Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple

Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple (the 18th century black basalt stone Shiva temple sitting high on a 1,200 foot forested mountain, reached by climbing 750 historic stone steps through dense tropical woods) in the village of Mapgaon near Alibaug in Maharashtra, stands as northern Raigad's supreme hilltop pilgrimage and spiritual trekking sanctuary.

Constructed in 1764 by Ramchandra Raghuwanshi during the Peshwa era, this sacred mountain shrine presides over the coastal ridge between Mandwa and Alibaug, offering cool highland breezes and panoramic views stretching across the Arabian Sea to the Mumbai harbor skyline.

It's the home of the sacred self manifested Shiva Lingam consecrated beneath a 54 foot carved stone spire, the ancient stone Pushkarna Teerth water tank fed by natural springs, scenic resting halts along the 750 step stairway including Nagobacha Tappa and Gaymandi, and an intensely peaceful, deeply spiritual mountain ambiance filled with the chirping of jungle birds, the fragrance of wild medicinal plants, and the rhythmic ringing of heavy temple bells.

It represents a rich Maharashtra Peshwa era temple architecture heritage apex, coastal Shaivite devotion, and nature trekking where hilltop stone mandaps, Kanakeshwar forest trails, Brahma Kund reservoirs, and Kolaba sea fort circuits unite in Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple.

Located in Mapgaon village, it sits 13 km northeast of Alibaug Bus Stand, 12 km south of Mandwa Ferry Jetty, 25 km from Pen Railway Station, and 105 km from Mumbai via NH 66, easily reached by auto rickshaw, private taxi, or state transport bus.

The 750 Step Pilgrim Trek & Kanakeshwar Forest

The journey to the temple begins at Mapgaon base, where pilgrims ascend a well maintained stone stairway of 750 steps shaded by ancient banyan, mango, and teak trees.

Along the climb, visitors pass historic landmarks including Nagobacha Tappa (a resting platform marked by snake carvings), Phirangi Talav, and the Gaymandi cow mouth water spout that has provided cool spring water to travelers for centuries.

Truth is, emerging from the shaded forest canopy onto the windy temple plateau to hear temple conches echoing across the valley will reward every bit of climbing effort.

Pushkarna Teerth, Brahma Kund & Kolaba Fort

The Sacred Pushkarna Teerth: At the summit sits a beautiful stone stepped water reservoir surrounded by sub shrines dedicated to Lord Brahma, Vishnu, and Maruti.

Brahma Kund & Kolaba Sea Fort: After descending the hill, travelers can explore the ancient Brahma Kund stepwell in town or tour the island sea fort of Kolaba.

Kanakeshwar Temple & Nature Trek Day Plan

The Holy Mountain & Coastal Heritage Trail: Morning arrival at Mapgaon base from Mandwa Jetty or Alibaug town (7:30 AM to 8:00 AM) -> begin the 750 step forest trek up Kanakeshwar Hill, stopping at Nagobacha Tappa and Gaymandi for spring water and birdwatching (8:15 AM to 9:45 AM) -> participate in the sacred morning aarti at Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple, offer bilva leaves to the Shiva Lingam & walk around Pushkarna Teerth (10:00 AM to 11:30 AM) -> enjoy fresh lime water and cucumber snacks at summit stalls while admiring the Arabian Sea panoramic view (11:45 AM to 12:15 PM) -> descend the stone stairway back to Mapgaon (12:30 PM to 1:30 PM) -> authentic Konkani thali lunch at a village eatery -> visit the historic Kolaba Fort during low tide (3:30 PM to 5:30 PM) -> sunset stroll along Varsoli Beach.

Visiting Code & Conduct: The 750 step climb takes 45 to 60 minutes; wear sturdy walking shoes and carry drinking water; please remove shoes before entering the temple sanctum; early mornings (7:00 AM to 10:00 AM) offer the coolest climbing weather and finest birdwatching.

After receiving blessings at Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple, explore Brahma Kund, tour Kolaba Fort, or relax at Varsoli Beach.