Dapoli

Dapoli दापोली
Town
Dapoli Location in Maharashtra, India
Coordinates:
Country	India
State	Maharashtra
District	Ratnagiri
Language
• Official	Marathi
• Other	Konkani
Time zone	IST (UTC+5:30)
PIN	415712
Telephone code	02358
Vehicle registration	MH-08
Nearest town	Khed

Dapoli is a town in Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. It is 215 km (134 mi) from the state capital of Mumbai. It is administered by the Dapoli Municipal Council.

Geography

Dapoli is separated from the Sahyadri range by the Khed taluka. Dapoli has a seaboard of 50 km (31 mi) which stretches from Burondi, Kelshi to Dabhol. The coastline differs little in its general characteristics from that of other parts of Konkan. It is densely covered by coconut farms. The principal rivers are Bharja in the north and Vashishthi in the south. A small river called Jog flows through Bandhtivare, Sarang and Tadil into the Arabian sea.

The town is located at an altitude of 800 ft (240 m). It is also called "Mini Mahabaleshwar" because of its cool climate throughout the year. It is 8 km (5.0 mi) from the Arabian Sea and acts as the main town (Taluka headquarters) for several small surrounding villages such as Anjarle, Mandivali, Sarang, Bandhtivare, Pangari, Dabhil, Bhopan, Harnai, Dabhol, Navse, Unhavare/farare, Jalgaon, Gavhe, Gimhavane, Asud, Vanand, Kherdi, Karde(Beach),Pichdoli, Visapur,Onanavase, Murud and Umberghar.

Education

The town has a very old school, A. G. High School, named after the British Alfred Gadney. During the time of the English empire, Dapoli was a military camp for British soldiers. Dapoli is also the home of agricultural university Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth.

Dapoli has a centre for Krishna Consciousness movement, youth programs for agriculture, and an undergraduate homeopathic college (Dapoli Homeopathic Medical College).

Notable residents

Dapoli is considered the birthplace of Bharat Ratna Maharshi Annasaheb Karve, Bharat Ratna Wrangler Paranjpe, Sane Guruji, Lokmanya Tilak and Bharat Ratna P. V. Kane, and BHARAT RATNA Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar studied for a few years in A. G. High School.

Places to stay & dine

Dapoli has various stay options ranging from resorts like Chira Meadows, Ferns Samali Resort and Lotus resort to various smaller resorts and homestays.

Sea food is Dapoli is a must try and one should experience the buffet and fish preparations at newest restaurant in town Coastal Aroma.

Places of interest

• Dabhol - Dabhol is a port which is 28 km (17 mi) south of Dapoli. The Dabhol Power Plant by Enron is situated near Dabhol. The plant has now been taken over by Ratnagiri Gas and Power Private Limited (RGPPL). The power station is India's largest operating gas-based combined cycle power station.

• Harnai Fish Market - This is assumed to be one of the largest supplier of fish to Maharashtra. Many kinds of seafood including lobsters are available.

• Kadyavarcha Ganpati - Anjarle is famous for the Kadyawarcha Ganpati (Ganesh temple situated on a cliff). This ancient and magnificent Ganesh temple was originally constructed using wooden pillars in around 1150 AD. It was renovated during the period between 1768 and 1780. There is a magnificent view of the thick plantation of coconut trees, betel nut trees, Suvarnadurg Fort, blue sea and surrounding hills from the top.

• Keshavraj - This location is between Dapoli and Asud Pul. The access is via Dabkewadi and after crossing the small river, the steep climb is refreshing. At this elevation, the fresh water is a marvel and is said to originate from a tree trunk.

• Murud Beach - Murud is a small town on the sea coast, about 12 km (7.5 mi) from Dapoli.

• Panhalakaji Caves - Located on the Dapoli-Dabhil Pangari road, Panhalakaji Caves can be accessed from Khed via Vakavali and Tetavali. The place is situated deep in the valley near the confluence of the Kotjai and Dhakti rivers. There are around 29 leni or caves.

• Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg Forts - Located 17 km (11 mi) from Dapoli at Harnai, the Suvarnadurg fort consists of two forts. Kanakdurga is the land fort and Suvarnadurga is the sea fort. The forts were originally built by the Adil Shahi dynasty and later captured and fortified by Shivaji in 1660.

• Unhavare/farare - Hot Water Springs - There are natural hot water springs at Unhavare Village 35 km (22 mi) from Dapoli. Around 21 km (13 mi) from Vakavali and 17 km (11 mi) from Tetavali's is Dr. Deodhar's farms (called Keshav Baug). Dr Deodhar is an expert in algae from Mumbai University. People from surrounding areas come here regularly to dip in the hot sulphur water springs, said to cure skin ailments.

External links

• Dapoli travel guide from Wikivoyage