Harnai beach is located in Dapoli in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra. It is a flat beach which houses the Suvarnadurg Fort, Kanakdurg Fort, Goa Fort, Fattegad Fort and the Durga Devi Temple. Harnai Beach is also known as Maharshi Karve Beach. Northern end of the beach is almost filled with sea gulls.
Durga Devi Temple of Harnai Beach
Durga Devi Temple near the Harnai Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions. This temple, dedicated to goddess Durga, was built in the 18th century. The structure of the temple is like Pyramid with terracotta tiles along with a pond and a hanging temple bell to the left of the main entrance.
Suvarnadurg Fort of Harnai Beach
Suvarnadurg Sea Fort is a medieval fort that attracts thousands of tourists in every season. It is a shore fort and surrounded by sea on all sides. It was conquered and refurbished by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the year 1660. It was also a base for the Maratha navy ship-building facility. Suvarnadurg fort was the base for Kanhojee Angrey who was the chief of Maratha Navy. Kanhojee Angrey spent his childhood in Suvarnadurg fort, of which he later became the Governor. He set up powerful fleet of warships to protect the western coast of Konkan from the attacks of British East India Company, French East India Company, Dutch East India Company and Portuguese East India Company. Suvarnadurg fort is a landmark in Konkan Coast. Kanakdurg Fort, Goa Fort and Fattegad Fort were built to protect the Suvarnadurg Fort.
Kanakdurg Fort of Harnai Beach
Kanakdurg Fort was constructed by Shahu Maharaj in the year 1710. On one of the highest points on the fort, there is an old lighthouse which gives a fabulous view of the beach. Earlier this lighthouse was used by fishermen and sailors as a navigation guide towards Harnai Port.
Goa Fort of Harnai Beach
Goa Fort lies on the way of Harnai harbour and Harnai Fish Market. It can be identified by its huge black stoned wall. This fort gives an astounding view of the Suvarnadurg Fort.
Fattegad Fort of Harnai Beach
Fattegad Fort was built by Khairiyat Khan during the Shivaji era. This fort was under the control of Tulaji Angre. Due to the rivalry between Peshwa and Angre, combined efforts were made by British and the Peshwa against Tulaji. The fort was captured by Captain James and handed over to the Peshwas. In 1817 British forces captured the fort from the Peshwas.
Visiting information on Harnai Beach
Ratnagiri Airport and Kherdi Railway Station are the nearest to Dapoli. National Highway 16 connects this place to other major cities of India.
