Dabhol town is located on the south-west border of Dapoli in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra in Konkan. Vashishthi River flowing from Chiplun merges into the sea at Dabhol and is called as Dabhol creek. Major attractions of Dabhol are Chandikadevi Mandir (temple of Goddess Chandika) and a fishing jetty has made it increasingly popular as a tourist destination in Konkan.
The idol of Godess Chandika here, believed to be have formed naturally on its own (Swayambhu) and the temple is underground in a natural cave. To reach the deity, you have to pass through a low darkened passage. No light is allowed inside except that of oil lamp. There is a live spring of fresh water nearby which water all around the year has. Every year pilgrims throng here during Navaratri. This temple is very ancient and used to be frequently visited by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Panoramic view of Dabhol Power Project (Enron), creek and town is one of beauty of Dabhol. An ideal place to enjoy serenity is a small but amazingly hidden beach of black sand and thick plantation of sheoak (Suruche Ban) along the Dabhol backwaters and the beautiful port in Dabhol Harbor. Dabhol has something to give whether fishing from the jetty, boating, or just scroll along village street. Over the last few years, dolphin watching has come of age as an exciting, inspiring activity of growing popularity in this area. There are some ferry boats also which take you into Dabhol Backwaters as well as into the deep sea for a ride and dolphin watching.
The Dabhol port boasts of centuries old history. Dabhol was of great importance in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. It used to be the principal port of South Konkan region, carrying on trade with ports in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. During 13th to 15th centuries this port was ruled by the Bahamani dynasty and was known as Mustafabad. Later on it was Hamjabad and then it was Dabhol. You can find many religious places of Hindus and Muslims. There is a fine mosque called Shahi Masjid with dome and minarets standing close to the port which was built in Adilshah’s Regime. It is said that Adilshah’s Begum spent around 1.5 million rupees in Indian currency for the construction of this mosque. Shahi Masjid is an excellent example of Muslim architecture. Dabhol was previously very famous, but of late much ruined by the Wars, and decreased in trade.
Gopalgad is another historical fort can be witnessed half an hour’s walk through the wood from the fishing village Anjanvel. Beautiful lighthouse and two ancient temples are located at the end of sea side of the fort.
There are ferry services to take you with your vehicles even cars and jeeps across creek from Dabhol to Dhopave.
Dabhol is one the place to eat fish and is definitely treat for non-vegetarian lovers to enjoy local fishes in local recipe to end up spicing up routine life.
Travel Details
From Mumbai
275kms, approximately 5 hours by road
Panvel – NH17 – Right@Goregaon – Ambet – Mandangad – Kadivali – Dapoli – Dabhol
From Pune
225km, approximately 4hours by road
Pune – NH4 – Right onto Bhor ghat – Birwadi – cross NH17@Rajewadi – Dapoli – Dabhol
Konkan Moto Tours 