TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: November to March
Weather: Warm winters, hot summers, heavy monsoons
Budget: ₹2,500–₹12,000/day
Speciality: First Capital of Maratha Empire

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, ~110 km from Alibag
By Train: Panvel Junction and Pen Railway Station connect to major cities; Roha on Konkan Railway line
By Road: Well-connected via NH66 and Sion-Panvel Expressway; MSRTC buses available
By Ferry: Ferry service from Gateway of India, Mumbai to Mandwa (45 minutes to 1 hour)

Where to Stay?

Alibag and Mandwa – beach resorts, heritage hotels, and cozy homestays near the coast
Mahad and Karjat – budget-friendly guesthouses and farm stays near historic sites

Packing List

• Light cotton clothing
• Comfortable trekking shoes
• Umbrella or raincoat (during monsoon)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Water bottle

Top Places to Visit

Raigad Fort

The legendary capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, perched 820 meters above sea level. Climb 1,737 steps or take the ropeway to explore palaces, temples, and the Samadhi of the great Maratha king.

Murud-Janjira Fort

An unconquered island sea fort on the Arabian Sea, accessible by boat. One of India’s strongest marine fortifications with 22 bastions still standing.

Alibag Beach

A serene coastal stretch with black sand and clear waters, perfect for sunset walks and water sports. Visit nearby Kolaba Fort during low tide.

Diveagar Beach

A pristine 6 km stretch with white sand and coconut groves. Watch migratory seagulls and visit the Suvarna Ganesh Temple nearby.

Matheran Hill Station

Asia’s only automobile-free hill station at 800 meters elevation. Enjoy panoramic views from Echo Point, Louisa Point, and a charming toy train ride.

Karnala Bird Sanctuary

A paradise for birdwatchers with over 150 bird species. Trek to Karnala Fort within the sanctuary for stunning valley views.

Kondana Caves

Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves from the 1st century BC, featuring intricate carvings and surrounded by lush forests near Karjat.

Shivthar Ghal

A sacred cave where Samarth Ramdas wrote the spiritual text Dasbodh. Nestled in the Sahyadris with a waterfall and temple offering serene spirituality.

Must-Try Experiences

White Water Rafting in Kolad

Experience thrilling rapids on the Kundalika River with Grade II to IV rapids, perfect for adventure enthusiasts during monsoon season.

Fort Trekking

Trek to historic forts like Sudhagad, Kalavantin Durg, and Prabalgad for breathtaking Sahyadri views and Maratha history.

Ferry Ride from Mumbai

Take the scenic ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa, enjoying views of the Mumbai skyline and Arabian Sea breeze.

Visit Ashtavinayak Temples

Seek blessings at the Ballaleshwar and Varadvinayak temples, two of the eight sacred Ganesha shrines of Maharashtra.

Beach Camping

Camp under the stars at Kashid, Nagaon, or Revdanda beaches with bonfires and fresh seafood barbecue.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Ghavan (rice crepes), poha, upma with coconut chutney
Lunch: Fish curry with rice, sol kadhi, kombdi vade, prawns masala
Snacks: Vada pav, misal pav, fried bombil, modak, amboli

Culture & Local Life

Raigad is steeped in Maratha history and pride, being the first capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s empire. The district celebrates Shivaji Jayanti with grand festivities at Raigad Fort. Konkan culture thrives here with traditional fishing communities, coconut farming, and cashew processing. Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Shimga are celebrated with fervor. The locals are warm and hospitable, speaking Marathi with a distinct Konkani accent. Coastal villages retain their rustic charm with red-tiled houses, lush greenery, and a slower pace of life.

Local Insights

Languages: Marathi (official), Konkani widely spoken, Hindi and English understood

Getting Around: MSRTC buses, auto-rickshaws, app-based cabs, and ferries between coastal areas

Safety Tips: Beaches can have strong currents during monsoon, carry cash for rural areas, book ferries in advance during weekends

Enjoy Your Yatra!