Sawantwadi is a taluka in Sindhudurg district in the India state of Maharashtra. The taluka headquarters is Sawantwadi which has a municipal council, which is a local civil body. Sawantwadi was formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Sawantwadi, ruled by the Sawant Bhosale Royal Clan of the Marathas. Until 1850, sawantwadi was known as Sundarwadi. The name Sawantwadi came into usage because of the surname of the state’s ruling family of Khem-Sawant. The palace was earlier located on Narendra Hill. Khem-Sawant III constructed the existing palace in late 18th century (1755-1803) , and Moti Lake was built in 1874.
It is the administrative headquarters of the Sindhudurg district. Sawantwadi was situated on the West Coast of Maharashtra, India. And is bounded by the Arabian Sea to it’s west and the Western Ghats to it’s east.
The city has many mountain, valleys and flat terrain. The city is often used as a staging point for traffic along the konkan coast.
Sawantwadi has a tropical climate, summer and winter months experience similar temperature conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 27° C to 34°C and experiences moderate to gusty winds during the day and gentle winds at night. The most pleasant months in Sawantwadi are from December to February during which time the humidity and heat are at their lowest. During this period, temperatures the day stay below 30°C and drop to about 19°C at night. This season is soon followed by a hot summer, from March to May. Rainfall period June to September.
Most of the people at Sawantwadi well educated and cultural, Jatras and Dashavtari Dramas are very famous in region as well as over Maharashtra. Due to local language at Malvani, people at whole district are called Malvanis.
Typical house holds at sawantwadi follow the Malvan Cuisine. On special occasions they eat Mutton or Chickens with Puri, Puran Polis, Wheat cakes and rarely Ladus. The food of almost all house hold is Rice, Daal, Wheat bread, Curry, Vegetables as well as Seafood or Meat. Besides dried Fish usually bought in October. Homemade Raw mango pickle. Sweet and spicy Poha are special on occasions of Diwali and Patolya(पाटोळ्या) on Nagpanchami.
Attire various from traditional Dhoti and Navwari sarees to Kurta and Payjama., to some extend pants and shirt or fashion cloths on occasions basis. In addition to the traditional attire of the city. Ornaments are worn by both men and women in Sawantwadi. Mainly necklaces, bracelet and earrings.
Sawantwadi is famous for it’s Arts and Culture. It is especially known for it’s wooden crafts, and various traditional Arts still trive in city.
Malvani is predominant spoken language in Sawantwadi. Marathi is state language spoken widely, Hindi and English are also used in social communication.
Sawantwadi is well connected to other town of Sindhudurg district and cities of Maharashtra state by MSRTC buses as well as Goa and Belgaum. Private buses, shared rikshaw and biking are local tours connecting the small town to the city. Konkan railway pases through sawantwadi railway station, connecting Konkan Railway Corporation Limited to Mumbai Mangalore. Near by airport is Belgaum and Dabholim(Goa).
Moti Talav and Hiranyakeshi are main attraction of sawantwadi. Beautiful Amboli Hill station is situated at distance at, 29km. Also visit Mahadevgad is now know as Amboli point in deep dark forest, high hills deep valleys. The famous Math of Satam Maharaj is at Dabholi village it is near to sawantwadi. Hanumangad nearby trekking point situated in Dense forest of village at Fukeri. Youngsters like this place very much. It is only 31km away. Raghunath Market is regarded as a major handicrafts center of India. Tha market is around 150 years old and is an ideal place to buy the konkani handicrafts items. These item includes sliver and bronze wares, jewellery and Kolhapuri Chappals. Developing market town Banda is situated 12km south of Sawantwadi. Many more place to visit here Sawantwadi Market, Sawantwadi Garden, Rocks on Narendra Hills, Shilpgrah, The beautiful Moti Lake, Tourist residential quarters in Sawantwadi. You must visit this place.
