Revdanda, a charming coastal village located near Alibaug in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, is one of those offbeat destinations that perfectly blends peaceful beaches with rich history. Nestled along the western coastline, this serene getaway is known for its uncrowded shoreline, swaying coconut trees, and historic forts, making it an ideal escape for travelers seeking both relaxation and exploration.
For us, this trip had been a long time coming. After days of planning and multiple cancellations, mainly due to not having a car (since we had recently sold ours), traveling felt like a challenge. Many weekend plans were discussed but never executed.
Meanwhile, little Aaravya was getting quite bored with the routine, and that’s when we finally decided, no more delays! We planned a spontaneous weekend getaway covering Mahad, Pali, and finally Revdanda. To make things easier, we quickly booked a self-drive car on ZoomCar, setting the wheels in motion for a much-awaited family trip.
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| Sunset at Revdanda Beach |
We left Pune at 6:30 AM on Saturday and reached Mahad by 8:30 AM, just in time to begin our Ashtavinayak temple journey. The Mahad Ganpati Temple, also known as Varad Vinayak, is one of the revered eight Ganpati temples in Maharashtra, located in Khalapur taluka near Karjat and Khopoli.
Since I had an online parent-teacher meeting scheduled at 9:30 AM, we immediately joined the darshan queue upon arrival. Thankfully, the crowd was minimal, and we completed darshan within 15 minutes, followed by a few peaceful moments sitting in front of Bappa. The temple reflects a simple yet peaceful architectural style, featuring a traditional tiled roof that adds to its old-world charm. It is believed to have been built by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar, giving it historical and cultural significance.
Inside, the idol of Lord Ganesha faces east, with the trunk gracefully turned to the left, symbolizing calmness and benevolence. The temple premise is thoughtfully designed, with a Gomukh on the northern side, continuously flowing with holy water, while a sacred pond lies to the west, enhancing the spiritual ambiance. The temple also houses idols of Mushika, Navagraha Devtas, and a Shivalinga, making it a complete spiritual experience. Adding to its grandeur, four elephant idols stand guard at the four directions, symbolizing strength and protection.
As there was very little crowd, we were fortunate to complete the darshan within just 15 minutes. We then spent around 10 peaceful minutes sitting in front of Bappa, soaking in the calm and divine atmosphere before stepping out with a sense of contentment.
Right after completing our temple visit, we stopped at a small local hotel for a quick and satisfying breakfast, recharging ourselves for the next leg of our journey. With a brief pause to attend the online school meeting around 10:00 AM, we soon resumed our trip, heading towards Pali.
Situated in the Sudhagad taluka of Raigad district, Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali is one of the sacred Ashtavinayak shrines and holds immense religious importance. The temple is always abuzz with devotees of Lord Ganesha, drawn by its strong spiritual aura and deep-rooted history, making it a must-visit stop on this divine trail. Ever since watching the movie Fatteshikast, we had been curious about the exact location of Umberkhind and hoped to visit it someday. Known as one of the most iconic historical sites in Maharashtra, Umberkhind holds immense significance in Maratha history. It was here, on 3rd February 1661, that the famous Battle of Umberkhind was fought in the rugged Sahyadri mountain ranges near Khopoli. The battle saw the brilliant leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, whose Maratha army strategically defeated the forces of Mughal General Kartalab Khan. Just passing through this region instantly transports you back in time, evoking the valor and tactical brilliance of that era.
Immersed in these historical thoughts, we continued our journey and reached Pali around 12:00 PM. The February sun had started to shine a bit brighter by then, so we quickly parked our car and headed straight towards the temple, eager to continue our spiritual exploration.
While heading towards the main temple, you will first come across the Dhundi Vinayak Temple. Many visitors often get confused and assume this is the Ballaleshwar Temple, but the actual shrine lies a little further ahead so it’s worth being aware to avoid missing the ballaleshwar darshan. The Ballaleshwar Temple stands out with its distinct wooden architecture, originally renovated in 1760, and uniquely designed in the shape of the Devanagari letter “श्री” (Shri)—a symbol of auspiciousness. One of the most fascinating aspects of this temple is its thoughtful construction, it is aligned in such a way that the rays of the rising sun fall directly on the idol during prayers, creating a divine and serene atmosphere. Adding historical significance, the temple bell was brought by Chimaji Appa after his victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of Vasai, connecting the temple to an important chapter of Maratha history.
Surrounded by two picturesque lakes, the temple complex feels peaceful and scenic, enhancing the overall spiritual experience. The calm waters, combined with the temple’s architecture and devotional energy, make Ballaleshwar Pali a must-visit destination on the Ashtavinayak trail.
After spending about an hour soaking in the peaceful and spiritual atmosphere at Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali, we continued our journey towards Revdanda, excited for the coastal leg of our trip.
The drive itself had its own charm. Somewhere along the way, we noticed a local cricket match in full swing on an open field. Like true cricket lovers, we couldn’t resist stopping for a while to watch the game. It was one of those simple, unplanned moments that added a special touch to the trip reminding us how beautiful travel can be when you slow down and enjoy the little things.
After this refreshing break, we resumed our drive and finally reached Revdanda around 3:00 PM. By then, hunger had clearly taken over, so the first thing on our agenda was to find a place for lunch. A good meal after a long journey felt absolutely satisfying and set the tone for a relaxed evening ahead. We stayed at a family friend’s home, although they don’t currently reside there, the house is well looked after by a caretaker, which made our stay smooth and convenient.
After taking some much needed rest for about an hour, we headed out to Revdanda Beach around 5:30 PM, just in time to enjoy the calm evening vibes. The beach is wonderfully quiet and less crowded, making it perfect for those looking to unwind away from the usual tourist rush. Although the water appeared a bit muddy, the overall atmosphere was peaceful and relaxing.
Revdanda is not just about the beach, it also offers glimpses of history. The Revdanda Fort, an old Portuguese fort located right along the shoreline, stands as a silent witness to the past. Another nearby attraction is the Korlai Fort, which is considered a must-visit for history.
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| Korlai Fort seen from Revdanda beach |
However, after a long day, we decided to skip both forts this time. Aaravya was far more excited to play in the water and enjoy some fun activities, and honestly, that became the highlight for us as well. And then came the most magical part of the evening, the sunset. The sky slowly transformed into stunning shades of orange and gold, creating a breathtaking view that was worth waiting for. Sitting by the shore, watching the sun dip into the horizon, felt like the perfect ending to our day simple, peaceful, and absolutely unforgettable.
After 7 o'clock we went to cottage, we stayed at Uday Homestay which is a bit old and a budget cottage, but he is our family friend's neighbor so we preferred to stay at his place. After freshened up and we went out to explore the surrounding area; and most importantly we wanted to find a delicious meal for the night. After inquiring, we found out that there is Fafe's restaurant in Chaul which is famous for veg food.
We wanted to visit Chaul next day as to see famous Rameshwar temple there. The Chaul region is famous for its temples. But Google Map showed 10 minutes only, so we went to Raghunandan Restaurant. On the way to the restaurant, we saw Rameshwar temple and immediately stopped there. That temple is very beautiful, a typical Konkani temple; many Marathi movies have been shot here. The temple was shown in Cycle Cinema, ever since I have wanted to visit it. We decided to come back the next day because we came to know that the hotel was crowded as it the only pure veg restaurant in the premise.
We ordered paneer butter masala, dal tadka, garlic naan and pav bhaji for Aaravya and all the food was very tasty and not spicy at all. If you are close by the place, try this restaurant once and you will definitely like the food there. After drinking cold coffee, we reached the cottage around 10.30 pm.
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| Photo taken from Google |
The next day began on a truly refreshing note. Kiran and I woke up early at 5:30 AM and stepped out for a quiet walk along the beach. The early morning atmosphere was simply magical filled with a gentle breeze and a soothing fragrance of the sea, creating a perfect blend of calm and freshness. We found a wooden bench by the shore, where we sat for a while, soaking in the serenity and enjoying long, heartfelt conversations. Those peaceful moments, away from the rush of daily life, felt incredibly special and rejuvenating.
Later, we took a walk towards the local market area and stopped at the popular Suruchi Snacks Center for a cup of hot tea. Already craving something authentic, we placed an order for traditional ghavane with chutney for breakfast. After placing the order, we headed back to our room to freshen up and get ready. With the promise of a delicious local breakfast waiting, the morning perfectly balanced relaxation, simplicity, and coastal charm just the way a holiday should begin.
After indulging in a hearty and delicious breakfast at Suruchi Snacks featuring kanda bhajji, ghavane with chutney, and missal, we set out to explore the nearby historic town of Chaul. Located about 15 km from Alibaug, the drive to Chaul is a treat in itself, passing through the picturesque coastal villages of Akshi and Nagaon, lined with greenery and serene surroundings.
Chaul is known for its spiritual heritage and is home to three prominent temples Rameshwar Mandir, Datta Mandir, and Hingulja Devi Mandir. However, due to time constraints, we chose to visit only the Rameshwar Temple.
As we arrived, the temple looked even more captivating in daylight, far more beautiful than it had appeared in the dimness of the previous night. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Rameshwar Temple is an ancient structure, believed to have existed for several centuries, though its exact origins remain unknown. Historical insights suggest that it has undergone multiple renovations over time, preserving its spiritual essence.
- Parjanya Kund – symbolizing rain
- Agni Kund – representing fire
- Vayu Kund – associated with air
Together, these kunds beautifully reflect the elements of nature, adding a deeper symbolic meaning to the temple’s surroundings. The temple exudes a simple coastal charm, making it a perfect spot for quiet reflection, relaxation, and meditation. The peaceful ambiance, combined with minimal crowd, allowed us to truly soak in the spiritual energy. A few other visitors were present, but the place still felt calm and unhurried, ideal for anyone looking to spend meaningful time amidst history and serenity.
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| Rameshwar Mandir, Chaul |
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| Rameshwar Mandir (inside) |
It was honestly hard to leave the peaceful vibes of the Rameshwar Temple, the calm surroundings and spiritual energy made us want to stay a little longer. However, with more places on our list, we decided to move ahead and continue exploring.
Keeping our plan in mind to visit Nagaon Beach and the Birla Temple, we soon set off towards our next destination. Excited for another coastal experience, we began our drive, looking forward to unwinding by yet another beautiful beach near Alibaug.
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| Nagaon Beach |
Our next stop was Nagaon Beach, but as soon as we arrived, we realized it was extremely crowded. After navigating through the rush, we somehow managed to find parking. The beach itself felt almost like a fairground, buzzing with people and activity everywhere. With the heat gradually increasing, we decided not to stay too long. Still, we made the most of our time by enjoying a few water sports, adding a quick burst of fun to the trip before leaving within half an hour.
From there, we drove towards our next destination - the serene Birla Mandir, passing once again through the charming roads of Chaul.
Located near Salav village, the Birla Mandir is a beautifully designed Ganesh temple built in pristine white marble, perched atop a small hill. A short climb of about 130 easy steps takes you to this peaceful sanctuary.
Constructed by Vikram Ispat (a part of the Birla Group), the temple is also known as Vikram Vinayak. Its architecture stands out with a modern yet serene design, offering a refreshing contrast to the ancient temples visited earlier. The temple has polished marble floors, and the hall of the temple is open from all sides. The ceiling of the temple is transparent which allows free flow of air and ample of light to come in. At the center lies a beautifully carved marble idol of Lord Ganesha, gracefully seated in a square-shaped nave, with Riddhi and Siddhi positioned on either side. Surrounding the main sanctum are smaller shrines dedicated to Radha-Krishna, Shiva-Parvati, Bhavani Devi, and Surya Dev, offering a complete spiritual experience. Just outside, the temple complex expands into well-maintained gardens with fountains, and features a statue of Late Aditya Birla, adding a touch of legacy to the place.
The entire premise feels peaceful, spacious, and beautifully designed making it an ideal spot to relax and unwind. In hindsight, we felt this would have been even more magical in the evening, when the temple is softly illuminated, enhancing its beauty and tranquility.
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| Birla Mandir, Revdanda (Photo taken from Google) |
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| Aditya Birla statue at Birla Mandir (Photo taken from Google) |
Before planning your visit to the Birla Mandir, do keep an important point in mind that mobile phones and cameras are strictly not allowed inside the temple premise. Also, there is no locker facility available. If you are traveling alone using public transport, this might be a bit inconvenient. If you are with family, one practical option is to leave all phones and belongings with one member who can wait outside while others visit the temple. Planning this in advance can help avoid last-minute confusion and make your visit smoother.
After completing our visit to the beautiful Birla Mandir, we began our journey back to Pune. We chose to return via the picturesque Tamhini Ghat, known for its winding roads, lush greenery, and stunning ghat views especially refreshing after a weekend filled with travel and exploration. Driving through the ghats added a final touch of scenic beauty to our trip, and we comfortably reached Pune by around 5:00 PM, bringing an end to a truly memorable getaway.
A perfect combination of spiritual darshan, historical exploration, beach fun, and scenic drives which making it an ideal weekend road trip from Pune to Alibaug & Revdanda.
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| We :) |
