Gentle winds, soft sands and inviting waters make Shriwardhan Bay irresistible to beach lovers. And if one relishes seafood, there is no dearth of delicacies to sample here. Adventurers can even take a small boat to the north side of the bay and explore a land where the Peshwas or prime ministers of the Maratha kingdom, originally resided. The Peshwa Smarak is of interest to most people who visit Shriwardhan.The town of Harihareshwar is known for its tranquil and picturesque beach and is also famous for the temple of Harihareshwar.
Since Shrivardhan has a lot of historical significance, there are good places to see around. The beach is clean and beautiful. The climate is very pleasant and windy. The biggest advantage is that if you want to escape from the monotony of Mumbai, Shrivardhan is just a drive away.
Getting there : The nearest railhead is Mangaon on the Konkan Railway. Mumbai by road is nearly 200 kms away. The nearest Mumbai-Goa highway point is about 60 kms at Goregaon, which is about 170 kms from Mumbai (via Vashi Creek Bridge).
Accommodation: The MTDC resort is available.
Attractions around Shrivardhan include the Baghmandla Beach (white sands and boat ride to the Bankot fort); Harihareshwar—known as the Kasi of the South, this pilgrimage town features a beach and a number of famous temples; Diveagar—a gold Ganesh idol discovered in 1997 in a field is housed in a temple here, and the place also has a beach; and the Kuda Caves near Tale town.
Shankar Temple - The route to spiritualism goes through many doors and as we leave the Somaja Devi Temple we encounter the Shankar Temple. This ancient Mahadev (Shankar) Mandir is devoted to Lord Shiva and his Goddess wife Parvati. The temple bores an ancient look and is believed to be as old as Srivardhan. The royal Bull Nandi guards his master inside by blocking the entrance to the temple. The idols of the Lord, his wife Parvati and Nandi the bull are wonderfully lifelike. It is believed that anybody fasting and praying for all the 4 consecutive Mondays during Shravan Month (Hindu Calendar Month) would be blessed by the Godly couple and would have the fortune of even witnessing them in flesh and blood. The temple is primeval of Pandavera.
Somaja Devi Temple - If we talk about Gods and Temples can miracles be left behind. Enter the exceptional Somaja Devi Mandir (Temple) where despite of the unbelievable claim of Venom Neutralisation. it is pretty common to see serpentine queues of snake bite victims requesting the Goddess to extract the venom from them body and heal them. Tall claims, one may think but the confidence, faith and conviction with which the victims pray and undertake the arduous Pradakshinaas/ Dandvat (Circumventing the temple lying flat on stomach) is to be seen to be believed. There are stories abound of how patients rejected by pronounced Doctors have been miraculously cured by the blessings of Goddess Somaja.
