BEYOND BEAUTY
Extraordinary in its beauty, charming for the traditional way of life it preserves (and sometimes, as in Goa, charming for the hypermodern styles of life it inaugurates!), glowing green, and unparalleled in having many uncrowded stretches of loveliness, the Konkan coast is very, very special.
‘Konkan coast' refers to that, tract of the western coastline of India which falls under the states of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, The coast is bound by the Arabian Sea on the West, and the Sahyadri Mountains, popularly known as the Western Ghats, on the East.
The shared culture - of fisherfolk, rice and cashew crops, and a life inextricably linked with the sea –defines the Konkan Coast more than any political description can.
This stretch is also an awe-inspiring map of romantic heritage, Hindu and Christian religious expressions, and the flavour of a Portuguese heritage.
On top of that, a Konkan holiday is a feast replete with Alphonso mangoes, Kokum sol kadi, cashew nuts, fresh fish and a sea food fiesta....
MAHARASHTRA
GANAPATIPULE
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Ganapatipule has been promoted, quite justifiably, as “the Caribbean, 375 km from Mumbai”. In addition, it has a swayambhu (naturally-occuring) Ganapati that is one of the eight sacred “ashta Ganapati” sites in India. In the beginning of February and November, the rays of the setting sun fall directly on the Ganapati idol, a phenomenon that attracts thousands. This place has been developed as a water-sports centre as well, complete with kayaks, water scooters and boats.
RATNAGIRI
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Ratnagiri is celebrated as the ‘Queen of the Konkan'. It has a range of very clean beaches, of which closest to town is Pandre Samudra or ‘White Sea' with its talcum-powder sands. The Bhatye beach is a 15-minute drive away and Ganeshghule is 20 km away. The Ratnagiri fort is the crumbling erst while fort ol' a local king, which sprawls over a hill giving stunning views of the sea.
KUNKESHWAR
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A few centuries back an Arab trader's boat was caught in a storm and lost the way but the Maine from the lamp of a tiny Shiva shrine at Kunkeshwar guided him safely ashore. In gratitude he built a towering temple to Shiva – and he lies buried here. Kunkeshwar is basically made of this temple and the 2-km long beach. The Taramundari beach is celebrated for the amazing visual splendour of phosphorescence at night.
TARKARLI
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Tarkarli has breath-takingly clear waters, crisp sands and is in the bidding for one of the most beautiful beaches in India. The beach is 8-km long and if lucky you can see turtles on the sand at dawn. The Sindhudurg fort lies half a km away from the mainland. It was made in 1667 by Shivaji; his hand- and Foot-prints have been preserved in a slab. The fort houses the only temple to Shivaji in existence, with a rare idol of Shivaji that shows him without a beard!
VENGURLA
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Vengurla is the place where the blue of the sea gets a little bluer, the surf a little whiter, the palms greener and the sands golden. Its Sagareshwar beach and the myriad beaches all the way to Goa spout a poetry of land and sea. The beach is extremely clean and mostly crowd-free. There is a small jolty where the fishing boats bustle about; and an atmospheric lighthouse on top of a hill nearby.
To learn more about beaches in Maharashtra, visit here:
http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/PlanYourTrip/resortshotels.aspx
FACT FILE – MAHARASHTRA
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BEST SEASON: Mid-November to Mid-February
RATNAGIRI: STD CODE: 02352
HOW TO GET THERE
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Air: The nearest airports are Kolhapur 120 km and Belgaum 280 km. However, Mumbai 34 km and Dsbolim (Goal 355 km are also convenient airports.
Rail: Ratnagiri is a railhead on the Konkan Railway Line.
Road: Ratnagiri is connected by motorable roads with Belgaum, Kolhapur, Mumbai, Pune.
ACCOMMODATION: Kohinoor Samudra Resort, Hotel Landmark, Hotel Regency, Hotel Sai Kripa, Hotel Shree Vihar Deluxe, Vihar Vaibhav, Hotel Vivek.
GOVT ACCOMMODATION: Govt. Rest House, Shivaji Nagar, Tel: 222475. Resvns: Exec. Engineer, PWD, Ranigiri.
Tel: 223505 Fax: 222527
PLACES OF INTEREST: Beaches, Fish Research Centre, The Ratnadurg Fort, Palace of Thiba, Tilak Memorial, Mirya Bay.
EXCURSIONS: Pawas (25 km), Jaigad (33 km), Purnagad (40 km), Sangameshwar (74 km), Chiplun (95 km).
GANAPATIPULE
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Ganapatipule is 375 km from Mumbai, 331 km from Pune, 144 km from Kolhapur and 50 km from Ratnagiri which is the nearest railhead.
ACCOMMODATION: MTDC Holiday Resort, MTDC Tented Accommodation, Hotel Abhishek, Hotel Durvankur, Hotel landmark.
SINDHUDURG (1195 km from Ratnagiri!
Sindhudurg is well connected with various parts of the country by the Konkan Railway, it is named after one of the favourite sea forts of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire.
MALVAN
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Malvan is famous for the Sindhudurg Fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji.
ACCOMMODATION: Tourist Lodge, Sagar Kinara, Shradha Lodge, Anjali Lodge, Vinayak Lodge.
STD Code: 02365
TARKARLI
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Situated at the confluence of the river Karli and the Arabian Sea, it is the most beautiful beach of Maharashtra and a scenic place, away from the city life. The water is so clear that the seabed up to a depth of 15 ft. can be seen.
ACCOMMODATION: MTDC Holiday Resort, Apoorva Resort, Ramesh Mithbavkar's Home.
PLACES OF INTEREST: Tarkarli Beach, Tarkarli Creek, Kolamb Beach, Ahra Beach, Newali-BhOQwe Beach which can be leached by ferry, Sindhdurg Fort IB km!, Deobagh Beach (7 km), Dhamapur Lake (20 km).
KUDAL
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On the Mumbai Goa National Highway, Kudal is a scenic town on the river side. Places of interest include the Agriculture Research Centre and Kudaleshwar Temple.
Accommodation: (ISTD Code: 02362): Hotel Dashavtai, Hotel Raj, Hotel Sulabha, Hotel Yashdhara
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
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Maharashtra Tourism Development Coipn. (MTDC)
CDO Hutments, Opp. LIC Building
Madam Cama Road, Mumbai-400020.
Tel: 022 - 22026713, 22027762, 22027784.
Fax: 022-22852182.
E-mail: info@mtdcdeccanodyssey.com
Website: maharashtratourism.gov.in
MTDC, C/o Zilla Parishad Office, Near Jaistambha Ratnagiri - 415612. Tel: 02352-23847
MTDC, New Administrative Bldg.
GOA - SEA THE DIFFERENCE!
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Goa gives the Konkan coast a totally different meaning. Whether on its beaches, in its all-night: carnivals, or its lively markets, fun is the dominant note in this fiesta of a state.
This tiny stretch between the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka was't of Portuguese rule since 1510 (till 1961) and became home to a relatively large Christian population as well as an inimitable Goanese identity throbbing with Hindu-Christian syncretic culture. All of Goa loves to sip and share its drink Feni with the visitor. All of Goa loves its Vmdaloo dishes, their delicate sour tang coming from vinegar in the Christian households and Kokum in Hindu kitchens. And all of Goa, regardless of religion, comes alive (and awake!) for the three days and nights of the Carnival in February, dancing, singing, feasting among the huge parades and floats and bands, as only the Goanese ran.
Town squares in the best European fashion coexist with typical noisy colourful Konkani fish-markets. Whitewashed churches, rich and ornate from inside, coexist with bright and colourful Hindu temples. Their gateways and domes proclaiming an architectural gaiety in towns such as Mapusa or near Ponda.
ATOR
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This beautiful bay, limited by rocks, consists of three coves and beach tracts. The Chapora Fort nearby was built by the Portuguese in 1717 and offers splendid views of the coast.
ANJUNA
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Anjuna has a beach alright, and like many Goan beaches this too has its share of waterfront food stalls. It is now nationally famous for its flea market - officially declared a tourist attraction. The market was begun by foreign tourists who started selling their possessions when their money ran out, but today offers clothes, jewellery, Balinese batik. Tibetan prayer wheels – you name it. But if you step a little away from the beach, you will find yourself in the open countryside.
CALANGUTE
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Goa's busiest heath is a fun scenario of tourists, sun-worshipping foreigners, massage-men, hawkers and is appropriately lined with as many stalls, food shacks, and bars.
BAGA
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Further north of Calangute, Baga is a much more peaceful beach, with relaxed food and drink bars
COLVA
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One of the most developed beaches in the southern stretch of Goa, Golva is known for having the longest beach (25 km) and for its food shacks perched on stilts, don't miss the Church of Our Lady of Mercy (1639).
Just 6 km away, Margao in a souvenir hunter's delight, especially for colonial-time antiques or to pick up vindaloo paste or prawn pickle.
CAVELOSSIM
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This is a very pretty, 2 km long stretch that provides excellent seafood and luxury resorts. Watch the fishermen haul in their catch and hire them to go Dolphin-spotting in the sea.
PALOLEM
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Palolem is a bay of hammocks on the beach and gorgeous sunsets. The non-touristy Canacona Island is close by. Go on a hired boat, especially on a dolphin-watching trip. The Cotigao wildlife sanctuary is a remote and lovely spot, 18 km from Palolem.
Palacio de Goa, Hotel Satyaheera, Hotel Shalini, Hotel Shraddha, Hotel Vilena, Hotel Nanutel, Goa Woodlands Hotels, Hotel La-Flor, Hotel Bismarck, Hotel La-Paz Gardens, Goa Marriott Resort, Hotel Bela Goa, Hotel Goa International, Hotel Libdoran, fort Aguada Beach, Taj Holiday Village, Aguada Hermitage, Highland Beach Resort, Whispering Palms Beach Resort, Aldeia Santa Rita. Dom Fansisco Resort, Magnum Resorts, Sunset Beach Resort. Casa Sea Shell, Coquerial Holiday Home, Seashell Inn, Brisa Leisure Resort, Hotel Dona Terezinha, Hotel Goan Heritage, Ondas Do Mar, Osborne Holiday Resort, Villa Goesa Beach Resort, The Horizon, Pousada Tauma, Maria Rosa II Resort, Resorte de Santo Antonio, Kamat Holiday Home, Aldeia Bella Holiday Home, Beira Mar Alfran Resorts, Nilaya Hermitage, Cidade-de-Goa, The Heritage Village Club, Majorda Beach Resort, Nanu Resorts, Taj Exotica, Ramada Caravela Resort, Radisson White Sands Resorts The Leela Palace, Palolem Beach Resort.
(Hotels in Goa charge higher tariff during the peak season Christmas/New Year/Carnival period. Room tariffs during the Monsoon period in discounted).
CONDUCTED TOURS & EXCURSIONS
The following tours are organised by Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.
North Goa (ex Panaji), North Goa (ex-Maigao/Colva/Vascol, North Goa (ex-Mapusa/Calangute), South Goa (Ex-Mapusa/Calangute), Dudhsagar Special (ex Calangute/Panaji), River Cruises on the River Mandovi (Santa Monica Launch).
Reservation
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Goa Tourism Development Corportion Ltd.
Trionora Apartments, Dr. Alvares Costa Road
Panaji-403001.
Tel: 2226728/2224132.
Fax: 2423926. E-mail: gtdcorp@sancharnet.in
Website: www.goa-tourism.com
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