Exquisite Gaganbawda Ghat - Enjoy being in the heart of Nature

There are so many underrated travel places in India. Gaganbawda is one of them. Gaganbawda is a small town located in the district of Kolhapur. It is 55 km by the road from Kolhapur. It is at an altitude of 2070 ft.

Here Gagan is a Hindi word, meaning of which is Sky, it is literally sky touching town. You will feel you are kissing the sky, you are under the clouds. Superb curvy roads to go through. Ancient look of some of the villages. Refreshing air, cool atmosphere, cloudy climate, mighty mountain views. Each season, view is different. Lush green hills. The flora and fauna in the forests around Gaganbawda will mesmerize any nature lover. One of the best sunset view. Just one word, ecstatic. It is very beautiful in monsoon when you are in amidst the clouds.

Again like my previous post about Amba Ghat Aesthetic Amba Ghat, It is also on the Sahyadri mountain range. It has also very famous Gagangad fort near it. This place is known as Cherrapunji of Maharastra. It gets the maximum rainfall during rainy season. It is superb hilly town. It has also several temples.

It is on the entry point of very famous Karul Ghat and Bhuibawda Ghat. Feasibly only place where two Ghats originating at a single place, but going into the different directions, one to the Karul Ghat and another towards the Bhuibawada Ghat.

Another fact is that, Kolhapur district boundary completes immediately after Gaganbawda Ghat and Sindhudurg district starts at the entry point of Karul Ghat and Bhuibawada Ghat. As I have told you “going into the different direction”, left will take you to the Karul Ghat and the right will take you to the Bhuibawada Ghat.

History:

It was known as Bawda Mahal, also covered areas of current Gaganbawda and Sindhudurg, total 243 square miles. It was felt that access from the former Gaganbawda Township to the foothills was very difficult at that time and thus, in 1981, part of Bawda Mahal was separated and given to the Sindhudurg Township. Also, Gagangiri Ashram, that was in the territory of Gaganbawda came in the territory of Sindhudurg. This is how Sindhudurg became independent district.

Here are some of the beautiful photos of Gaganbawda Ghat.

Here are two routes, one will go to Karul Ghat and other to the Bhuibawada Ghat.

 

Gagangad Gagangiri Maharaj Math:

Around 3 km away from Gaganbawda Ghat there is an ashram called Gagangiri Ashram. At Gagangiri Ashram, Gagangiri Maharaj meditated. It is nice place and people looking for peace outside the city can think of it.

About Gagangiri Maharaj: His lifestyle can be described in words "Such a Yogi Living alone by himself understand and accomplishes the Art of Life." Living alone, sleeping on the banks of rivers, listening to the flowing of the river water, drying the entire body by solar radiation, sleeping on rock, meditating continuously, staying absolutely still under water, keeping mind completely at rest, keeping all the physical desires under control and having only clean, hygienic, pious, wholesome pure and acceptable food. All this is the life of the perfect yogi.

 

Gagangad Fort:

There is another beautiful place over there, Gagangad fort. It is said that this fort has been built by Raja Bhoj II. It is small fort with some caves and temples. The trek to top of hill is also adventurous. It has also some ancient monuments.

 

Morjai Plateau and Temple:

Morjai stone is at a very high level. It also has a cave of temple of Morjai Devi. It is an superb place for trekking and view from there is simply amazing.

 

Pandava Caves:

These caves, commonly known as Ramling temples, are around 10 km from Gaganbawda. It is at Palsambe Village. Unique temples shrouded in a mystery. There are also snakes around the caves.

These caves are lied within the lush green medicinal plants, you will get ample amount of oxygen over here, filled with tranquil atmosphere. It is believed that Pandavas did their “Tapasya” in that era. There are three monolithic temples near the water streams in the village.

The grandeur of Palsambe must be experienced specially during the monsoon when there is rainfall lends a chill to the atmosphere with very beautiful waterfall flowing around temples as a thick blanket of flog covers the site.

Also there are 12 Shivlingas there and there is a local belief that these represents 12 Jyotirlingas. Cave is very dark around, still main shivling in the cave is lit up with natural light flooding through openings of the rock above.

Lakhampur Dam:

On the way to Mojrai from Gaganbawda, you can also visit Lakhampur Dam. This dam is said to be one of the largest water bodies in that area.

Bavdekar Bungalow:

Former colonial residence of the Pant Amatya Bavdekar family, it houses a mini heritage museum and antiques of the Pant Amatya family. It is open for visitors to visit from 10.30 am to 5.30 pm.

 

How to Reach?

By Road: There are day and night buses from Kolhapur – Kankavali - Gaganbawda. Also, you can go from Pune or Mumbai, that will go through private buses. If you have private vehicle then it is very good as you can enjoy being in the heart of the nature.

By Rail: The nearest railway stations are Kolhapur (55 km) and Vaibhavvadi (20 km). You can reach there by train from Pune or Mumbai. Then can go from transport from those places.

By Air: The nearest airports are Mumbai or Pune. Then you can from any of the above routes.

Travel Tips:

You can visit Gaganbawda at any season of the year. The aura of this place is always peaceful. However, for every season, the climate is different. Also, if you love to travel in rainy season, want to be lost amidst the clouds, this is the place for you. Also make sure to carry warm wear if you visit this place during winters.

Booking Resources:

Consider using this link for stay in Gaganbawda. Kaajva Forest Stay.

Here is one beautiful video about Gaganbawda Ghat – Cinematic Drone Film.

Gaganbawda Ghat