Sawantwadi is a town in the state of Maharashtra, India. It is located in the Sindhudurg district of the state. The district falls in Konkan region of the state. Konkan belt of the state is well known for its beautiful nature, majestic Sahyadri mountain ranges, lush green forest etc. Sawantwadi being a part of the region is no exception to it. Wooden toys of Sawantwadi are famous in the state. These wooden toys are the product of wooden craft industries which have been set up there. Sawantwadi was also the capital place of erstwhile Sawantwadi Kingdom. It was under the rule Sawant Bhonsale dynasty and it was last ruled by Shivajiraje Bhonsale before it merged with the Indian Republic. Sawantwadi is blessed with beautiful nature and is also rich in wild life as many species of animal like leopard, wild boars, tigers, and bison are found there in large number. Lush green forest containing medicinal herbs and trees surrounds the town of Sawantwadi. Cashew, coconut, Bettlenut, fish etc flourish the markets of the town and nearby villages. Toys made of wood are famous in the state and can be seen here in the markets on large scale. Along with wooden craft arts local people are also skillful in traditional art of Paintings and Chitrakathi. Sawantwadi palace is a major tourist attraction in Sawantwadi. The palace is a majestic one fascinates the onlooker with its beauty. The palace is also surrounded by beautiful nature. Moti Talao is another place of interest in Sawantwadi. State run buses and other private vehicles connect the town of Sawantwadi to other cities Maharashtra and nearby state of Karnataka. Samantha railway station serves as the nearest railhead to Sawantwadi. It is just 28 km away from Sawantwadi and is well linked to other cities and towns of the state and the country. Belgaum serves as the closest airbase to Sawantwadi and is well connected by regular flights to Mumbai and Bangalore.
