Kudavale Sacred Grove

Kudavale Sacred Grove, the largest of its kind in Ratnagiri district, spans over 84 acres and is a rare remnant of the original forests of the Northern Western Ghats. Located near Yadavwadi hamlet, this sacred grove is home to several temples, including Bhairi-Jogeshwari (the main deity), Valjai, Kshetrapal, Mahadeo, Kalkai, and Hanuman. The grove is nourished by a perennial freshwater stream, which has long been a source of life and legend. According to local lore, the stream once provided grains or even gold to villagers in times of dire need, on the condition of sharing with others. The grove’s lush forest is predominantly composed of native species like Ixora brachiata, Terminalia elliptica, Mimusops elengi, and others, making it a vital ecological and cultural treasure.