Apr 3, 20203 min read

Gaganbawada between Karul & Bhuibawada Ghat gives the scenic views of mountain range, Kolhapur.

Gaganbawada is situated on the sahyadri range in the western ghats, it also has a very famous fort Gagangad near it. Gaganbawada, though only 55 km from Kolhapur, is non developed and hilly area of the district. It is a place that gets the maximum rainfall during rainy season. This Ghat is on threshold of famous Karul Ghat & Bhuibawada Ghat.Perhaps, the only place having two ghats originating at a single place but going towards different directions, one towards Talere-Kankavali (Karul Ghat) and another towards Kharepatan-Rajapur (Bhuibawada Ghat). The Kolhapur district boundary ends immediately after Gaganbawada and Sindhudurg District starts just at the beginning of Karul Ghat and Bhuibawada Ghat. This Ghat connects transport between Konkan and Kolhapur and the quality of road is good. Entire ghat’s maintenance is taken care by the administration of Vaibhavwadi Tehsil of Sindhudurg.This ghat is extremely beautiful and scenic in monsoon season. Tourists come here to enjoy the weather. One cannot stop himself to stop the car and enjoy the view during rainy season. If you really want to enjoy the view you must visit this mystic place in monsoon. Once you reach the top you get the beautiful view of massive greenland of Konkan. This selfie was taken from the top of the Ghat.

Gagangad Fort and Gagangiri Ashram

1 km from Gaganbawada town lay ruins of Gagangad Fort. During the British rule it was the headquarters of Gaganbawada tehsil, comprising around 243 square miles now known as Sidhudurg District. There is a small mosque and Bhavani temple in the fort. The guarding walls of the fort can be seen at some places. During his early penance days Shri Gagangiri Maharaj settled in a cave known as Garbhagiri near the fort and perfected his tantric techniques. Now there is a temple of Gurudatta and ashram of devotees of Shri Gagangiri Maharaj. During Datta Jayanti, a large number of devotees visit the place and it is one of the main festivals of Gaganbawada town.

Karul Ghat & Bhuibawada Ghat

These two ghats are one of the most scenic routes which originate from Gaganbawada and connect the Deccan Plateau to the coastal region, Konkan, of Maharashtra. Karul Ghat descends towards Vaibbhavwadi and is 19 km in length. The road condition is pretty good. This route further goes upto Talere and meets NH17 (Mumbai-Goa highway). Bhuibawada Ghat is smaller compared to Karul and descends towards Bhuibawada Village. This ghat is 11 km but the road is narrow and not in good condition. Both The ghats have scenic views of valleys and hills. At the start of both the ghats near Gaganbawada, there are viewpoints from where one can enjoy the sunset.

Palsambe (Ramling) Caves

Palsambe is well known also because of these unique cave temples/structures. These monolithic structures are believed to be built by Pandava’s during their exile and so also called Pandavleni. There is a Ganesha statue at the entrance and 12 shivlinga’s in the caves. A slow stream of water trickles down the caves and falls on the Shivlinga. This is an excellent spot to visit and is just 5 km from Kaajva.

MORJAI PATHAR is a highland plateau. It is a unique plateau that also has a cave temple of Morjai Devi. It has spectacular biodiversity and is well known for sightings of India Gaur, Sambar, Barking deer snakes, etc. It is an excellent place for trekking ad the view from there is simply amazing.