Kunkeshwar Temple and Beach

Kunkeshwar Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple is located in Kunkeshwar village, 14 Kms from Devgad town. A pristine beach with a very long stretch of seashore and white sand adds to the beauty of temple surroundings. This beautiful temple near beach has alluring architecture with reminiscent of South Indian style of temple architecture. Yadav Kings built this temple in 1100 A. D. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who rejuvenated this temple many times was a frequent visitor to this temple. This temple is also famous as Kashi of South Konkan. Every year a huge celebration takes place on the occasion of Mahashivratri, which keeps religious beliefs in constant sight of the multitudes. During the festival a large number of devotees throng this place with their families and friends. This vigilant Shiva deity bestows blessings on everyone who surrenders to its feet.

A walk through the 5 Kms long Kunkeshwar beach across the temple on one side of the hill has quieting effect on the mind. Swimming in the clear water freshens the mind and if you are lucky ones you can get a rare view of dolphins diving in the deep sea from a distance. Greenery of coconut and mango trees surrounding one side of the beach adds to the beauty and makes the whole experience of every visitor a memorable one. World famous Alphanso mango is grown here in large number. This Devgad Alphanso mango is exported to UK, Australia, USA, gulf and asian countries. Visitors often enjoy mango plantations on both sides of the road while driving to this place and often buy mango-boxes from the villagers selling them on the streets.

On the eastern side of the temple, one enjoys the sight of the cave with beautifully carved male and female warriors in black rock. With the presence of Ganesh idol along with Shiv-linga and Nandi in the center, this place is must see for every visitor.

Accommodation:

Shri Kunkeshwar Temple Trust provides accommodation to their devotees in their beautifully constructed rooms called “Bhakta Nivas” at an affordable rate. Contact number of the trust is 02364 – 248650 (*phone number is subject to change) Budget to luxury accommodation is also available near by in Devgad town.

Getting there:
By Air: 

Nearest airport at Dabolim, Goa is 186 Kms.

Mumbai Airport is 492 Kms.

By Railway:

Nearest major railway station on Konkan Railway is Kankavli, 49 Kms. Nandgaon Railway station is 42 Kms.

By Road:

42 Kms from Nandgaon village on NH17 (Mumbai-Goa Highway)

14 Km from Devgad

Mumbai-Kunkeshwar is 492 Kms.

Pune-Kunkeshwar is 387 Kms

Kolhapur-Kunkeshwar is 160 Kms

Private vehicles and ST buses ply from Devgad, Kankavli, Kudal and Sawantwadi.

Near by Places to visit:

Rameshwar Temple, Velgive, Devgad:  A very ancient temple since Mahabharata time has been carved in a single large stone. It has six stone pillars with Shivalinga in the center having cave-like architecture. It has been built by Pandavas in just one night.

Vijaydurg Fort: The oldest fort on Sindhudurg coast constructed in the regime of Raja Bhoj of shilahar dynasty in 1205 (construction period 1193-1205).

The Rameshwar Temple, Girye is 3 Km from the fort. This stone archway and pathway leading to the temple is a sight and behold. This temple also has beautiful wall paintings and wooden engravings on the columns.

Padavane Beach: A secluded beach near Devgad is a must for every visitor

Bhagavati Temple of Kotkamte: It’s 30 Km from Devgad.  Kanoji Angre has built this historical temple approximately 250 years ago.

Tambaldeg Beach: It’s 3 Km from Kunkeshwar temple.

Saitvade Waterfall: (Padaghar Waterfall):  A magnificent waterfall flowing all the year round near Devgad is quite unknown for years. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the river formed by the gushing waterfall.

Devgad Jetty: After serving passengers since 1958 finally the service was shut down in 1988 due to non-profit. However it is used for fishing so visitors can get that unique experience as well as auctioning of fish. Central and State governments have taken interest in developing this safe jetty.

Bhalchandra Maharaj Ashram: Enjoy serene environment of the ashram of Shri Bhalchandra Maharaj in Kankavli.