Monthly Archives: November 2015

How to reach Tarkarli

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In recent years Tarkarli has emerged as one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the state of Maharashtra. Located in the Malvan tehsil of Sindhudurg district, Tarkarli lies on the Konkan coast 6 km south of Malvan in the southern most part of Maharashtra.

The beach town of Tarkarli
The beach town of Tarkarli

So if you are planning to visit Tarkarli and wondering which would be the most convenient way then we at Tripplatform have provided detailed information from which you can then decide the various modes of transport that are available by air, rail or road.

An aerial view of the scenic Konkan ghats
An aerial view of the scenic Konkan ghats

Reaching Tarkarli is not an issue as this town enjoys excellent connectivity from places like Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, Goa and other major cities of Maharashtra and neighboring states.So let’s have a look at some of the options travelers can opt for to reach Tarkarli.

By Air

If you are not keen in spending long hours of travel by rail or road and would like to reach Tarkarli fast and in comfort you can opt for an air travel.

Air 1

The town of Tarkarli does not have its own airport and Goa is the nearest airport to Tarkarli. The Dabolim Airport (Goa) is about 130 km from Tarkarli and it takes about 2 and half hours to reach Tarkarli by taxi or by a private car from Goa. Travelers can also opt to travel by tourist buses available from Panjim to Malvan.

Air 2

In case you are an international traveler the nearest airport will be Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at Mumbai.

By Rail

Tarkarli does not have its own railway station, but travelers can even then reach Tarkarli very conveniently and afford-ably by train.

Train 1

There are many super-fast; mail and passenger trains available from Mumbai, Goa and Pune.The most popular ones being the Konkan Express and Mandovi Express which serve Tarkarli the best.

Tarkarli from Mumbai:

Train 2

Kudal:

To reach Tarkarli travelers can book their tickets to the nearest railway station i.e. Kudal.Kudal is on the Konkan railway line and is about 45 km from Tarkarli town and it takes around 1 hour 15 minutes by road via Malvan city and from Malvan city buses and rickshaws are easily available for Tarkarli which is 6 km away. You can also reach Tarkarli directly from Kudal by hiring a taxis or rickshaws available from Kudal station (east), but do a bit of bargaining, a taxi ride will take you directly to Tarkali beach road.

Sindhudurg:

Sindhudurg railway station is one of the nearest stop and is well connected to Tarkarli, the distance is about 45 km and it takes about an hour to reach Tarkarli from Sindhudurg. But the only drawback here is that not many trains’ halt at Sindhudurg and the connectivity by means of bus and rickshaw for Tarkarli are not very good. There are many State Transport buses that ply for Tarkarli from Sindhudurg at a frequency of 30 minutes.

A view of the Konkan Railway
A view of the Konkan Railway

Kankavli:

One more railway station near Tarkarli is Kankavli Railway Station which is about 50 km from Tarkarli and is connected via Malvan city and it takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. After reaching Malvan city there are many state transport buses, rickshaws that are easily available for Tarkarli.

Tarkarli from Pune:

Train 3

Sawantwadi:

For travelers from Pune there a few trains which take the Konkan railway route and move towards South India from Pune and they stop at Sawantwadi Railway Station. The distance between Sawantwadi and Tarkarli is 60 km and takes less than 2 hours to reach from Sawantwadi to Tarkarli.

For more information on Train availability logon to: http://www.indianrail.gov.in

For online booking of train tickets logon to: http://www.irctc.co.in

By Road

There are no direct buses to Tarkarli, but to Malvan city which is 6 km away and is well connected by road to all major cities, from Malvan city tourist can hire a taxi, rickshaw or board a local bus and reach Tarkarli.A local bus ride is a perfect way of exploring and understanding the beach town, the people and culture of Malvan.

Bus 1

Tarkarli from Mumbai:

By Bus:

Daily there are several private, luxury and state transport buses available from various parts of Mumbai to Malvan, tourist seeking to travel by private or luxury buses can contact their local tour operators for the schedules. State Transport buses are easily available from Mumbai Central, Parel, Thane and Borivali S.T. stands.

By Car:

If you love driving then just hop into your vehicle and drive down by NH-17 or NH-4 via Mumbai – Pune Expressway and reach Malvan city from there a 6 km ride will take you directly to Tarkarli.

Youngsters enjoy the scenic beauty on their way to Tarkarli by car
Youngsters enjoy the scenic beauty on their way to Tarkarli by car

The other option is to hire a vehicle of your choice from the large number of private players in Mumbai and reach Tarkarli directly and comfortably.

Bike 2

Best route from Mumbai to Tarkarli:

Mumbai – Panvel – Mahad – Hathkamba – Lanja – Kasal – Malvan – Tarkarli.

NH-17 (Mumbai Goa Road) – approximately 500 km (Duration: 9 hours 30 min)

NH-4   via Mumbai – Pune Expressway approximately 575 km (Duration 9 hours 45 min)

Tarkarli from Pune:

By Bus:

Daily there are several private, luxury and state transport buses available from various parts of Pune to Malvan, tourist seeking to travel by private or luxury buses can contact their local tour operators for the schedules.

Using State Transport Services:

Tourist coming from Pune can opt for M.S.R.T.C (Maharashtra State Transport) bus from Pune to Malvan. The Bus timings are: 07:00 a.m. (Express Bus)  & 08:00 p.m. (Semi – Luxury Bus) daily from Pune.

S.T.

Tourist from Pune can also board the Kadamba Transport Corporation buses that ply on a daily basis between Pune to Goa.While using this bus service tourists can get down at Kasal and from there board buses moving to Malvan.

The Bus timings are: 06:30 p.m. (Luxury Non AC) (Pune – Madgaon) & 07:30 p.m.  Volvo (AC) (Pune – Panaji).

Please note: There are plenty of buses plying between Pune and Goa via Kasal. Incase tourist do not get a direct bus from Pune they can reach Kolhapur by any MSRTC or KSRTC bus and from Kolhapur they can board any bus moving towards Konkan or Goa.

But make sure to board buses going by the route either via Radhanagari – Phonda – Kankavali – Kasal or via Gaganbawada – Talere – Kankavali – Kasal. Then from there tourist can catch a bus for Malvan from Kasal.

By Car:

The best way to drive down in your own vehicle to Tarkarli from Pune via Kolhapur, this is the best route to reach NH-17 from Kolhapur via Gaganbawda Ghat.

Konkan Biketrip Oct'11 067

The other option is to hire a vehicle of your choice from the large number of private players in Pune and reach Tarkarli directly and comfortably.

Car 2

Best route from Pune to Tarkarli:

Pune – Satara – Kolhapur – Gaganbawda – Kasal – Malvan – Tarkarli.

via NH-4 approximately 390 km (Duration: 8 hours ).

Distance between Tarkarli and major cities.

Mumbai to Tarkarli : 500 km
Pune to Tarkarli : 400 km
Kolhapur to Tarkarli : 180 km
Panaji to Tarkarli : 107 km
Ratnagiri to Tarkarli : 173 km
Nagpur to Tarkarli : 980 km
Sangli to Tarkarli : 210 km
Bangalore to Tarkarli : 650 km
Hyderabad to Tarkarli : 700 km
Ahmedabad to Tarkarli : 1050 km

Getting Around Tarkarli

Tarkarli is still developing as a tourist attraction; hence having your own vehicle to get around Tarkarli is the best bet.

Autos are easily available for local travel in Tarkarli town
Autos are easily available for local travel in Tarkarli town

Otherwise there are local auto rickshaws to get you around, but youngsters can enjoy walking around the quaint town and enjoy the sights and sounds of this picturesque beach town.

Best time of visit Tarkarli

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Golden sands, blue waters and clear skies describe the peaceful town of  Tarkarli the best. This small, quaint but upcoming beach town in Maharashtra is fast becoming a tourist hot spot.

The pristine beaches of Tarkarli
The pristine beaches of Tarkarli

Tarkarli is blessed with a pleasant climate throughout the year with cool sea breeze blowing throughout the day. Hence Tarkarli receives a number of visitors from different parts of India throughout the year.

Crowds throng the beaches of Tarkarli during the peak season
Crowds throng the beaches of Tarkarli during the peak season

The best time to visit Tarkarli is between October to March and this is the peak season when all hotels, resorts and lodges are open and water sport activities are in full swing, so tourist visiting during this period won’t be disappointed and will be able to enjoy all activities during their stay.

Goa holiday

Best Time (Season Time): October to March.
Off Season: June to September.
Average Temperature: 16 to 33 degree Celsius.
Relative Humidity ranges: 69 % to 98 %.
Average Rainfall: 2275 mm.

Monsoon Season (June to September) – Off Season

Every year Tarkarli receives medium to heavy rainfall, this is the perfect time for nature lovers to be here and enjoy the lush greenery in and around Tarkarli and relax in the cool environment.

A tourist relaxing and admiring the greenery of the monsoon
A tourist relaxing and admiring the greenery of the monsoon

This is the ideal time for budget travelers to visit Tarkarli as they will get the best hotel deals and will also find the beaches less crowded.

A tourist enjoys a beach side stroll at Tarkarli.
A tourist enjoys a beach side stroll at Tarkarli.

Tourist visiting during monsoons must carry umbrellas, raincoats and appropriate footwear.

Tourist enjoy a view of the sunset at a deserted beach during the monsoons in Tarkarli
Tourist enjoy a view of the sunset at a deserted beach during the monsoons in Tarkarli

The only drawback of visiting Tarkarli during monsoons is that most hotels and lodges may not be fully functional and water sport activities will be erratic or shutdown depending on the weather.

Winter Season (November to February) – Peak Season

The winter season is the ideal time to visit Tarkarli as the weather is pleasant during the day and mildly cold at night.

Youngsters having a good time enjoying snorkeling at Tarkarli beach
Youngsters having a good time enjoying snorkeling at Tarkarli beach

This is the perfect time to indulge in water sport activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, boat rides and other water sport activities which are operating in full swing.

Water sports in full swing at Tarkarli
Water sports in full swing at Tarkarli

Apart from water sports tourist can also enjoy other outdoor and beach activities.This is also the ideal time to experience the cultural spirit of Tarkarli as during this time there are several cultural programs and festivals the most popular one being the Ramnavami Utsav celebrated in the Mahapurush temple with great fanfare by locals and visiting tourist.

Summer Season (March to May)

The summer sets in by mid March and remains up to mid June. The temperature during this time is anywhere between 25 to 32 degree Celsius.

Tourist relax at a Tarkarli beach.
Tourist relax at a Tarkarli beach.

The day is slightly hotter and is the ideal time for beach activities, sightseeing along with exploring the quaint town and the nearby areas of Tarkali.

Why Visit Tarkarli

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If your idea of a perfect holiday is to take a dip in the cool blue waters of the Arabian sea, enjoy some mouth watering fresh sea food at cheap rates, indulge in various kinds of water sport activities and spend a quiet evening watching the sun go down then head straight for Tarkarli – the jewel of Konkan Belt.

The quaint village of Tarkarli
The quaint village of Tarkarli

Tarkarli is a village in Malvan taluka in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra and it is an ideal getaway for travelers from Mumbai, Pune and other neighboring cities. A visit here ensures travelers a peaceful, tranquil and secluded time away from the hustle bustle of city life.

Fishermen line their fishing boats on a secluded area of the beach
Fishermen line their fishing boats on a secluded area of the beach

Family vacationers, small group of friends and couples can spend some exciting and memorable moments as Tarkarli has something for everyone.

Beaches :

The beaches of Malvan are unexplored gems, so if you are a lover of sea and virgin beaches then take a break from the overcrowded beaches of Goa and head straight to the beaches in Malvan the most happening place to be.

Clean and Sparkling beach of Tarkarli
Clean and Sparkling beach of Tarkarli

The beaches at Tarkarli are one of the most picturesque in Malvan, with an 8 km of coastline the beaches have white sand, clear blue waters and suru trees at the backdrop that add to the splendor of the beach.

Holiday makers have the entire beach to themselves
Holiday makers have the entire beach to themselves

The waters here are so clear that the seabed can be seen up to a depth of 15 feet on a bright sunny day and it is truly an enchanting experience to stroll on the beach with nature’s music and cool breeze all around.

Water sports :

If you are a water sport enthusiast you need not go all the way to Andaman Islands, Lakshadweep Islands or Goa to enjoy it. Today Tarkarli has developed a good infrastructure for water sports and is the only place in Maharashtra where you can enjoy multiple water sport activities including underwater adventure activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.

Scuba diving in Tarkarli
Scuba diving in Tarkarli

The best part is that all these water sport activities including underwater activities (scuba diving) can be enjoyed at affordable rates and those keen on becoming professionals can enroll for special certified courses at the training centers at Malvan.

Tourist enjoying a Banana Ride
Tourist enjoying a Banana Ride

Water Sport Activities: Para sailing, Banana rides, Boat rides, Jet Ski, Kayaking, Bumper ride, Scuba diving, Snorkeling etc.

Forts :

A must visit for history buffs, as Tarkarli has a special mention in history because of its connection to the legendary Maratha warrior Shivaji Maharaj.

A view of the Sindhudurg Sea fort
A view of the Sindhudurg Sea fort

Here tourist can visit the famous 17th century Sindhudurg Fort a prominent naval fort built by Shivaji Maharaj along with other forts – Padmagad, Rajkot and Sarjekot fort.

Beach Games and Activities :

The beaches of Tarkarli are clean and pleasant and have all the required ingredients to meet the expectations of beach lovers. For couples it is an ideal place to enjoy a romantic holiday as the beaches here are less crowded and peaceful.

A game of beach volley ball in Tarkarli
A game of beach volley ball in Tarkarli

If reading and sunbathing on a beach is your idea of an ideal holiday, then bring in a mat, a hat and a mini umbrella and enjoy lazing around the whole day. The blend of seas and sands will work wonders and will make you feel rejuvenated and refreshed.

Enjoying a game of beach football
Enjoying a game of beach football

Children can indulge in a host of activities like sand sculpturing, collecting pebbles and shells or enjoy horse or camel ride. Youngsters like enjoy beach games like Cricket, Beach Volleyball, French Cricket and Frisbee games.

Spotting dolphins and marine life :

Dolphins have always been a thrill to watch, and Tarkarli is a wonderful place to catch a glimpse of schools of dolphins and other sea animals in their natural habitat.

Dolphin Spotting at the Tarkarli sea
Dolphin Spotting at the Tarkarli sea

Furthermore Tarkarli is also a protected area for turtle nesting and if tourists are lucky they can get a glimpse of this rare event. Underwater adventure enthusiast can explore rich coral reefs, a vast diversity of marine life and abundant colorful fishes during their underwater trips.

Visit to the temples :

Combine your sightseeing in Tarkali with a dash of religion and pay a visit to the numerous temples in and around Tarkarli and learn more about their rich history and their beautiful architecture.

Shivrajeshwar Temple a popular temple in Tarkarli
Shivrajeshwar Temple a popular temple in Tarkarli

The temples of Tarkarli are beautiful and well maintained by the locals and their attractiveness and deep spiritual power makes them popular with visiting tourist.

Relish authentic Malvani Cuisine :

After enjoying a wonderful day in the white sands and the blue waters of Tarkarli, tourist can unwind and indulge in some mouthwatering, spicy Malvani Cuisines.

Malvani Cuisine 1

Malvani cuisine is the standard cuisine of the entire Konkan region and it includes both vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes. The restaurants in Tarkarli serve some of the best vegetarian specials in Malvani cuisine followed by delicious sea foods.

Malvani Cuisine 3

However, Tarkarli is a paradise for non vegetarians as the region has abundant seafood and Malvani cuisines are dominated with many varieties of fish and other non vegetarian dishes.

Backwaters of Tarkarli :

Now you need not travel all the way to Kerala to experience a houseboat cruise in the backwaters. The backwater of the Karli River between Tarkarli and Kudal is a hotspot for backwater cruise in Maharashtra and has become a star attraction with visiting tourist who can enjoy an overnight stay in a luxury houseboat.

House boat cruise at the backwaters of Karli waters
House boat cruise at the backwaters of Karli waters

Situated on the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Karli River, the scenic beauty of the backwaters at Tarkarli is beyond imagination, the river banks surrounding the river are covered with verdant forests and can be compared to a ride across the Amazon forest.

Shop for Malvani Items :

Shopping in Malvan

It is impossible to think of a holiday without the thrill of shopping in Malvan, visiting tourist can buy fresh cashew nuts from factory outlets at reasonable prices and take back home some yummy local items like Aam papad, Amba wadi, Kokum, Karvanda, Kaju chocolates and authentic Malvani spices for their friends and family.

Try a Home stay and enjoy the local flavors :

Whether you are seeking a relaxing or an adventurous holiday, home stays in Tarkarli offer a great alternative to the usual beach hotels and resorts.

Homestay in Tarkarli

Most locals in Tarkarli have opened their homes to tourists and they offer decent service and food, visiting tourist can lookout for home stays that are closest to the beach and yes do try their homemade food, you will surely love it. Renting a bike culture has also seeped into Tarkarli and most home stay owner will be more than happy to help you rent one.

Meet the friendly people of Tarkarli :

Be it any season, the locals of Tarkarli always look forward to welcome tourist and they are famous for their warmth and hospitality.

Friendly people 2

The people of Tarkarli always meet visiting tourist with a smile and are always willing to help, they live life to the fullest and if lucky you might end up making some good friends during your trip.