The short answer
Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple, Anjarle: what visitors should know first
Go for the setting and for the temple's reputation among Maharashtrian pilgrims. Be ready for steps up to the shrine; if stairs are difficult, ask locally whether a lower approach is practical on the day and keep the visit short.
History and context
The story behind Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple, Anjarle
Wikipedia reports that the temple was first built with wooden pillars around 1150 and renovated between 1768 and 1780, noting that many older accounts are unverified. The Nitsure family is recorded as administering it since 1630.
Before a bridge and road were built over the Anjarle creek, the mouth of the Jog river, pilgrims crossed by boat and then climbed the steps through the village to the temple.
Useful facts
Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple, Anjarle facts at a glance
- Location
- Anjarle village, Dapoli taluka, Ratnagiri district
- Faith
- Hindu
- Deity/dedication
- Ganesha, with a right-curving trunk
- Visitor note
- Stone staircase to the shrine; footwear off
- Built
- Origin traced to around 1150; renovated 1768-1780
Why it matters
Why Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple, Anjarle is worth your time
Kadyavarcha Ganpati is a local pilgrimage anchor for the Dapoli coast. Accounts date the original wooden-pillared temple to around 1150, with renovation in the late 18th century, and the Nitsure family is recorded as managing it since 1630, though the older stories are hard to verify.
Its appeal also lies in the setting. The cliff-top position above the sea, the creek crossing that pilgrims once made by boat and the quiet village below show how deeply temple and coastline are tied together here. For Maharashtrian visitors it is part of a family circuit along the Konkan coast.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The cliff-top setting
The shrine looks over the creek, coconut groves, the sea and the line of Suvarnadurg.
- 02
The right-trunked idol
Devotees regard the idol as a living deity, and the form is considered especially strict and powerful.
- 03
The pond
A pond in front of the temple holds fish and turtles, which visitors feed.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The temple stands on a cliff above the sea. Until a bridge and road were built over the creek, pilgrims came by boat and climbed through the village; now you can drive to Anjarle and start the climb to the shrine. Plan on a staircase and some uneven ground, and wear footwear that is easy to take off.
Inside, the Ganesha idol has its trunk curving to the right, a form devotees regard as especially powerful, and many call it a deity that answers prayers. A small Shiva temple stands beside it, and the pond in front holds fish and turtles that visitors feed. Walk to the top of the shrine if the steps allow; the view takes in coconut and betel groves, Suvarnadurg and the sea.
After the temple, spend a little time at Anjarle's beach, which is quiet and has limited facilities. Bring water, and eat in Dapoli or Harnai rather than expecting a choice of restaurants here.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Wear footwear that is easy to remove and cover shoulders and knees
- Do the climb in the morning to avoid heat and crowds
- Avoid Ganesh Chaturthi week unless you want the festival crowd
- Carry water; facilities near the temple are limited
- Combine with Anjarle beach and Harnai
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Anjarle village, near the Jog river mouth, south of Dapoli
- Time needed
- 1-1.5 hours
- Best time
- Morning; November to February. Expect larger crowds around Ganesh Chaturthi
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- A stone staircase leads to the shrine, so there is a real climb. Take it slowly, use the handrails where present, and plan a rest at the pond or in the village before descending.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket is reported. Remove footwear before the shrine and dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Check local advice on photography inside the sanctum.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple, Anjarle
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
A stone staircase leads to the shrine, so there is a real climb. Take it slowly, use the handrails where present, and plan a rest at the pond or in the village before descending.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Are there steps at Kadyavarcha Ganpati?
Yes. A stone staircase leads up to the shrine and the top of the temple, so allow time and rest if mobility is limited.
How old is the temple?
The origin is traced to around 1150, with renovation between 1768 and 1780. Treat older stories as tradition.
Can you see Suvarnadurg from the temple?
The view from the top of the temple is described as including the fort, the sea and nearby hills.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
