Nestled in the southern strip of Maharashtra, Malvan
coast is known for its long sandy beaches, glorious sea forts, numerous water
sport activities and the delicious Malvani cuisine. The narrow roads of Malvan
lined with tall swaying trees, laidback air and small houses on either side
portray the perfect picture of a typical coastal town. Beyond the trees, the powdery sands welcome you to
the numerous beaches along this shoreline. While in Malvan, stroll around, take a boat ride, go
scuba diving, visit the forts and head back to the aroma of Malvani cuisine
wafting from the nearby restaurant. Spread over long stretches, Malvan coast
does have quite a few beautiful beaches and prominent forts to explore.
Sindhudurg fort
This mid 17th century fort seems like a huge ship
bobbing in the waters when seen from the Malvan beach. Built on Kurte island by
Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to counter the attacks from European colonizers and Siddhis
of Janjira, Sindhudurg fort is undoubtedly the symbol of the glorious Maratha
empire. Spread over 48 acres, the tall fortifications and the strong bastions
of this majestic fort houses three temples and is home to 18 families who are
believed to be the descendants of the Maratha warriors. A walk around the
ramparts of its outer walls offer magnificent views of the blue sea and the
waves thrashing onto the walls. Near the entrance of the fort are the imprints
of the hands and feet of Shivaji Mharaj preserved in dry lime. There are boats
that drop you to Sindhudurg at frequent intervals from Malvan beach and they give you an hour to
explore the fort.
Rock garden
Rock garden is probably the most sought after place in
Malvan to enjoy the setting sun. This neatly maintained garden offers the evening
walkers an ideal place to stroll. However, what brings people here are an array
of rocks that extend into the sea beyond the garden. It is an ideal place to
catch gorgeous sunsets and enjoy the waters thrashing onto the flat bed of
rocks. Perch on top of any protruding rock and watch the sky change colours as
the sun goes down.
Chiwla beach
Despite the commercialization, the most popular beach in Malvan has held
on to its charm. The long arc shaped beach with coconut
trees in the backdrop, a few colourful fishing boats and the azure sea encapsulates
its visitors and is well recommended for an early morning stroll.
Kolamb beach
Located a couple of kilometers away from Malvan, Kolamb
beach is away from the highlights of Malvan. Apart from the local
fishermen, a few bobbing boats and kids playing around, you are highly unlikely to
see any visitors. The waves are pretty strong here and there is a sudden slope
in the sands as you wade into the waters. The rocky outcrops to the right of
the beach offer a beautiful frame against the blue sea.
Sarjekot fort and Talashil beach
Past a few villages and numerous mango
orchards, the narrow road leads to the crumbled Sarjekot fort where all that remains are a few
stone walls. Totally in ruins, this can hardly be called a fort anymore. However,
a walk through the insides of the fort leads to the mouth of Gad river where it
joins the Arabian sea. Apart from the Sarjekot jetty and the colourful boats,
the fort offers nice views of the serene Talashil beach across the river.
Wayari beach
As you ride down the narrow road that leads to Tarkarli, Wayari
beach pops up without a cue. Also
referred as Wayari Bhootnath beach, it isn’t quite a popular one and that keeps
it away from the crowds. All that you can spot here are boats shored up, locals
strolling around or a game of beach cricket.
Tarkarli
Tarakarli has over the years gained popularity on the tourist
map and receives hordes of visitors during holidays and weekends. The beach
here was once considered the most serene on the Malvan coast. The beach now is
quite commercialized and offers numerous water sport activities for the
visitors. Tarkarli is also a popular scuba diving location and is also home to
the only marine sanctuary in Maharashtra.
Devbag beach
Further south of Tarkarli, the winding narrow road goes past
numerous fishing hamlets and Karli river to Devbag beach. The narrow strip of
land ends at this beach known for its heap of white sands and beautiful
sunsets. The Karli river joins the sea here and across the river is the
secluded Bhogwe beach. Very few visitors head to this beach and that makes it
an ideal place for people who love leisurely walks and solitude moments.
Vijaydurg fort
A two hour drive to the north of Malvan takes you to the
prominent Vijaydurg fort. Built in the 12th century during the times
of Shilahar dynasty, this impregnable fort was referred as the Eastern
Gibralter. The fort was later fortified further by Chatrapati Shivaji who built
the tall walls and numerous bastions. The ramparts of the fort offer majestic
vistas of Vijaydurg beach, the blue sea and the waves crashing onto the strong
walls. The fort houses four fresh water wells, banyan trees, temples and ammunition
rooms apart from cannons and cannon balls.
Devgad fort and beach
Devgad is primarily known for its innumerable mango orchards
and are lined with shops selling the king the fruits during the months of
summer. Also popular is the Devgad fort which presently constitutes of just the
outer walls. A climb up the walls offers panoramic views of the sea. The fort
also houses a temple and a 20th century light house. Located en-route
the fort is the pristine cove shaped Devgad beach flanked by casuarinas and
windmills.
Taramumbari beach
Located near Devgad, Tara Mumbri is a beautiful beach tucked
away from the crowds. The rocky beach is known for the presence of phosphorescence
which is visible as the sun sets. Numerous windmills can be spotted on the
hills in the backdrop. The beach is situated at the mouth of a river with Mithmumbari
beach across it.
Kunkeshwar
This coastal town is known for its popular Shiva temple that
attracts numerous devotees during the festivities of Shivaratri. The temple
with its colourfully painted tower is located by the beach atop a small cliff. Despite
being a neat and serene one, the beach doesn’t get many visitors as even the
pilgrims don’t seem quite keen on getting into its waters. That definitely makes
a big reason to head to this idyllic hamlet.
Beaches of Tondivali, Munge and Talbegad
The stretch between Malvan and Kunkeshwar is home to some of
the most serene beaches along this coast. Tondivali beach has a long sandy
stretch with casuarinas in its background. All that you might spot here are a
few fishing boats on the shore. Munge beach has a beautiful backwater near it
which accentuates the charm of the place. Talbegad beach is probably the
prettiest of the lot with an endless stretch of sand and swaying trees in the
backdrop.
Water Sports
The beach at Malvan offers numerous water sport activities such as parasailing, banana rides, jet ski rides etc. There are
numerous operators who conduct these near the Malvan beach. While Tarkarli is
popular for its scuba diving locations, Malvan too offers something similar near
Sindhudurg fort. Though the operators claim this to be scuba diving, they take
you to a depth of only 15 feet and the prices are alarmingly much lesser than
what it is at Trakarli, which offers actual scuba diving. However, if you wish
to just have a glimpse of the underwater world, the one at Malvan is a good
option.
Malvani cuisine
After clambering over forts, strolls on the beaches
and water sports, all that you would want is some delicious food to relish. The
delectable Malvani cuisine is easily available across the small restaurants in
and around the beach and on the roads that lead to it. Thalis are available with
various fish combos such as seer fish, king fish, pomfret, butter fish etc. A
popular Malvani dish is Kombdi Vade which has Vade (made of rice flour and
lentils), chicken curry and solkhadi. Though more of a Konkani dish, Ghavne
which is similar to a Neer dosa is a delicious pick for breakfast.
Mangoes of Devgad
While returning from Malvan, take home a box of ripe Alphonso
mangoes. Locally known as Hapus, they are widely available across the shops in
Devgad and by the road side too. Mangoes are usually available only during the
months from March to July.
Location:
Malvan is located in the southern coast of Maharashtra, very close to Goa border. The closest airport is at Dabolim (128 Kms) and the nearest rail head is in Sindhudurg (28 Kms). There are frequent buses from Malvan to other towns such as Sindhudurg, Kudal, Sawantwadi etc.
Wonderful account! I have heard of the fort, the place looks awesome...great images!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Deepa.
DeleteGreat list and pictures :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joshi.
Deleteअच्छी जानकारी à¤à¤°ा लेख,
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteWow Excellent photo coverage. Some of them I have never heard.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Indrani.
DeleteVery informative and well written... Pictures are so beautiful...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vineeta.
DeleteInteresting. Haven't gone to this part of Maha
ReplyDeleteAm sure you would love it.
DeleteWow, Beautiful coverage of Malvan coast. Nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dhiraj.
Delete