The Land of Culture and Natural beauty. Sindhudurg is famous for it's natural beauty like Beaches, Backwater, Waterfalls and Pilgrimage centers. The major attraction here is the long and narrow stretch of beaches. On a clear day, you can see the sea-bed through a depth of 20 ft. Then of course, there are the forts, Sindhudurg one of Maharashtra's more popular and important sea forts built in the 17th century and the famous Padmagarh fort. The name of the fort is given to the Sindhudurg district. Tourist from all over the world visit through out the year to see this Maratha glory.
Sindhudurg is in the Kokan area of Maharastra having picturesque stretch of land on the west cost of India, endowed with the beautiful seashore, picturesque Mountains and scenic natural beauty and known for tropical fruits like the world famous Alphonso mangoes, cashews, Jamuns etc.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Geographical Details
Sindhudurg district is situated between Latitudes 15.37 and 16.40 North, and longitudes 73.19 and 74.18 East. It is boarded by the Arabian Sea on the West and Sahyadri hill ranges to the East with a total area of 5,207 sq.km.Sindhudurg is in the Kokan area of Maharastra having picturesque stretch of land on the west cost of India, endowed with the beautiful seashore, picturesque Mountains and scenic natural beauty and known for tropical fruit like the world famous Alphonso mangoes, cashews, Jamuns etc.National Highway 17 passes through this area. With 7 railway stations, a 103 Km stretch of Konkan Railway line passes through this district. It has good road and rail links with Goa and Bombay.
North Latitudes 15.37 to 16.40
East Longitude 73.19 to 74.18
Geog.Area 5207 Sq.Kilometer
North Latitudes 15.37 to 16.40
East Longitude 73.19 to 74.18
Geog.Area 5207 Sq.Kilometer
Climate & Rainfall :
Climate :-
Min.Temp - 16.3 Celsius
Max.Temp -33.8 Celsius
Rainfall :-
3,287mm ( Average ) Sindhudurg witnesses rain for full four months June, July, August and September
Min.Temp - 16.3 Celsius
Max.Temp -33.8 Celsius
Rainfall :-
3,287mm ( Average ) Sindhudurg witnesses rain for full four months June, July, August and September
Wild life
Most of the district area covered by dense rain forest, Amboli hill station area is most suitable habitat for wild animals like leopard, wild cats, rabbits, wild hen and some times wild buffalo also appears in winter season. Wild buffalos comes down from Radhanagri forest (Kolhapur District) for search of food and water Recently Elephants are also making entry into Sindhudurg District (Dodamarg taluka) from Karnataka state through Khanapur jungle. This is the first time, elephants finding habitation in Maharashtra state. Tillari major irrigation project area(Dodamarg taluka) is covered with lush dense rain forest and most suitable for elephant habitat. But local people facing problem, as elephants are destroying crops and trees.
LeopardWeight (kg) -
30-90 Litter Size - 2-3 averageInfant Mortality - 40-50%Life Span - 12-17 yearsHabitation of Leopard covers all most whole district and its population is increasing every year. As per the 2005 wild animal survey, 18 leopards and 2 tigers were counted. Its normal preys are domestic dogs, wild boars, wild rabbits and occasionally domestic cattle. Till now, no incidents of attacking on human beings. The body of an adult leopard is about 0.91 to 1.91 m (3 to 6.3 ft) long, exclusive of the 1-m (3-ft) tail. Typically the coat is pale tan, and it is marked with broken circles of black spots.
Wild BoarWeight (kg) -
50-100Infant Mortality - 60-70%Life Span - 5-8 yearsEnemies - Leopard, HumanWild boar population is more in Sindhudurg as compared to any other Konkan district. Normally comes out from shelter in night time to search of food. Wild boar is comes under protected species. The wild boar is grayish-black and about 1.2 m (about 4 ft) long and 91 cm (36 in) high at the shoulder, with short, woolly hair interspersed with bristles forming a mane along the spine. The lower teeth grow into formidable tusks, which turn up and are sometimes 30 cm (12 in) long. They are used for defense and digging. The boar usually inhabits marshy forestland, feeding largely on roots and grain, although occasionally it kills and eats small animals. Boars travel in small groups.
Bear:-
The bear, found in Sindhudurg district, gets its name from its sluggish movements. Related to the Asiatic black bear, the bear can weigh up to 140 kg. Bears are well-adapted for extracting insects, especially termites, from holes: The five claws on each foot are very long, to help in digging; the hair on the face is short; the lips and snout are flexible;and the nostrils can close. Young bears often ride on their mothers' backs, clinging to the long hair. The mothers can be aggressive, but they seldom pose a real threat. The young stay with their mothers at least until the second year. Except for family groups, bears are solitary.
Mongoose:-
The Mongoose is found in most of the areas of Sindhudurg. The head and body of a typical mongoose are a total of 23 to 65 cm (9 to 26 in) long and grayish or brownish in color. The animal has a tapered head, long tail, and short feet. Mongooses live about 7 to 12 years in the wild. They have one to four young in each litter. They subsist on rodents and snakes and are renowned for attacking even the largest and most poisonous snakes to whose poison they are not immune by an agile avoidance of their strikes.
Rabbit:-
Wild rabbits are commonly appear in all parts of the district, and even seen on the road at night while driving. Some time creates problems for farmers eating their crops and seeds at sowing season. The Rabbits have a life span of about 2-5 years. These animals, which weigh from about 1 to 5 kg (about 2 to 11 lb) and attain a length of about 30 to 60 cm (about 12 to 24 in), feed mainly on herbs, tree bark, and vegetables. They prefer to live in regions where the soil is loose and dry and where brushwood offers shelter.
Gaur ( Wild Buffalo ):-
Gaur found in dense forests of Dodamarg taluka and in periphery of Choukul village near Amboli. The adult is reddish-brown to blackish-brown; the legs from above the knees to the hooves are white. The thick, curved horns are covered with white hair at the junction with the broad forehead and are black-tipped. The adult male is 1.6 to 2.2 m (5.4 to 7.2 ft) high at the shoulder and reaches a length of 2.5 to 3.3 m (8.2 to 11 ft) from nose to tail. The gaur feeds on grass and shoots of bamboo and trees.
Elephants:-
Recently Elephants are also making entry into Sindhudurg District (Dodamarg taluka) from Karnataka state through Khanapur jungle. This is the first time, elephants finding habitation in Maharashtra state. Tillari major irrigation project area(Dodamarg taluka) is covered with lush dense rain forest is most suitable for elephant habitat. Elephant, a huge mammal characterized by a long muscular snout and two long, curved tusks. Highly intelligent and strong, elephants are the largest land animals and are among the longest-lived, with life spans of 60 years or more. Healthy, full-grown elephants have no natural enemies other than humans. The elephants live in grassy regions.. Dark gray in color, bull (male) elephants stand about 3.4 m (11 ft) tall and weigh about 5.4 metric tons, while cow (female) elephants stand 2.8 m (9 ft) tall and weigh about 3.6 metric tons. They have no sweat glands, so they like to cool off by rolling in ponds and streams. The mud that dries on their skin protects it from the sun.
Macaque Monkey:-
Red faced Macaque monkeys habitat covers whole district area. Monkeys population is more at Amboli Ghat and they entertain tourists, tourists feed them banana, pea-nuts, bread etc.
If you have luck, can see dolphins group near Arawali, Nivati and Bogave beaches. Normally dolphins comes to sea shore by racing folk of small fish to prey them. Morning 9.00 AM and evening 5.00 PM is dolphins deserved timings on sea shore. Dolphins are aquatic mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. They vary in size from 1.2 m (4 ft) and 40 kg (88 lb) (Maui's Dolphin), up to 9.5 m (30 ft) and ten tonnes (the Orca). They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid. The family Delphinidae is the largest in the Cetacea, and relatively recent: dolphins evolved about ten million years ago, during the Miocene. Dolphins are considered to be amongst the most intelligent of animals and their often friendly appearance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular in human culture.
LeopardWeight (kg) -
30-90 Litter Size - 2-3 averageInfant Mortality - 40-50%Life Span - 12-17 yearsHabitation of Leopard covers all most whole district and its population is increasing every year. As per the 2005 wild animal survey, 18 leopards and 2 tigers were counted. Its normal preys are domestic dogs, wild boars, wild rabbits and occasionally domestic cattle. Till now, no incidents of attacking on human beings. The body of an adult leopard is about 0.91 to 1.91 m (3 to 6.3 ft) long, exclusive of the 1-m (3-ft) tail. Typically the coat is pale tan, and it is marked with broken circles of black spots.
Wild BoarWeight (kg) -
50-100Infant Mortality - 60-70%Life Span - 5-8 yearsEnemies - Leopard, HumanWild boar population is more in Sindhudurg as compared to any other Konkan district. Normally comes out from shelter in night time to search of food. Wild boar is comes under protected species. The wild boar is grayish-black and about 1.2 m (about 4 ft) long and 91 cm (36 in) high at the shoulder, with short, woolly hair interspersed with bristles forming a mane along the spine. The lower teeth grow into formidable tusks, which turn up and are sometimes 30 cm (12 in) long. They are used for defense and digging. The boar usually inhabits marshy forestland, feeding largely on roots and grain, although occasionally it kills and eats small animals. Boars travel in small groups.
Bear:-
The bear, found in Sindhudurg district, gets its name from its sluggish movements. Related to the Asiatic black bear, the bear can weigh up to 140 kg. Bears are well-adapted for extracting insects, especially termites, from holes: The five claws on each foot are very long, to help in digging; the hair on the face is short; the lips and snout are flexible;and the nostrils can close. Young bears often ride on their mothers' backs, clinging to the long hair. The mothers can be aggressive, but they seldom pose a real threat. The young stay with their mothers at least until the second year. Except for family groups, bears are solitary.
Mongoose:-
The Mongoose is found in most of the areas of Sindhudurg. The head and body of a typical mongoose are a total of 23 to 65 cm (9 to 26 in) long and grayish or brownish in color. The animal has a tapered head, long tail, and short feet. Mongooses live about 7 to 12 years in the wild. They have one to four young in each litter. They subsist on rodents and snakes and are renowned for attacking even the largest and most poisonous snakes to whose poison they are not immune by an agile avoidance of their strikes.
Rabbit:-
Wild rabbits are commonly appear in all parts of the district, and even seen on the road at night while driving. Some time creates problems for farmers eating their crops and seeds at sowing season. The Rabbits have a life span of about 2-5 years. These animals, which weigh from about 1 to 5 kg (about 2 to 11 lb) and attain a length of about 30 to 60 cm (about 12 to 24 in), feed mainly on herbs, tree bark, and vegetables. They prefer to live in regions where the soil is loose and dry and where brushwood offers shelter.
Gaur ( Wild Buffalo ):-
Gaur found in dense forests of Dodamarg taluka and in periphery of Choukul village near Amboli. The adult is reddish-brown to blackish-brown; the legs from above the knees to the hooves are white. The thick, curved horns are covered with white hair at the junction with the broad forehead and are black-tipped. The adult male is 1.6 to 2.2 m (5.4 to 7.2 ft) high at the shoulder and reaches a length of 2.5 to 3.3 m (8.2 to 11 ft) from nose to tail. The gaur feeds on grass and shoots of bamboo and trees.
Elephants:-
Recently Elephants are also making entry into Sindhudurg District (Dodamarg taluka) from Karnataka state through Khanapur jungle. This is the first time, elephants finding habitation in Maharashtra state. Tillari major irrigation project area(Dodamarg taluka) is covered with lush dense rain forest is most suitable for elephant habitat. Elephant, a huge mammal characterized by a long muscular snout and two long, curved tusks. Highly intelligent and strong, elephants are the largest land animals and are among the longest-lived, with life spans of 60 years or more. Healthy, full-grown elephants have no natural enemies other than humans. The elephants live in grassy regions.. Dark gray in color, bull (male) elephants stand about 3.4 m (11 ft) tall and weigh about 5.4 metric tons, while cow (female) elephants stand 2.8 m (9 ft) tall and weigh about 3.6 metric tons. They have no sweat glands, so they like to cool off by rolling in ponds and streams. The mud that dries on their skin protects it from the sun.
Macaque Monkey:-
Red faced Macaque monkeys habitat covers whole district area. Monkeys population is more at Amboli Ghat and they entertain tourists, tourists feed them banana, pea-nuts, bread etc.
If you have luck, can see dolphins group near Arawali, Nivati and Bogave beaches. Normally dolphins comes to sea shore by racing folk of small fish to prey them. Morning 9.00 AM and evening 5.00 PM is dolphins deserved timings on sea shore. Dolphins are aquatic mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost forty species of dolphin in seventeen genera. They vary in size from 1.2 m (4 ft) and 40 kg (88 lb) (Maui's Dolphin), up to 9.5 m (30 ft) and ten tonnes (the Orca). They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid. The family Delphinidae is the largest in the Cetacea, and relatively recent: dolphins evolved about ten million years ago, during the Miocene. Dolphins are considered to be amongst the most intelligent of animals and their often friendly appearance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular in human culture.
Brief History of Sindhudurg District
Sindhudurg district is the southern part of the greater tract known as the 'Konkan' which is historically famous for its long coast line and safe harbors. Sindhudurg district was earlier a part of the Ratnagiri district . For administrative convenience and industrial and agricultural development Ratnagiri district was divided into Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg with effect from 1st May,1981. Sindhudurg district now comprises of eight tahsils of Sawantwadi, Kudal, Vengurla,Malvan,Devgad, Kankavli, Vaibhavwadi and Dodamarg.The word 'Konkan' is of Indian origin and of considerable antiquity, though the origin of the name has never been sufficiently explained.
The seven kingdoms of the Konkan of Hindu mythology are mentioned in the 'Hindu History of Kashmir' and are said to have included nearly the whole west coast of India. The Pandavas, are said to have passed through this region in the 13 th year of their exile and had settled in this area for some time . The Raja of this region Veerat Ray had accompanied them in the famous war at Kurukshetra with the Kauravas.In the second century A.D. The great empire of Mauryas annexed all the Konkan coast. In the middle of the sixth century, kings of the Maurya and Nala dynasties appear to have been ruling in the Konkan. The district of Ratnagiri was under the Silahars and the capital of their kingdom was probably Goa and later it may have been transferred to a more central place in the vicinity of Ratnagiri or Kharepatan.
Chandrapur was one of the most ancient towns in Kokan , probably founded by Chandraditya a son of the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II.The 16th century saw the advent and rise of Portuguese power on the west coast of India and Sindhudurg was no exception. The sultan lost hold on the district in 1675 with the rise of Shivaji leading finally into the hands of Marathas. Marathas continued to the district till 1817 i.e. when the struggle between the British and the Peshvas came to an end and the whole of Konkan was transferred to the British.In 1819 South Konkan was formed as separate district with its headquarters first at Bankot and later at Ratnagiri . Three northern subdivisions were transferred to Thane District in 1830 and the district was reduced to a sub-collectorate level under Thane district .
In 1832 , it was again made a full-fledged district and named as Ratnagiri district. In the year 1945, a new mahal ( tahsil) called Kankavli Mahal (tahcil) was formed . The former Indian state of Sawantwadi was merged with the district and the taluka boundaries were reorganized in the year 1949. In the same year the new taluka of the Sawantwadi was created and two new mahals namely Kudal and Lanja were formed . With the reorganization of the states in 1956, the district was included in the Bombay state and since 1960, it forms a part of Maharashtra.The name of the district has been adopted form the famous sea fort of Sindhudurg. This was built by Shivaji Maharaj near Malwan and it literally means 'Sea Fort'. Its construction started on November 25, 1664 and after 3 years it was completed in such a fashion that it could not be seen easily by the enemy coming from the Arabian Sea.
The seven kingdoms of the Konkan of Hindu mythology are mentioned in the 'Hindu History of Kashmir' and are said to have included nearly the whole west coast of India. The Pandavas, are said to have passed through this region in the 13 th year of their exile and had settled in this area for some time . The Raja of this region Veerat Ray had accompanied them in the famous war at Kurukshetra with the Kauravas.In the second century A.D. The great empire of Mauryas annexed all the Konkan coast. In the middle of the sixth century, kings of the Maurya and Nala dynasties appear to have been ruling in the Konkan. The district of Ratnagiri was under the Silahars and the capital of their kingdom was probably Goa and later it may have been transferred to a more central place in the vicinity of Ratnagiri or Kharepatan.
Chandrapur was one of the most ancient towns in Kokan , probably founded by Chandraditya a son of the Chalukya king Pulakeshin II.The 16th century saw the advent and rise of Portuguese power on the west coast of India and Sindhudurg was no exception. The sultan lost hold on the district in 1675 with the rise of Shivaji leading finally into the hands of Marathas. Marathas continued to the district till 1817 i.e. when the struggle between the British and the Peshvas came to an end and the whole of Konkan was transferred to the British.In 1819 South Konkan was formed as separate district with its headquarters first at Bankot and later at Ratnagiri . Three northern subdivisions were transferred to Thane District in 1830 and the district was reduced to a sub-collectorate level under Thane district .
In 1832 , it was again made a full-fledged district and named as Ratnagiri district. In the year 1945, a new mahal ( tahsil) called Kankavli Mahal (tahcil) was formed . The former Indian state of Sawantwadi was merged with the district and the taluka boundaries were reorganized in the year 1949. In the same year the new taluka of the Sawantwadi was created and two new mahals namely Kudal and Lanja were formed . With the reorganization of the states in 1956, the district was included in the Bombay state and since 1960, it forms a part of Maharashtra.The name of the district has been adopted form the famous sea fort of Sindhudurg. This was built by Shivaji Maharaj near Malwan and it literally means 'Sea Fort'. Its construction started on November 25, 1664 and after 3 years it was completed in such a fashion that it could not be seen easily by the enemy coming from the Arabian Sea.
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