Written by: Atreyee Chowdhury
Shivthar Ghal
Shivthar Ghal is a rare yet refreshing, silent yet soothing, small yet unique place waiting to be explored. The name comes from a cavern in this place (‘Ghal’ is for a cavern in Marathi) where Samarth Ramdas (the guru of ‘Shivaji Maharaj’) used to sit, pray, meditate and more importantly scripted down the famous ‘Dasbodh’ manuscript. Shivthar Ghal is a quiet abode, housing some lush green places, a lovely waterfall and a river and some of the toughest on foot, picturesque mountains. Ideal for trekkers, however the silence and the natural beauty here (which can be seen in all forms possible) can soothe one and all.
Orientation
Located in Raigad district of Maharashtra, among the Sahyadri range (right above the Varandha ghat), Shivthar Ghal is about 1000 metres above the sea level. The place, now well maintained by SundarMath Seva Samiti and Shri Samarth Seva Mandal, has very good facilities provided by them to all those who visit Shivthar Ghal.
Weather
Like most of the places in this region of the planet, the summers hit quite hard and the monsoons and winters come across very pleasantly. The monsoon ranges from late May-June-July-early August, while the summer kicks off from late January and keeps heating up till May.
Best times to visit
The best time to visit Shivthar ghal would be the monsoon, when the beauty of the place blooms to its fullest. The greenery around, the mist-laden hills and some exotic waterfalls are a treat to watch during the monsoon season.
Getting there / Route Information
Distances from major cities:
- Mumbai- 200KM
- Pune-100KM
- Mahad-30KM
Connectivity:
| By Bus: | The state transport buses are quite frequently available to Mahad from Mumbai, Pune and Kalyan. Further on, vehicles ought to lead till the foothills of Shivthar Ghal. The route isn’t up to very good standards, however once the place is reached the endurance seems worth it. Another way would be the Rajghad- Bhutonde- Gopya Ghat- Kasbe Shivthar- Shivthar Ghal route which speaks of conditions much tougher than the previous route. |
| By Train: | A train can be boarded on till Pune and a bus should be boarded till Mahad. The ideal way to reach Shivthar Ghal would be using a private vehicle (as it has to be opted for, at some point of the journey!). |
| Road Quality: | The route has some good combination of highways (NH-4), cut-roads, Ghat roads and some tough-on-your-back path. |
Pictures of Shivthar Ghal
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Major attractions
- The cavern or the ‘ghal’ which requires surpassing of 100 odd steps is a must visit. Do spend some time in the divine atmosphere (meditating would be ideal) to perhaps feel the sanctity of the place.
- A waterfall outside the cavern is a treat to eyes. Its best visited during monsoon. A river near the cavern can be a good are to play in groups.
- The plateau above the cavern houses some remnants of an obsolete palace (palace of Chandrarao More, an enemy of Swarajya-a sworn one!!). Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad and Torna can be spotted from far.
Vital Tourist Information
Hotels availability
Mahad has a lodge. Pune provides a wide range of options.
Things to carry
Mineral water bottles, food, first aid kit etc.
Local taxi availability
On hire from Pune would be ideal. Mahad has some taxis too.
Contacts in case of contingency
| Hospitals: | Dhirubhai ambani hospital. Tel: 02192-255141/5. Rural hospital of Mahad. Mhathre hospital. Tel: 02143-252081/255874 |
| Police: | Mahad taluka police station. Tel: 02145-222254. Mahad City police station. Tel: 02145-222149. |
Please note now there is an Bus Service Started Regularly which leaves from Pune (Swargate) to Shivthar at 9:00am & reaches at 1:00 – 1:30pm. The bus starts it return journey from Shivthar the same day at 3:00pm. Request to update the same in your site… Thanks
would like to visit Shivthar, is it the good time and need the route, direction for the destination. will be travelling from pune.