Tarkali - Beaches, Scuba Diving, Forts, Snorkeling, Backwaters - It has All !!!

Are you looking for beaches with pristine white sand and not a soul around? No, I am not talking about Lakshadweep

Are you interested in backwaters? It is not Kerela that I am talking about

Interested in Scuba Diving??? Not talking about Andaman

Want to have finger licking sea food? It is not Goa that I have in mind.

I am talking about this small town on the Konkan belt of Maharashtra …. Tarkarli.

Tarkali - Picture Perfect

Tarkarli is a small laid back town that can boast of beautiful long coastline with white smooth sand and clear water. Once in Taarkarli, you can see the Sindhudurg Fort, go for scuba diving, enjoy the Malvan Cuisine, go for water sports, relax at the beaches, go boating and fishing.

Interests:

Sindhudurg Fort:

Standing few miles from the Malvan Jetty in the middle of the sea this Fort looks huge. The fort was built by the Maratha warrior Maharaja Shivaji and has a temple devoted to Maharaja Shivaji. The Fort has three sweet water wells. It is beautiful to see the sea wavers splashing the walls of the Fort. Climb to the highest point of the Fort and enjoy the 360 degree view.

Sindhudurg Fort from Malvan Beach

There are currently 12 families staying inside the fort. During the monsoon season, the fort is shut and these 12 families cannot come out from the fort to the shore.

View from Sindhudurg Fort

Inside Sindhudurg Fort

You can go to the Fort from the Malvan Jetty and is a ten to fifteen mins away.

Malvan Beach

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving:

Are you inquisitive about the world under the sea? Do you want to peep and have a look? Then head for Snorkeling and Scuba Diving.

For the adventure lovers, Tarkarli has been advertised as the only place in India (except the islands) where you can do snorkeling and scuba diving. The first question that we ask is “I can’t swim. Can I so scuba diving?” The answer to this is “Yes, You can do scuba diving”.

Please note that you will not be able to visit Sindhudurg Fort and go for snorkeling and scuba Diving in the monsoons.

Tsunami Island:

Local says, this island is the outcome of Tsunami. This is the place where you should head for water sports. You will reach here on a boat and it will depend whether you will get off on an island (in low tide) or in knee deep water (in high tide). You can go for water sports like bumper ride, Banana ride, Scooter, Jet Ski, Kayaking, Para Sailing, Speed Boat. 

Tsunami Island - Water Sports

If you are going for multiple rides it is recommended that you strike a package as it will be economical. There are few shacks where you can enjoy Kokam sharbat, Masala Sharbat, Kala Khatta etc. While enjoying the drink don’t forget to enjoy the view and the feeling of being in the middle of the sea.

Sea Gulls

Karli Backwaters:

Karli backwater refers to the River Karli that flows along the creek and merges with the Arabian Sea. A ride on the Backwaters of Karli is a must. Enjoy the serene boat ride with lush green trees on both the side. Enjoy the strong breeze of the sea, the lush green coconut palms and mangroves.

Sailing on Backwaters

Karli Backwaters

Bhogwe Beach:

Bhogwe Beach is a never ending beach, when you enter the beach on the right you will see a huge stretch of beautiful sand and on your left few rocks. Once you cross these rocks you will find another never ending stretch of white sand welcoming you. As you walk on the beach you will find the ruins of Nivati Fort on top of the hill lock. Sit and relax watching the sunset, enjoying the beauty of nature.

Bhogwe Beach

Sunset At Bhogwe Beach

Nivati Fort & Nivati Beach:

Nivati Fort is in ruins. The few walls of the fort that you will see will remind you that there was once a fort at this location. The Fort offers a breathtaking view of the sea and Bhogwe beach. Visit this fort in the evening and enjoy the sunset, appreciate the different shades in the sky as the sun sets, enjoy the reflection of the sun on the sea water… You will be mesmerized by it.

Bhogwe Beach from Nivati Fort

Nivati Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches you would have ever seen. You have to walk through the houses of the villagers to step on this white sand beach. Nivati Beach is totally secluded from the world by rocky cliffs on three sides. It was picture perfect. The sand of this beach feels like talcum powder to your feet and is spotless and the water clean.

Nivati Beach from Nivati Fort

The beach is deserted except for some fishing boat and sea gulls. There are no vendors selling food, water etc.  This beach brings in peace and serenity.

It is a small beach but the rocks and the clear sea water and white sand gives it a perfect picture  postcard look. Don’t forget to catch the sight of this beach from the entrance of Nivati Fort. The sight is breathtaking.

Entrance of Nivati Beach

Tarkali is a great place for people looking for quiet holiday in pure nature. The beaches are serene and deserted. On a sunny day, it’s you with the sunny sand, emerald green water and the blue sky. There are long stretches of beaches for you to walk as much as you want. If you are an adventure lover, You can try your hands on scuba diving and snorkeling and various water sports. 

Thankfully, Tarkarli has not yet featured in the tourist circuit. Otherwise these beautiful beaches would not have been a treat to the eyes. I silently hope that this place does not catch the eyes of the tourist and remains the way it is now.. Simple, beautiful and peaceful.

BTW, check out some of the beautiful sunsets I saw in Tarkarli:

Deep Red !!!

Sunset at Karojai Jetty

Orange Sky amidst beautiful palms

Soulful Orange 

The Orange Sky

The Reflection

How to reach:

Tarkarli lies in Maharastra along the Kokan Belt.

Road: Catch the NH17 or NH4 to reach Malvan, which is the nearest main city to Tarkarli. From Malvan, Tarkarli is 7 kms approx.

Train: Kudal is the nearest railway station which is around 60 kms approx from Tarkarli. From Kudal you can take a autorikshaw to Tarkarli.

Air: The closest Domestic Airport is in Dabolim, Goa. From Dabolim, you can take a taxi or can take a bus for Tarkarli.

Cuisine:

If you are a sea food lover, then this is the place for you. You will enjoy authentic Malvani food here, mouth watering sea food. Being in the coastal area, coconut is used in most of the food preparation whether veg or non veg. Savor the soan kaddi and kokam sharbat.

Shopping:

Don’t forget to shop for Ambavadi, Mango Pulp, Aamla, Kokam, Kokam Syrup.