure. As we left Harihareshwar, I felt a sense of calm that only a simple, heartfelt trip like this could bring.

The content of this blog is authored by me and reflects my personal experiences, opinions, and observations. Certain historical information and factual details about Harihareshwar have been supplemented with the assistance of AI-based tools to ensure accuracy and completeness. While I strive to provide reliable and accurate information, I do not make any representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the content. Readers are encouraged to conduct their research or consult relevant sources if they seek further information. This blog is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only, and I disclaim