Sawantwadi was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Sawantwadi, ruled by the Bhonsle royal clan of the Marathas. Until 1850, Sawantwadi was known as Sunderwadi. The name Sawantwadi came into the practice because of the surname of the state's ruling family of Khem-sawants. The palace was earlier located on Narendra hill. Khemsawant III constructed the existing palace in late 18th century (1755–1803), and Moti-Talao (Talao-lake) was built in front in 1874. Sawantwadi is known for its wooden toys and models thanks to an active woodcraft industry. It is also becoming a major tourist attraction. Most of the people of Sawantvadi are Malvanis, as Sawantwadi falls in the Malvan region. Typical households of Sawantvadi follow the norms of Malvani cuisine. On special occasions they eat vadas, fried cakes of rice and udid flour; puran-polis, wheat cakes staffed with gram flour and sugar; and rarely, ladus, sugared and buttered wheat balls. Brahmans, Lingayats, and Gujarat Vanis, whether Vaishnavs or Shravaks, are an exception to this, as except the Gaud Brahmans or Shenvis who eat fish, they touch no animal food. The everyday food of a poor household is nachni bread, and occasionally rice and curry with vadas. Besides dried fish, which is usually bought in October, stores of rice, pulse, salt, and red pepper, enough to last from four to six months, are laid in during March and April. Sawantvadi is famous for its arts and culture. It is especially known for its wooden crafts, and various traditional arts still thrive in the city. Lacquerware – Sawantvadi is well known for its lacquerware, an art form that was brought to the attention the public by Queen Satwasheela Devi. Local artisans employed in the palace have proved instrumental in the production of lacquer-ware furniture, chess sets, board games, candlesticks, fruits, vegetables, and dolls. The quality of the articles render the items extremely expensive. Konkani (Malwani Konkani) is the predominant spoken language in Sawantvadi. Marathi, being the state language, is also understood and implemented. Moti Talao: This is in front of the palace. Raghunath Market: Raghunath Market is yet another speciality of Sawantwadi. Kolgaon Archway: This 300 years old stone archway in Kolgaon village welcomes visitors to Sawantwadi town.
Amboli is a hill station in south Maharashtra, India. The last hill station before the coastal highlands of Goa and a relatively unexplored one. Amboli lies in the Sahayadri Hills of Western India, one of the world's "Eco Hot-Spots" and it therefore abounds in a variety of fairly unique flora and fauna. In the hills of Amboli village lies the source of the Hiranyakeshi river, and an ancient Shiva temple (called Hiranyakeshwar) exists at the cave where the water emerges. The main attraction for tourists is the incredibly high rainfall (7 m average per year) and the numerous waterfalls and mist during the monsoons. Legend has it that there are 108 Shiva temples in and around Amboli. This is a hill station. but not crowded. It is on the border of Konkan and south maharashtra. Cool in summer also.
Shri Devi Mauli temple at Sonurli near Sawantwadi is a local pilgrim centre and known as South Konkans Pandharpur. Devi Mauli is also called as"Mahishasur Mardini. Buffalo is a pious carrier of the goddess. The charming idol is carvedin back rock and is about more than 300 years old. Shree Mouli Mandir is 4 km Away from Sawantwadi Station & 13 Km From Sawantwadi Depo. On Occasion Of Tripuri Pornima here held a Jatra Called "Lotangon Jatra". The spacious temple built in four main parts. The idol of goddess has established in thefourth part, The goddess is adorned with sword, shield and Trishul. Sonurli's fair is one of the three bag fairs hold in Sindhudurg. It's situated in theheart of mountains. The small village is replete with natures bounty.
Hiranyakeshi Temple located some 5 km from the main bus stand in Amboli, the Hiranyakeshi Temple is where the Hiranyakeshi River originates. The temple is erected around the caves from where the river originates. Beside the temple, there is another natural cave that can be explored. The river derives its name from the Shri Hiranyakeshi temple. Hiranyakeshi is a sanskrit word which means "one with golden hair" with respect to the goddess Parvati in the temple. The temple itself is supposed to be situated in a "Devrai" or a sacred groove as is labelled by the locals. Hiranyakeshwar temple, a holy shrine dedicated to the goddess Parvati near the hill-station of Amboli. The shrine also houses an idol of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati’s husband.
