Taarkarli beach

"Known as the Tahiti of Konkan"
We took this trip in 2004. It was a weekend trip in the month of January. Taarkarli is a virgin beach on the Konkan coast, a few hundred kilometers before one hits Goa. It takes ~8 hrs by road to get there. We however opted for a ~6 hr train journey to Kudal and an hour and a half drive down to Taarkarli. The road journey is through the villages and offers a flavour of the native culture, homes, people whilst getting there.
We stayed at the MTDC "Konkan huts", as the cottages are fondly referred to. The cottages are ~60 in no. , each complete with a hammock and a palm tree by its' side. We landed there at around 10.00 am, refreshed ourselves, got into swimwear and walked right to the ocean, which is only a few steps from the cottages. After a refreshing bath, we lay in our hammocks with a book and the quiet sea breeze and graceful waves making it to the shores; for company.
The food, is made to order. It is best therefore that one tells the cooks a little in advance, since otherwise you might end ravenous with nothing to eat :)

The next day was reserved for a river cruise upto the Karli river,

Bhogve and Deobagh beaches which are a just a few kms on either side of Taarkarli. Virgin indeed! we could hardly see another soul in sight ; and the popular Sindhudurg fort, where "Dil Chahta hai" had been shot. At the Deobagh and Bhogve beaches, we caught some seagulls hunting for food.

We made the trip to Sindhudurg fort by ferry. It was a Sunday, so we had a few locals, and a few weekend picnic goers for company. The fort is situated in the sea, and spread across a few acres. Like all sites in Maharashtra, this too has its history linked to the valiant Chatrapati Shivaji, although it is now yet called the CSF (the Chatrapati Shivaji Fort!!!).
We were shown around the place by the guide, and he made special reference to some hand prints (which looked more like a 14 yr olds) in the concrete, which he said belonged to Shivaji Maharaj. Pari managed to find some eco wonders like 2 palms on a single trunk

When we got back in the afternoon, we grabbed a quick lunch (which we had ordered for when we left early for the tour) and proceeded to the market area.The market area is not as crowded as a city market, but the shops are well stocked. We managed to pick up some cashews - that the Konkan belt is known for and some Kokum syrup flavoured with local yummy spices. It was late in the evening while we walked back from the markets, and so we grabbed some pakodas and chai to go with it. The pakodas were simply delicious - they were made of fenugreek leaves ("methi") and were so fresh that they simply melted in the mouth.

We caught the shimmering yellow skies with hues of orange, while the sun set. Before we got back home, we headed for a local restaurant that served yummy "solkadi" (made from kokum) and varieties of the fresh catch.

Special thanks to Hemant and Ajit without whom I would not have been able to upload the pics. Tnx Guys!