A small town located in Raigad district of Maharashtra, Shrivardhan is famous for its beaches and Shri Laxminarayan temple. It is also famous as the ‘Town of the Peshwas’ — the first Peshwa, Balaji Vishwanath hailed from here. Located about 250 km from Mumbai and 200 km from Pune, Shrivardhan is blessed with majestic white sand beaches and clear sea. Situated on a peninsula, Shrivardhan has several beaches which are unspoiled, clean and relatively less crowded.
A holiday in Shrivardhan comes with several bonuses. It is hopping distance from other beach destinations like Diveagar, Kondivali and Harihareshwar. If you get bored of beach hopping you could visit the several shrines located around. Though less on magnificence and splendor, Shri Laxminarayan Temple has been associated with the Peshwas. The Suvarna Ganesh temple and the Harihareshwar temples situated not far off from Shrivardhan are also famous and of high religious importance.
Shrivardhan offers activities like boating and sailing. The beach is also ideal for swimming since the waters are shallow. You can just laze on the beach, go for a swim and once you have had your heart’s fill, gorge on the sumptuous cuisine of the beach town. Seafood of Shrivardhan is simply delicious. Restaurants pride on providing the best catch of the day.
The town has been of historical and religious importance. It is believed Pandava warrior Arjun visited the town during his pilgrimage. Shrivardhan is also be mentioned in accounts of European travelers such as Ziffardan. The town’s importance grew when Balaji Vishawanath was appointed as the Peshwa of the Maratha Empire. The third Peshwa Balaji Bajirao built a huge house in Shrivardhan in 1750, which was renovated recently. A memorial to Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath was built in the town in 1988.
Listing image: By Ankur P/Wikimedia Commons
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SHRIVARDHAN
Accommodation options are several in Shrivardhan. One can find budget hotels and resorts with good facilities. There are very few luxury hotels in the town.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN SHRIVARDHAN
Shrivardhan is famous for its seafood. Restaurants in Shrivardhan serve local and other Indian cuisine. They offer delicious seafood and take pride in serving the freshest catch of the day.
Photograph courtesy: Ankur P/Creative Commons
BEST TIME TO VISIT SHRIVARDHAN
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Shrivardhan is as given below. The best time to visit Shrivardhan is also specified.