Mangaon

Mangaon is a Village and ''tehsil'' (council) in the Konkan Division, India. It is located in the Raigad district, from Alibaug headquarters, and from the capital city of Bombay (Mumbai). The area is located towards the Panjim side of Goa.

History

Mangaon has been identified with the site of the ancient village of ''Kothuraka'', mentioned in the so-called Kothuraka grant of the 5th-century Vakataka ruler Pravarasena II. The same inscription also mentions a place called ''Maṇḍuki-grāma'', which has been identified with the nearby village of Mandgaon, 3 km north of Mangaon.

Industrial development

The Vile-Bhagad M.I.D.C. industrial zone, which is located in Mangaon, was previously in a dilapidated state due to a lack of investment. Lately, however, the zone has increased in importance and houses several steel companies, including POSCO LTD. Moreover, Tata Power Ltd.'s hydroelectric project has greatly reduced the need for additional energy generation in the Mangaon Taluka and industrial zones in Raigad. Recently have been declared under MIDC acquisition in Mangaon.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technical University

The Dr. Babasaheb Technical University, Lonere, was established in the Mangaon ''taluka'' mainly catering to industrial and technical industries and offers several courses in petroleum and chemical technology. The university primarily attracts students from Konkan, but also from other parts of Maharashtra, including Marathawada, Vidarbha and West Maharashtra, many of whom attend the university to pursue courses such as petrochemical and petroleum chemical engineering which are only taught in a few universities across India.

Konkan Railway

The development of Mangaon was boosted by the arrival of the Konkan Railway. Mangaon and Roha are the only railway stations near a ''taluka'' in Southern Raigad.

Mangaon railway station is the nearest station to Shrivardhan, Dive Agar, Hari-Hareshwar, Mhasala, Tala, Nijampur, Mahad, Raigad and Poladpur. It provides employment for several areas, including Auto-Rickshawala, Minidor, and Taxi-Van drivers who provide transport services from the Mangaon railway station to more remote locations.

Attractions

Mangad fort lies in the Manjarwane Panchayat area, situated 15 km from the ''taluka'' market area of Nijampur. The fort consists of one main gate connected to a set of mountains. Nearby you can find the Kumbhe waterfall.

Raigad fort in Mahad ''taluka'' is 22 kilometres from Mangaon, making the town a convenient access point to the fort.

Tirupati temple is also considered highly important and noteworthy place in Mangaon.

The hydroelectric project at Bhira that generates power for the whole ''taluka'' is also considered a place of interest for visitors.

The AeroVillage Panheli is a famous resort where Aircraft Joyrides are offered

Other famous sites of Mangaon:
* The tunnel at Kumbhe and Kumbhe waterfall.
* The Bapuji and mahakali temple at Kadape.
* The sports centre at Khardi.
* The Ganpati and Mugawali Temples along the river Kaal.
* The temple of the local goddess Vakdai.
* Swayambhu Hanuman temple Gharoshi.
* AeroVillage Panheli Resort

Administrative subdivisions

There are 187 villages in Mangaon taluka, organized into 74 panchayats.

Panchayats

References

{{Raigad district

Cities and towns in Raigad district