Travel Information for Tarkarli, Sindhudurg District

Overview

This transcript details a trip to Tarkarli, Sindhudurg district, focusing on local cuisine, sightseeing, and adventure activities. The hosts explore Tarkarli and Malvan, providing valuable information for potential travelers.

Accommodation

• MTDC Resort, Tarkarli: The hosts initially stayed at the local MTDC resort.
• Mithilesh Ji's Homestay: A highly recommended homestay near Mithbav village.
  • Cost: Rs. 2700 per night for a double occupancy room, including breakfast (peak season).
  • Peak Season: October to January.
  • Environment: Attractive and unique.

Food & Drink

Restaurants & Local Cuisine

• Ghar Mithbavkar Restaurant: Located 3-4 minutes from MTDC resort.
• Breakfast at Mithilesh Ji's Homestay:
• Masala Ghavan (rice flour pancake with onions, tomatoes and green chilli)
• Normal Ghavan (rice flour pancake)
• Brown Rice Ghavan
• Coconut Chutney (with red chili and ginger)
• Coconut Milk (with jaggery)
• Usal (made of Kala Vatana/Black Peas)
• Malwan Market:
  • Sapde ki Dukaan: Sells Khaja (local sweet made of chickpea flour, jaggery, and sesame seeds) and other local snacks. A packet of Khaja costs Rs. 40.
  • Jackfruit Chips: Rs. 100 per packet.
  • Aamras (Mango pulp): Made with Alphonso mangoes, Rs. 230 per kg.
• MTDC Scuba Centre:
  • Karela (bitter gourd)
  • Eggplants
  • Kothimbir Vadi
  • Drumsticks
  • Stuffed bhindi (okra)
  • Pumpkin
  • Rice Bhakri (flatbread)
  • Thecha (chutney)
  • Gajar ka Halwa (Carrot halwa)
  • Aamras (Mango pulp)

Attractions & Activities

• Sindhudurg Fort:
  • Built on an island, approximately half a kilometer from the coast.
  • Boat Ticket: Rs. 90 per person (round trip), boats carry 20 passengers.
  • Guided Tour: Available for Rs. 500 (recommended).
  • Key Features:
    • Main entrance with "Gau-Mukhi Vahini" design, used to pour boiling oil on enemies.
    • Temple of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (the only one dedicated to him).
    • Ancient wells (Shakkarbao, Doodhbao, Dahibao) – freshwater sources built with laterite stone.
    • Watchtower – the highest point of the fort with panoramic views.
    • Hand and feet imprints of Shivaji Maharaj on a wall.
• Malvan Jetty: Starting point for visiting Sindhudurg Fort. Water sports activities like banana rides, jet skiing, and speed boats are available.
• Tarkarli Beach: A 10 km long stretch of beach from Malwan to Devbagh.
• MTDC Scuba Centre: Offers scuba diving training and experiences.
  • D-square Scuba Diving Program: Rs. 3500, includes classes, swimming pool practice, and deep-sea diving (up to 12 meters). Available mid-October to mid-May.
• Tsunami Island & Devbagh Sangam(River meets the sea): Planned visit, potentially best experienced when it's not raining heavily.

Transportation

• Distance from MTDC Resort to Ghar Mithbavkar Restaurant: 3-4 minutes.
• Time to reach Malwan Jetty from Tarkarli: 15 minutes.
• Boat ride to Sindhudurg Fort: Short distance (approximately half a kilometer).

Additional Information

• Best time to visit for mangoes and jackfruit: April-May.
• Best time to visit for monsoon experience: September-October.
• Best time to visit for beaches and dolphin sightings: December-January (winter).
• Mithbavkar surname is derived from Mithbav village name
• Other examples of Konkan region surnames derived from village names include Tendulkar, Vengasarkar, Kudalkar, Mangeshkar.