Tarkarli : Revealing the Hidden Gem of Maharashtra
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If you think of spectacular beaches in Maharashtra, Tarkarli has to be among the top of the list. Apart from the beach, Tarkarli, sea-side Konkan Town, is also famous for various Water Sports and the best time to visit Tarkarli is usually throughout the year.
Tarkarli is heaven for the people who love beaches because of its clean, pure and beautiful nature. The laid-back Malvani Culture and lip-smacking food will help anyone who wants to revitalize their mind from the daily hustle and bustle.
This quiet and peaceful place is located at the junction of Karli River and Arabian Sea. As Goa is only 100 kms far, the beaches at Tarkarli, Maharashtra (which is located in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra) feels very virgin and one can enjoy the calmness of the beach with Konkani ethnicity. The swinging palm trees, the sandy shoreline and the laid-back culture makes Tarkarli a delightful destination worth spending time for.
Thus, following is the list of to-do things to have a memorable and unforgettable experience at Tarkarli.
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
It is worth diving in to the sea, to experience the thrill, to hear your heartbeat just to witness the beauty of the marine life. The thriving coral reef of Tarkarli is one of the best in Maharashtra in terms of clarity and varied aquatic animals that thrive near the coast. Tarkarli is thus, the best place near Mumbai & Pune to enjoy Scuba Diving and Snorkeling. Tarkarli is also home for India’s first Integrated and Biggest Scuba Diving Centre, The Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports (IISDA).
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House Boat Stay at Karli River
Experience a remarkable stay in a houseboat on the backwaters of Karli River at Tarkarli. Falling asleep to the sounds of waves truly refreshes and rejuvenates one’s body and mind. You can visit MTDC website to book a houseboat for a stay, as they provide two houseboats with 2 well-furnished bedrooms and open-air upper decks.
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Parasailing and Jet Skiing
Enjoy the day at Tsunami Island for water sports in this Konkan Town, Tarkarli. We enjoyed adventure activities and water sports like jet-skiing, water scooter, banana boat rides, kayaking & parasailing. Because of these activities Tarkarli is a stopover for all the adventure enthusiasts. Feel the adrenaline rush as you enjoy bird’s view of the shoreline while parasailing or cut the waves and move forward on jet-ski. Such water sports packages offered in Tarkarli are at affordable prices as compared to its Neighboring Tourist State, Goa.
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Coast on a Bicycle
Tarkarli is filled with lush green paddy fields, old fashion bridges, narrow twisting roads and small fishing villages. Discover a hidden trail and explore on a bicycle so as to find out the beauty which is untapped on this dusty path of this laid-back town.
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Sindhudurg Fort
Visit to the main pillar of Shivaji Maharaj naval regime, the Sindhudurg fort at Malvan. This fort was usually built to expand the regime and control of Maratha Empire so as to keep an eye on the trade route of the Britishers and other rulers. This 350-year-old ancient fortress is spread over 48 acres and has a two-mile long fortification walls that are 30 feet high and 12 feet thick. This architectural phenomenon lies in its ruins, though; one cannot deny the aura it still pertains which it had enjoyed in the Maratha regime. A ferry is the best way to reach this impressive fort from Tarkarli.
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The Temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
At the Sindhudurg fort you can visit the temple of the Great Maratha Warrior Shivaji Maharaj. His son, Rajaram had built this temple paying a tribute to his beloved father. The Idol of Shivaji Maharaj is of Black Stone in Yogic veer asana pose. The temple is believed to have the sword of the Great Maratha Warrior and also his footprints and palm prints on a dried limestone slab to enhance the richness of this fort.
Beaches
Tarkarli is also famous for various beaches as well, such as Kolamb, Achra, Deobagh, Chival, Sagareshwar, Vengurla, Bhogwe to name a few. This gives ample opportunity to explore the beaches and go on for a nice stroll that will ruffle your hair by the soothing sea-breeze.
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Dhamapur Lake
King Nagesh Desai built the biggest lake in Sindhudurg district and named it as the Dhamapur Lake. It is surrounded by lush green forests and orchards. This lake is beautifully located along the road which travels from Kudal to Malvan. People also visit the nearby temple of Goddess Bhagwati that is established on its sylvan banks.
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Dolphins at the Tsunami Island
Tsunami Island is famous for various adventure activities and ferries that take you to spot dolphin in the Arabian sea. Dolphins usually are spotted in the period from October to February where they advertise their skills in sea. You can also view the Crocodile Point on the Dolphin Safari.
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Malvani Cuisine – Delicious Delight
Adjacent to Tarkarli, the Deobagh village offers variety of Malvani cuisine which will not satiate your hunger. For breakfast try Ghaavan, this is one type of dosa. When entered the mouth it just melts, especially served with coconut chutney. For the big meals of the day (Lunch and Dinner), try for the local Malvani thali served with variety of fishes and Chicken. Don’t forget to drink a Sol Kadhi, a medium spiced coconut milk drink mixed with Kokam. After the heavy meal this helps you to digest it properly and will not cause any ill effect. For dessert, try the mouth-watering ukdicha modak. These are sweet dimsums filled with grated coconut and jaggery, served to Lord Ganesha especially on Ganeshotsav.
Reach Tarkarli
By Air: Dabolim is the nearest Airport to Tarkarli which is Goa. Distance from Dabolim is Approximately 100 kms which takes around 2 hours by road.
By Train: Kudal is the nearest Railway Station which approximately 45 kms away from Tarkarli. One can get local taxi, auto and bus to reach in approximately 1-hour.
By Road: Tarkarli is very well-connected by road to other cities. From Mumbai, it is 475 kms away thru NH 17 and 576 kms away thru NH 4. State Transport and Private Bus frequency is very good as one can use their facility from Mumbai, Pune & Goa.