Dhabol is a census town in Maharashtra. It is located on the south-west border of Dapoli tahashil of Maharashtra. In Dhabol, Vashishthi River is flowing from Chiplun merges into the Arabian Sea. In Dabhol, it is called as Dabhol creek.
Tourism in Dhabol
Chandikadevi Temple, the temple of Goddess Chandika and a fishing jetty are the major attractions Dhabol. It is increasingly popular as a tourist destination in Konkan Coastal region.
The idol of Godess Chandika here is believed to be having formed naturally on its own (Swayambhu) and the temple is located underground in a natural cave. To reach the deity, one has to pass through a low darkened passage. No light is allowed inside except that of oil lamp. There is a live spring of fresh water nearby which water all around the year has. Every year vast pilgrims accumulated here during Navaratri festival, which is the most popular in Dhabol. This temple is very ancient and used to be frequently visited by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Emperor of Maratha times.
The hidden Black Sand Beach is one of the famous tourist attractions in Dabhol. Before entering the census town of Dabhol, one can enjoy panoramic views of Dabhol Power Project (Enron), creek and town from the hill top. Dabhol also has a small, amazingly hidden beach of black sand and thick plantation of sheoak (Suruche Ban). This is an ideal place to enjoy the scenery along the Dabhol backwaters and the beautiful port in Dabhol Harbour.
The dolphin watching has come as an exciting, inspiring activity of growing popularity around the world. More and more people are making dolphin watching a part of their holidays. One has a good chance of seeing dolphins in their natural habitat from the jetty. There are some ferry boats also which take one into Dabhol Backwaters as well as into the deep sea for a ride and dolphin watching.
Dabhol Jetty and Anda Masjid is another prominent tourist attraction in Dhabol. The Dabhol port boasts of centuries old history. Dabhol was of great importance in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries of Indian History. It used to be the principal port of South Konkan region, carrying on trade with ports in the Mediterranean, the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. During 13th to 15th centuries this port was ruled by the Bahamani dynasty and was known as Mustafabad. Later on it was Hamjabad and then it was Dabhol. One can find many religious places of Hindus and Muslims. There is a fine mosque called Shahi Masjid with dome and minarets standing close to the port which was built in Adil Shah"s regime. It is said that the queen of Adil Shah spent around 1.5 million rupees in Indian currency for the construction of this mosque. Shahi Masjid is an excellent example of Muslim architecture. Dabhol was previously very famous, but of late much ruined by the civil strife, and thus decreased in trade and commerce.
Visiting Information
Dabhol is situated around 27 kilometres from Dapoli. The State Transport (ST) buses / private shared jeeps, rickshaws run between Dapoli and Dabhol. One can hire an auto rickshaw or drive down. The rented jeeps / cars are available.
