If you want to get a feel of Goa, Tarkarli is the ideal weekend getaway, says Shalvi Mangaokar
Weekends are all about relaxing and having a fun time. The small village of Tarkarli, which is located in the Malvan Taluka of the Sindhudurg district, seems apt for a getaway. Tarkarli is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in coastal Maharashtra and it’s breathtakingly beautiful. It has an attractive beach and from there, one can see the famous naval fort Sindhudurg which was built by Shivaji Maharaj.
Tarkarli is situated 546km from Mumbai on the west coast of India, at the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea. This village is famous for its Ramnavmi Utsav. Here in Mapurush Temple the celebration of Ramnavmi is arranged every year. To mark this occasion there are various dramas (Marathi Natak) arranged.
Getting to this typically Maharashtrian village isn’t much of a problem. The greenery around makes you feel at eases and instantly rejuvenates your senses.
This place is ideal if you want to cut off from the busy city life and go and spend some time by yourself. And if you like spicy food, then this just the place you would want to visit. Authentic Maharashtrian food cooked in unique Malvani masalas is beyond tasty and would keep you wanting for more. And if you’re a beach person, then it’s even better. The beach is clean and not to exploited.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) Holiday Resort is the ideal location to stay at. Everything is close to the resort and you don’t have stress yourself out traveling. The hotel provides 20 Konkani-style non-AC rooms and a houseboat for accommodation. The houseboat option gives you a ride in the backwaters of Maharashtra and you also get to see dolphins on a motorboat ride that costs approx `800.
Amongst the other things to do, you can do fort checking, explore the villages or simply look around and have lazy afternoons. The evenings aren’t too cold but there is a chill in the air. So, this weekend, take time off to visit Tarkarli and we assure you that you won’t come back disappointed.
Getting there
By Air: Nearest airport is Dabolim (Goa)
By Rail: Following options exist:
Sindhudurg, All trains don't stop there and also connectivity by bus and rickshaw are not very good.
Kudal on the Konkan Railway. This is around 1 hour 15 minutes by road from Malvan. Buses are available from and to Malvan after every 30 minutes.
Kankavli on the Konkan Railway. This is around 1 hour 30 minutes by road from Malvan. Buses are available from and to Malvan after every 30 minutes.
By Road: Tarkarli is easily accessible from Malvan by bus and rickshaw, which is 546 KM away from Mumbai. Daily private, luxury and State Transport bus service available from Mumbai.