Kanakeshwar Temple in Alibaug: A Serene Trek to Lord Shiva’s Abode

Alibaug not only has 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 on Kanakeshwar hill in Alibaug, 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 the Kanakeshwar Mahadev temple there.

Where is Kanakeshwar Temple in Alibaug?

Kanakeshwar Temple is a peaceful and beautiful place located on a hill in Mapgaon village, about 12 km from Alibaug. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a popular spot for both devotees and nature lovers.

To reach the temple, you need to climb around 650 to 750 steps. It’s not a tough trek, but it does feel like a small adventure through a forest path surrounded by trees, birds, and fresh air.

Quick Details:

• 📍 Location: Mapgaon village, near Alibaug (12 km away)

• ⛰️ Steps to Climb: Around 650–750 steps

• 🕉️ Main God: Lord Shiva (Mahadev)

• 🏛️ Style: Old stone temple with simple, beautiful carvings

• 🌦️ Best Time to Visit:

  • Monsoon (June to Sept) – Everything looks green and fresh

  • Winter (Nov to Feb) – Cool and pleasant weather

Why Visit Kanakeshwar Temple?

• 🧘‍♂️ Peaceful Place: It’s quiet and calm—great for relaxing your mind.

• 🌿 Close to Nature: The path to the temple is full of greenery and natural beauty.

• 🙏 Spiritual Feel: People come here to pray and feel connected to something higher.

• 📷 Nice Views: Once you reach the top, the view is amazing—you can even see the sea on a clear day!

Useful Tips:

• Wear comfy shoes – there are a lot of steps.

• Carry water – it’s a hill climb.

• Visit in the morning – it’s cooler and more peaceful.

• Go with friends or family – makes the walk more fun.

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 get the Kanakeshwar temple trek details from both villages.

The trek has nearly 750 steps, and the entire stairway is covered with trees all around. Even if you trek to this temple in the summer, you will feel the cold environment due to the trees. The distance measures approximately 1.5 to 2 km and takes no more than an hour to reach the temple. 

By Road:

• From Mumbai/Pune → Alibaug → Mapgaon/Zirad village (taxis/buses)
• Distance: ~12 km from Alibaug city

By Ferry:

• Mumbai → Mandwa Jetty → Alibaug (then taxi to temple)

Trek Details:

• Duration: 45 mins – 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Scenic highlights: Forest cover, views of the Arabian Sea

What to expect at Kanakeshwar Temple? 

The Kankeshwar temple in Alibaug height & location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It’s made in the Hoysala style of 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 Rashtrakuta dynasties, adding to the rich history of Kankeshwar Mahadev temple. As per the historical records, the shikhara, or the tip of the temple, 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 Alibaug city. Hence, you may not find many accommodation options here. However, you can explore Alibaug tourist places near Kanakeshwar, including Kanakeshwar temple and Nagaon Beach, for a complete trip experience.

There are many great bungalows or Hotels in Alibaug 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where to stay near Kanakeshwar Devasthan?

For staying near Kanakeshwar Devasthan, Privy Stays offers various hotels and guesthouses, some of which are very close to the temple. You can also find smaller accommodations or homestays closer to the temple in the surrounding villages for a more local experience. Here are our recommendations:

• Kurul Villa, Kurul, Alibaug

Situated in the serene locality of Kurul, this villa offers a tranquil escape with well-maintained facilities. Guests often appreciate the clean and inviting atmosphere, especially around the pool area. It’s known for providing a comfortable and relaxing stay, complemented by the hospitality of the staff and the quality of the food served. For those seeking spiritual exploration, the villa is conveniently located near the Kanakeshwar devasthan temple, a must-visit for a peaceful experience.

• Rion Villa, Veshvi, Alibaug

Located in Veshvi, this private bungalow is designed to create unforgettable memories for its guests. The accommodations are often described as stunning, offering a luxurious and comfortable retreat. The presence of a pool adds to the allure, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment. The service is frequently highlighted as outstanding, contributing to a memorable stay. Guests can also explore nearby attractions, including various places to visit near the Kankeshwar temple.

• Coast House, Awas, Alibaug

Nestled in Awas, the Coast House offers a beautiful setting with well-kept rooms, making it an appealing choice for a getaway. The property is often praised for its pleasant ambiance and the availability of good food. A notable feature is that it welcomes pets, making it a convenient option for travelers with furry companions who want to enjoy a coastal retreat. Its proximity to Kankeshwar Alibag ensures easy access to this iconic destination.

• Kylo Villa, Varsoli, Alibag

This three-bedroom villa in Varsoli is a well-maintained and clean property, ideal for a relaxing weekend. It offers a private and comfortable space for guests looking to unwind away from the city. The emphasis is often on its tidiness and the overall sense of peace it provides for a rejuvenating break. For those searching for hotels near Kanakeshwar temple, this villa serves as an excellent accommodation option.

• Rooftop Cabin, Varsoli, Alibaug

Located in Varsoli, this unique cabin stands out for its amazing rooftop area, which likely offers great views and a special space to relax. The property is generally described as clean, with a pool for guests to enjoy. The staff is often mentioned for being helpful, and the overall experience aims to provide a sense of privacy and comfort, enhanced by the appealing rooftop feature. Guests can wake up early to catch the breathtaking Kanakeshwar temple sunrise view from nearby vantage points.

2. What deity is worshipped at Kankeshwar Temple?

Lord Shiva is the primary deity worshipped at the Kankeshwar Temple, making it a significant Shaivite pilgrimage site in the Alibaug region. Devotees visit to offer prayers to Lord Shiva and seek his blessings in the serene hilltop setting.

3. How many steps are there in Kankeshwar?

There are around 700-750 steps that devotees need to climb to reach the Kankeshwar Temple situated atop the hill. This climb is considered a part of the pilgrimage and offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape as you ascend.

4. Are there any festivals celebrated at Kankeshwar Temple?

Yes, Mahashivratri is a major festival celebrated with great enthusiasm at Kankeshwar Temple, attracting a large number of devotees. Special prayers, rituals, and cultural programs are organized during this auspicious time.

5. How to reach Kankeshwar Temple from Mumbai?

To reach Kankeshwar Temple from Mumbai, you can take a ferry from the Gateway of India to Alibaug and then hire a local transport like a taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach the temple. Alternatively, you can drive from Mumbai to Alibaug via road, which takes approximately 3-4 hours, and then proceed to the temple.

6. Is photography allowed inside Kankeshwar Temple?

Photography is generally not allowed inside the Kankeshwar Temple to maintain the sanctity of the religious space. However, you might be permitted to take Kankeshwar temple photos of the scenic surroundings and the temple exterior.

7. What are the nearby attractions around Kankeshwar Temple?

Nearby attractions around Kankeshwar Temple include Alibaug town with its beaches and Kolaba Fort, as well as other beaches like Kihim and Mandwa, which are within a short driving distance. The natural beauty of the surrounding hills and forests also offers opportunities for trekking and exploration.

Final Words for Kanakeshwar Temple in Alibaug

Whenever you visit Alibaug, there will be much more to explore than you 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.