While we rave about the Gold Coast in Australia and beaches in Spain, we are clueless about the beauty a few hundred km away.
Hitesh Brahmbhatt. Borivali
To be honest, I had never imagined that my trip to the Konkan coast would be so exciting. Konkan, the coastal region of Maharashtra is a visual treat.
On boarding a bus from Parel, late at night, I reached Khed early next morning. From there, I boarded a state transport bus for Assod village via Dapoli. Assod has earned favour from tourists because of the Keshavraj temple situated atop a mountain. The route winds through the ghats lined with orchards. Giving them company is a petite river that flows from under a delicate bridge. A flight of steps lead you to the temple. At the entrance is a fountain carved out of rock, shaped like a cow's head (Gaumukh). This fountain spouts water throughout the year. Keshavraj temple is a typical Konkan-style temple.
After seeking blessings, I was back on road. Suvarnadurg being the next destination, I took the bus for Harnai. Harnai beach is spectacular with clear blue waters. A port well-known as a fishing hub, it is 15 minutes away from a Kanakdurg fort. From behind this fort, I boarded a ferry for Suvarnadurg. It took me Rs40 and 15 minutes to reach Suvarnadurg fort.
The name Suvarnadurg translates into 'Golden Fortress'. Suvarnadurg, the island fortress off the coast of Harnai was a fort built by Shivaji to counter the Siddis. The clear blue water, with white clean sand formed a beautiful seascape. I couldn't help but shoot an entire roll of film at this fort. The architecture and fortification are simply astounding. This fort takes around three to four hours to explore. There are two water ponds, one secret escape tunnel for the king in case of emergencies.
After returning to Harnai, I had a typical Maharashtrian lunch. The best part of this lunch was the after-meal drink — solkadi — made of coconut milk and cocum. After the hearty meal, I sauntered around for a while and took a bus for Mumbai from Dapoli.
From temples to beaches and ancient forts, Konkan has it all. The memories are sure to bring you back to this beautiful region that makes Ratnagiri all the more special on the map of Maharashtra.
Been some place interesting? Share your discoveries. Send your travelogues to speakup@dnaindia.net
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}