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| Why Konkan Should Be Your Next Tourist Destination? |
Konkan in Maharashtra is probably the state’s most underrated regions. With a beautiful coastal stretch starting from Thane district and going all the way down to Goa, Konkan is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and the most majestic forts. Come monsoon and the weather in the region goes from sweltering hot to pleasantly cool. Konkan turns a new leaf with its forests receiving a fresh coat of green. The places in Konkan are perfect for travellers who want to get away from all the hubbub of the city life and find some solace in the lap of nature.
'Konkan' is the coastal region of Maharashtra state lining the Arabian sea. It extends from north to south and is made up of the districts of Thane, Mumbai, Raigad, Ratnagiri & Sindhudurg. The Konkan region is separated from the rest of the state by the Sahyadri mountain range also known as the Western Ghats. This region has remained in isolation for a long time for lack of proper means of transport. About ten years ago (around the early 90s), this region opened up with the advent of the 'Konkan railway' - the rail route that connects Mumbai (Bombay) with the entire western coast of India. 'Konkan railway' in itself is an unparalleled achievement of engineering excellence for India involving the construction of several bridges and tunnels through its entire run across the state.
The region boasts of a unique culture that is unlike any other region in the country. People are quite friendly and hospitable. There are several places of geographical, cultural and architectural interest in the Konkan region. Most places offer long stretches of unexplored beaches, which have a serene character without much commercialisation.
From north to south, Vangaon, Tarapur, Dahanu, Chincholi, Kihim, Alibaug, Nagaon, Revdanda, Kashid, Murud Janjira, Dighi, Shrivardhan, Harihareshwar, Murud Harne, Anjarla, Devgarh, Ganpati Pule, Ratnagiri, Malvan, Vengurla, Ubha danda, Sagareshwar & Terekhol are just a few coastal towns from where one could enjoy an interesting dialogue with the endless ocean. Amongst places of cultural interest, there are a large number of temples and temple complexes spread all over the region, most of which are at least 100 years old. Along with the temples, there are quite a few places connected with the political history of Maharashtra such as forts and palaces built during the rule of the Marathas (the great Maratha warrior prince - Shivaji & then the Peshwas). The forts of Arnala, Vasai, Alibag, Janjira, Raigad, Vijaydurg & Sindhudurg offer an insight into the history of the region along with splendid views of unexplored landscape/seascape.
The Mumbai (Bombay) and Thane are highly commercialised cities and these districts do not have much to offer. Chiplun & Ratnagiri are two strategically located and fast-developing towns south of Mumbai. These are the only two major commercial towns (or cities?) in the region. Kudal & Kankavli in the south & Mahad in the north is also trying to catch up with development. However, fortunately, most parts in the districts of Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg have managed to remain free from commercialisation and adulteration of the landscape. Travelling through these districts of the Konkan region is an experience in itself.
I have divided the Konkan coastline into eight different sections or trips
• Alibag, Murud & Janjira Fort
• Srivardhan, Harihareshwar & Diveagar
• Dapoli, Harne & Kelshi
• Chiplun - Guhagar
• Ganpatipule - Sangameshwar
• Ratnagiri - Pavas
• Malvan - Sindhudurga
• Devgad - Vijaydurga
• Amboli - Savantwadi
• Vengurla - Terekhol
1. Alibag -Murud- Janjira Fort Trip
In your trip to Alibag, you can visit the Kulaba fort at Alibag and Janjira at Murud. The beautiful beaches at Alibag, Murud, Kashid, Nandgaon, and Kihim would definitely quench your thirst for the seashore.
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| Alibag -Murud- Janjira Fort |
The other interesting places include Sea forts of Khanderi, Underi, Korlai, Revdanda and Kasa. The 150 years old Magnetic Observatory in Alibag is also worth your visit.
There are a lot of Hotels and Resorts in and around Alibag to suit your budget and making your holiday a memorable one.
2. Srivardhan - Harihareshwar - Diveagar Trip
Harihareshwar located at only 18 kilometres from Srivardhan is also a beautiful place with an ancient Shiv Temple and Kalbhairav Temple situated on the beach. Harihareshwar beach is also a very clean and excellent beach. MTDC has very a good resort at Harihareshwar with Tents to stay.
Diveagar, a nearby town shot to fame when an ancient half statue of Ganpati made of gold and some ornaments were found on a farm. The Shekhadi Road leading to Diveagar is a very pleasant drive as the road is parallel to the coastline and you can see many breathtaking views along the entire stretch of the road.
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| Srivardhan - Harihareshwar - Diveagar |
The Kuda caves near Tale are also worth your visit but are slightly off the road. Visiting Kuda while coming to Srivardhan is more convenient as it is on the way to Mhasala near Mangaon and you will only spend a few hours more. However, you are advised to take food and water with you as there are no hotels or shops nearby for many kilometres.
3. Dapoli - Harne - Kelshi Trip
A trip to Dapoli - Harne will give you the pleasure of staying at a hill station and still being close to the sea. Dapoli is considered a Hill Station and the climate is pleasant. There are a lot of places nearby like Suvarnadurga fort and a very beautiful beach at Karde.
The Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth at Dapoli is also worth your visit, Nature lovers will surely like it. There are a lot of good Hotels in Dapoli and Murud.
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| Dapoli - Harne - Kelshi |
A trip to Kelshi is a perfect Getaway for a rustic Konkan and its serenity. If you want to taste the real village life in Konkan, Kelshi is the ideal getaway.
The village is very small and you can experience real peace away from the hustle and bustle of modern cities.
4. Chiplun - Guhagar Trip
A trip to Chiplun - Guhagar is a pleasant experience which will give you a combination of nature with the modern day amenities.
A lot of people visit Chiplun - Guhagar because this trip gives a good mix of a holiday in the city as well as the rustic Konkan.
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| Chiplun - Guhagar |
Chiplun is a big city with a lot of Hotels and restaurants, and a lot of people stay in Chiplun because of its easy accessibility as it is on the Mumbai - Goa highway.
Guhagar is a small town compared to Chiplun and a lot of people prefer to stay in and around Guhagar if they are looking for a quieter place and Seashore.
5. Ganpatipule - Sangameshwar Trip
Ganpatipule is fast becoming a hot tourist destination and lots of people visit Ganpatipule every year. Ganpatipule Beach is one of the best beaches on the Konkan coastline.
It is famous basically for its Ganpati Temple and beautiful white sand beach. The MTDC has a very good resort near the beach and there are many other hotels & resorts to choose from in Ganpatipule.
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| Ganpatipule - Sangameshwar |
Bhandarpule, near Ganpatipule, also has a very beautiful beach. The beach at Bhandarpule is secluded and less crowded than Ganpatipule.
Sangameshwar located near Ganpatipule is also a place worth mentioning. There is an ancient Shiv temple at Sangameshwar on the confluence of Shastri and Alaknanda rivers.
The temple is beautiful and constructed in the old Hemadpanthi style, the carvings in the temple are very beautiful.
6. Ratnagiri - Pawas trip
A trip to Ratnagiri - Pawas is perfect getaway if you want to stay in a big city and do some pilgrimage also. Ratnagiri is a beautiful city and an important port. The city is quite industrialized and has many fish processing and exporting units.
Ratnagiri is also famous for the 'Hapus' or Alphonso mangoes produced in the adjoining areas. There are a lot of places in and around Ratnagiri and the city also has a lot of good hotels for a pleasant stay.
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| Ratnagiri - Pawas |
Pawas, near Ratnagiri, has become an important pilgrimage centre because of the Shri Swami Swarupanand Samadhi Mandir. Lakhs of people visit Pawas every year.
The Samadhi Mandir was constructed in the memory of Shri Swami Swarupanand Who took a samadhi here on 15th August 1974.
7. Malvan - Sindhudurga - Devgad - Vijaydurga trip
A trip to Malvan, Sindhudurga, Vijaydurga and Devgad is lots of fun, Many people come to Malvan as it is easier to find accommodation here and visit various places in and around Malvan.
The sunset at the Malvan beach is spectacular with Sindhudurga fort in the background and also there is a big fish market in the evening with auctions of fresh fish taking place right on the beach.
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| Malvan - Sindhudurga - Devgad - Vijaydurga |
Malvan is famous for its food and its proximity to Sindhudurg fort, the star attraction of the trip. Sindhudurga fort is an excellent example of fort building architecture and the foresight of the great Maratha king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. You have to take a boat ride to visit the fort.
Another attraction of the trip is the nearby fort of Vijaydurga situated at Devgad. It is advisable to stay in Malvan and Visit Vijaydurga as there are fewer facilities for accommodation in Devgad.
8. Amboli - Savantwadi - Vengurla - Terekhol Trip
Amboli is fast becoming a hot tourist destination and becoming a favourite with the tourists because it is very small and not crowded as other hill stations in Maharashtra.
The natural beauty and peace of this ECO-Friendly Hill Station offer much more to the visitor than the traditional Hill Stations.
Many people visit Amboli especially in the monsoons for enjoying the numerous waterfalls that cascade down the hills in Amboli.
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| Amboli - Savantwadi - Vengurla - Terekhol |
There are many points in Amboli and the nearby places like Savantwadi, Vengurla and Terekhol add to the pleasure of your trip. You can also make a one day trip to Goa.
The accommodation in Amboli is quite reasonable and this trip will give you an economical yet pleasant vacation.
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