Kanakeshwar Temple in Alibaug: A Serene Trek to Lord Shiva’s Abode
Alibaug does not only have beaches and resorts for you to have fun. There are numerous temples, hills, treks and many activities that you can explore in the city. Amongst all the temples, Kanakeshwar Temple in Alibaug is one of the most important ones to explore.
This temple is located in Kanakeshwar Hill, an amazing and serene location. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and gives you spiritual vibes when visiting. You have to trek here while enjoying the surroundings.
If you visit Alibaug and want to explore offbeat places, you will find all the information about Kanakeshwar Temple there.
Where is Kanakeshwar Temple in Alibaug?
The temple of Shree Kshetra Kanakeshwar is located in the village of Mapgaon, 12 km from Alibaug. It is on a hill,, and one has to climb 650 steps to reach it. This is a light trekking experience that you should not miss.
How to Reach Kanakeshwar Temple?
Reaching Kanakeshwar Temple is quite easy and adventurous at the same time. You can take public transport like local buses, shared rickshaws and taxis from Alibaug to reach either Mopgaon or Zirad village. You can start the trek to this temple from both villages.
The trek has nearly 750 steps and the entire stairway is covered with trees all around. Even if you trek this temple in the summer, you will feel the cold environment due to the trees. The distance measures approximately 1.5 to 2km and takes no more than an hour to reach the temple.
What to expect at Kanakeshwar Temple?
The Kanakeshwar Mahadev temple is exquisite and beautiful. It’s made in the Hoysala style architecture and exudes beauty and serenity from the outside. There are two parts to this temple, i.e., the Sabhamandapa, the outer hall, and the Gabhara, which is the inner sanctum. The temple was built during the Chalukya and Rashtrakutan dynasties. As per the historical records, the shikhara, or the tip of the temple,e has been renovated in the last 100 or 200 years. Otherwise, the entire temple is quite ancient and has robust architecture.
On the temple premises, there is a water tank named pushkarini, which always has water throughout the year. You can visit the temple, take a look at pushkarini, explore the architecture, and surroundings and enter the inner sanctum to get blessings from Lord Mahadev. As the daily religious rituals are performed at this temple by priests, they hold spiritual importance as well.
The surroundings of the temple are serene and as it’s located on a hill, you can take a look at the Arabian Sea and nearby villages from the top. After spending a good time at this temple, you can start your descent and reach Alibaug back within a few minutes.
What are the Food and Accommodation Options Near Kanakeshwar Temple?
Shree Kshetra Kanakeshwar Temple is located outside of Alibaug city. Hence, you may not find many accommodation options here. Hence, you can book an alibaug beach bungalow for rent and then travel around the city to explore everything.
There are many great bungalows or villas available for rent if you are coming as a group of people. PrivyStays offers numerous amazing villas for rent in alibaug and gives you a wonderful staycation experience.
All of the food requirements are taken care of at the PrivyStay villas, as they provide customizable meal packages. Additionally, you can explore all the local eateries and restaurants in Alibaug while traveling around.
Final Words
Whenever you visit Alibaug, there will be much more to explore that you’ve missed on the last trip. In this post, we’ve covered the Kanakeshwar Temple and will keep covering other incredible spots to make your Alibaug trip fulfilling.
