TheeraYatra

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: September to March
Weather: Tropical climate, heavy monsoons, mild winters
Budget: ₹1,500–₹8,000/day
Speciality: Wooden handicrafts and Ganjifa cards

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Manohar International Airport, Goa, ~50 km from Sawantwadi
By Train: Sawantwadi Road Railway Station on Konkan Railway connects to Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and other major cities
By Road: Well-connected via NH66; state and private buses available from Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, and Goa

Where to Stay?

Sawantwadi Palace area and near Moti Talao – heritage accommodations with lake views and proximity to main attractions
Aronda and Khaskilwada – budget-friendly options with local charm and easy access to restaurants

Packing List

• Light cotton clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Raincoat and umbrella (essential during monsoons)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Reusable water bottle

Top Places to Visit

Sawantwadi Palace

An 18th-century royal palace built by Khem Sawant Bhonsle, showcasing traditional Marathi architecture with red laterite stone. The palace houses a museum displaying royal artifacts, Ganjifa cards, and lacquerware.

Moti Talao

A scenic lake constructed in 1874 right in front of the palace. Visitors can enjoy pedal boating while taking in views of the palace and surrounding Narendra hills.

Amboli Hill Station

A misty hill station at 690 meters altitude, known as the “Cherrapunji of Maharashtra.” Famous for waterfalls, biodiversity, and the unique reverse waterfall phenomenon during monsoons.

Narendra Hills

Hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of Sawantwadi town, the palace, and surrounding valleys. Ideal spot for sunset views and peaceful walks.

Chitari Aali

Street of artisan workshops in Kolgaon village where traditional wooden toy makers and Ganjifa card artists continue their centuries-old craft. Visitors can watch artisans at work and purchase authentic handicrafts.

Amboli Waterfall

The main waterfall near Amboli village, cascading dramatically during monsoons. Features steps leading up close to the falls, with food stalls and changing facilities available.

Hiranyakeshi Temple

Ancient Shiva temple at the source of the Hiranyakeshi River, set within caves. A serene spiritual site surrounded by natural beauty in the Amboli region.

Raghunath Market

Traditional local market offering Konkani specialties, handicrafts, wooden toys, spice mixes, dried fish, kokum juice, and lacquerware. Perfect for souvenir shopping.

Must-Try Experiences

Handicraft Workshop Visit

Meet artisans from the Chitari community who create traditional wooden toys and hand-painted Ganjifa playing cards using techniques passed down through generations.

Boating in Moti Talao

Rent a pedal boat and enjoy serene lake views with the majestic palace and hills as your backdrop, especially beautiful during early morning or sunset.

Monsoon Waterfall Trek

Experience Amboli’s spectacular waterfalls during monsoon season, including the famous reverse waterfall at Kavalshet Point where strong winds push water upwards.

Palace Heritage Walk

Explore the Sawantwadi Palace museum with its collection of royal photographs, paintings, traditional Ganjifa cards, and lacquerware, learning about the Bhonsle dynasty’s history.

Local Cuisine Tasting

Sample authentic Malvani seafood thalis featuring fresh fish curry, prawns, crab masala, solkadi, and traditional rice bhakri at local restaurants.

Local Cuisine

Breakfast: Poha, upma, ghavan (netted pancake)
Lunch: Malvani fish curry, prawns masala, kombdi vade, sol kadhi
Snacks: Sabudana vada, kokum juice, bhutta (roasted corn)

Culture & Local Life

Sawantwadi is renowned for its traditional wooden handicrafts and Ganjifa playing cards, an art form dating back 350 years. The Chitari artisan community has preserved these crafts for generations. The town reflects a blend of rural Konkani charm and royal heritage, with the Sawant Bhonsle royal family still residing in the palace. The region is famous for its Malvani cuisine, coconut-based dishes, and abundant use of kokum. Sawantwadi serves as a gateway between Maharashtra and Goa, offering visitors a glimpse into authentic Konkan culture with its laid-back lifestyle, lush greenery, and artistic traditions.

Local Insights

Languages: Marathi, Konkani, Malvani (widely spoken)

Getting Around: Auto-rickshaws, shared rickshaws, local buses, and hired taxis

Safety Tips: Monsoon roads can be slippery; exercise caution near waterfalls, carry rain gear during June-September, and keep valuables secure

Enjoy Your Yatra!