Sawantwadi


Sawantwadi is a taluka in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, India. Sawantwadi was formerly the capital of the Sawantwadi State ruled by the Sawant Bhonsle royal clan of the Marathas.
It lies in the Konkan region near Maharashtra's border with Goa.

History

The name Sawantwadi came into usage because of the surname of the state's ruling family of Khem-Sawants.
Sawant-Bhonsale family were the rulers of Sawantwadi. They also participated in 1857 National Revolt.
The taluka headquarters is Sawantwadi which has a municipal council, which is a local civic body.

Economy

Sawantwadi is known for its wooden handicrafts, hand-made cards colourfully painted. It is also becoming a major tourist attraction.
The focus of the town is a lake in the center of Sawantwadi called as "Moti Talav".

Language

is the predominant spoken language in Sawantwadi. Marathi is the state language, spoken widely, and also the language of instruction in schools. Goan Konkani is slightly understood but not implemented. Hindi and English are also used in social communication. Most of the town's population are Hindu, followed by a minority Muslim and Christian population.

Transport

Roads

Sawantwadi is well connected to other towns of Sindhudurg district and cities of Maharashtra state by MSRTC buses as well as Goa & Belgaum. Private buses, Sharing Rickshaws & Bikes are used to travel locally to connect the small villages to the city.
There is a national highway 10 km away from Sawantwadi and it connects Goa to Mumbai

Rails

's railway line connecting Mumbai to Mangalore, popularly known as the Konkan Railway, passes through Sawantwadi Road railway station which 6 km from the town. Trivandrum Rajdhani Express has a halt at Sawantwadi Road railway station.

Air

Nearest Airport is Kolhapur which is 128 Km, Belgaum in Karnataka which is 110 km & Dabolim in Goa which is 94 km. The new airport is being built at Chipi-Parule in Malvan Taluka.