My Trip to Harihareshwar - The Beach Town of Maharashtra in 2023

I still remember the first time I visited Harihareshwar, the beautiful beach town in Maharashtra's Konkan region. It was back in 2023, and I was looking for a quiet, offbeat destination for a relaxing weekend trip from Mumbai. That's when a friend suggested Harihareshwar. And I'm so glad I listened to him.

Over the years, Harihareshwar has become one of my favorite weekend getaways from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city. With its pristine beaches, ancient temples, quaint cottages, and delicious seafood - this small town packs quite a punch.

In this article, I will share my personal experience of visiting Harihareshwar in 2023 - the places I explored, where I stayed, what I enjoyed the most, and also some tips so you can plan your own amazing trip as well.

Overview of Harihareshwar

Before I get into the details of my recent 2023 trip, let me give you a quick overview of Harihareshwar.

Location: Harihareshwar is a small temple town located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, about 210 km from Mumbai. It sits on the Konkan coast, surrounded by four hills and the river Savitri.

Also read - What to See in Harihareshwar - A Local's Guide

Main Attractions:

• Harihareshwar Beach: The main attraction is the beautiful and secluded Harihareshwar beach stretching over 2 km. It offers spectacular views of sunrise and sunset.

• Kalbhairav Temple: This ancient Shiva temple complex built in black stone near the beach should definitely be on your visit list.

• MTDC Beach Resort: The beachfront resort by the Maharashtra Tourism Department offers cottages, restaurants, and water sports activities.

• Bagmandala: Just 2 km from Harihareshwar is the gorgeous Bagmandala beach which is also great for sightseeing and picnics.

My Trip Itinerary

Now let me walk you through how I planned my 2 nights 3 days Harihareshwar itinerary when I visited this amazing destination.

Also read - How to Reach Harihareshwar from Mumbai

Day 1: Arrived at Harihareshwar Beach

After taking an early morning bus from Mumbai, I reached Harihareshwar by noon. After checking into my hotel near the beach, I headed straight to Harihareshwar Beach.

The moment you witness the turquoise blue waters stretching endlessly along the soft golden sands, you know it was worth the long journey. I spent the entire evening exploring every inch of this popular beach in the Konkan region.

As the sun started setting, I grabbed a seat at the open-air restaurant at the MTDC Resort to take in the views while enjoying some delicious Konkani food.

Day 2: Temple visits and beach-hopping

I started my day 2 by visiting the magnificent Kalbhairav temple - one of the main Harihareshwar temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Surrounded by hills on three sides, I walked around the entire temple complex and also observed the intricate stone carvings showcasing mythological figures.

Later, I visited Bagmandala beach which is just 2 km from the main Harihareshwar beach. This relatively secluded beach is a great spot to enjoy swimming without fearing crowds. In the second half, I returned to Harihareshwar beach to indulge in some watersports like jet skiing, banana boat rides, speed boating, etc.

As the curtains came down on my second day, I made sure to catch another dreamy sunset by the beach with some hot bhajis (Pakode) and chai (Tea).

Day 3: Shopping and return to Mumbai

I checked out from my resort after a hearty breakfast and decided to dedicate the last few hours of my trip to shopping in Harihareshwar. From spices and dry fruits to shell decor items and coconut wood artifacts - you can find amazing local shopping items near Harihareshwar Beach. I picked some shell wind-chimes and a stone-painted Lord Ganesha for my home.

Bidding adieu to this beach town with a content heart, I boarded an evening bus to Mumbai recollecting fond memories of my trip to this offbeat destination in Konkan.

Where to Stay in Harihareshwar

As a beach destination, Harihareshwar has hotels and resorts to suit every budget and need:

Luxury Hotels: MTDC Resort and Ravi Konkani Resort offer high-end beachfront accommodations with modern amenities along with multi-cuisine restaurants.

Budget Hotels: Decent hotels like Hotel Sagar Kinara are pocket-friendly options offering basic rooms just 5 minutes' walking distance from the beach.

Beach Huts/Cottages: Several small beach hut properties provide a rustic and laidback experience right on the sands. I chose one such wooden cottage which gave me a chance to sleep to the soothing sound of waves at night.

So depending on your requirements, you have a pick of Harihareshwar hotels from luxury to budget categories for a comfortable stay. Advance booking is highly recommended during peak seasons.

Best Time to Visit Harihareshwar

Thanks to its coastal location, Harihareshwar enjoys a hot and humid climate for most part of the year. Here is a breakdown of the best time for planning a trip:

• October to February is the peak tourist season with very pleasant weather, making it ideal for beach visits. But hotels can be expensive.

• March to May is exceedingly hot and humid with chances of thunderstorms. I will not recommend this period.

• June to September receives high rainfall due to monsoons. But room tariffs are cheaper during this lean season if you don't mind the occasional shower.

So the post-monsoon period of October to November is the best time to visit Harihareshwar when the rain-washed beaches look spectacular and tourist activity is also minimal.

Also read - How to Reach Mandwa Beach from Mumbai

How to Reach Harihareshwar from Mumbai and Pune

Thanks to good road and rail connectivity, Harihareshwar can be easily accessed from both Mumbai and Pune:

From Mumbai By Train: The nearest railhead is Mangaon which is 90 km away. You can take hourly shuttle buses or taxis from here to reach Harihareshwar in 2 hours.

By Road: Regular MSRTC buses ply between Mumbai (Dadar TT) and Harihareshwar taking 5-6 hours to cover the 210 km distance.

From Pune, Harihareshwar is about 165 km away from Pune. Drive down via Tamhini Ghats to reach in 5 hours approximately. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Pune MSRTC station as well.

Also read - How to Reach Harihareshwar from Pune

So whether you are based in Mumbai or visiting from Pune, you can conveniently reach this beach destination by road. The route is quite scenic passing through the Western Ghats forests as well.

Why I feel you should visit Harihareshwar

As I reminisce about my trip to Harihareshwar in 2023, the destination leaves me with a lingering feeling of contentment. Away from commercialization, Harihareshwar offered me the old-world charm that beach vacations are meant to be.

From its laidback vibes and friendly locals to untainted beaches and finger-licking Konkani food - I got to experience an authentic beach holiday. Whether you love nature, good food, or just want to unwind, Harihareshwar guarantees a euphoric getaway from the city's monotony without digging deep into your pockets.

Also read - How Many Beaches Are There in Goa

Conclusion

So just pack your bags and don’t think much about anything else - Harihareshwar and its glittering blue waters are waiting for you. Trust me, its untouched beauty will stay etched in your heart long after you return. When are you planning your trip there?

Hope this guide helps you plan your own memorable trip to Harihareshwar. Let me know in the comments if you need any other details for a hassle-free beach vacation in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.