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Surya River

Surya River

About:

The Surya River is a small but important river that flows through the Palghar district of Maharashtra, India. It originates in the Western Ghats and is a key water source for the Surya Dam, which serves irrigation and drinking water needs for the surrounding areas. The river also supports local agriculture and has spiritual and cultural significance for the people living in the region.



Location info:
Address: Raigad,Maharashtra,India.
District: Raigad.
Nearest City: Raigad.
Best time to visit: Nov to June.

Climate/Weather:
Summer (March to June): Warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. Monsoon (July to September): Heavy rainfall, with the river swelling significantly. The monsoon brings lush greenery to the surrounding areas. Winter (November to February): Cool and pleasant, with temperatures between 15°C and 28°C, making it the best time to visit.

History:
The Surya River has been a vital water source for local communities for centuries, supporting agriculture and daily needs. The construction of the Surya Dam in the 1980s further enhanced the river’s role in providing irrigation and drinking water to the nearby areas. The river holds cultural significance, with several temples and festivals dedicated to local deities along its banks.

Interesting things to do:

Rock climbing :
Rock climbing in Raigad region is a worth attempting adventure. Scattered evergreen forests and fast wind makes the surroundings of this area very cool even during summers.

Raigad provides excellent place of rock climbing like Torana Fort, Lingana Fort, Nijampur – Fort, Birwadi - Raigad Trek and Mangad – Raigad trek.Situated in the lap of the Sahyadri mountain range, Raigad is a center of enlivening peaks and vibrant ancient forts that are quite thrilling for climbers.

Interesting things to Visit:

Raigad Museum:
The museum has been created with the help of stalwarts of the Maratha history like Shri Ninadji Bedekar and Shri Babasaheb Purandare.The museum exhibits photographs of various forts in Shivaji's empire, artifacts, farmans and weapons used in those historic times. A film show on the Raigad fort created by a panel of historians offers a preview of various facets of this illustrious monument and it makes the trip meaningful and unforgettable.

Raigad Fort:
Raigad Fort, also called as ‘the Gibralter of the east’ was the invincible capital of the legendary king Sivaji. Placed at an altitude of 2700 feet on an irregular wedge-shaped mass of rock, Raigad fort is inaccessible from three sides. A massive fort, nested on a steep vertical rock face, appears defiant and insurmountable.

Queen's palace:
Raigad fort is a blend of numerous amazing structures, and the Queens Palace is one among them. The Queen's quarters in the fort consists of six chambers with each chamber having its own private commode with plumbing. The royal ladies were using these six rooms.The Queen’s palace was constructed using wood. The Queen’s royal chamber is called Rani Vasa, and it’s plenty of rooms and passages show the obvious privilege of the Queen. Some of the minarets in the Queen’s palace are in good shape and the entire structure generates an elegant look.

Mobile range info:
Mobile network coverage is generally good in the areas around the Surya River, with major service providers like Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone offering reliable service. However, in remote areas, network strength may fluctuate.

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station: Vir Dasgaon railway station is the nearest railhead to Raigad. This station is connected to Mumbai and Pune with regular trains.
Nearest Airport: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, about 100 km from the Surya River.
Road Transport: State transport offer bus regular and frequent services from Mumbai and Pune to Raigad. Raigad is well connected to all neighboring cities by the public transport buses.

Nearest Visiting places:

Jawhar Hill Station:
A popular hill station located about 25 km from the Surya River, known for its scenic views and cultural heritage.

Gangasagar Lake:
An artificial lake constructed adjacent to the Raigad fort, Gangasagar Lake is a wonder. The popular belief is that this pond was built in the time of Sivaji’s coronation and water from the holy river Ganges had been brought to this lake for Sivaji’s crowning ceremony.

Jagadishwar temple:
Sivaji was an ardent follower of the Hindu religion. Jagadishwar temple built in his royal palace is a clear proof of his devotion. History says that Sivaji used to visit this temple daily.The dome at the top of the temple is the reflection of the mughal architecture of that time. The main deity is a Jagadeeswara idol, which inspires the devotee for its uniqueness. The temple holds an idol of Nandi outside, facing the entrance of the temple.

Nearest Petrol Pump:
HP Petrol Pump, Jawhar: Located about 25 km from the river, a convenient refueling option for visitors.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Visava
Raigad, Maharashtra‎

Kamath Hotel
Raigad, Maharashtra‎

Apsara Hotel
Mahad, Raigad, Maharashtra

Things to carry:
Comfortable trekking shoes for exploring the natural trails and nearby areas. Sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun during outdoor activities. Rain gear if visiting during the monsoon, as the region experiences heavy rainfall. Water bottles and snacks as amenities near the river may be limited. Camera to capture the scenic beauty of the river and surrounding landscapes.

Tips & Suggestions:
The best time to visit the Surya River is during the monsoon (July to September) or winter (November to February), when the weather is pleasant and the river is at its scenic best. Be cautious near the river during the monsoon, as water levels can rise rapidly due to heavy rainfall. Carry sufficient cash, as ATMs and card payment facilities may be limited in remote areas. Ensure you have appropriate gear for outdoor activities, especially if planning to trek or engage in water sports.

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station: 100

Nearest Hospital:

Khopoli Hospital
Khopoli, Raigad, Maharashtra