Walking the Konkan Coast: A Journey That Felt Like Coming Home

Hyderabad, Nov 2025 : The Konkan coast has a way of calling you long before you hear the crash of its waves. Sometimes it is the memory of a childhood summer—alphonso mangoes dripping down your fingers, salty winds tangling your hair. Sometimes it is just an instinct, a quiet tug on the heart that whispers: Come back to the sea.

That is exactly how my journey to Ratnagiri and Malvan began—an unexplainable longing to escape the noise of cities and slip into a part of Maharashtra where life slows down, traditions thrive, and the coastline curves like a gentle embrace. What I discovered there was not just a holiday, but a story—a tapestry of beaches, forts, flavours, and people who treat strangers like family.

Where the Journey Begins: Entering the Konkan

The moment my bus descended the ghats toward Ratnagiri, the air changed. The smell of wet red soil, lush paddy fields, and distant sea breeze welcomed me like an old friend. Ratnagiri sits quietly on the Arabian Sea, a town known for its history, beaches, and of course, the world-famous Hapus mango.

As I approached the coastline, the sky melted into shades of orange and blue. Coconut trees formed silhouettes against the sun, fishing boats bobbed rhythmically on the water, and the Konkan’s charm slowly unfolded.

Ratnagiri — Where History Meets the Sea

Thibaw Palace & Echoes of a Forgotten Kingdom

My first stop was Thibaw Palace, the exiled residence of the last king of Burma. The palace stands atop a hill, its corridors whispering stories of royalty, displacement, and time’s quiet march. As I watched the sea from its balcony, the waves below seemed to carry the weight of centuries.

Ganpatipule: Where Divinity Touches the Shore

A short drive away lies Ganpatipule, a divine beachfront town. The temple of Swayambhu Ganpati, naturally formed and facing the sea, is unlike any shrine I’ve seen. The prayers blend with the sound of waves; the aroma of incense merges with the salty air. Pilgrims and travellers stand side by side as the sun dips into the horizon, painting the sky in gold.

Bhatye, Aare-Ware & Bhagwati Fort: The Sea’s Many Moods

Ratnagiri is lined with breathtaking beaches—

• Bhatye Beach, wide and quiet
• Aare-Ware, two twin stretches that look like God carved them with a gentle hand
• Mandavi Beach, lively and scenic

Above the coast stands Bhagwati Fort, guarding the town like a patient sentinel. From the ramparts, Ratnagiri unfolds like a painting—boats, markets, lighthouses, and endless blue.

Malvan — Coral Reefs, Forts & Konkan Romance

Leaving Ratnagiri behind, I drove down the narrow Konkan roads toward Malvan. The journey itself is a treat—villagers selling kokum sharbat, children playing under mango trees, and patches of sea peeking through palm forests.

Sindhudurg Fort: A Masterpiece on the Sea

Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Sindhudurg Fort rises from the Arabian Sea like a warrior emerging from the waves. You take a boat from Malvan jetty, and as you approach, the massive laterite stone walls appear majestic and unyielding.

Inside, history breathes—ancient temples, secret passages, freshwater wells, and breathtaking sea views. The locals narrate tales of battles fought and strategies planned, making you feel like time is turning in reverse.

Tarkarli: Where the Water Turns Crystal Blue

A few kilometres away lies Tarkarli, a beach so clear you can see your toes in the water. Known for scuba diving and snorkeling, it is one of India’s best spots to witness colorful coral reefs and playful marine life. As I floated underwater, the world above disappeared—only silence, bubbles, and vibrant fish remained.

Devbag & Tsunami Island: Nature’s Own Adventure Park

At the tip of Malvan lies Devbag Beach, where the Karli River meets the sea. A short boat ride takes you to Tsunami Island, famous for water sports—jet skiing, kayaking, banana rides, and parasailing. The water glitters like liquid silver, and the island hums with laughter and thrill.

Flavours of Konkan — A Memory on Your Tongue

No trip to Ratnagiri–Malvan is complete without surrendering to its food.

Seafood Heaven

Malvani cuisine is a symphony of spices and coconut. Try:

• Malvani fish thali (with Rawa-fried Surmai or Pomfret)
• Kombdi Vade (spicy chicken with traditional rice vades)
• Sol Kadhi (kokum-coconut drink that tastes like cool breeze)
• Bombil Fry (Bombay duck, crispy and melt-in-mouth)

In Ratnagiri, local homes serve Konkani thalis, rich with coconut-based curries, pickles, and piping hot rice.

The Legendary Alphonso

If you visit in summer, Ratnagiri’s Hapus mango becomes an experience in itself—sweet, fragrant, and almost divine.

Where to Stay — From Beach Huts to Boutique Resorts

The Konkan’s hospitality is warm and authentic. Some options include:

In Ratnagiri

• Beachfront cottages in Ganpatipule
• Heritage stays near Thibaw Palace
• Simple homestays offering authentic Konkani meals

In Malvan/Tarkarli

• Wooden huts right on the beach
• Family-run homestays with home-cooked fish curry
• Adventure resorts offering scuba diving packages

Every place I stayed felt less like a hotel and more like a home.

How to Reach Ratnagiri & Malvan

By Train

• Ratnagiri is well-connected via Konkan Railway.
• From Ratnagiri, Malvan is a scenic 2.5–3 hour drive.

By Air

• Nearest airports:
  • Sindhudurg Airport (Chipi)
  • Goa (Dabolim/Mopa)
  • Kolhapur

By Road

State highways from Mumbai, Pune, and Goa offer beautiful but curvy journeys—perfect for monsoon and winter drives.

Konkan’s Final Whisper

On my last day in Malvan, I woke before sunrise and walked down to the beach. The waves were gentle, the sky still sleepy. A fisherman nodded at me as he pushed his boat into the water. Somewhere in the distance, a temple bell chimed.

I realized then that Konkan doesn’t just offer destinations—it offers emotions. Ratnagiri gives you history and poetry; Malvan gives you adventure and peace. Together, they give you something rare: the feeling of belonging to a place even as a traveler.

As my journey ended, the Konkan left me with just one thought—
I came here for a break, but I’m leaving with a story.

Team Maverick.