Unseen wonders of the Konkan belt: Tarkarli Beach

Christened the Queen beach of Konkan Region, it’s only recently that Tarkali Beach, is gaining a place in the tourist map of India. With its stream of lush coconut trees and she-oak trees, Tarkali is a quaint coastal village in Maharashtra. Its virgin beaches with white sand and clear blue waters, dolphins, scuba diving and snorkelling, backwaters of the river Karli, delectable Konkani cuisine, and exotic delights like the Alphonso mangoes, makes Tarkarli a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

If you are looking to spend some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of city life, look no further. There are a lot of visitors during the weekends from Mumbai and Pune. If you are someone who loved the clamour and adrenalin rush of Goa beaches, perhaps this shouldn’t be the place for you. Nor will you find any food shacks or shopping cottages here either. 

But all that will be forgotten as you gaze at its wondrously silver-hued beaches. You can see its clear blue water, gaze at the little fishes swimming playfully and the seabed. Nowhere else can you experience beach horse riding and children seem to be having a whale of a time here. There is something very restless about sitting on the white sand and watching the ocean-going through its rollercoaster of emotions. It's calm one minute and rambling the next second. But all strangely calming to observe.

In this coastal village lined with fishermen's huts, there are plenty of clean airy homestays. Interestingly, most of the homestays are started by locals, considering the flourishing tourism trade in the region. If you give them prior notice, the days' catch will be prepared for you, along with any other seafood of your choice. It might not be easy to explain your preferred way of cooking to them, but rest assured the result will be mouthwatering. And do try sleeping at night in a hammock dangling between coconut trees, listening to the waves of the ocean, with winds caressing your face is magical!

Maharashtra Development Corporation’s (MTDC) Resorts are also available at the beach, which required pre-booking. They are offering interesting tourism packages clubbing nearby travel spots. For the low-budget traveller, lodges are also available at the beach. 

At Tarkarli and its surrounding beaches, you can sign up for various types of water sports. Scuba diving tops the list. There are certified trainers to guide you. MTDC’s Scuba diving Training Centre is also located at the beach. 

How to reach

You can reach here through National Highway 66 as well as by train. It’s almost 100 km from Panaji (Goa). From Mumbai, it is 492 km and Pune 392 km. From Kerala, it’s better to book a train. From Kudal station, it is 30 km to Tarkarli. You can take a taxi or bus. Since Kudal is a small station, every train might not stop there. The next important station is Sindudurga, which is 62 km from Tarkarli. You can also opt to stop at Madgaon in Goa and take a local train from there. 

Know the beaches at Tarkarli

Achara Beach: Placed 22 km from Malvan, this beach is a treasure trove for anglers and swimmers. You can also spot a lot of Dolphins here and Bird watchers will love the various species of rare and exotic birds found here. History lovers will love this 115-year-old library, Sindhudurg Fort, and a quaint temple situated in the vicinity. 

Devbagh Beach: You will find this beach in a tiny fishing hamlet with the same name. Devbagh Beach concludes at the point where the Arabian Sea meets the Karli Rivera. A perfect setting to calm your nerves and enjoy the landscape. 

Chivla Beach: This is said to be one of the most picturesque beaches in Tarkarli. Not only is it unpolluted but you can mingle with the fisherman community and spend some lovely time here. 

Vengurla Beach: This stunning beach, surrounded by hills, coconut, jackfruit, mango, berry, and cashew groves, located on the Konkan Coast of Sindhudurg district is often called the 'Burnt Island' and is a confluence point of history and culture. This was once a commercial hub and served as a natural port during the Dutch and British rule. 

Sagareshwar Beach: Situated right next to Vengurla Beach, it’s one of the most popular and scenic beaches near Tarkarli. Visit this beach during the early hours to savour its beauty and charm. 

Mochemad Beach: This picturesque beach is around 9 km from Vengurla and is fenced by mountains and is a perfect weekend getaway. 

Kolamb Beach: Famed as the Kolamb creek this beach is well-suited for adventures and spotting Dolphins. Located just 6 km away from the Malvan town this beach offers you a chance to rediscover yourself and it is one of the beautiful beaches in Tarkarli.