Beaches @ Sindhudurg

The Sindhudurg is famous for its clean, long and narrow stretch of beach, with its pristine waters. Following are major popular beaches in sindhudurg.

Sagareshwar Beach-

Overlooking the natural port Vengurla this pristine stretch of shiny sand and dunes is bordered with magnificent Cajurina Plantations which offers pleasure to the visitors.Sagareshwar mandir and M.T.D.C. Resort at the beach are the spots to visit.

Kille Nivati Beach -

This dilapidated fort by the seashore impress upon the visitor by its range of rocks situated at its bottom. The rippling perennial springs here content one’s mind. Fort also commands the fine view of Bhogwe beach. Normally dolphins comes to sea shore by racing folk of small fish to prey them. Morning 9.00 AM and evening 5.00 PM is dolphins deserved timings on sea shore.

Velagar Beach, Shiroda-

This Beautiful known beach is famous among foreign tourists. Long beach with coconut and Carijuana trees at backdrop.

Khavane Beach-

Intimate size beach in relative isolation surrounded with hilly area.

Tarkarli Beach-

Considered as queen of Sindhudurg’s beaches. Tarkarli situated 6 Kms. south of Malvan on the west coast. The major attraction here is the long and narrow stretch of beach, with its pristine waters. On a clear day, you can see the sea-bed through a depth of 20ft.While in Tarkarli, make sure to visit the konkan’s favorite food restaurant for the delectable cuisine and experience something unusual-staying in MTDC’s inviting tents and house boats.

Chivala Beach-

This C shaped beach is clean as most of the beaches in this region. This is beach can we viewed for rock garden. This is rare beach including sites by sitting on these rocks , you can enjoy sea water sunset also. This is a beautiful stretch of clean sands and clear waters bordering Malvan town from North West. IA small restaurant called Silver Sands serves local fish and refreshments.

Vengurla Rock Lighthouse

Vengurla Rock Lighthouse is about 8 km north from Vengurla port and is approached, during fair seasons only by a mechanized boat to be specially engaged from Vengurla port. The journey takes more than two hours. The steps have been cut in the rock for climbing up from landing point. In olden days ML Vengurla rock served the station.
 

The coastal region from Vengurla point to Niuti fort in north-west has several high rise rocks inside the sea. The Vengurla rock or Burnt Island consists of a group of rocks rising 20 to 50 m above sea level.
 

The first Lighthouse was built in 1870 on a nearby rock, to the west of the present rock, in the sea. The lighting apparatus which was to be placed here, did not reach on time and it was necessary to exhibit the light, it was decided to use the log fire as the light source for some time. The kerosene oil lamp in a lantern with 5th order optic was subsequently placed on the tower. The light was shifted to the present location on a 9 m high square masonry tower-painted white in 1890. The double wick lamp inside a 4th order optic and lantern was installed. on this tower. The station was visited by Lighthouse Expert Alan D. Stevenson in April 1927 who suggested to provide a powerful light and a wireless system at the station.

Vengurla Rock Lighthouse

Rangnagad Fort

Situated at an altitude of 2600 ft. above sea level Rangnagad is a trekker’s delight. This fort is among the fifteen forts built during the Shalimar Bhoj’s regime. Shivaji captured Rangnagad in 1659 and made the fort his favorite resting place. 

Fresh Water Lake and Rangnadevi Temple inside the fort are scenic splendours. Beware of bison’s on Rangnagad, we recommend you not to wear colorful clothes. When they see any person alone, they group themselves together quietly at one place and that is the danger singal for you, but these incidents are rare case.

Rangnagad Fort

 

Bharadi Devi Temple

Bharadi Devi (goddess) is one goddess one just can't think of missing when one is in Malvan. This is the famous “active goddess”, refer active Bhagwati of Damper situated at Anganewadi, 14 kms from Malvan. Angnewadi is the small hamlet of Masure village. The Bharadi Devi (goddess) is very famous for her wish-fulfilling power. Devotees express their wish before her and once the wish is fulfilled they come to express their gratitude.

The highlight of Angnewadi is an annual fair sometime in February, the date is declared after getting approval from the goddess which is attended by lakhs of devotees. The villagers of Angnewadi have deep faith in ‘Bharadi Devi and they obey her wishes. This small hamlet completely abstains from alcohol consumption. It's strictly forbidden in this hamlet. With spreading of the wish–fulfilling of the powers of this goddess, the goddess has many political leaders amongst her devotees. All these faithful devotees throng to the annual fair. Many public transportation buses, passenger vehicles ply from Malvan and Kankavli to Angnewadi. One can visit Angnewadi and come back to Malvan within 2 hours.

Bharadi Devi

Sagareshwar Beach

Sagareshwar Beach is characterized by a huge stretch of shiny silvery sand dunes, sparkling beach and crystal blue waters. A small temple of Sagareshwara (Lord of the Sea) is located on the beach. 

The beach is bordered by Cajurina plantations which provide hospitality and pleasure to the tourists. Sagareshwar Beach is ideal for swimming. Dolphins can be seen at this beach.
 
Driving on the way to Shiroda from Vengurla just turn to the right at Ubhadanda you will see the huge streteh of shiny silvery sand dunes. By trampling the sand under the foot, a short walk, climbing the sand dunes and   lo behold you are at the sparkling beach and crystal blue waters of Sagreshwar. This beautiful beach is just 3-4 kms from Vengurla. 

A small temple of Sagareshwara (Lord of the Sea) is situated on the beach.The Cajuring plantations on the beach offer hospitality and pleasure to the tourists. Ideal for swimming, this is a secluded beach and can be accessed by trekking.

Sagareshwar Beach

Chowkul - Village Tourism

Chowkul, a beautiful village just 10 km away from Amboli is a newly developed village tourism project. 

The village has waterfalls, though most of them are monsoon based.

A plateau with colorful flowers. Naturally formed caves. Strawberry plantations. Various hiking routes. 
Variety of butterflies and bird life. And travel in the night to see some real time wildlife.

The villagers of Chowkul have formed a consortium of home stay to offer wide variety of homely accommodation to the tourists. 

The houses are moderate in facilities. But the experience of being guest to the whole village is unique.

Chowkul - Village Tourism

Karli Backwaters

A boat ride up the river starting from the creek is full of beautiful and surprising moments. 
The ride against the river nearing its journey is amazingly swift.

The waters however, hide the turmoil within and it’s only when some troubled dolphin jumps to the surface and zigzags back that one gets the true picture of the abyss.

The rivers banks are covered with verdant forests and one shouldn’t be faulted for comparing it to the ride across the Amazon.

Karli Backwaters

Dajipur sanctuary

Dajipur sanctuary [30k.m From kankavli] Is situated on the border of Sindhudurg and Kolhapur districts. It is also know as a hill station. Thick forest is speciality of this sanctuary. The way to climb mountain is also an attraction. We can enjoy sunset from Dajipur. It is a pleasur to view sunset with cool air and colourful clouds in the sky.

Dajipur beckons adventure lovers. Tourist must come to this place during Kankavli visit. They can reach here by kankavli-Kolhapur state transport via Phondhaghat. Private vehicles are also available. On the way to Dajipur there is a temple of Bhagvati Devi. Tourist should visit this temple. Dajipur is charming Bison Sanctuary [Gawa Buffalo’] with a variety of animals, birds and full of beauty.

Original Indian Bisons are star attraction of this reserve. There are ample of antelopes (kalvit), deer (Harin), bears (Aswal), serpents (saap), chitals etc. This jungle resort is a scenic spot near the backwater of Radhanagri Dam. It is surrounded by hilly areas, a thick forest abundent in wild life. This sanctuary is also a paradise for the bird watchers. At one point on the highway the bird eye view of low-lying places can be enjoyed here. A Gagangiri Maharaj Mutt lie in the forest area of the dajipur. Special trekking camp place is more than just fun. 

Dajipur sanctuary

Shri Dev Vetoba Temple

Located about 3 km east of the unspoilt Shiroda-Velagar beach and 13 km from Vengurla in south Sindhudurg is the village of Aravali. One of the attractions of this nondescript yet charming village is the Shri Dev Vetoba Temple, an elaborate shrine dedicated to Vetoba the King of Ghosts and an avatar of Shiva. The deity’s 9 ft-tall statue, fashioned out of five metals, stands in the sanctum sanctorum, appropriately armed with weapons to fight evil and watch over the village.

Bananas and large Kolhapuri slippers are given as offerings for boons granted for it is believed that Lord Vetoba dons the slippers at night when he tours the village to ensure that all is well.

Shri Dev Vetoba Temple

Nestling in a mango grove nearby is the Sateri Devi Mandir, an appealing, pillared temple with a sloping-tiled roof. This exquisite temple is in keeping with local architecture and is cloaked in an aura of spirituality.

On the road to Shri Dev Vetoba Temple there is a little waterfront shrine surrounded by colourful flags. These offerings are made by local fishermen who come here with two flags; one they leave behind for the gods and the other they carry back with them and fly them on their boats for protection on the high seas.

Sindhudurg - Historical Traces

It is believed that during the 13th year of exile, the Pandavas passed through the entire Konkan region and also resided in Sindhudurg for some period of time. During their war with the Kauravas at Kurukshetra, the Pandavas were accompanied by Veerat Ray, who was the Raja of this region.

However, in the 2nd century AD, the Konkan coast was conquered by the Mauryas. During the mid of 6th century, Konkan was under the reign of both Maurya and Nala dynasties. In the 16th century, the west coast of India witnessed the advent of Portuguese power, to which Sindhudurg was no exception.

Later in 1675, the district was conquered by Shivaji and went under the control of the Marathas. The Marathas ruled the district till 1817, after which, a war broke out between the British and the Peshwas. As a result of this war, the entire Konkon region came under the rule of the British.

In 1819, a separate district was formed, which came to be known as South Konkan, with its headquarters initially located at Bankot. Later the headquarters was shifted to Ratnagiri from Bankot.

In 1832, Ratnagiri was made a full-fledged district and Sindhudurg was a part of it. Later on 1st May, 1981, Ratnagiri District was divided into Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg for administrative purposes and for agricultural and industrial developments.
 

Best Time to Visit Malvan

The region of Malvan experiences a sub tropical climate with humid summers, moderately cold winters and abundant rainfall. The three basic seasons in this region are summers, winters and monsoon. 

The best time for sightseeing and other tourist activities is the winter season, when the weather is mild and moderately cold.

Winters in the town of Malvan extend during the months of November, December, January, and till early February. Winters are mild and moderately cold, hence you need not carry protective clothing. Temperatures can drop to a minimum of sixteen degrees (16°C) and a maximum of twenty four degrees (24°C) during this time.