KONKAN

Maharashtra's 720-km. coastline and the adjoining area or 'Konkan' as it is called, extends from Dahanu in the north up to Goa in south. Konkan is well known for its natural beauty and is fast emerging as a favorite tourist destination for tourists. Konkan's greenery, coconut trees, beautiful virgin beaches, waterfalls, mountains and lush green valleys will definitely provide a rich and pleasant experience for the traveler.

Tourism in Konkan is developing very fast. Tourists from Maharashtra now prefer to visit Konkan because of several reasons like close vicinity, Easy accessibility due to better roads and Konkan railway. The economic accommodation and overall lower costs for visiting previously unexplored places is an added attraction.

Getting to Khandala

Air: : Nearest airports are at Ratnagiri and Goa.

Rail: Sindhudurga is a Railway Station on the Konkan Railway.

Road: Panvel-Pen-Kolad-Mangaon-Chiplun-Sangameshwar-Nivli-Hatkhamba-Rajapur-Kankavli-Malvan.

Pune-Satara-Umbraj-Chiplun-Sangameshwar-Nivli-Hatkhamba-Rajapur-Kankavli-Malvan.

City Map of Konkan

Essential Attractions in Konkan

Malvan:

Malvan is a small city with beautiful beaches and nice places to stay. 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, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. You have to take a boat ride to visit the fort. Lots of 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 Sindhudurg 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.

Sindhudurga Fort:

The Star attraction of the Malvan trip, the sindhudurga fort is an excellent example of the foresight of the great Maratha King, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He built this fort in 1664 on 'Kurte' islands and is an excellent example of fort building architecture. You have to take boat ride in order to visit the fort and will cost you 20 - 30 Rs.

The fort has 52 'Buruzs' with an average height of 30 meters. The fort has three sweet water wells with Bhavanimata, Mahadev Temples and also a Temple of Shivaji Maharaj himself. In the fort you can also find a rare example of branching of a coconut tree. A visit to the fort is a must for any tourist and you will enjoy going around in the fort.

Tarkarli:

Tarkarli located at 7 Kms. from Malvan is fast becoming a hot tourist destination. The whole area is very beautiful and is situated at the mouth of Karli river. Tarkarli has an excellent white sand beach and you will definitely fall in love with this beach. MTDC has very good resort with tents at Tarkarli and lots of people come to visit every year. The nearby Devbag beach is also very beautiful.

Kunkeshwar

Located at 15 Kms. from Devgad, Kunkeshwar is an ancient Shankar temple built in the 10th century by the Yadavas. The temple is situated on the beach and is very beautiful. There are six Deepmals and huge Nandi in front of the temple. the Beach in front of the temple is also very beautiful and clean.

Mithbav:

Located at 20 kms from Devgad, the Mithbav beach is a very beautiful white sand beach. the waters are safe for swimming and the whole beach is very picturesque.

Vijaydurga – Devgad

Devgad is famous all over the world for its delicious Alphanso mangoes, and this becomes quite evident as soon as you approach Devgad. You can see Mango plantations everywhere and it is the main occupation of the people in Devgad.

Located near Devgad the Vijaydurga fort was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on the mouth of Vaghotane creek. The fort is on a strip of land going into the sea and is spread in an area of six hectares. The fort has 27 'Buruzs' and is still in a very good condition. The huge stones used for the fort walls and the strength of the walls are still visible and it is quite interesting to think how these huge walls were built in the open sea.