The short answer
Kelshi Mahalaxmi Temple and Beach: what visitors should know first
Visit if you want a quiet village temple and a peaceful beach rather than activities. It is a longer drive from Dapoli, so combine it with Anjarle and plan for facilities to be basic.
History and context
The story behind Kelshi Mahalaxmi Temple and Beach
Wikipedia dates the Mahalaxmi temple to 1808, in the Peshwa era, while noting the complex is much older and that Shivaji and Sambhaji are said to have visited. Other sources describe it as 18th century or about 350 years old. Dates therefore vary by source.
Wikipedia also notes that sand dunes, said to have formed after a 16th-century tsunami, protect the village from the Bharja river.
Useful facts
Kelshi Mahalaxmi Temple and Beach facts at a glance
- Location
- Kelshi village, about 30 km from Dapoli
- Faith
- Hindu; a dargah also stands nearby
- Deity/dedication
- Goddess Mahalaxmi
- Visitor note
- Footwear off; basic facilities in village
- Built
- Peshwa era; sources vary, 18th century to 1808
Why it matters
Why Kelshi Mahalaxmi Temple and Beach is worth your time
Kelshi shows what the Dapoli coast looked like before resorts. A small village, a temple at its centre and a beach used mainly by locals make it the most low-key option among the places in this guide.
The temple's age is reported differently by different sources, with one dating it to 1808 and others describing it as 18th century or about 350 years old, which is a reminder to treat local temple dates as approximate. For visitors the value is in the stillness and the village life.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Peshwa-era temple
A village temple dedicated to Mahalaxmi that is the focus of local worship.
- 02
A 3 km beach
A long stretch of sand backed by coconut and betel palms, good for sunsets and shell collecting.
- 03
Village stillness
Few facilities and few crowds make this the quietest stop on the coast.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Kelshi is a small seaside village in Dapoli taluka, protected from the Bharja river by sand dunes. The Mahalaxmi temple, built in the Peshwa period, is the main religious site, and the village is the quietest of the places on this coast.
Start with the temple in the morning, when the village is calm, then walk to the beach. The beach runs about 3 km, with greenery, coconut and betel palms behind it. Visitors collect shells, explore rocks and watch the sun set behind the hills. Turtles are reported during the breeding season.
Kelshi is a longer drive from Dapoli than other beaches, around 30 km, and the road is slower than the distance suggests. Plan to combine it with Anjarle and the Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple, and eat in Dapoli or carry snacks.
Plan with confidence
Visit as a guest, not a spectator.
- Allow extra time for the drive from Dapoli
- Carry water and snacks; facilities are limited
- Dress modestly and remove footwear at the temple
- Book homestays ahead; options are small
- Combine with Anjarle on the same day
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kelshi village, about 30 km from Dapoli
- Time needed
- 2-3 hours
- Best time
- November to February; sunset at the beach
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The village is small and mostly flat. The beach is easy to reach but has few facilities, so carry water and plan any meals in advance, as the choice of restaurants is limited.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket is reported. Dress modestly and remove footwear at the temple. Check locally on photography and festival days.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Kelshi Mahalaxmi Temple and Beach
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The village is small and mostly flat. The beach is easy to reach but has few facilities, so carry water and plan any meals in advance, as the choice of restaurants is limited.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is Kelshi from Dapoli?
Around 30 km, along roads that are slower than the distance suggests.
When was the Kelshi Mahalaxmi temple built?
Sources differ. Wikipedia says 1808 in the Peshwa era; others say 18th century or about 350 years old.
Is there anything else at Kelshi?
A 3 km beach and a dargah, with homestays for overnight visitors.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
