Staying options in Tarkarli

January 29, 2016 Aseem Bhatnagar Leave a comment

Accommodations in Tarkarli is plentiful with a variety of Resorts, Home stays, Cottages, Tent stays, House boats and regular hotels, lodges and dormitories.

All most all round the year travelers are assured of getting their choice of accommodation whenever they visit Tarkarli. However during peak tourist season starting from November to April travelers may experience a problem in finding their choice of accommodation hence it is advisable to book your accommodation well in advance; depending on their budget you can choose your best option.

Accommodations in Tarkarli can be categorized into the following:

Resorts

Malvan, Chivala, Devbag and Tarkarli beaches have some of the best beaches in the Konkan region, and are home to several sea facing resorts where visiting tourist can enjoy explicitly beautiful scenes and scenic surrounding while relaxing on the hammocks of the resorts.

Resorts in Tarkarli offer all kinds of accommodations hence they are ideal for single travelers, budget travelers, couples, large families or group of friends who would prefer to stay comfortably during their vacation.Resorts are also ideal for travelers who would like to spend some fruitful time in the resort and hence can expect the most comfortable stays with sprawling rooms and well designed furniture’s.

A resort with a comfortable ambiance near the sea shore

Most resorts in Tarkarli have an in-house restaurant which serves some of the most delicious multi cuisines like Punjabi, South Indian and Chinese apart from authentic Malvani cuisines.Resorts also provide several other customary services like onsite parking facilities, taxi services, doctor-on-call, modern amenities like Cable TV, laundry and other emergency services. So embark on an adventurous trip with your family and friends and relax in some of the most comfortable and luxurious resorts.

Please click on the link to book for Resorts and Cottages in Tarkarli

Home stays

Unlike other holiday destination, Tarkarli is home to a large number of Home stay’s which are available for all types of travelers be it a family, couples or group of friends.

With the boom in tourism, locals have begun renting a part of their house which gives a traveler an option to rent out an entire cottage or individual rooms.Home stays are available in all types; some providing the basic facilities while other providing modern amenities like furnished A.C & Non A.C rooms, attached bathrooms with facility of hot and cold water.

Simple and peaceful home stay in Tarkarli near Devbag beach

Home stays are ideal for families as it gives a relaxed home like feeling while being on a vacation, also one gets to interact with local families and know more about their lives and culture.

A traditional house converted into a home stay in Tarkarli

Home stays also provide delicious homemade food in vegetarian and non vegetarian style; this gives a visiting tourist an opportunity to taste some authentic Malvani dishes which is prepared using traditional Malvani Masala’s and in local culinary style. The biggest advantage of living in a home stay is that you can get food prepared according to your taste and choice.

Please click on the link to book your Home stay in Tarkarli

Tent House stays

If you’re idea of adventure is to camp on a deserted beach or near the backwaters of Karli then here is your chance to enjoy a stay in a tent and enjoy a camp fire while savoring some mouthwatering Malvani cuisines.

There are several resorts offering a tent stay and are picturesquely located along the scenic beaches and backwaters of Karli.A tent stay offers a completely different holiday experience unlike a regular hotel and tents are available in all types, simple tents, A.C and Non A.C tents.

Cottages

Many resorts in Tarkarli have beach side cottages within their property at the same time there are many independent cottages which are seaside facing built in traditional Konkani style of architecture.

The cottages in Tarkarli are simple but at the same side are cozy and comfortable and available in various budgets to suit all kinds of travelers.

Tourist can spend a peaceful time in these cottages as well as get a good taste of Traditional Malvani cuisines; furthermore all cottages are equipped with standard modern facilities like A.C., Bathrooms and in house restaurants.

Please click on the link to book for Resorts and Cottages in Tarkarli

House boats

Here is your chance to experience a dream journey on board a house boat at Tarkarli. A houseboat stay on the backwaters of Karli is a must experience for one and all, Ideal for couples and honeymooners , travelers can enjoy a ride and an overnight stay on the tranquil waters away from the madding crowds and everyday worries of city life.

MTDC has provided 2 house boats for tourist to enjoy the backwaters at Karli.The houseboats have been named as ‘Hiranykeshi’ and ‘Karli’.The interior of these house boats are well furnished and each boat has 2 A.C. bedrooms one can relax on the open deck and observe the scenery around.House boats have all facilities like T.V. Bathrooms, Kitchen etc.A separate security boat has been provided to accompany the main boat.At night the house boat are beautifully illuminated which offer a memorable experience for couples and families for a one night (over night) stay.

The Houseboats sail along the creek on a beautiful stretch of over 22 km and during the ride one will get to see some rare birds and some exotic fishes.The staff in the house boats are very courteous and helpful and serve some of the most delicious Malvani cuisines.

There are also many regular hotels, lodges and dormitories available in Malvan town and along the beaches of Tarkarli, Devbag and Chivala for all types of travelers and in all budgets.

Best Restaurants in Tarkarli and Malvan

January 22, 2016 Aseem Bhatnagar Leave a comment

Eating out at the local restaurants of Tarkarli and Malvan will be a pleasurable experience for all food lovers. Most restaurants and hotels in Tarkarli and Malvan specialize in sea foods and serve some of the freshest and most delicious cuisines.

There are all kinds of restaurants big and small in Tarkarli and Malvan that serve a variety of both non vegetarian and vegetarian dishes.

Chaitanya restaurant's Surmai Thali — Chaitanya restaurant’s Surmai Thali

In Malvan, Athithi Bamboo Hotel and Chaitanya Hotel are the most popular restaurants. Below is a brief description on some of the popular restaurants in Tarkarli and Malvan areas.

Athithi Bamboo

Athithi Bamboo is one of the most popular restaurants in Malvan and is close to the Chivala Beach. An ideal place to taste authentic Malvani cuisines, the food joint is a paradise for seafood lovers and has several vegetarian options.

This is an open air restaurant and is normally clean but visiting tourist must note that due to its popularity the restaurant remains crowded most of the times.

Chaitanya Hotel

Chaitanya Hotel is a small sized restaurant situated in the heart of Malvan Bazaar and has 2 sections A.C and Non A.C.The hotel is very popular with visiting tourist as it serves one of the best Malvani dishes, sea food lovers from cities like Mumbai will be amazed by sheer size and freshness of the Prawns and Pomfret’s which are not available back home.

The hotel also has a few good vegetarian dishes but the ‘Vegetarian Thali’ is a hit with vegetarian tourist visiting the hotel. All cuisines are reasonable priced and the overall ambiance of the hotel is good.

Only Fish

Only Fish is located on the Malvan beach bang opposite to the Sindhudurg Fort.This is a simply humble restaurant whose walls are covered which huge posters offering information about Tarkarli and
Malvan, the walls have pictures of various kinds of fishes and photographs of the popular festivals celebrated in this region which keeps customers entertained.

The hotel serves a wide variety of sea foods which include different types of Fish Thali’s, There are also a few vegetarian dishes on the menu which includes the famous Malvani Vegetarian Thali.

Tourist enjoy their Malvani meal at the Only Fish restaurant.

The restaurant is spacious and boasts of one of the best service in Tarkarli, visiting tourist who are a novice about sea food can be assured that the staff here is courteous enough to explain you in detail the type of fish they have ordered.

Arun Bhojanalya

Arun Bhojanalaya is situated near a Peepal tree at the center of Malvan town. This is a charming old bungalow restaurant, which serves mouth watering sea foods along with other non vegetarian and vegetarian dishes.

Menu along with the fares on display at a restaurant in Tarkarli

Krishnayee

This is a small restaurant located under the trees attached to the Nayak house, close to Nath Pai Sevangan. The restaurant serves excellent Vade Sagote (a puri made from various grains and chicken curry) and fresh Ghavne (a dosa-like pancake made of rice), with chutney and a syrup made from coconut juice and jaggery, and hot tea.

Oraskar’s Hotel Geetai

Hotel Geetai is another restaurant popular for serving all the kinds of authentic Malvani cuisines like various kinds of Fish Thali, Chicken Thali, and Crab Thali etc.

Here the food is prepared only after you have placed order and restaurant can cater to about 20 people at a time and has a touch of homely service. Overall the ambiance is good and the rates of the cuisines are reasonable.

Tarkarli Sea Breeze Resort

The resort has an in–house restaurant and they offer multi cuisine dishes with great taste. Apart from local Malvani food here you will find a good variety in food i.e. North Indian, South Indian and Chinese. Overall this is a decent place to have a meal in Tarkarli especially if you are with your family. The service, food and hygiene are good.

Revankar’s Cafeteria

Is also a home stay and family run cafeteria located near Devbag beach and offers authentic Indian homemade food.

The cafeteria serves traditional Malvani vegetarian and non vegetarian cuisines and offers tourist breakfast, lunch, dinner and food parcels. Special food arrangements can be made after placing an order in advance and this cafeteria is ideal for tourist who are vegetarian and for tourist who are not comfortable which fish odors.

Overall the ambiance is good and peaceful and the cuisines are also reasonable priced.

Ghar Mithbavkaranche

Located near Tarkarli beach this home stay and eatery has been around for almost 25 years.

This is a family run eatery and is popular for its ethnic Konkani and Malvani cuisines in both vegetarian and non vegetarian styles and being a home stay they offer a perfectly calm and relaxed ambiance for dining.Overall the place is clean and hygienic and the food prices are easy to pocket.

Being a vegetarian and holidaying in a sea food specialty region can be a bit concerning for a few tourist.

But there is nothing to worry about has Tarkarli and Malvan are home to several resorts and hotels which have in-house restaurants where tourist who are vegetarian can dine and even order their favorite meal by placing an order in advance. Resorts and Home stays in Tarkarli and Malvan serve some delicious meals which include Punjabi, South Indian and Chinese apart from the authentic Malvani cuisine, but please note that food has to be ordered in advance with up to 50% payment depending on the terms and conditions of each Resort and Home stay.

A Vegetarian Thali served at most restaurants

Please Note: Most popular restaurants in Tarkarli and Malvan are small in size and have limited seating arrangements, as a result during lunch time these places get overcrowded and the waiting time could stretch between 30 minutes to an hour, hence it is advised to plan your lunch timing and venue well in advance so that you do not spoil your vacation and at the same time get a chance to taste some authentic Malvani Cuisines.

Cuisines of Tarkarli

January 18, 2016 Aseem Bhatnagar Leave a comment

After a wonderful day of sightseeing in Tarkarli it is now time to step into the world of sweet aromas and discover the distinct flavors of Malvan.

Malvani cuisine is a standard cuisine of Tarkarli and for the entire Konkan region. Though the cuisines of Malvan are predominantly non vegetarian i.e. especially sea foods, there are a few mouth watering delicious vegetarian delicacies which visiting travelers can try.

A typical Malvani cuisine uses liberal quantities of coconut in all its form i.e. dried, grated, paste and milk. Combined with generous portions of dried red chilies, coriander seeds, cardamom, ginger, garlic, kokum, tamarind and garam masala along with other spices, this combination of spices is called as ‘Malvani Masala’ which is used in almost all Malvani dishes.

Malvani cuisines may be a bit too spicy for some people but it is very tasty and the meal is generally wrapped up with a glass of Solkadi.

So let’s have a look at a few dishes that are quintessentially Malvani which you may try on your visit to Tarkarli.

Spicy Curries:

Spicy curries are the highlight of this region which forms the base (masala) of most the dishes both vegetarian and non vegetarian and are prepared in 2 ways, One is the Rasgoli mixture which is made from freshly scraped coconut and a variety of spices are added whereas the second is called a Bhajan wherein the mixture is made of stronger spices with roasted coconut and onion.

Breads:

In Malvani cuisines one will be spoilt of choices when it comes to breads which are easy to make and are an absolute essential as they are the perfect accompaniment with spicy curries of this region.

Locals of Malvan prefer pancakes called as ‘Amboli’ which is made of soft rice flour, thin ‘Puri’s’ made of wheat flour and ‘Vades’ which is made of a mix of wheat and ragi flour.

Non Vegetarian Cuisines of Tarkarli

Kombdi Vade

Also popularly known as Murgh Malvani, this non vegetarian dish is popular with the people of Malvan and the dish contains the traditional Malvani Chicken Curry along with Vade(Puri), onion, lemon and is served along with Solkadi.

The Vade similar to a Puri and is made using rich flour of wheat and Ragi and is later deep fried, it is a perfect companion to mop up the spicy Chicken curry. Vegetarians can enjoy these Vades (Puri’s) with Kala Vatayanchi Usal.

Sea Foods of Tarkarli

The Malvani region is blessed with a long coastline hence sea foods dominate the Malvani Cuisine.

Sea Foods especially fishes are marinated in a delicious masala (red or green) and then coated with rice flour and later fried in coconut oil these fish recipes are classic Malvani.

Malvani Fish Curry is the only dish in India where the fish is first boiled and then blended with coconut based curries.

Bangda Fry is another popular dish of this region which is prepared by removing the head of the fish while the remaining part is fried as a whole along with Malvani Masala.

Bombil Fry or Bombay Duck is another prominent dish and is known to be really soft, fleshy and crispy; the fish is light on the stomach and is very economical.

Paplet Saar is a dish consists of Prom fret cooked in traditional Malvani Fish Curry.

Mori Masala also known as Shark Curry is a very popular dish with the locals of Konkan.

The more adventurous can try ‘Kavda Curry’ which is an extremely delicious dish made from a local Konkani bird called ‘Khavda’.

Other seafood dishes like crabs, prawns, and shell fish are available in abundance.

So, while visiting Tarkarli, try out Malvani some dishes which are authentic and tantalizing and there are some non vegetarian dishes which are not be missed i.e. Prawns Masala, Fish Fry, Pomfret, Crab Masala, Lobster Masala, Kalva(Oyster) Masala etc.

Vegetarian cuisines of Tarkarli

Most restaurants in Tarkarli and Malvan also serve spicy mouth watering vegetarian dishes, the standard vegetarian Thali is easily available at all restaurants.

But not all cuisines in Tarkarli are hot and spicy; Tarkarli is home to a size-able population of the ‘Konkanastha Brahmins’ who are vegetarians though their food style is slightly bland but it has an excellent taste and a home stay at Tarkarli will give you an opportunity to indulge in home cooked food and enjoy authentic local flavors.

Toi Khadi - A dal soup — Toi Khadi – A dal soup

Toi – is a lentil preparation and is the Malvani version of Dal. The flavors are really mild and its taste is enriched with a spoonful of ghee. More like a soup it is best eaten with boiled rice and a spicy accompaniment is in form of chutney or a pickle.

Try out Malvani Phansachi Bhaji which is an exotic vegetarian dish made of Jack fruit, chilies and various other spices.

Kaju Chi Aamti is a spicy curry made of Kajus(Cashews) and is savored by both locals and visiting tourist.Vegetarians visiting Tarkarli can relish some local delicacies like Ghavne Amboli, Modak and Puran Poli. A must try is the Malvani drumstick curry.

Solkadi:

Solkadi is pink in color and is an energizing and digestive drink often accompanied along with a hot and spicy meal.

The people of Malvan wrap up their meal with a delicious glass of Solkadi which is made of kokam, coconut milk, garlic, ginger and cumin seeds. It is an ideal way to douse the internal fires that Malvani cuisines invariably spark off.

Other Local delicacies to try at Tarkarli

The entire Konkan region including Tarkarli is famous for fresh cashew nuts and during your stay in Tarkarli you must try the locally made Cashew Bars, Amba Poli(Aam Papad), Amba Vadi, Karvande Vadi and Kokam Vadi. All these home made products are delectable and safe, make sure you try some and take back home for your family and friends.

Dhondhas or Cucumber Cake is unique to this region and is baked from a mixture of cucumber, rava and jaggery and not everyone can come up with this excellent cake recipe, a must try when in Tarkarli.

Ghavan is a fried pancake and is especially popular in the Sindhudurg district.

Khaproli is a sweet dish which is highly popular in Konkan region and the sweet dish consists of a fluffy pancake which is enjoyed by dipping the pancake in yellow sweet juice.

Malvani Malpua is a popular sweet dish which is a deep – fried delicacy which highly popular during the holy month of Ramzaan.

The beautiful town of Malvan is also known for its extensive variety of mangoes and if you are visiting Tarkarli during the summer months then try out the most popular mangoes like ‘Malvani Hapus’ or Alphonso mangoes.

Scuba Diving in Tarkarli: Explore life beneath the Sea.

January 8, 2016 Aseem Bhatnagar Leave a comment

After exploring the beautiful beaches, historic forts, ancient temples and backwaters of Tarkarli, it is now time to explore life beneath the Arabian Sea. It is a dream of every true traveler to explore the life beneath the waves of the beautiful Arabian Sea and get a glimpse of colorful corals and fishes of different variety and many other marine
creatures which he or she must have seen only on NatGeo or Discovery Channels.

In present times Tarkarli is slowly becoming a popular destination for recreational activities like Scuba Diving which is much cheaper to experience than in Goa its richer cousin 100 km away.

The actual scuba diving in Tarkarli takes place near the Southern region of the Sindhudurg Fort which is located in the middle of the Arabian Sea. A 15 minute boat ride from Malvan Jetty or Chivala Beach will take you directly to the diving spot.

A boat ferries scuba divers to a dive spot.

So when in Tarkarli visiting tourist must try out this adventure activity as Scuba diving is not only about just viewing colorful fishes, beautiful corals or walking on the sea bed, but it’s a feeling of being underwater in another world which will certainly excite you.

One of the diving sites near Sindhudurg Fort

Scuba diving i.e. Self Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus. The diving sites are located around the Sindhudurg fort which is built in the middle of the Arabian Sea and the diving sites have been named King World 1, King World 2 and King World 3. Each Scuba diving operator in Tarkarli has been given a specific area within these three diving sites to operate.

Please Click here for Bookings for Scuba Diving at Tarkarli

How it all started

In India there are very few venues where authentic Scuba diving takes place and one of them is Tarkarli in Maharashtra.

Sindhudurg Fort in the middle of the Arabian Sea

A few years ago M.T.D.C identified this region near Sindhudurg fort as a primary site for Scuba diving as it was home to abundant coral reefs and marine life. But the major credit goes to Marine Biologist Mr Sarang Kulkarni who played an important role in introducing SCUBA diving in Tarkarli.

In Tarkarli there are 2 types of Scuba Diving

Commercial Scuba Diving
Cylinder Scuba Diving

Let’s have a look what each is about.

Commercial Scuba Diving

This type of dive is termed commercial as it involves diving into the water with an oxygen pipe attached at one end to the diver and the other end of the pipe is attached to an oxygen tank placed in a boat near the diving site.

A diver gets ready for a Commercial Scuba Dive without a cylinder

This is one of the safest and most economical ways for getting a quick peek underwater. The instructors will first teach you how to breathe using the pipe and then show you hand signals to communicate underwater, with simple gestures like “UP” and “OK” signals. You will be given swimming goggles to see underwater and these goggles are designed in such a way that they even plug your nose so you are automatically forced to breathe through the pipe attached to your mouth.

Oxygen tanks and other equipment on board during a Commercial Scuba Dive in Tarkarli

After that the instructor will ask you to put your head underwater and get used to breathing through your mouth using the oxygen pipe. After a few attempts you will be taken in the middle of the water to float with an inflatable tube till you feel comfortable.

A diver is taken around the water before his dive

After this the real action starts, there are 2 instructors per person. One instructor hovers on the surface of the water looking out for you and the other instructor takes you underwater .So when you are ready take a deep breath and just take that plunge.

An instructor gives final tips to a diver before his dive

The instructor then holds your hand and takes you go down and down and suddenly a whole new world underwater emerges before you .A world full of beautiful corals, fishes, sea weeds and rocks.

The diver enjoys her Kodak moments underwater.

In a commercial dive you will be able to go about 15 to 20 feet underwater and this will give you an opportunity to glide past fishes, corals and sea weeds. After exploring for about 30 minutes towards the end the instructors will take you near a beautiful coral and make you pose for pictures and they will also make a one minute video film.

Please Click here for Bookings for Scuba Diving and Home-stay at Chivla Beach

Cylinder Scuba Diving (Professional)

The second option of Scuba Diving in Tarkarli is the cylinder dive and it is evident from its name that the diver carries an oxygen cylinder along with him.

The cylinder dive offers much more freedom to the diver and also helps them achieve greater depths i.e. about minimum 25 to 40 feet and explore more points than commercial dives. The cylinder capacity is about 15 kg and these dives can last up to 30 to 45 minutes, in order to ensure complete safety of the divers, a trained PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certified instructors accompanies each diver. However instructors allow diving and exploration only to a certain depth as beyond that handling water pressure can become difficult for amateurs.

For cylinder dive each diver is provided with a mask which covers their eyes and nose, a 15 Kg oxygen cylinder and a regulator that aids in breathing underwater, additionally you can also opt for a wet suit and fins to make your dive more comfortable.

After exploring for about 30 to 45 minutes towards the end the PADI instructors will take you near some beautiful spots and make you pose for a few pictures and they will also make a one minute video film.

Please Click here for Bookings for Scuba Diving at Tarkarli

Diving Spots in Tarkarli

Sindhudurg Fort: This is the primary diving spot in Tarkarli where all Scuba Diving operators operate from their designated positions.

Vengurla Rock: This diving spot is generally reserved for professional trainers but tourist can inquire with their diving operators in case they would be interested in exploring this area.

Important information

The best months for scuba diving in Tarkarli are between October to April.
Scuba diving in Tarkarli starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends by 4:00 p.m. Please note that during a high tide or bad weather operators usually do not conduct diving.
Non-Swimmers can also participate in scuba diving of both types (Commercial and Professional).
For your own safety ensure you are physically fit and mentally prepared for diving.
Preferably wear a T-shirt and shorts for the dive or hire a wet suit.
Make use of the washrooms and changing rooms that are available near the diving sites.
Be calm at all times and follow the instructions of the instructor who will accompany you throughout the dive session.
First timers and Non Swimmers may feel a little pain in the ears while ascending back to the surface which is completely normal.
While being underwater if you feel any kind of discomfort simply show a “Thumbs Up” sign to your instructor and you shall
be pulled on the surface immediately.

What is PADI Certification

PADI stands for ‘Professional Association of Diving Instructors’ it is a well known course and most recognized diving certification for divers. The courses conducted by PADI comprises of complete training on safety measures and carrying out successful dives.So while you are Scuba diving in Tarkarli you will be accompanied with a PADI certified diver who will ensure your maximum safety.

Please Click here for Bookings for Scuba Diving and Homestay at Chivla Beach

Professional Scuba Diving Training in Tarkarli

Once experienced, Scuba Diving can be a life changing experience and furthermore if you are planning a trip to the international waters in the months to come and would like to take up Scuba diving more seriously, then here is your chance to hone your skills at your own backyard (Tarkarli) in Maharashtra and become a certified diver.

A training session being conducted at the Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports

MTDC is now promoting Tarkarli as a Scuba diving and snorkeling destination and has set up a state-of-art Scuba diving center IISDA i.e. (Indian Institute of Scuba Diving and Aquatic Sports). It has the best training facilities in India and offers Scuba diving courses of all levels of expertise along with lodging and boarding.

Everyone visiting Tarkarli has a different reason for scuba diving for some it is to explore the beauty of the coral reefs and marine life while for others it’s a great opportunity to discover a ship wreck or caves within the Arabian Sea. But for most it is the thrill of being underwater and discovering another world, Scuba diving in Tarkarli has it all.

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Monthly Archives: January 2016