Sawantwadi

Sawantwadi is a taluka (a unit of administration) in the Sindhudurg district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The taluka headquarters is Sawantwadi which has a municipal council, which is a local civic body. Sawantwadi was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Sawantwadi, ruled by the Sawant Bhonsle royal clan of the Marathas.

Until 1850, Sawantwadi was known as Sundurwadi. The name Sawantwadi came into usage because of the surname of the state's ruling family of Khem-Sawants. The palace was earlier located on Narendra hill. Khemsawant III constructed the existing palace in late 18th century (1755–1803), and Moti-Talav (Moti Lake) was built in front in 1874.

Sawantwadi is known for its wooden toys and models thanks to an active woodcraft industry. It is also becoming a major tourist attraction.

Sawantwadi was the former capital of the Kingdom of Sawantwadi during the pre-independence era. In 1947, it merged into the Dominion of India. Border issues at that time with nearby areas of Belgaum and Karwar were prevalent. There were initial plans of making it a union territory as it was a Konkani speaking area, However it was merged with the old Ratnagiri district. (The district was later divided into two districts called Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg). Until the 18th century, the Kingdom of Sawantwadi included a major portion of today's North Goa district (Pedne, Bicholim, and Sattari), as well as modern Kudal and Vengurla from today's Sindhudurg district. Pedne, Bicholim, Sattari were later taken over by the Portuguese as a part of their New Conquest (between 1765 and 1788) and merged with their Old Conquest to form Goa.

Most of the People of Sawantwadi, well educated & Cultured, Jatras & Dashavtari Dramas are very famous in region as well as all over Maharashtra, Due to local Language of Malvani, People of whole District are called Malvanis.

How to reach Sawantwadi:

By Air: Nearest Airport is Kolhapur which is 128 Km, Belgaum in Karnataka which is 110 km & Dabolim in Goa which is 94 km. The new airport is being built at Chipi-Parule in Malvan Taluka.

By Railway: Konkan Railway Corporation Limited's railway line connecting Mumbai to Mangalore, popularly known as the Konkan Railway, passes through Sawantwadi Road railway station which 6 km from the town. Trivandrum Rajdhani Express has a halt at Sawantwadi Road railway station.

By Road: Sawantwadi is well connected to other towns of Sindhudurg district and cities of Maharashtra state by MSRTC buses as well as Goa & Belgaum. Private buses, Sharing Rickshaws & Bikes are used to travel locally to connect the small villages to the city. There is a national highway 10km away from Sawantwadi and it connects Goa to Mumbai.

Places to visit nearby:

1. Sawantwadi Palace

2. Sindhudurg Fort    

3. Moti Talav

4. Amboli Hill Station

5. Satam Maharaj Math