Hidden in the quiet village of Kolisare near Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri, far from the usual tourist routes, lies the beautiful and lesser known Shree Lakshmi Keshav Temple. Surrounded by lush greenery, fresh sea breeze, and Konkan’s untouched beauty, this temple is the perfect blend of spirituality, history, and serenity.
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| Shree Lakshmi Keshav Temple, Kolisare |
We visited the Kolisare temple early in the morning, around 9 AM, starting from Ganpatipule. It is located about 20 km from Ganpatipule, which is roughly a 30 minute scenic drive through winding roads and lush Konkan landscapes. The drive itself was peaceful, with winding roads and lush greenery all around. The rural morning added its own charm, soft golden sunlight filtering through the trees, the fresh scent of damp earth, and the distant sounds of birds chirping and village life slowly waking up.
Along the way, near Sitapwadi, we came across beautiful flowing water streams by the roadside, adding a refreshing charm to the journey. The sight and sound of the gently flowing water made the drive even more memorable, perfectly setting the tone for the serene temple visit ahead. We couldn’t resist stopping there for a while, playing in the cool water and exploring the little stream made the experience even more special. The fresh, flowing water and peaceful setting made it a joyful and refreshing break during the journey. The soothing sight and sound of the gently flowing water, combined with the quiet countryside around, made the moment unforgettable.
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| Just flowing… |
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| Curiosity flowing as gently as the stream |
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| Pulled over for this calm moment |
Unlike coastal destinations, this route takes you deeper into Konkan’s inland beauty, where nature feels raw, quiet, and grounding. The journey to Kolisare itself feels like a retreat. As you leave behind the busy towns and highways, the roads become narrower and more peaceful. The closer you get, the more the pace of life slows down, preparing you for the calm that awaits at the temple. It feels like stepping into a version of Konkan that remains untouched by modern chaos.
We left Sitapwadi with the winding road stretching ahead, the quiet rhythm of village life unfolding around us. At the edge of the road, we noticed a mother and her young son waiting patiently, their eyes scanning every passing vehicle. Sensing their long wait and the uncertainty ahead, we offered them a lift. What began as a simple gesture soon turned into a shared journey, filled with small smiles and quiet conversation as we drove towards Kolisare. We got know from them that transport here is scarce, just two buses a day, one in the early morning and another in the afternoon, both timed more for school schedules than for convenience. We dropped them off at a small naka nearby. The most meaningful moments of travel are found not in destinations, but in the kindness exchanged along the way.
The Shree Lakshmi Keshav Temple stands gracefully amidst nature, reflecting traditional Konkani architecture and welcomes you with quiet grace. There’s no overwhelming grandeur, no crowded lines, just a clean, well-maintained temple surrounded by nature. The architecture reflects traditional Konkani style, with a sloping roof, vibrant colors, and a tranquil courtyard.
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| Every step brings me closer to peace |
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| Worth every step |
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| Lord Hanuman Temple |
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| Lord Hanuman Idol |
The temple is not just spiritually significant but also carries an intriguing historical legacy.
The idol is believed to date back to the Rashtrakuta period in Maharashtra (750–973 CE), reflecting its deep historical and cultural significance. During the era of Mughal invasions, many ancient idols were submerged in water bodies to protect them from destruction. According to local legends, devotees later received a divine vision revealing that the idol of Lord Lakshmi Keshav was hidden in Rankala Lake in Kolhapur. Following this vision, the idol was carefully retrieved from the lake. Devotees then carried it to the Konkan region, where it is believed that the deity expressed a wish to be permanently enshrined in Kolisare. Respecting this divine indication, the temple was established at its present location.
The idol was formally consecrated in 1510 by Bhanuprabhu Teredesai, a local chieftain serving under the Bahmani Sultanate.
Today, the temple is revered as the family deity (Kuladaivat) for several Maharashtrian Brahmin families, including the Joshi, Ghaisas, and Kelkar lineages. It remains an important spiritual center, especially during festivals like Kartik Shuddha Dashami and Kartik Purnima, when special rituals and celebrations are held.
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| Shree Lakshmi Keshav Temple, Kolisare |
The idol itself is truly remarkable. Standing nearly five feet tall, it is carved from a single piece of black Shaligram stone sourced from the Gandaki River. It is beautifully adorned, and the sanctum radiates warmth and devotion. The sculpture depicts Lord Vishnu in his Keshav form, holding the Shankh (conch), Chakra (disc), Gada (mace), and Padma (lotus). On either side of the main idol are finely carved figures of Goddess Lakshmi and Garuda. Surrounding the deity is a detailed halo featuring the Dashavatar, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
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| Lord Vishnu Idol in temple |
There’s a sense of stillness here that you rarely find. You can sit quietly, listen to the rustling leaves, and simply be present. It feels like discovering a secret place that’s still preserved in its natural charm. Unlike busy temple towns, this temple offers a deeply personal spiritual experience. The simplicity here enhances the connection, you don’t just visit, you truly experience the calm.
Adding to the temple’s uniqueness, a perennial underground stream flows directly beneath it. The water from this stream is considered sacred, and devotees collect it as holy Teertha. Tucked amidst lush greenery, this natural stream adds a soothing charm to the entire experience.
The sound of flowing water blends beautifully with the quiet surroundings, creating a calming rhythm that instantly relaxes your mind. Whether you sit by the stream for a while or simply pass by it on your way to the temple, it feels like nature’s own form of meditation.
During the monsoon and post-monsoon months, the stream becomes more vibrant, flowing with fresh rainwater and adding to the beauty of the landscape. The cool air, the shade of trees, and the sparkling water make it a perfect spot to pause, reflect, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
It’s not just a stream, it’s a reminder of how beautifully spirituality and nature come together in places like Kolisare. Sitting near the stream feels almost meditative. The cool air, gentle sound of water, and surrounding trees create a peaceful atmosphere that enhances the spiritual experience of the temple.
Shree Lakshmi Keshav Temple is perfect for those who love offbeat, peaceful destinations, want to combine spiritual travel with coastal beauty and prefer less crowded, authentic experiences. Unlike popular temple destinations, this place is defined by silence and simplicity where no commercialization, minimal crowd and uninterrupted natural surroundings. You can spend time just sitting, reflecting, or walking around slowly, something rare in most travel spots today.
I’ve been here 4–5 times, but each visit offers a completely unique experience, something about this place feels new every time.
Best time to visit:
Winter (October–February) for pleasant weather
Post-monsoon (September–November) for lush greenery
It’s best to avoid traveling too late in the evening, as the temple is located in a quiet, remote area. For those accustomed to city life, the isolated surroundings and low activity after sunset may feel a bit unsettling. Plan your visit during the day to fully enjoy the journey comfortably and safely.
The morning is the best time to visit, as the quiet surroundings, fresh air, and soft sunlight enhance the overall experience of the temple and the journey.
You can also plan to visit nearby attractions along with Kolisare Temple, such as Jindal’s Jayvinayak Temple, the historic Jaigad Fort, and the Karhateshwar Temple in Jaigad. Exploring these places together makes for a fulfilling and well-rounded trip, blending spirituality, history, and scenic beauty.
In a world full of crowded tourist spots, places like this remind us of the beauty of simplicity. It’s not just about visiting a temple, it’s about feeling the calm of Konkan, hearing the silence, and taking a pause from everything fast and overwhelming. If you ever find yourself in Ratnagiri, take that extra turn toward Kolisare. You might arrive looking for a destination, but you’ll leave carrying peace.
