Kanakeshwar forest in the countryside of the Konkan region of Maharastra is a beautiful forest with a mysterious calm. Kanakeshwar is a hidden treasure that has become popular with those who enjoy nature, trekking, and having a spiritual connection.
Tourists are drawn to the forest’s diverse flora and fauna, wildlife, and challenging treks. The forest offers a trend of glamping, which gives tourists a lavish experience within nature.
Even though the forest is a tourist destination it has made efforts to preserve the ecosystem through conservation. These conservation efforts help maintain the ecological balance and protect the wildlife.
Kanakeshwar Forest Historical Background
The history of Kanakeshwar Forest emerging as a tourist destination dates back to the ancient temple Kanakeshwar Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple has been a spiritual symbol for devotees for centuries and sits on a hilltop, 900 ft above the sea. Worshippers come here to offer their obeisances after making the vigorous trip of climbing the 700 steps to reach the temple through the forest.
This hike serves as a spiritual adventure, showcasing the relationship between nature and humans.
Also Read- A Weekend Getaway: Madh Island
Best Time to Visit and Travel Tips
Best time to visit – November to February
To enjoy your time in the forest, visit during the cooler months when the weather is pleasant for exploring the forest. You can visit Kanakeshwar Forest in the monsoon season, which brings the forest into lush greenery.
The heavy rains can make the trekking trails slippery and dangerous to navigate and walk through. With the monsoon season comes humidity and fogginess, which makes it difficult to walk through the forest and do outdoor activities.
Plan your trip in the cooler months to enjoy the pleasant weather and avoid the sweat and heat.
Planning Your Visit to Kanakeshwar Forest
How to Reach
Road – Take the Mumbai to Goa highway till Vadkhal and then turn right to continue towards Goa. after you reach Karlekhind, you’ll take another right turn to reach Mapgaon. From there you can take the buses that have routes to Alibaug.
Another route that can take you to Kanakeshwar is following the same route above but from Karlekhind you’ll go towards Kankeshwarphata.
Take a right turn and continue traveling towards Alibag – revas road til you reach Zirad village. From there bus routes toward Alibag are taken.
Water – If you’re traveling to Kanakeshwar you can also take the waterways, from Gateway of India. There are ferry services that have routes to Zirad from Mandwa. Zirad and Ziradpada also have autorickshaw services.
Air – The closest airport near Kanakeshwar is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, and from there you can take a cab to Alibaug.
Also Read- A Fun Day: Trampoline Parks In Hyderabad
Accommodation Options and booking tips: Kanakeshwar Forest
Booking in advance is the best way to prepare for a trip. You can use the help of online sites or take the help of travel agencies to get the best deals.
Here are a few tips to follow –
- Check different sites to compare prices and choose the one that fits your budget.
- Take the help of different sites like Makemytrip or Agoda to get discounts.
- Choose your transportation wisely.
- Pack according to your needs and carry essentials at all times.
- Research the destination.
- Try to eat where you’re staying as it will save you money.
- Dress comfortably
- Interact with locals to understand the traditions and culture.
- Book everything for a few months or weeks before as it will save money.
Accommodations
- Whispering winds- Starting at – 1,159 INR
- Gostops Alibaug- Starting at – 755 INR
- Tamarind Retreat- Starting at – 3,653 INR
- Nirmal Cottages- Starting at – 6,496 INR
- Albergo BNB- Starting at – 4,518 INR
- Tropicana Resort and Spa Alibaug- Starting at – 6,812 INR
- Sunshine Cottage- Starting at – 1,436 INR
- Rane’s Amari Resort- Starting at – 3,014 INR
Large Variety of Wildlife in Kanakeshwar Forest
Just like the many forests in the world, Kanakeshwar Forest has its beauty and a set of wildlife. This beautiful and dense forest is mesmerizing with its abundance of flora, fauna, and a large variety of wildlife.
Some wildlife species you’ll spot roaming in the forest –
- Poisonous snakes
- Panthers
- Leopards
- Wild boars
- Jaguars
- Mountain reptiles
- Rino
- Bears
The forest is a great place to see nature in its true form as it is rich in vegetation. As the forest is so thick, the tall trees block sunlight. The forest also has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the trail is difficult to take so you should take precautions.
The forest is so dense it has many deadly species of snakes, and you’ll spot many animals like panthers and wild pigs on your trek. You should carry binoculars as you’ll spot many bird species in the trees.
Tips for Nature Photographers: Capturing Kanakeshwar’s Beauty
Capturing Kanakeshwar Forest’s beauty is one of the reasons why people visit it, so here are a few tips to follow as you photograph the forest –
- Use different lenses for shots
- Respect the animals and environment
- Change your surroundings if you feel there aren’t good enough locations
- Check the weather before going for your photoshoot
- Be patient
- Use a tripod whenever necessary
- Take pictures in a setting with good lighting
- Keep an eye on your surroundings
- Don’t go near animals like leopards, panthers, or boars, as they might attack you.
- Avoid slippery areas as you might slip and hurt yourself.
- Don’t visit Kanakeshwar in the monsoon season
- Study nature and get creative
Also Read- Culture And History: Ghatshila Tourist Spot Travel Guide
Some Interesting Facts About Kanakeshwar Forest
- Kanakeshwar Forest is rich in Biodiversity
- It houses various flora and fauna, including species of plants and animals.
- Kanakeshwar Forest is recognized under the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Bird-watching, trekking, and nature photography are popular activities in Kanakeshwar.
- Shravan Somvar, Kamalpoojan, Kartika Purnima Yatra, and Maha Shivaratri are some of the festivals that are celebrated in Kanakeshwar.
- Many nature photographers come here to capture the diversity of the forest.
