WELCOME TO MALVAN

1. SINDHUDURGA FORT
2. CHIVLA BEACH
3. JAY GANESH MANDIR
4. ROCK GARDEN

SINDHUDURGA FORT:

HISTORY

This fort was constructed by Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. The main object was to counter rising influence of foreign colonizers (The English, Dutch, French and Portuguese merchants) and to curb the rise of Siddis of Janjira. The construction was done under the supervision of Hirojee Indulkar, in the year 1664.. The fort was built on a small island which was known as the Khurte bet (bet means island in Marathi).

Structural details

Over 4000 pounds of lead were used in the casting and foundation stones were firmly laid down. Construction started on 25 November 1664. Built over a period of three years(1664 ―1667), the sea fort is spread over 48 acres, with a two-mile (3 km) long rampart, and walls that are 30 feet (9.1 m) high and 12 feet (3.7 m) thick. The massive walls were designed to serve as a deterrent to approaching enemies and to the waves and tides of the Arabian Sea. The main entrance is concealed in such a way that no one can pinpoint it from outside.

At a time when traveling by sea was banned by scriptures, this construction on an island represents the revolutionary mindset of its engineer. A remain of an iron mould can be seen.

CHIVLA BEACH:

 Chivla beach is a favorite destination for evening stroll of local populace.This long stretch of 1-1.5kms of clean sands between Government rest house on left and rocky jutting on the right is a pleasure-walk.Like all konkan beaches this is a clean unpolluted beach.Chivla beach has fisher-folk community living by it's side.Early in the morning or in the evening one can see and experience the fishermen returning in small boats from fishing expedition. The whole community gathers at the shore to receive and help them in bringing the catch to the shore.A small auction takes place at the beach itself and the catch is sold to the highest bidder. In the days of mechanized and trawler fishing this beach has still retained the traditional manual fishing. One can also see firsthand the languid pulling of net spread in the sea to catch the fish.Some 8-10 persons are engaged in this activity and they systematically pull the net out step-by step. Each person doing his assigned duty in rotation with utmost sincerity

Like all sea-shores one can enjoy the sunset from Chivla beach.During December to February when skies are clear one can see many shades of colours at the time of sunset.Moonlight makes this beach more splendid late in the night and nocturnal walk on this beach is a memory to cherish.

JAY GANESH MANDIR:

 Situated at Malvan Jay Ganesh temple is now on a ‘must see’ list of tourists. The temple is built by Shri Jayantrao Salgaonkar, an astrologer of repute and creator of very popular almanac ‘Kalnirnay’. Situated in Medha locality of Malvan on ancestral family land of Salgaonkars, the temple has been constructed as per the holy principles of temple architecture in India. Shri Jayantrao personally supervised the construction. The presiding deity in the temple is Lord Ganesha, much revered Elephant God of Maharashtra. The idol is of pure gold. This main idol in the sanctum sanctorum is in the traditional pose with Riddhi- Siddhi (consorts of Lord) on both sides. Siddhi is holding Dhol (Indian traditional percussion instrument) and sword in her hand while Riddhi has pen and paper in her hands. The hall has eight idols of Ganesh carved in the ceiling. One gets a very comfortable feeling of Lord Ganesh looking benevolently from all the eight directions at his disciple. The interior of the temple is very rich and has used soothing colors. A five-day annual festival of Ganesh Jayanti is celebrated on 4th Day of Magh (month in Hindu Calendar). This day is also the anniversary day of the temple.

The speciality of this temple’s architecture can be seen on the early morning of Makar Sankranti (14th or 15th of January). On this day the early sunrays fall directly on the idol and one can see the glittering and shining Ganesha bathed in sunlight.Jayantrao Salgaonkar has named this Ganesha as Jay Ganesha so that the Ganesha may bestow ‘Jay’ (success) on his disciples.

ROCK GARDEN:

Malvan is a most talked about city of Sindhudurg district and a prospering tourist destination of Maharashtra. Rock garden in Malvan is a best place to relax on the rocks and enjoy the calm of the sea side. A well landscaped malvan rock garden is also one of the popular places located at half kilometer distance from Malvan jetty near Arase Mahal. Rock garden Malvan photos show the details of each section of the garden in details. This garden offers a fantastic view of the wide spread Chivala beach. Unlike other gardens this garden is unique in its nature since there is no sand but a carpet of huge rocks and green lawns.