Velneshwar Beach tourism in Maharashtra gets boost

With the Maha Shivaratri festival just days away, the Maharashtra Government’s Directorate of Tourism has given a major push for tourism in Velneshwar Beach, an offbeat and less explored destination in the Ratnagiri district of the coastal Konkan region.

On the shore of the Arabian Sea, the magnificent ancient Velneshwar Temple of Lord Shiva is located and the history of this temple is as old as the village. The side of the temple, which is submerged in the sea, is known as the ‘Merumandal’.

If people are lucky, they can spot dolphins there.

In March, Maha Shivaratri is celebrated with a lot of fanfare at this temple, making it very popular amongst the locals as well as the devotees of Lord Shiva.

Another sacred temple, Dashabhuja Ganesh Mandir at Hedvi, which is located near Velneshwar, is often frequently visited by tourists. Some of the other places worth visiting in the vicinity include the Shastri River, Anjanvel Fort/Gopalgad, Vyaghrambary Mandir, Laxmi Narayan Temple, and Uma Mahesh Mandir.

The village follows Smarta tradition and the people of the village worship Lord Ganesha, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Surya and Goddess Durga.

The stunning seashore which is surrounded by beautiful coconut grooves makes a picture-perfect backdrop for a stroll.

The clear blue waves, a splendid sunset, the clean and sparkling Velneshwar beach are a sight to behold.
“It is one of the cleanest beaches of Maharashtra and is popular for its rock-less sea and peaceful atmosphere,” officials said.

At Velneshwar, one can relish the authentic Konkani cuisine and indulge in a feast on seafood which includes salmon, prawns, pomfret and Mackerel. Vegetarians can enjoy the delicious Pithla Bhakri, Valachi Usal, Amboli, Ghavne, Modaks. One can witness numerous betel nut trees around the place.

The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation also maintains a property here. There are also some beach resorts here.