I recently went on a beautiful 3-day trip with my family and friends. We travelled from Mumbai to Raigad Fort, Diveagar Beach, and Pali Ashtavinayak Temple. It was a perfect mix of history, nature, peace, and fun.
If you are thinking of a short break from the city, this is a wonderful trip that will refresh your mind. Let me share our experience, day by day.
Day 1: Pride of Maharashtra – Raigad Fort
We were planning to leave by 7:00 am, but due to a small delay, we finally started from Mumbai at 9:00 am. All of us were very excited, especially the kids.
Our first stop was the famous Raigad Fort, the capital of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The journey from Mumbai to Raigad was smooth. As we came closer to the fort, the ghat road started, and it was very beautiful. The greenery, fresh air, and mountain view gave us real Konkan vibes.
Reaching Raigad Fort
We reached the base of Raigad Fort by afternoon. There is a good parking space near the ropeway station, and it is paid parking. Everything was clean and well maintained.
We had booked our ropeway tickets online, so there was no waiting. Before boarding the ropeway, we also visited a small museum near the station. It has nice displays showing the history of the fort and Shivaji Maharaj’s life. It’s small but well maintained and informative.
The ropeway staff was very cooperative and polite. They guided us properly and helped elders and kids during boarding. The ropeway cabins were also clean and felt safe. Children were especially happy with the ropeway ride — it was an adventure for them!
My Daughter’s First Fort Visit
This was my daughter’s first visit to any fort, and she was super excited. She had only seen forts in books and pictures. Seeing a real one made her very happy. My friend’s daughter also enjoyed the experience. Both of them kept asking questions and running around with excitement.
The view from the ropeway was amazing — green hills, deep valleys, and blue sky. Once we reached the top, we bowed before the statue of Shivaji Maharaj and started exploring the fort.
Exploring the Fort
Raigad Fort is very big, and if you choose to climb by steps, it takes time. I had climbed the fort two years back, and it took me around 1 hour. It’s a good climb, but needs stamina. This time we used the ropeway, which saved time and energy.
We visited all the important places – Raj Bhavan, Nagarkhana, Rajsabha hall, Mena Darwaja, and of course, the Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj. The feeling of standing where the great king once stood is truly something special.
We came down by ropeway at around 5:30 pm, filled with respect and pride.
Night Stay in Diveagar
From Raigad, we drove to Diveagar. The road journey was peaceful with lovely scenery. We reached our homestay near the beach by night. It was a neat, cozy place with helpful hosts. After a long day, we had dinner and rested well.
Day 2: Fresh Seafood and Serene Beaches
We started our day early with a visit to the fish market at Bharadkhol, just a few minutes from Diveagar. The market was full of all types of fish – pomfret, surmai, bangda, prawns, and more. We selected some fresh fish and gave it to a nearby Khanaval (local food place) to cook for us.
Diveagar Beach – Simple and Clean
Then we headed to Diveagar Beach. It is a calm and clean beach, with golden sand and cool breeze. It’s not very crowded, which makes it a good spot to relax with family.
The kids played in the sand and ran along the waves. We sat under the coconut trees, just enjoying the peaceful environment.
Later, we went back to the homestay where we were served a tasty Konkani lunch – fish fry, curry, bhakri, solkadhi, and more. Everything was fresh and full of flavour.
Evening at Shrivardhan Beach
In the evening, we went to Shrivardhan Beach, about 30 minutes from Diveagar. It is a well-developed beach with proper lights, sitting arrangements, and a clean walkway. It was very nice to see such a clean and safe beach.
The sunset was beautiful. The orange sky, cool breeze, and the sound of waves gave us total peace of mind.
We returned to our stay by night, ending a lovely day by the sea.
Day 3: Divine Blessings and Return Home
Next morning, After breakfast and check-out, we visited the Suvarna Ganesh Temple in Diveagar. We were lucky to attend the aarti there. The temple is small, clean, and full of positive energy.
we started our journey towards Pali, one of the eight famous Ashtavinayak Ganpati temples.
We stopped at Mangaon for a simple lunch. There are good places on the highway serving home-style food.
Darshan at Pali Ashtavinayak
At Pali, we visited the Ballaleshwar Ganpati Mandir, one of the Ashtavinayak temples. The temple has beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings. We prayed, took some time to sit in silence, and felt spiritually refreshed. Near Pali Ganpati temple, there is a nice local market. You can buy pooja items, devotional accessories, incense sticks, idols, and more. Prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is full of faith and devotion.
After spending some quiet time there, we began our journey back to Mumbai.
This 3-day trip gave us everything – pride in our history, beauty of nature, and peace of mind.
Here’s what you will like most:
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Ropeway to Raigad Fort – easy, scenic, and staff was very helpful
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Children enjoying the fort visit – it was an unforgettable experience for them
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Fresh seafood at Bharadkhol fish market
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Clean and well-developed beaches like Diveagar and Shrivardhan
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Aarti at Diveagar temple and blessings at Pali Ganpati Mandir
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Nice market near Pali temple for pooja-related shopping
Travel Tips for You
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Book Raigad ropeway tickets in advance
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Wear comfortable shoes and carry water while visiting the fort
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Try local food – especially fish dishes
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Visit beaches in the morning or evening
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Don’t miss shopping near Pali temple
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Keep the places clean and respect local culture
I hope my experience helps you plan your own trip. Maharashtra has so much to offer – history, beauty, and divinity, all in one. If you’re looking for a short family getaway from Mumbai or Pune, this route is perfect.
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