A Konkan tour
The Konkan, also called the Konkan Coast or Karavali, the name given to a stretch of rugged and beautiful section of the western coastline of India from Ratnagiri to Mangalore. Konkan is also one of six divisions of the state of Maharashtra. The precise definition of Konkan varies, but most include Maharashtra's districts Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, the state of Goa, and the Kanara districts (North and South) of Karnataka.
The places that we will be visiting:
1. Vijaydurg
2. Devgad
3. Kunkeshwar
4. Sindhudurg
5. Niwati fort and niwati beach
6. Tarkarli beach (for some water sports)
7. Tsunami Island
8. Bhogve Beach
9. Dolphin Safari
10. Snorkeling
11. Scuba Diving
12. Ganpatipune (if time permits)
13. Marleshwar Temple (if time permits)
11. Scuba Diving
12. Ganpatipune (if time permits)
13. Marleshwar Temple (if time permits)
Vijaydurg or Victory Fort:
The oldest fort on Sindhudurg coast constructed in the regime of Raja Bhoj of shilahar dynasty in 1205 (construction period 1193-1205). The fort was earlier known as "Gheria" as it is situated in the village "Girye". Shivaji Maharaj won this fort from Adilshaha of Bijapur in 1653 and renamed it as "Vijay Durg" as the then Hindu solar ear's name was "Vijay". Vijay means Victory.
Sprawling over an area of 48 acres, Vijaydurg, fort of victory, was once seized by the British following a bloody battle. They renamed it Fort Augustus. A dilapidated board at the entrance of the fort relates its history. One of the best views of the fort is from the jetty. The fort stretches out into the sea and a walk inside its precincts is worthwhile. Shivaji added triple rows of huge walls, umpteen towers and spacious inner buildings to it and strengthened it in the 17th century.
Devgad
Kanoji Angre, chief of Martha admiralty, was instrumental in erecting this elegant looking fort in 1705. Devgad is a natural harbor and well guarded port town. Earlier big ships used to dock at the port jetty.
When the fort was built it was surrounded by water from all the sides so at the time it was called as "Janjire Devgad"(Janzira means an island in Arabic). It has been spread in 120 acres. There is a Ganesh temple in the fort. Port office is situated in the fort. The lighthouse is situated here.
Kunkeshwar Temple
Kunkeshwar Temple, an ancient Shiva Temple is located in Kunkeshwar village, 14 Kms from Devgad town. A pristine beach with a very long stretch of seashore and white sand adds to the beauty of temple surroundings.
This beautiful temple near beach has alluring architecture with reminiscent of South Indian style of temple architecture. Yadav Kings built this temple in 1100 A. D. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who rejuvenated this temple many times was a frequent visitor to this temple. This temple is also famous as Kashi of South Konkan.
Sindhudurga - Padmagad forts:
Huge sea rocks of Malvan has easefully shouldered the responsibility of two Forts Sindhudurg & Padmagad on their broad chest. The name of the fort is given to the Sindhudurg district. Tourist from all over the world visit through out the year to see this Maratha glory.
The fort was built with the help of huge rocks on the Kurte Island which amazes people & one appreciates imaginative power of Shivaji. In 1664 shivaji erected this fort on 44 acers of land.
In Sindhudurg Fort there is 'Shri Shivarajeshwar temple' of King Shivaji. Also there are temples of Hanuman, Jarimari mandir and Goddess 'Bhavani Temple'. Impressions of shivaji's fingers prints found to be preserved here on one of the wall . Also lies, inside the fort worth seeing temples of Bhavanimata, Shambhu Mahadev, Jirimiri & Mahapurush. All are in good conditions.
Kille Nivati
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.
Kille Nivati was constructed by great Maratha ruler Shivaji. He was such a visionary who had given proper attention at his naval force. He built many forts for the protection of his empire. From this fort, one can observe Bhogave's allevaing beach
Tarkarli Beach
Tarkarli is a narrow stretch of beach with pristine waters, located at the convergence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea. It is 546 k.m. away from Mumbai, 6 kms. south of Malvan, on the west coast of India. This place has gained prominence because of its transparently clear seas, where on a fairly sunny day, one can see the sea- bed up to a depth of 20 feet. This beach can be rightly called as 'Queen Beach' of Sindhudurg.
Tsunami Island
Dolphin Safari
Snorkeling
The itinerary for the tour should be as follows:
Day 1:
Travel from Mumbai to Konkan via Goa -Panvel Highway
Day 2
Day 2
Checkin @ Beach Resorts
Lunch Time
Snorkeling @ Malvan Jetty
Back to HotelDinner
Day 3
Wake up @ 6amAfter Breakfast Move to Malvan Jetty for Scuba Diving
Lunch Time
Explore Bhagwantgad and Bharatgad Fort
Evening Free Time for Malvan Market
Dinner and Camp fire @ Chivla Beach
Visit Tarkarli Beach and enjoy some water sports.
Entire Day for Boating and Beach fun
Evening Free time.
Dinner and Camp fire @ Chivla Beach
Evening Free time.
Dinner and Camp fire @ Chivla Beach
Day 5
After Breakfast
Check out from Hotel
Start for Kunkeshwar Temple
Explore Kunkeshwar Beach
Lunch Time
Post Lunch Move to Vijaydurg Fort
Explored the Fort
Leave for Mumbai by 4pm
Evening Tea and Dinner on the way
Day 6
Explore Kunkeshwar Beach
Lunch Time
Post Lunch Move to Vijaydurg Fort
Explored the Fort
Leave for Mumbai by 4pm
Evening Tea and Dinner on the way
Day 6
Reach Mumbai by 4:30am to 5:30am
Water Sport Activities Snorkeling & Scuba Diving (optional)
Dolphin Safari.
Guided Tour to Sidhudurg and Vijaydurg Fort
Entire Day Boating.