Sindhudurg is a coastal district in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Sindhudurg is composed of two words: ‘Sindhu’ meaning sea, and ‘Durg’ meaning fort. In Sindhudurg, there is a taluka/tehsil situated on the Arabian Sea coast called Malvan. Malvan is famous for its beautiful and serene beaches as well as the impregnable fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Malvan offers not only natural beauty but also facilities for adventurous water sports activities.
Here, you can see dolphins, and the Malvani cuisine is also very enticing. The confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea offers a magnificent view, while the enchanting scenery of the backwaters captivates you. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, a visit to Malvan gives you a sense of mental and physical tranquility. The days I spent here were quite memorable, which I am detailing below.
➥Dandi Beach
This is the best beach in Malvan, where the view of the blue sea looks very beautiful. The scene becomes even more picturesque due to the colorful fishermen’s boats standing in the sea and on the shore. The sunrise view from Dandi Beach in the morning is very captivating. In the early morning, fishermen’s boats return from the distant sea after fishing all night. We saw all kinds of fish, both small and large, including King Fish, commonly known here as Surmai Fish, as well as Pomfret and Mackerel.
We stayed at a resort on this beach called “Nirmala Beach Resort.” The hospitality of the resort owner, Narayan Dhuri, was excellent. Sitting under the coconut trees in the resort’s premises and admiring the beauty was a memorable moment. After having breakfast in the morning, we enjoyed playing in the sea waves to our heart’s content.
In the evening, playing football on the beach was also a lot of fun. Dandi Beach offers many water sports like Jet Ski, Scuba Diving, Banana Ride, and Parasailing. We enjoyed Scuba Diving, Parasailing, and the Banana Ride. From Dandi Beach, you can also take a steamer to visit Sindhudurg Fort.
➥Sindhudurg Fort
As is well known, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built numerous forts during the Maratha Empire, such as Raigad and Pratapgad, which are located on rugged mountains. However, Sindhudurg Fort is special and unique in its own way. This fort, surrounded by the sea on all sides, spans 50 acres and is built on an island in the Arabian Sea. Its construction took place between 1664 and 1667 under the supervision of Hiroji Indalkar. The fort held significant strategic importance as it was built to prevent enemy attacks via sea routes.
The walls of the fort are very strong and there are many coconut trees within its premises. The main gate of the fort is so cleverly constructed that it is difficult to locate the entrance. Inside the fort, there are three freshwater wells named Dudhbav, Dahibav, and Sakarbav. The presence of these freshwater wells amidst the salty seawater is nothing short of a marvel.
There are several temples inside the Sindhudurg Fort, with the Hanuman Temple being the most prominent. To visit this fort, you can take a steamer from Dandi Beach. Sindhudurg Fort is a living testament to Indian architecture and the defensive prowess of the Maratha Empire, and it is definitely worth a visit.
➥Rock Garden
Rock Garden is famous for its enchanting sunset views. This place, surrounded by high and low rocks on the seashore, is very beautiful in the evening. Sitting on the rocks, watching the sun set in front of you, and listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks creates a wonderful atmosphere. Many people start coming here in the evening. It is a favorite spot for lovers and newlyweds. As the sun begins to dip into the sea, the entire sky and the water in front of you turn a shade of red. I have never seen a sunset as beautiful as this one. It’s best to come here a little early so that you can fully enjoy the atmosphere leading up to sunset.
➥Dolphin View
I had only seen dolphins in photos or videos before. When I heard that dolphins could be seen here, we decided to go for it. To see the dolphins, you have to wake up early in the morning and go a little into the sea by boat at around 5 a.m. We got up early, got ready, and boarded our designated boat. We were all filled with excitement. The boatman told us that spotting dolphins depends on your luck, as it is not guaranteed that they will appear every day. Hearing this made us a bit disappointed, but we remained positive as we ventured into the sea. The sun was beginning to rise, and the freshness of the morning was reflected in the sky and the sea below.
We were discussing dolphins when suddenly we saw one dolphin leap out of the water and dive back down. We understood that today was our day. Then we saw 2-3 dolphins swimming near our boat as if they were welcoming us in their own way. Our boat was attracting them towards us. It was wonderful to see these beautiful dolphins. For about an hour, we watched the playful antics of these dolphins. While returning to the shore, it felt as if we were bringing back precious pearls from the sea. It was truly a magnificent and incredible experience.
➥Devbag & Tsunami Island
Located 12 kilometers from Malvan bus stand, Devbag in Malvan is where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea. We boarded a boat to witness the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea. The waves were quite high at the confluence point, which was a bit intimidating. The sunset view from here is also very beautiful. Devbag also offers water sports activities. About 4 kilometers from Devbag, there is a small Tsunami Island on the delta of the Karli River.
The backwaters here are very picturesque. Sea eagles are often seen circling over the sandy shores in search of prey. The nearby areas are dotted with coconut trees, enhancing the scenic beauty. It’s a great place to have fun and relax with friends and family.
➥Tarkarli Beach
Tarkarli Beach is the most famous place in Malvan. The lush green trees around the beach enhance its beauty manifold. The coastline here is very long. This place is popular among tourists because it is very peaceful. The sea water here is very clean and clear, making it an excellent spot for swimming. Time seems to fly when spending hours on the beach. Children particularly enjoy playing on the sand here. Visiting Tarkarli Beach upon arriving in Malvan is a great idea.
➥Scuba Dive
Scuba diving has always fascinated me after watching people dive on nature-related channels on television. My desire came true in Malvan, which is one of the selected places in the country where scuba diving is available. Sitting on a special boat, we went into the sea for scuba diving accompanied by trained professionals. The area around Sindhudurg Fort is the most suitable place for scuba diving because the water here is shallow. As a result, the underwater view is very clear.
Wearing specialized suits for scuba diving, we ventured into the water with the trained divers. The underwater scenery was absolutely stunning. It was an unforgettable moment seeing coral reefs, aquatic plants, and colorful fish up close. In my opinion, everyone should experience scuba diving at least once. Malvan provides the best and easiest access to such an adventure.
➥Malvani Cuisine
If you are a food enthusiast, Malvani cuisine will not disappoint you. The dishes made in coconut oil are extremely delicious. For seafood lovers, this place feels like paradise. Specialties include Surmai (King Fish), Pomfret, Crab, and more excellent dishes. We enjoyed a variety of dishes here. There are also good dining options available for vegetarians.
One very famous beverage here is called ‘Solkadhi’. Made from fresh coconut and kokum fruit, this lightly pink-colored tangy-sweet drink is very delicious. It also includes some spices in its preparation. It is usually served with meals because it aids in digestion and enhances the dining experience. Malvani cuisine must definitely be tasted.
In addition to this, there are other places to visit in Malvan such as Jay Ganesh Temple, Achara Beach, Tondavali Beach, Sangam of Karli River with Sea and more. Away from the city’s hustle-bustle and free from distractions, Malvan ensures a tranquil time along with the thrilling experience of adventure water sports.
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➜ Don’t forget to do in Malvan: Banana Ride, Parasailing, Scuba Diving, Dolphin Watching, Seafood Malvani Cuisine, Photography.
➜ How to reach Malvan: The nearest airport is 115 kilometers away in Goa. The closest railway station, Kudal, is approximately 30 kilometers away. Malvan can also be easily accessed via road from Mumbai, Pune, and Goa.
➜ Best time to visit Malvan: The best time to visit Malvan is from December to March.
➜ Recommended duration for visiting Malvan: 4 days / 3 nights
