We Found The Home Of The ‘Warli’ And It’s Just Here!

 

Jawhar was built by the Mukne Dynasty and is a lesser known hill station, located at an altitude of 518m, in the Sahaydari Mountain range, 272 kilometres from Pune.

Jawhar is situated in the Thane district and is known for its picturesque beauty and vibrant cultural heritage.

Fondly referred to as the ‘Mahabaleshwar of Thane District’, Jawhar, is a scenic destination with dense forests and several small and large waterfalls.

Jawhar was used as a base camp by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj during his travels to Surat.

It has been home for several tribes like the Warli, Kolcha and Kukana, these tribals communities have taken special efforts to preserve their culture and traditions.

Jawhar is also famous for its vibrant paintings that is now a characteristic speciality of this place. Traditionally, these paintings were done using rice paste and was used to decorate the earlier village huts. The tribals also paint on paper and canvas and sell them here.

Reaching Jawhar: 

To reach Jawhar from Pune head towards Mumbai Pune expressway, then head towards Thane-Bhiwandi- Yewai- Murhe- Mahapoli- Ambadi- Kodus and reach Wada. From Wada turn left towards Pali – Onde – Vikramgad – Sakhare and reach Jawhar.

By train, Igatpuri is the nearest station to reach jawhar. Later you can either take a taxi from Igatpuri to reach or another closest railway station is Dahanu on the western railway.

Stay And Food:

There are limited options at Jawhar with less hotels. However one can enjoy the traditional hospitality of the locals by Jawhar, by opting to live in a homestay. Home cooked food is their speciality and certainly not to be missed.

Places To Visit:

Dabhosa Waterfall 

The waterfall is only 18 km away from Jawhar, it is situated on the lendi river and on the other side of a river at sarsun there is Dadarkopara Waterfall.
It is a great wonder of Jawhar, surrounded by the lush greenery and thick woods.Both sides of the waterfall are surrounded by huge mountains of height not less than 600 feet which are covered with medicinal herbs.

Jaivilas Palace

The Jai Vilas Palace is the most famous tourist destination in jawhar, which was built by Raje Yashwant Rao Maukne.

The palace is also known as Raj Bari which was built by using syenite stone brought from Kalidhond which is 5 km away from the location.

It is a beautiful pieced carved out of Pink stone, also has a beautiful garden with plants of Kaju everywhere.

Shripa Mal

Shirpa mal was built by Martha King Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, It is a massive structure created at the top of a hill so that kings could keep watch on activities of their enemy.

Although now it is known as is one of a major tourist attraction, while one can also enjoy the bird’s view of the whole city.

Bhopatgad fort

Another major destination describing the antiquity of the city’s pas, which is also built by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, it is known as one of the historical monument.

The fort comprises of dark chambers, it is also said that king uses to hold all his official and personal meetings.

People also believed that Lord Ram along with his wife Seeta and son Lav Khush visited the fort. The visit can be seen in the form of four footprints present in the forts, which also makes it exciting for the devotees.

Hanuman Point

The Hanuman Point is another exciting destination which offers a breathtaking view of wonderful nature in the surrounding. There was an old temple of Maruti which was surrounded by a dark forest of cactus, thus known as Katya Maruti Mandir.

As you travel ahead of the temple, you will see a beautiful valley that is almost 500 feet deep. The villagers believe that Lord Hanuman rested in this valley, before meeting Bharath, Lord Ram’s Brother. This is where this point got its name.

Sunset Point

The sunset point is a prime attraction for tourists, it is surrounded by a beautiful sanctuary of Gramadaivat arranged here. It is a picturesque sightseeing at Jawhar spot, the shape of the valley is like Bow (Dhanush) therefore it was earlier known as Dhanukamal.

#All images and distances are representative and only for information. Readers are advised to check finer details at the locations mentioned.