Kunkeshwar Temple and Beach, Maharashtra
Kunkeshwar Beach and Temple is located in Malvan town in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, India. The Kunkeshwar Beach derived its name from the nearby Kunkeshwar Temple. Like the beach, the town is also named after the temple as it holds a high value among the locals. The place is 54 kms from Malvan. Nandgaon, the nearest railway station is 42 kms from the town of Kunkeshwar. The beach stretches to 5 kms and the Kunkeshwar Temple dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Shiva nestled on one side of the beach. Thick plantations of coconut and mango surround the beach in a semi-circular pattern. World renowned Alphonso mango is grown in this area and is exported to many foreign countries like USA, UK, Australia and many Asian countries.
Kunkeshwar Temple on one side of the beach is an ancient Shiva temple, constructed in South Indian Style of Architecture. It is also referred to as ‘Kashi of South Konkan’. There is a huge celebration held during the auspicious festival of Mahashivaratri. It is said that the great Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a frequent visitor to this place for seeking blessing of the deity.
The serene and divine ambience of the Kunkeshwar beach has a mending effect on the minds of the visitors. The Kunkeshwar beach remains mostly deserted. Only the devotees visiting the shrine and some locals are seen to stroll on the seashore. It is ideal for swimming as the water is not rough except in the monsoon season. The greenery in the surrounding enhances the beauty of the place. The lucky ones can also get a glimpse of dolphin diving in the sea water from a distance.