Konkan Diaries-The world is your Oyster-Waterfalls in Sindhudurg

Waterfalls in Sindhudurg

“Waterfalls are exciting because they have power, they have rainbows, they have songs, and they have boldness and craziness!”, is the saying I have always believed in and comes true in every sense when you see the true beauty of the enthralling cascade descending from the heavens.

I am bound not by choice but for my endless love for Konkan, which hides in itself infinite stores of natural beauties, one such are the graceful waterfalls across the region, a jewel in the crown of the Indian Sub Continent.

Across my travels to Konkan, these are the must-visit showers of nature that you MUST explore as a waterfall apart from being a scenic wonder it also teaches us a lot about life. I would like to quote my favourite author here, “A waterfall cannot be silent, just as the wisdom! When they speak, the voice of power speaks!”

1. Amboli Waterfalls

Amboli waterfall is situated at Amboli ghat, in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra state, India. This hill station forms the Southern range of the Sahyadri Hills. The Konkan coast lies on one side of Amboli, whereas valleys are found on the other three sides.

Amboli Waterfalls

The famous Amboli hill station is Known as one of the world’s Eco - hot spots, this place is in the Western Ghats known for its bracing and delighting environs. It has a 400 feet high waterfall which is a favourite tourist spot among youngsters. It receives a very high rainfall and the hill station blooms after the monsoon. Amboli receives an annual rainfall of nearly 750 centimetres making it the wettest place in Maharashtra. During this time, small waterfalls adorn the way up to the hill station. Amboli waterfall can be seen if you drive 1 kilometre from Amboli. The history of Amboli is interesting, it reflects the connection with British Raj. Amboli hill station was established by Colonel Westrop, a British political agent. He opened the Ghat Road from the coastal town of Vengurla, presently in Southern Maharashtra to Belagum.

2. Napane Waterfalls

Konkan is famous for its seasonal monsoon waterfalls. During monsoon, one can see a number of waterfalls cascading down along the mountain range. But all these waterfalls vanish once the monsoon is over. Napane waterfall is an exception. This is the only round the year waterfall in Sindhudurg.

Napane Waterfalls

Napane is a small remote village in Vaibhavwadi tehsil. This fall has its origin at Nadhavde, 5kms upstream. At Nadhavade a water spring has sprouted suddenly at one place. Locals call it as 'Umala'. After a journey of some 4-5 kilometres, the river jumps down resulting in a splendid waterfall. Surrounded by lush green forests this spot has a scenic beauty. One can have a chance to study a variety of flora and fauna here as well as many species of birds can be seen and heard.

3. Vyaghreshwar Waterfalls

After the onset of rainy season, tourists like to see waterfalls. Vyaghreshwar waterfall at Manche, which descends from 300 feet height, has been out of sight for a long time.

Enchanting mountain ranges, vales and between them the pleasant waterfall, ancient Vyaghreshwar temple, these surroundings are dreamy and attractive.

Vyaghreshwar Waterfalls

The path to the waterfall is very narrow and one has to carefully go through, to have a look at the majestic waterfall. At times one may find it impossible to reach descending water but can take pleasure of bathing in the water of naturally formed Kund. Though the way is slippery and one has to be very careful, it is an indescribable thrilling experience.

4. Garambi Waterfalls

The Garambi falls located near Murud is a charming destination for water enthusiasts. This marvellous cascade, which falls from a height of 100 feet, offers a breathtaking view.

Garambi Waterfalls

The most interesting aspect of this waterfall is that its water is supposed to be very pure and one can even drink from it. The waterfalls are bounded by woody forest and the surroundings offer a panoramic view. One can spend hours here by enjoying the chirping of birds and the music of running water. During monsoon, this waterfall takes a majestic look and the enchanting site will definitely fetch the tourist back for the further visit.

5. Marleshwar Waterfalls

Marleshwar Waterfall is located in Marleshwar, Ratnagiri district. It is a cave temple and is circumvented with sacred grooves. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva.

Marleshwar Waterfalls

Near the temple, Dhareshwar waterfall can be witnessed. Local belief is that Lord Parshuram had laid the foundation of the temple. Many snakes can be seen in the cave but there has been no complaint of any devotees being bitten. This has resulted in the increased faith of the devotees. The Sahyadri Mountain ranges can be seen from the temple.

The waterfall is a drawing card for Marleshwar, which originates from the river Bav, this is known as Dhareshwar.

6. Savadav Waterfalls

There is an alluring waterfall at a village named Savadav in Kankavli Taluka. Being safe for swimming, it is crowded with tourists, especially during rainy season. You can directly let the water pour over your body. 

Savadav Waterfalls

The road leading to the spot of the fall is full of curving and ups and downs, with pleasant greenery all around. You can enjoy bathing and swim on both sides of the fall. There is a small cave-type space at the stream-side, often used for keeping your baggage.

7. Savat Kada Waterfalls

It is a very big crater in the earth with a beautiful waterfall having a height of more than 100 meters descending into it. Chunakolvan is known for this waterfall called 'Savat Kada'. Local people say that this place is cursed hence many people & animals have died from its flow during monsoon. Its view from the top is very dreadful.

Savat Kada Waterfalls

Even with these urban legends, this place attracts a lot of trekkers and adventure enthusiasts, looking for some thrill, on an otherwise boring weekend.

8. Nivali Waterfalls

Nivali Waterfall is situated on the way from Sangameshwar to Ratnagiri, about 12 kilometres from Ratnagiri, in Maharashtra. The water which plunges from a height offers the most scintillating of the sights. The waterfall is in the Nivali Ghat area and can be seen at its best during the rainy season. Nivali Waterfall can be accessed from Ratnagiri Railway Station.

Nivali Waterfalls

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Konkan Diaries-The world is your Oyster-Beaches of Sindhudurg

Beaches of Sindhudurg

It is said to be believed that life first started in the deep recesses of the ocean, even if it is a myth, I strongly believe, if God had to create something as precious as Humans, there could have been no beautiful place other than the sea. Examples of which are the surreal and the pristine beaches of Sindhudurg which make me believe in another saying that, "The Cure for anything is Salt Water."

Yet again I have been lucky enough to surf these exquisite beaches across the great Sindhudurg. Being a native of the mountains, beaches have always been a fascination to me. Life then happened to give me a chance to visit these enticing beaches across Sindhudurg.

Visiting the following beaches is a must when you are visiting the Durg. Pack your bags and start on a fascinating journey of your life.

1. Tarkarli Beach

Tarkarli is a narrow stretch of beach with pristine waters, located at the convergence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea. It is 546 kilometres away from Mumbai, 6 kilometres south of Malvan, on the west coast of India. This place has gained prominence because of its transparently clear seas, where on a fairly sunny day, one can see the seabed up to a depth of 20 feet. This beach can be rightly called as ‘Queen Beach’ of Sindhudurg.

Tarkarli Beach

Sea and sand blending in enchanting natural harmony, gracefully cruising boats in calm and cool river waters add to the beauty of this beach. For adventure water sports lovers, snorkelling and scuba diving facilities are also available at Tarkarli. For a novice, well-trained snorkelling guides will guide snorkelling trip ensuring safety and make it sure that one can have the first and finest ever experience of marine life.

While at Trakarli, do make a point to taste special Malvani food such as a variety of fish items, ‘kombadi-vada’.

2. Nivati Beach

Nivati is the beautiful village amidst the greenery and sparkling blue ocean of the Sindhudurg district. It is located on the southern side of Sindhudurg Fort near Bhogwe Beach. Nivati beach has a magnificent stretch of Golden sand. This beach has peaceful surroundings and the water is crystal clear along with moist air.

Nivati Beach

This is quite an unexplored and less visited beach on Konkan coast. There is natural rock cut formation around the beach. The beach is close to the famous fishing villages Bhogwe and Kochra. The main fishes caught here are Indian Mackerel and Ribbonfish. This beach is undoubtedly among the most beautiful beaches in Maharashtra and India. The atmosphere at this village is very calm and help to de-stress you in moments.

Make a point to visit Nivati Fort, Nivati Backwaters, Nivati Lighthouse, tropical oasis on the shores of Kochara village near Nivati and enjoy the Dolphin Rides.

3. Sagareshwar Beach

Sagareshwar is one of the best and of its own kind. To the south of Vengurla lighthouse (Deepagruh) is the beach stretching almost 2 kilometres with white sand and clear blue water.

From all Indian exotic beaches, Sagareshwar beach is most famous and the best Sindhudurg beach. The Sagareshwar Beach is home to the quaint and ancient Sagareshwar temple of Lord Shiva. Built with stones, this grand temple is met by the submissive sea waves at its footsteps. This amazing beach is just 3-4 kilometres from Vengurla.

Sagareshwar Beach

The golden shade of the white sand during sunrise and the view of the sun setting into the ocean will set your mood on fire. The beach surrounding the temple has been wisely crafted and nurtured to grow a blooming courtyard of a variety of flowers bursting with all sorts of colours imaginable. Right at the entrance of the temple is the massive Deepstambh, and the ever-vigilant Nandi the Bull, at the entrance of the Lord’s abode. Walking through the sand with waves playing with the feet; it’s a nice experience.

Have fun with small crabs running around the Sagareshwar beach, finding the nearest hole to hide into. Till the water was up to the level of one hip and surprisingly, we could see the seabed with the naked eye.

Doodle around for a while at the beach, take snaps or watch how local fishermen start their day at sea. The complete lack of any affectations of being a touristy place is what will encourage one to wander around.

4. Vayangani Beach

A beach may attract a lot of tourists for its open sea attraction but when a beach like Vayangani attracts tourists it’s not entirely for the seashore but also for the enchanting location and the greenery that surrounds it. Vayangani Beach, one of the beaches, is located near Vengurla village and is renowned for offering views of the seashore and surroundings.

Vayangani Beach

For a traveller who is very much enthusiastic about finding a place where he can be relieved of all his fatigue and to take rest in absolute tranquillity, this virgin beach is most suitable one. Vayangani is also a seaside village where one can share the fragrance of nature. Fruit bearing trees like mango, betelnuts, jackfruit and coconut lend exotic greenery to the village.

5. Bhogwe Beach

Bhogwe beach is among the prettiest and most secluded beaches in Konkan. Bhogave beach is endowed with foamy waves and silver sand. Village Bhogave has another attraction of unification of sea and river named Karli. This beach enjoys yet another magnetic characteristic, that is being a habitation of dolphins.

Bhogwe Beach

Located on the Sagari Mahamarg connecting Malvan to Vengurla Bhogwe has Nivati as its neighbour. Bhogwe beach is the unending stretch of beach to the north of Nivati fort. The beach is scattered with rocks and if you plan to take a dip take a close look before you venture into the sea to avoid the rocks. The sea near Bhogwe is so clear that the visibility is more than 6-8 feet.

6. Redi Beach

Originally known as Redipattanam, Redi is located aptly on the shores of the majestic Arabian Sea and is dotted with plenty cashew and coconut trees.

The clean, calm and peaceful beach of Redi can be your preferred choice for a mind and body relaxation lying under the palm tree.

Redi Beach

The Redi Beach is a panoramic stretch lined with lovely coconut and betel nut trees apart from cashew and mango plantations.

Get photo shots of the local fishermen, the boats, the beach, the sand, and the palms, everything mildly touched by sunlight.

Stroll with your loved one on the soft sand of the beach together with sea waves playing music as they lash out against the rocks and the sea eagles flying high, especially at the time of sunset and this can turn out to be the most romantic moment of your life.

As the sun sets right in front of you it is time to savour the traditional spicy Malvani delights. Swimming, walking, paddling at the beach or just chilling out with spicy Malvani cuisine followed up by a visit to the Yashwantgadh Fort and nearby temples of Redi will be a properly blend programme for you.

Village Redi is famous for Lord Ganesh Mandir, 6 feet X 4 feet. Ganesh statue is very popular amongst the devotees. Ganesh temple, Shri Mauli temple and Swaymbhoo Mahadev temple are other religious places to be seen around Redi.

7. Bagayat Beach

If you wish privacy on your vacation plan, Bagayat Beach will offer you the best ever option. Located in Vengurla, Sindhudurg, this beach is one of the best and of its own kind. To the south of Vengurla lighthouse (Deepagruh) is the Beach stretching almost 2 kilometres with white sand and clear blue water.

Bagayat Beach

The entire area is calm and quiet, so overlook the natural port of Vengurla, this pristine stretch of shiny silvery sand dunes and refreshing waves; and is bordered with magnificent cajurina plantations and fluttering palms which offers pleasure to the visitors.

One needs to cross "Manasi" river on the way to reach Bagayat Beach. Walking through the sand with waves playing with the feet; it's a nice experience.

8. Kunkeshwar Beach

A pristine beach with a very long stretch of seashore and white sand adds to the beauty of temple surroundings.

 This beautiful temple near the beach has an alluring architecture with reminiscent of South Indian style of temple architecture. Yadav Kings built this temple in 1100 A. D. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who rejuvenated this temple many times was a frequent visitor to this temple. This temple is also famous as Kashi of South Konkan. Every year a huge celebration takes place on the occasion of Mahashivratri, which keeps religious beliefs in constant sight of the multitudes.

Kunkeshwar Beach

During the festival, a large number of devotees throng this place with their families and friends. This vigilant Shiva deity bestows blessings on everyone who surrenders to its feet.

A walk through the 5 kilometres long Kunkeshwar beach across the temple on one side of the hill has a quieting effect on the mind. Swimming in the clear water freshens the mind and if you are lucky ones you can get a rare view of dolphins diving in the deep sea from a distance. The greenery of coconut and mango trees surrounding one side of the beach adds to the beauty and makes the whole experience of every visit a memorable one.

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Konkan Diaries-The world is your Oyster-Forts of Konkan

Forts of Konkan

A lot has been said and written about Sindhudurg, in the past and the present. Sindhudurg, a place having both, a historical and a strategically important past, also a tourist destination in the present is what has driven me to visit this place and moreover write about it.

Sindhudurg, the name itself means a fort, hence it does not comes to a surprise that this fort is garnered with a wide range of forts. What is surprising the grandeur of the forts that have been and their remains in the present?

In the words of our great Maratha leader Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, "Never Bend your head, always hold it High."  Same goes for our forts, that stands as sentinels, still watching over the Konkan. Let us take a glimpse in our glorious past, with all these magnificent forts that mark our history.

1. Sindhudurg Fort

One of the enduring symbols of Maharashtra's rich historical past is the Sindhudurg Fort. The fort derives its name from the combination of two words, "Sindhu" meaning "Sea" and "Durg" meaning "Fort". Sindhudurg is just 510 kilometres from Mumbai, on the Goa Highway. One can take a ferry from the Malvan Port to this Island fort.

Ariel image of Sindhudurg Fort

Also known as the "Malvan Fort", this citadel is located half a kilometre away from the mainland port of Malvan. Shivaji wanted to build an impregnable island fort at a considerable distance from the supposedly unbreachable Janjira Fort and thus selected the rocky island of Kurute. The location of the fort was strategically chosen by Shivaji to counter foreign forces coming from the shore, as well as for safeguarding the kingdom from neighbouring rulers. It is also believed that the fort was constructed by Shivaji to keep a check on the activities of Siddis of Murud-Janjira, who wanted to destroy his kingdom.

The 2 kilometres long ramparts of this fort stretch across the undulating periphery of this large and rocky island. The foundations of the fort were strengthened by using molten lead mixed with mortar. More than 70000 kilos of iron were used for casting. The construction of this fort began in 1664 and took 3 years to complete. It is believed that the great warrior king himself lent a hand in building the fort.

Sindhudurg covers an extensive area of 48 acres with almost 2 miles of fortified rampart walls 29 feet high and 12 feet thick, comprising observation towers and 52 enormous semicircular bastions with embrasures for cannons. The top of the ramparts was accessible by stone staircases at various points. Some bastions contain hidden exit ways that lead out of the fort.

The entrance to the fort is by the Dilli Darwaja to the north-east. The main gate is so well camouflaged within the folds of the rampart walls that it is visible only at really close quarters. A shrine to Goddess Jarimari guards the entrance to the fort. On the right, perched atop the main gate, is the fort's most prized relic - the footprint and palm impression of the revered Shivaji Maharaj, set on a slab of dry lime.

Apart from the customary shrines of Bhawani, Mahadeo, Jarimari and Mahapurush, Sindhudurg enjoys the distinction of having the only temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji, which was built by his son Rajaram. One does also come across some ruins of ancient temples, wells and cisterns throughout the fort. The Shivaji Jayanti, Ram Navami, Janmashtami, Mahashivratri and Ganesh Chaturthi are some of the prominent festivals celebrated here on a grand scale.

Some of the temples are still in use and are maintained by the 20 odd families that live on this island fort. The Sakpal Naik family, the original killedars, still reside in one of the 16 houses within the fort.

2. Vijay Durg Fort

Vijaydurg, also known as the Victory Fort, is located on the western coast of India. This fort is counted amongst the strongest marine forts. The fort is spread over an area of around 68796.55 square metres and provides evidence of the martial supremacy of the Marathas under Shivaji's reign.

Vijaydurg Fort

Vijaydurg, initially known as Gheria, is considered to have been raised by the Bijapur rulers. The fort was later strengthened and enlarged by Shivaji in the 17th century. It was constructed on the hill near the mouth of the Vaghotan River. Surrounded by the sea on three sides and a ditch on the fourth side, the fort was constructed for safeguarding the kingdom from the neighbouring rulers.

 It is believed that Shivaji added huge towers and 3 rows of huge walls to the structure. The main entrance gate of the fort, located on the eastern side, leads to the path that takes one to the middle wall and a hidden inner gateway. The strong triple walls feature around 27 bastions. The inner region of the fort has various buildings and storehouses, which presently stand in ruins, except a rest-house.

Historians state that the fort witnessed many wars, out of which the war with the European powers is considered to be the prominent one. During the period between 1667 and 1729, the fort was under the control of the Marathas. Kanhoji Angre, the naval chief of the Marathas, fought a battle with the Europeans to safeguard the kingdom. The fort was under the collaborated reign of the English and the Peshwas in 1756 and remained with the Peshwas till 1818.

Later, a battle was again fought between the Peshwas and the British and the fort was surrendered to the British as the outcome. A submerged wall of around 100 metres has been discovered recently when the water level of the sea decreased. This wall stands on the eastern side of the fort and is considered to be around 3 metres deep in the sea. The surrounding walls of the fort are 7 metres wide and 122 metres long. It is believed that the region around the banks of the Vaghotan River was a dock, used by the Marathas for building and repairing their ships.

3. Bharatgad Fort

Bharatgad rests on the south shore of Kalavali creek in Masure village of Malvan taluka and has an area of about 5 to 6 acres. As the fort is now home to private Mango plantations the structures are well maintained and the citadel and bastions are still intact.

In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj surveyed the hill but could not fortify it due to non-availability of water. Later, fearing the disputes with the Chief of Kolhapur named Bavdekar, in 1680 the Phond Savants cut a well 228 feet deep in the rock which gave them access to water and thus fortified the fort later in 1701.

Bharatgad Fort

The Phond Savants joined the Peshwas against Tulaji Angre who later attacked Bharatgad in 1748 and won the fort. But sooner the Savants won back the fort. In 1787 the Savants lost the fort to the ruler of Karvir but they handed the fort back to the Savants. In 1818, Captain Hutchinson won the fort into the British Empire. It was observed that the water of the well had disappeared owing to the gunshots and the garrison used wooden barrels to store water.

Stairs built in rock takes us to the fort in 5 minutes. The main doorway is in ruins but the fort wall and bastions are still in good shape. There is a 20 X 10 feet deep ditch surrounding the fort which is not generally visible due to dense vegetation cover around it.

Moving forward after entering the main door one has to proceed south by keeping the fort wall to the left to reach the bastions. There is a deep ditch near the south side of the wall which could have been used for water storage during monsoons.

The citadel stands amid the fort on an elevated ground. There are four bastions on the four corners of the citadel and its walls are about 17 to 18 feet high and five feet thick. One can see porches built in the main door. Within the Citadel, there is a small temple, and near it is a big well about 228 feet deep, cut through solid rock. Towards the right one can see the remains of storage houses used for grains and ammunition. There is a secret door in the southern bastion which leads further to the main entrance of the fort.

4. Sarjekot Fort

Sarjekot Fort is one amongst the many fortresses constructed by the Maratha ruler, Shivaji. Lying north of the Sindhudurg Fort, this fort comes under the group of forts that were raised in and around Malvan, between the 16th and 18th centuries.

Sarjekot Fort

 It is believed that the fort was built in 1668 to provide shelter to Shivaji's ships during storms and the rainy season. It is located near the mouth of the Talashil River, from where people can enjoy very good views of the sunrise and sunset.

5. Rangnagad Fort

Situated at an altitude of 2600 feet above sea level, Rangnagad is a trekkers delight. This fort is among the fifteen forts built during the Shilahar Bhoj’s regime. Shivaji captured Rangnagad in 1659 and made the fort his favourite resting place. Freshwater lake and Rangnadevi Temple inside the fort are scenic splendours. Beware of bison’s on Rangnagad, it is recommended not to wear colourful clothes. When they see any person alone, they group themselves together quietly in one place and that is the danger signal for you, but these incidents are a rare case.

Mahalaxmi Temple, at Narur village this temple is located at the bottom of Rangnagad. Trekkers seek blessings from Goddess before moving upwards to Rangnagad. Tipri fair is the main annual event of the temple which attracts a large crowd of devotees.

Kondura, an amazing crater like well formed by the waterfall which gets active only in monsoons. The well is hidden in a thick grove towards the bottom of Rangnagad from it’s east. In the beginning of June water miraculously swells up inside the well and produces a unique sound.

Rangnagad Fort

Kadelot Point is a severe punishment point was used for killing a person by hurting him down a precipice is located at Hanmanta wadi (a steep rock mountain towards the east of Rangnagad). Point is visible from Pal village.

Animals production centre, on route to Shivapur at Nileli this centre, attracts enthusiastic tourists to see it’s cow pen.

 6. Kille Nivati

This dilapidated fort by the seashore impresses upon the visitor by its range of rocks situated at its bottom. The rippling perennial springs here content one’s mind foot also commands the fine view of Bhogwe beach.

Kille Nivati

Kille Nivati is actually one of the area ("Wadi" in local language) of Parule village history and natural beauty gives this place a different edge. Kille Nivati, as its name suggests is a fort, constructed by great Maratha ruler Shivaji.  He was such a visionary who had given proper attention to his naval force. He built many forts for the protection of his empire. Truly, he was a man of the fort. Kille Nivati too was built for the same purpose. Sarjekot, Padmagad and Rajkot are some other names. From this fort, one can observe Bhogave's alleviating beach. Here one can enjoy local cuisine with desi Maska Chaska. Currently, this place doesn't enjoy frequent visits by tourists, so one can really devour the untouched beauty of this wonderland.

7. Gagangad Fort

Gagangad Fort is situated at an average altitude of 3000 feet above sea level, on the highest peak of the Gaganbavada Ghat. Gagangad Fort is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century by King Bhoj, this fort stands on a steep rock.

Gagangad Fort

This wonderful steep rock fort was established under the regime of “King Bhoj” in the 12th century. Standing at an altitude of 3000 feet the fort is advantageously located on the topmost peak of Gaganbavada. It slopes down to bottom nearly from all the sides leaving one narrow way for the visitors to enter the fort.

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Konkan Diaries-The World is your Oyster-History of Konkan

History of Konkan

Amidst the majestic Sahyadris and the sprawling Arabian Sea lies a slick piece of Paradise known to the world as Konkan. With its alluring beauty, Konkan attracts every genre of people into its cove. Habitat for many and an ideal dream vacation destination to others, Konkan is magical as well as mystical.

How did this heavenly abode came into being, yet is shrouded in a cloud of mysteries? The most popular legend that circles around the Konkan is that of Lord Parshuram (the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu), a Brahmin from the Saraswat Clan, annihilated the entire Kshatriya race, a warrior tribe, and gifted the conquered land to Kashyapmuni. Being unable to administer the vast expanse of land, without the Kshatriyas, led to anarchy and chaos, Kashyapmuni requested Lord Parshuram to abandon the land and seek a new abode. Parashuram came south and reclaimed new land by ordering the sea to recede and give up the coastal land. 

Graphical representation of Lord Parshuram ordering the Sea to recede

Lord Parashuram is supposed to have shot an arrow from the top of the Western Ghats into the sea to command the Sea God to withdraw till the place where the arrow fell and claimed that land to be his kingdom. The place where the arrow landed was called Bannali (in Sanskrit for 'where the arrow landed'; Bann: arrow, ali: village), or today's Benaulim. This land known as "Aparant" or "Shurparak" is spread between the Sahyadri Mountains and Sindhu Sagar. The first wave of Brahmins to settle in Goa and Konkan were called Saraswats because of their origins from the banks of the River Saraswati, an ancient river that existed in Vedic times. The subsequent drying up of the river caused large-scale migration of Brahmins to all corners of India. A group of ninety-six families, known today as Gaud Saraswats, settled along the Konkan coast around 1000 BC.

Another legend, though less known, states that the coastal area of Konkan enchanted Lord Krishna, who was charmed by the beautiful ladies bathing in the area. The ladies, in turn, were so taken up by the melodious music emulating from his flute, that they kept dancing forgetting their daily chores. Lord Krishna, then named the land Govapuri after the cows (gov) belonging to the locals.

Painting of Lord Krishna

The history of the sacred land of Gomantak, 'Land of the Gods' present-day Goa is well described in Sahyadri Khand of Skandha Purana, the ancient text of Hindu religion.

Speaking of the meagre historical and empirical studies on this region, it is a fact that the Buddhists and later the Brahmins chose Salsette for establishing one of their monasteries result of which are the beautiful cave temples found in the Konkan.

The ports of the Konkan were known to the ancient Greeks and Egyptians and to Arab traders. The spice trade brought prosperity to the ancient Hindu kingdoms of the area. The cave temples of Elephanta Island and Kanheri, bear testimony to the prosperous culture of this era.

 With the advent of the Portuguese and British, the port cities were further developed and fortified but now have lost their former importance.

The Shilahara Dynasty (also Shilahara, Sinhara, Shailahara, Shrilara, and Silara) was a royal clan that established itself in northern and southern Konkan, present-day Mumbai and southern Maharashtra during the Rashtrakuta period.

Silhara Dynasty Archives

They were split into three branches; one branch ruled North Konkan, the second South Konkan (between 765 and 1029), while the third ruled what is now known as modern districts of Satara, Kolhapur, and Belagavi between 940 and 1215 after which they were overwhelmed by the Chalukya.

Eventually, the founder of the Maratha Empire selected his capital, a Konkan hill-fort. After the Maratha dynasty lost its hegemony, the Konkani Brahmins inherited the region and expanded their hold to the adjoining parts of India. But historically speaking, Konkan was at no time more than a part of some inland kingdom.

Maratha Dynasty led by Warrior King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Certainly, very little research has been done in Konkan history, though Konkan language and culture has made its own modest contribution to enriching India’s multiculturalism. For this reason, most people are still unaware of the elegance of Konkan language and the richness of Konkan culture. It is an undeniable fact that Konkan history does not find a rightful place, it so richly deserves in Indian history. Yet, this expanse of 720 kilometres continues to enchant us with all its glory. A Paradise that might have been...

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