| Sightseeing Highlights:
As with most ancient towns, Chiplun has its fair share of temples in honour of various deities. A must-see is the Parshuram Temple which dates back 700 years. The 8th century Karanjeshwari Temple is situated at the footsteps of Govindgad, near the banks of the Vashishthi, and is dedicated to the goddess of the people of the Konkan. Another popular temple is the Vindhyavasini Temple, in Ravatale in Chiplun.
In the monsoons, a special attraction in Chiplun is the Sawatsada Waterfall. Visit the Walavalkar Shivaji Museum, which depicts the history of Chhatrapati Shivaji. The museum is towards Dervan on the Mumbai-Goa highway. Also related with Shivaji is the Gowalkot Fort, an ancient structure located on top of a small hill opposite the Vashishthi River Jetty. Motorboat rides can be enjoyed at the jetty when the water level is high enough. The Pophali Hydro Power Generation Station is also in Chiplun.
Guhagar, a small Konkani town with an unspoilt beach, is located 42km from Chiplun. The Shri Vyadeshwar Temple is an ancient Shiv temple here. About 16km from Guhagar is Velneshwar, which has a beautiful beach and an ancient Shiv temple. A Ganpati temple can be visited at Hedvi, 18km from Guhagar. Hedvi also has a beach close to which is an area, called Baman Ghal, where the rocks have been cut by the sea, forming a gorge. At high tide, the water gushes through the gorge forming a 100ft-high water column. The Enron Company Power Plant is located at Veldur near Guhagar. Proceed then to Anjanvel near Veldur to see the Gopalgad Fort. The fort is unique in that half of it is on a hill while the other half touches the Sea. Veldur also offers a great view of the Vashishthi river meeting the Arabian Sea. The famous Koyna Dam and Reservoir is also a short drive from Chiplun.
Activities:
Boat rides on the Vashishthi River and treks in the hills surrounding Chiplun and to the Gowalkot Fort are popular. Other than that, wander around Chiplun local market or see caves near the town. The Konkan region is rich in a variety of local fruit, so sample the Alfonso mango. Try out the local Konkani cuisine, such as fresh water fish with rice.
Tourism Info:
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation
Collector's Office Compound
Jaystambh, Ratnagiri - 415 612
Tel. - (91)-02352-223847
An ancient
town on the banks of the Vashishthi
River,
Chiplun is one of the few towns that features on the tourism map of the
Konkan region. Well connected by Konkan Railway, Chiplun lies in a valley between
the Western Ghats on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other, and is the link
between the western coast and the interiors of Maharashtra.
Considered an important industrial centre in the Konkan region, the town is a
popular lunch-stop for those driving from Mumbai to
Goa.
As a standalone destination, it is ideal for a weekend getaway and is
increasingly being sought by those looking for a quiet sojourn. Chiplun means
"the abode of Lord Parshuram". |
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