Konkan Tour - Day 2: Maharashtra Sightseeing

Day 2 of the Konkan tour through Maharashtra focuses on exploring the region around Alibaug, Chaul, Revdanda, Korlai and Murud.

Itinerary Overview

The itinerary includes historical sites, beaches, local cuisine, and cultural experiences.

Detailed Locations and Activities

Nagaon

• Spent the night at Sid's Cottage, 6 km from Alibaug.
• Nagaon is preferred by tourists for its tranquil atmosphere compared to Alibaug.

Chaul

• 8 km from Nagaon.
• Ancient village with a history dating back to the 8th century.
• Explored a stone inscription from the 8th century with Brahmi script.
• Visited the local market known for organic vegetables, especially Korlai Baingan (eggplants).

Nivant Homestay (Chaul)

• Enjoyed a local breakfast at Nivant Homestay.
• Accommodation with 5 rooms. Charges are Rs. 1500 per person, including three meals.
• Breakfast included:
  • Pangi: Cooked over banana leaf with rice flour batter, cumin seeds, green chilies, coriander, salt, and oil.
  • Kolache Pohey: Made with coconut milk, tamarind, jaggery, and a tempering of cumin seeds and red chili powder in ghee. Served with raw poha and poha papad.
• Chaul is 15 km from Alibaug.

Hamamkhana (Chaul)

• Visited the "Hamamkhana," a structure from the 14th century, currently under the care of ASI.
• Chaul's history includes the construction of a Fort by the Nizam of Ahmadnagar in the 14th century. The fort contains a mosque and is called "Rajkot."
• Chaul was a significant trading center, especially for Arabian horses, gold, ivory, and silver.

Suhasini Villa (Chaul)

• Visited Suhasini Villa.
• Tariff: Rs. 2500 per room on double occupancy, without meals. Five rooms available.
• Suitable for large groups.

Revdanda Fort

• 3 km from Chaul.
• Remains of a fort used as a "Watching Tower" by the Portuguese, known as "St. Barbara Tower."
• Established in 1570 after multiple battles.
• Popular for pre-wedding photoshoots.

Revdanda Beach

• Located beyond the wall of Revdanda Fort.
• Coconut trees bent towards the sea due to saltwater.
• During high tide, the water rises up to the stone wall.
• Clear sand and water, considered a virgin beach.

La Mer Resort (Revdanda)

• Visited La Mer Resort for lunch.
• Tariff: Rs. 5000 per room on double occupancy, including breakfast.
• Located right on the beach.
• Lunch included:
  • Veg Thali: Dal, rice, sweet dish, gobhi-matar (cauliflower with peas), papad, and Matki ka Usal (sprouted lentils).
  • Surmai fish fry (Seer Fish).

Kundalika River Confluence (Revdanda)

• Observed the "sangam" (confluence) of the Kundalika River and the Arabian Sea.
• Located just after Revdanda, below a bridge.
• Sunset cruises are planned to start in 2-3 months from Salav Jetty, showing the Korlai and Revdanda forts.

Korlai

• 4 km from Revdanda.
• Visited an ancient church, approximately 305 years old.
• Met local residents who speak Creole, a mix of Portuguese and Marathi.

Kashid Beach

• 9 km from Korlai.
• Sea visible from the main road.
• Various activities available: mountain biking, shacks with refreshments, horse riding, camel rides.
• Advised to check with locals about safe areas due to rocky parts.

Murud

• 17 km from Kashid Beach.
• Dinner at Patil Khanewal, a recommended eatery.
• Dinner included:
  • Kombdi Vade: Vade (made of rice flour) with chicken curry.
  • Dal, chicken gravy, Sol Kadi, rice, and papad.
  • Prawns and Patil's "Chicken Lapeta."
  • Sol Kadi (Kokum based drink).
• Night stay at Murud Palace Hotel. Tariff: Rs. 2000 on double occupancy.

Planned Activities for Day 3

Visit Janjira Fort in the morning, then travel to Harihareshwar via Diveagar, where the night stay is planned.