Tarkarli

Tarkarli beach

Quick Overview

Best Time to Visit: October to March
Weather: Pleasant winters, hot summers, heavy monsoons
Budget: ₹1,500–₹8,000/day
Speciality: Queen Beach of Konkan, Crystal Clear Waters & Scuba Diving

Plan Your Trip

Getting There

Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport (Goa), ~130 km from Tarkarli
By Train: Kudal Railway Station (~32 km) and Sindhudurg Railway Station (~30 km) are nearest stations on Konkan Railway
By Road: Well-connected via NH66; state transport and private buses available from Mumbai, Pune, and Goa

Where to Stay?

Tarkarli Beach Area – beachfront resorts and homestays with sea views, close to water sports centers
Malvan Town – budget hotels and guesthouses, authentic Malvani restaurants, local market access

Packing List

  • Light cotton clothing
  • Swimwear and beach towels
  • Comfortable flip-flops or sandals
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Hat or cap for sun protection

Top Places to Visit

Tarkarli Beach

An 8 km stretch of pristine white sand beach with crystal clear waters where you can see the seabed up to 20 feet deep. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Sindhudurg Fort

A magnificent 17th-century sea fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on a rocky island in the Arabian Sea. Accessible by boat, it features massive walls and hidden freshwater wells.

Karli Backwaters

Serene backwaters where the Karli River flows through lush greenery. Ideal for peaceful boat rides and houseboat stays.

Devbag Beach

Located at the confluence of the Karli River and Arabian Sea, offering stunning views and opportunities for dolphin spotting.

Tsunami Island

A unique sandbar island that appears during low tide, formed after the 2004 tsunami. Popular for water sports like jet skiing and parasailing.

Rock Garden, Malvan

A beautifully landscaped garden on the rocky shore overlooking Chivla Beach, perfect for sunset views.

Rameshwar Temple, Achara

A 260-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, featuring a self-immersed Shivalingam and peaceful courtyard.

Malvan Market

A bustling local market offering dried seafood, Alphonso mangoes, cashews, kokum syrup, and authentic Malvani masalas.

Must-Try Experiences

Scuba Diving at Malvan

Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life at Maharashtra’s premier scuba diving destination. Suitable for beginners with certified instructors.

Dolphin Watching

Take an early morning boat ride to spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat in the Arabian Sea.

Snorkeling Adventure

Discover colorful underwater life near Sindhudurg Fort where clear waters offer excellent visibility.

Houseboat Stay

Experience a unique overnight stay on traditional houseboats cruising through the tranquil Karli backwaters.

Beach Camping

Camp under the stars at pristine beaches like Bhogwe and Chivla, with options for beachside bonfires and seafood barbecues.

Water Sports at Tsunami Island

Try banana boat rides, jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing at this adventure hotspot.

Local Cuisine

  • Breakfast: Ghavan with chutney, kande pohe, amboli pancakes
  • Lunch: Kombdi vade, Malvani fish curry with rice, bangda fry
  • Dinner: Paplet saar, surmai fry, prawns masala
  • Special: Solkadhi (pink digestive drink), mori masala (shark curry), tisaryachi ekshipi (clam dishes)
  • Sweets: Malvani malpua, khaproli, ukadiche modak

Culture & Local Life

Tarkarli is a tranquil fishing village in the Konkan region of Maharashtra where life revolves around the sea. The local community speaks Malvani, a unique dialect mixing Konkani and Marathi. Fishing remains the primary occupation, and visitors can witness traditional fishing methods and morning fish auctions at the Malvan fish market from 6 AM to 9 AM. The region is known for its Malvani cuisine, which uses generous amounts of coconut, kokum, and fiery red chilies. The area celebrates traditional festivals with folk performances like Dashavatar, depicting the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Homestays offer an authentic experience of Konkan hospitality and home-cooked meals.

Local Insights

  • Languages: Marathi, Malvani (Konkani dialect), Hindi and English understood
  • Getting Around: Auto-rickshaws, rental bikes, private taxis; limited public transport within Tarkarli
  • Best Season: Winter (November-February) for pleasant weather; October-March ideal for water sports
  • Avoid: Monsoon season (June-September) for water activities due to rough seas
  • Shopping: Buy cashew nuts, aam papad, Malvani masala, kokum syrup, and dried seafood from local shops
  • Safety Tips: Always wear life jackets during water activities, book water sports from authorized operators, avoid swimming during high tide

Enjoy Your Yatra!

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