Kihim

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Kihim is a small village located to the north of

History

Kihim evolved as a village in the 17th century during the era of

Kihim has a typical sub-tropical climate found across the western coast of India with heavy rainfall during Monsoon. Winters are moderate and Summers are hot and humid. The village is surrounded by Arabian sea on the west, a creek on the north, Navgaon village on the south and Chondhi settlement towards the east.

Demographics

Population of Kihim stood at 2,582

Kihim mostly thrives on Tourism^[4][5] throughout the year with November to May being peak months. Farming is another major occupation found here. Rice is the main produce of the area like majority of the Konkan region. Coconut and Betel nut is also produced on a large scale.

Chondhi is the nearest marketplace which is dotted with a few restaurants, departmental stores and banks.

Tourism

Major attraction in Kihim is its sandy beach. Though Kihim was once known as a "Bird Watchers' Paradise", very few exotic species can be still found in the areas having dense cover of trees. Variety of butterflies are also found here. Most common bird sightings include, Red-vented Bulbul, Oriental Magpie Robin, Orange-headed Thrush, Baya Weaver, Green bee-eaters, Common Myna and Asian Koel. Less common sightings include Greater Coucal, Black-rumped Flameback Woodpecker, Plum and Grey Headed Parakeets and Black-hooded Oriole. If you are near a water source, you might see a White-throated Kingfisher or an Egret.

Tourist facilities here mainly consist of "Bed and Breakfast Schemes" run by the locals under the regulations of Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, which acts as a governing body for Tourism throughout the State of Maharashtra. One can easily find average quality lodging and boarding facilities throughout the village, except for the month of December when advance bookings may be required. For restaurants and marketplaces, one has to go to a nearby locality known as Chondhi.

Food is substantially dominated by rice and fish preparations.

Other nearby attractions for visitors include the Kihim Pond, Kankeshwar Temple near Mapgaon and Karmarkar Museum in Sasawane. Kihim is also a home to various temples which are dotted throughout the village. These include a rare Kalbhairav temple, recently rebuilt Gaodevi (Chamunda) temple and the Bhileshwar temple overlooking the Kihim pond.

The beach is spread across the western fringe of the village. There are benches lined up for peace loving visitors. The more adventurous can enjoy water sports on the main beach.

The famous "Birdman of India" Dr. Salim Ali spent a short period of his life in Kihim; a museum is being set up in the village after him.^[6]

Alibag town is located approximately 11 km south of Kihim.

Administration

Kihim acts as a

• Road: Kihim is well connected to
  Auto Rickshaws are readily available everywhere for local travel, but the fares are not regulated. It's a common practice to decide the fare before hand to avoid bargaining later. One can also travel to Chondhi
  (1.5 km) as more frequent buses and autos are available from here for Alibag, Mandwa and Rewas.
• Railways: The nearest
  railway station is at Pen
  , which is approximately 30 km away.
• Ferry: Passenger boat services are available from Mandwa^[8] Jetty to Gateway of India and from Rewas to Bhaucha Dhakka in Mumbai throughout the year, except for Monsoon. Around mid 2020, a Ro-Pax^[9] ferry service was started between the new terminal adjoining the existing Ferry Wharf and Mandwa. This allows the larger vehicles including cars and vans to cross over the bay within an hour.

References