Alok Prakash 
Maharashtra’s coast offers some really fantastic beaches, far away from the maddening crowd! One can choose to relax and do nothing or enjoy activities like snorkeling, explore local temples and forts, savor authentic coastal food, bird-watching..and much more!
Shriwardhan Harihareshwar
Beach Culture:
The serene and quaint town of Harihareshwar is a place of tranquillity etched along the Konkan border in Maharashtra. Gentle winds, soft powder-like sand, and inviting waters make the Shriwardhan Bay irresistible for any beach lover. The surrounding hills make a perfect foil for the impending stretch of pristine beach that still remains one of the most unspoilt and unsoiled stretches of sand in the Konkan. From relishing an assortment of fresh sea to exploring a land rich in landmarks of the erstwhile Maratha Kingdom, the pathways of Shriwardhan Harihareshwar is one that have to be ventured upon.
Things to do in and around:
– Sample the array of delicacies offered, which range from freshly caught crabs, lobsters, and other seafood. The unique fusion of Konkani and Maharashtrian cuisine is also displayed in several of the eateries that line the town.
-Hire a boat to the north side of the bay and explore a land where the Peshwas, or prime ministers, of the Maratha kingdom originally resided.
– Notable landmarks to visit include the Peshwa Smarak, and the famous temple of Harihareshwar; a place of pilgrimage for many a devotee.
Ganapatipule
Seashore Paradise:
One of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast – Ganapatipule is an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. Sparkling blue waters, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, and waves playing with the sand dunes are just some of the aesthetics one gets to experience first-hand. Containing one of the Ashta Ganapatis (eight Ganapatis) of India, travelling here is an experience on its own as the vast Konkan stretch is abundant with scenic greenery. The town itself paints a picture of a scene from Malgudi Days, with narrow mud roads that eventually open up, red earth, and roofed houses gazing upon clean courtyards; all adding a quaint touch to the panorama.
Things to do in and around:
-Nestled in the greenery is a nearly 4000 year old landmark; the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple (literally meaning a self-originated idol of Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. It is one of the ‘Ashta Ganapatis’ (eight Ganpatis) of India and is known as ‘Paschim Dwar Dewata’ (Western Sentinel God).
-Ganapatipule offers a variety of local preparations, like ambapoli (thin pancakes of crushed and dried mango) and phanspoli (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit). Fish curries and the kokam kadi (a pink – coloured digestive drink) are also worth trying. Vegetarians can feast on simple, yet tasty, fare: dal, vegetables prepared with a coconut base and modak – a sweet (and a favourite dish of Lord Ganesh). In summer one can relish Devgad Hapus, one of the more famous varieties of mangoes in the world.
-Excursions can be taken to Malgund (1km)- which is the birthplace of the famous Marathi poet, Keshavsut, Pawas- prominent for the ashram of Swami Swaroopanand, and the beautiful village of Velneshwar situated north of the Shastri River, having its own peaceful, coconut-fringed beach.
-Other notable landmarks to visit include the Jaigad Fort, the culturally rich area of Ratnagiri, and Sangameshwar- located 50km away. There is an ancient Shiv temple at Sangameshwar on the confluence of Shastri and Alaknanda rivers, and is constructed in the old Hemadpanthi style.
Vengurla Malvan
Shoreline Splendour, Goa’s Neighbour!
With its long stretch of white sands, and hills that provide haven to groves of cashew, coconut, jackfruit and mango, the pristine and beautiful town of Vengurla reeks of natural beauty, amazing expanses of beaches and rich cultural heritage. Twice burned to the ground, it was the target of repetitive attacks and plunders between the 16th and 18th century. The old town of Malvan, gently foiled by palms, holds many markers of the ancient civilizations that once stood here, and even today the caricatures of the old remain through salt pans, clay pottery, and a unique cuisine.
Things to do in and around:
-The area has two well-known temples: the Shri Devi Sateri temple and the Rameshwar Mandir. A bird watchers paradise, Burnt island is one of the three islands off the coast from Vengurla. It is a traditional roosting and nesting site of the Indian Swiftlet, the Edible nest swiftlet, and many more species of avians.
– Once a bustling port, Vengurla’s jetty is a part of settlement set up by the Dutch. The port was central to many trading activities during the rule of the Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji. The best time to visit the Vengurla jetty is in the evening when the boats return with the day’s catch.
– About 3 km from the Vengurla town and near the jetty is the Vengurla lighthouse, reached via a winding path perched on a hill the Vengurla lighthouse offers a spectacular view of the sea below stretching far into the horizon; the jetty and its boats; the palm-fringed coastline to the left; and a creek far away trailing out to the sea.
– Nivti 20 kms from Vengurla town has a serene beach with soft silver sands. It is almost enclosed by rock structures wading deep into the sea at both sides making it a private beach.
-The rocky terrain of Malvan holds 2 forts: Sindhudurg and Padmagad. It is said that there was an underground route joining them.
– Malvan is known for its salt pans, Chinese clay pottery and the special Malvani cuisine, which is quite distinct from Konkan food. Although Malvani cuisine is predominantly non-vegetarian, there are many vegetarian delicacies. Overlapping the Maharashtrian and Goan cuisine, the town of Malvan offers a cuisine unlike any other, fusing two great foods into something distinctive.
Tarkarli
Queen beach of Sindhudurg:
A narrow stretch of beach located at the convergence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea, Tarkarli is famed for its transparently clear seas, where on a fairly sunny day, one can literally see into the very soul of the sea. A view of sea and sand blending in natural harmony providing a backdrop for gracefully cruising boats only add to the beauty of this beach. Another enticing facet of Tarkarli beach is the array of things to do, which include several water sports, scuba diving, and exploration of the nearby landmarks and beaches. Several restaurants serve the region’s delectable cuisine while the MTDC’s Konkani huts present a unique living option.
Things to do:
-Tarkarli is one of the rare places in Maharashtra where you can indulge in snorkelling to explore the intriguing underwater life and rocks capes. There are a few sites near Tarkarli identified as ideal for snorkelling like the Sindhudurg fort, Devbag sangam and Vengurla rocks. Scuba diving and other water sports can also be arranged.
– The backwaters of the Karli river between Tarkarli and Kudal opened up the opportunity for M.T.D.C to recreate the houseboat experience of Kerala, and provide two houseboats with excellent facilities on board.
-Nivati beach, located nearby, is a small fisherman’s cove famous for its naturally carved rock murals, and is also an ideal spot for spotting dolphins frolicking about.
– Several places can be explored nearby, and include Sindhudurg Fort, Devbag, Dhamapur Lake, Bhagwati temple, Rameshwar, Jay Ganesh Temple, and Bhogve Beach.
How to get there:
Nearest Airport: Dabolim, 190km
Nearest Railway Station: Kudal, 45kms.
By road: Mumbai-Tarkarli, 546 kms. Kolhapur-Tarkarli, 160 kms. Malvan-Tarkarli 7kms. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Kolhapur, Pune to Malvan and from Malvan to Tarkarli. Rickshaws are also available from Malvan.
Dahanu
A town by the sea:
Journeying across the picturesque Sahyadri Mountain range and crisp coastal air takes one to Dahanu, a quaint and sleepy coastal town on the shores of the Arabian Sea. The Casurina trees planted in plenty along with coconut groves open up to the eventuality of the beach, after which there is nothing but the horizon. Lined with orchards, flower gardens, India’s Chikoo county and once barren land thrived under Irani settler, and thus the area contains several marks of Zoroastrianism, including Udwada that contains a thousand year old, still burning, sacred fire. From simply lying on the beach soaking in the purity to flexing the vein of adventure, Dahanu is a beach destination unique in its own right.
Things to do:
-Adventure sports like gliding, trekking, venturing into the open seas, and kite flying is a part of life here. The surrounding hills of Mahalaxmi, Asherigad, Bahrot, and Kahoj are a trekker’s delight.
-Visit the historic Bahrot caves, which is primarily a pilgrim centre of the Zoroastrians, and was the place were the Zoroastrians hid themselves, and the ‘Atash Behram’, from the Muslim invaders for thirteen long years.
-The famous Warli style of paintings, which owes its existence to the adjoining tribal regions of Dahanu, depicts the various normalcies in life; created in a rhythmic pattern mainly symbolising harmony and balance.
– The erstwhile Portuguese colony of Daman also holds a lot to offer, with pristine beaches, old churches, and forts.
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