2011 Summer Vacation - Hari Hareshwar

During this summer holidays me and my parents planned a trip to Dive Agar and Hari Hareshwar. We packed our bags, filled our car and started driving (around 7 AM) towards Hari Hareshwar that is about 180 kms from Pune. The route planned was Pune-Paud-Tamhini-Nizampur-Mangoan-Mhasla-Srivardhan-Harihareshawr. Harihareshwar is known as Kashi of Southern India. The hill on the seashore at Harihareshwar is also known as 'Harihar' or 'Pushpadri'.

It was 11 AM when we reached the MTDC Resort where we had planned our stay. The resort is surrounded by hills on all four sides and has a thick green cover, combining scenic drama and quaint charm. Unlike other hotels, the resort has an intimate and private feel to it. We got a beautiful Konkani styled cottage facing the sea, with a small balcony to enjoy the view. The cottage was minimalist in design with wooden furnishing.

Deluxe Tent 1

After settling down a bit, we took a small walk around the resort to figure out things and immediately headed towards the north to see the temple of Lord Hari Hareshwar. It was a rainy day and the sand was all wet so we had to walk in the mud. The entrance of the Temple was surrounded by shops selling food products and prayer offerings.

Hari Harishwar Temple Entrance

Inside the Temple

View of the sea from the temple

There was a long line of devotees at the temple so we headed straight to the temple beach. In monsoon the sea is very active so we saw huge waves hitting the shores of the temple. What we witnessed here was just amazing - giant waves both beautiful and scary at the same time. The waves that hit the temple edge were twice as big as the one shown below. We couldn't capture them because of the rain but O what a scene it was!

High Tide at Hari Hareshwar

From the temple we returned to our cottage, had our lunch and went for a short walk around the MTDC Resort that is known for its safe and secluded beaches. The white sand and turquoise green water was just spectacular. We spent some time walking on the beach near the water and enjoying the lovely atmosphere that surrounded us.

MTDC Beach {E}

Ocean View from MTDC Resort {SE}

Ocean view from MTDC Resort {SE}

Ocean View {SE}

Due to the weather it was risky to go in the water so, we spent rest of that evening and most of the other day at the gazebo, eating food, listening to the music, taking photos and videos, watching colorful birds and gazing the ocean for waves and dolphins. We also learned that high tides and low tides occur alternatively every six hours and the timing of which is dependent on the moon position.

Bird Watching

Spotted a Chameleon

Oriental Magpie Robin

Ocean View from the Cottage

A place filled with peace and tranquility

We instantly fell in love with this place, so much so that we were disappointed to leave in two days.Though we tried capturing this beautiful spot in our memories through these photos, we couldn't get enough  and before we realized it was time for us to check out and leave for Dive-Agar.