Imagine that you’ve dressed up really well and are hurriedly preparing to go out for work when it suddenly starts pouring. The feelings of irritation and frustration might accompany the monsoon season, especially if you live in a city like Mumbai. Meanwhile, if you’ve ever been to the Western Ghats, you’ll realize that monsoons are a complete game-changer there.
Sprawled across the state of Maharashtra and Goa, Konkan is one such picture-perfect region that turns over a new leaf as soon as the rains start to fall. Decorated with majestic mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, endless greenery, intriguing historical forts, and panoramic beaches, Konkan in monsoons offers a magical getaway to all adventure seekers. Let us tell you more about this enchanting region with our picks of the top 7 exciting things to do in Konkan during monsoons.
With a magnificent coastline strip stretching from the Thane district in Maharashtra all the way to Goa, Konkan is endowed with innumerable pristine beaches and raging rivers. That’s why it’s not really surprising that this region attracts all those adventure junkies who wish to get an adrenaline rush by participating in water sports. You can choose to enjoy a variety of water sports at the following locations.
Also known as the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, Kolad is just about 100 km away from the city of Mumbai. An ideal getaway for all the city dwellers, this tiny hamlet looks alluring, especially during the monsoons when the valleys turn green and the fog descends upon the green carpet of Kolad. Rafting across the gorgeous Kundalika River through Grade 2 – Grade 3 rapids is what attracts adventure junkies to this pristine location. Apart from river rafting, paragliding is another popular sport here.
Tarkarli and Devbagh Tsunami Island are a part of the Malvan region that is located in the very heart of Konkan. The turbulent seas are ideal for watersports, especially scuba diving. Embark on an exciting journey to the underwater world and your heart will surely be filled with immense joy. Apart from scuba diving, other must-do fun activities in Tarkarli include banana rides, bumper rides, and water scooter rides.
Alibaug is yet another heart-throb of all the beach lovers in Maharashtra. Adorned with some of the prettiest beaches, Alibaug provides tourists with some exciting water sport activities. Hundreds of people visit Alibaug during the monsoons in order to go jet skiing. To add to that, sea kayaking, parasailing, and stand-up paddle boating are a few wildly popular adventure sports in Alibaug.
Also read: Zip Lining In Jodhpur.
Founder of the grand idea of Swaraj (self-rule), Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is considered to be the pride of Maharashtra. Feared by his rivals, he was known for his superb military strategies and guerilla warfare techniques. As you wander through the stunning Western Ghats and the endless coastal stretches of Konkan, you’ll find some mountain peaks decked with ancient castles and beautiful magnificent fortresses floating over the mighty Arabian Sea (all built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj). Connect to the rich historical past of Maharashtra by exploring the following forts:
Perched on a height of 820 meters and surrounded by lush green valleys, the Raigad Fort is a gem hidden away in the Sahyadri Ranges. Famed for being the capital of the Maratha Kingdom, this fort houses the Samadhi (tomb) of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Although it's in ruins, this fort boasts of having witnessed the valiant Marathas defending the subjects against vicious foreign attackers. One important attraction here is the Raigad Ropeway that lets the tourists enjoy the scenic view and takes them up to the fort in 4 minutes. But if you’d rather traverse the scenic route, the Raigad Fort Trek is the adventure that awaits!
The legendary king believed in having a strong naval base which led him into building the powerful Sindhudurg fort. Located off the coast of Malvan, this coastal fort is the epitome of the ravishing beauty of Konkan. It is home to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Mandir, a temple dedicated to the great king and has also successfully preserved his footprints. Tourists can take a ferry/boat to reach this fort and enjoy a ride across the windy ocean.
Known for being the site for the deadly rendezvous between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Afzal Khan, Pratapgad offers a great view of the surrounding valleys and the dense jungles of Javali. Located just near Mahabaleshwar, this fort symbolizes the beginning of the true reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Don’t forget to trek to the top of Pratapgad while it rains, stand at the edge of the highest bastion, and receive a heavenly kiss from the rain-heavy clouds.
Also read: 5 Best Road Trips To Take During Monsoon In India
While some people love the mountains, others prefer the beaches and the best part about Konkan is that it satisfies the personal tastes of all types of travelers. Owing to the fact that Konkan rests on the shores of the Arabian Sea, it is adorned with some of the most exotic beaches in the country, many of which are still unspoiled and undiscovered by tourists.
With zero pollution and tourist crowds, Dapoli is an unspoiled hideout in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Dapoli imbibes almost all the elements of the Konkan region, be it misty roads, lush green hills, exquisite beaches, or majestic waterfalls. Particularly known for its sandy beaches and blue waters, the coastline of Dapoli is home to some of the best beaches of Konkan like Murud, Anjarle, and Harnai.
Apart from being ridiculously beautiful due to its white sand and turquoise waters, there is another benefit of visiting Guhagar Beach. No one really knows about this beach which means that it has relatively fewer visitors. Spending some time with yourself in the midst of the charming elements of nature is an experience that you’ll never forget.
Bordered by dense woodlands, Diveagar is another secluded beach that you can visit to get away from the maddening tourist crowd. The shiny blue waters, the sun-kissed shores, the cool breeze, and the panoramic surroundings ensure that your time here is memorable. You’ll also have a good time feasting on the local delicacies and fresh coconut water once you’ve spent enough time on the beach.
Scattered across the green carpet of the Konkan amid the rolling hills and the stunning coastal stretches, the temples of Konkan will leave you mesmerized with their grandeur. Having survived harsh climatic conditions over the centuries, these ancient temples attract devotees from all across the world. Relaxing and enjoying the tranquil vibe of the temple complex is something you shouldn’t miss out on doing while traveling in Konkan.
Resting on the shores of the spectacular Ganpatipule Beach, this temple is generally on the bucket lists of the devotees of Lord Ganesha. What attracts tourists to Ganpatipule is the splendid 400-year-old monolith of Lord Ganesha. Apart from offering prayers, devotees and tourists can stroll down the Ganpatipule and Areware Beach and catch a glimpse of the delightful mangrove trees that dot the shoreline.
Constructed by the Yadav Kings in 1100 CE, the Kunkeshwar Mandir is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The architectural style (inspired by the South Indian temple architecture) used for the various structures of the temple is quite captivating. The splendor of the temple is enhanced by the lovely beach that rests at its doorstep. As it was one of the personal favorite temples of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the king has played a huge role in the maintenance of this temple.
Believed to be the birthplace of the Bhima River, Bhimashankar is located in the Sahyadri Hill ranges. The ancient shrine of Bhimashankar holds an important place in the hearts of all Hindu devotees as it houses one of the famous Jyotirlingas (out of the 12 Jyotirlingas scattered across the country). Styled in black stones, this temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. As this area is also a wildlife sanctuary, you’ll be able to witness a diverse set of flora and fauna along with the surrounding bewitching landscapes.
Also read: Things To Do In Lonavala During Monsoon.
Konkan is a gift from Mother Nature and those who have an innate urge for exploration can enjoy this gift to its fullest. The monsoon scenery in Konkan would be incomplete without the deep green valleys and the cascading waterfalls. Secluded in some remote parts of the region, reaching the base of some of the majestic waterfalls of Konkan requires you to hike through enchanting forest trails.
Known as the Mahabaleshwar of Konkan, Amboli is a hauntingly beautiful hill station that gets decked with several bewitching waterfalls during the monsoons. Settled on the Mumbai-Goa border, Amboli is home to some of the best waterfalls in the country. If relaxing in the warm embrace of nature appeals to you, hiking to the Amboli Waterfall is something you must do. We can assure you that the pictures you click here will add a certain zing to your Instagram feeds.
Concealed from all and snuggled deep inside the jungles of Andharban is the Devkund Waterfall. The 3-hour trek through the enticing forest trails and bathing at the base of this majestic waterfall at the very end is what appeals to most of the trekkers. Devkund is believed to be the origin of the Kundalika River and a trek to this secluded location lets you enjoy nature more intimately.
The Marleshwar temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva) crowns one of the highest peaks of the Sahyadri Hill ranges. After ascending roughly 500 steps, you’ll catch a glimpse of the magnificent rock structures. However, what entices most of the tourists to this place is the Marleshwar Waterfall whose foamy waters come down the cliff with great force in front of the temple. The surrounding jungles, the soothing calmness, and the raging waterfall are what make this place an irresistible destination.
Also read: Places To Visit In And Around Malshej Ghat.
How do you expect to immerse in the vibrant culture of Konkan if you don’t try out the mouth-watering Konkani dishes? Influenced by the cuisines of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka, the cuisine of Konkan consists of some of the tastiest seafood recipes in the entire country. By using seafood, indigenous vegetables, local spices, and coconut, the people of Konkan have created some lip-smacking recipes that you need to try out at least once in your life.
Prepared with kokum and coconut milk, Sol Kadhi is a spicy yet delicious drink that is consumed by most locals almost daily after their meals. Travel along the coastline of Konkan in order to try out the several variations of this drink.
Konkani fish fry is a delightfully crunchy dish that is prepared with fishes like Bombay duck, mackerel, or pomfret. The fish is first marinated with lemon juice, traditional masala that comprises red chilies, coriander seeds, cloves, peppercorns, garlic, cumin seeds, and fennel seeds. After that, it is covered in semolina and fried in oil. Don’t forget to try out the Konkani Fish Fry in different fish variations at charming local eateries.
Bharli Vaangi or stuffed eggplants are one of the most popular dishes of Maharashtra. Although people from different regions of the state follow differing recipes, the Malvani variation of the dish is extremely delicious. The addition of the native Malvani Masala and the roasted peanuts to the curry is what gives the Bharli Vaangi (cooked in Konkani style) its distinctive taste.
Also read: Exciting Things To Do In Goa During Monsoon.
What Is Special In Konkan?
The Konkan region is especially well known for its long stretches of stunning beaches with white/black sands and shimmering blue waters. Tarkarli Beach, Guhagar Beach, Ganpatipule Beach, Diveagar Beach, etc., are some of the must-visit beaches in Konkan.
Which Is The Cleanest Beach In Konkan?
The Anjarle Beach near Dapoli is the cleanest beach in Konkan.
Which Is The Famous Hill Station In Konkan?
Snuggled between the states of Maharashtra and Goa, Amboli is one of the most famous hill stations of Konkan. This hill station is a magical getaway for all those who wish to relax in the very lap of nature.
Is Tarkarli Beach Safe?
Tarkarli Beach of Malvan is one of the safest beaches in the Konkan region. The beach is like a flat land and the waters aren’t very turbulent which means that people can safely swim and indulge in adventure activities like parasailing, banana rides, etc., safely here.
Which Beach Is Best In Dapoli?
Karde Beach, Ladghar Beach, Anjarle Beach, and Murud Beach are the best beaches in Dapoli.
What Is The Length Of The Konkan Railway?
The Konkan Railways form a crucial link between the cities of Mumbai and Mangalore. Running for a distance of 741 km through the Western Ghats, the Konkan Railway covers three states, namely, Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka.
What Kind Of Tourism Is Also Available In Konkan?
Apart from Konkan being a tourist attraction, Ratnagiri is also one such place in Konkan to embrace for its pleasant vibes and beautiful sightseeing like Thiba Palace and Ratnagiri Fort. Other than Ratnagiri places like Chiplun and Murud also offer a variety of tourist spots.
How Many Rivers Are There In Konkan?
Konkan in total has 22 river banks.
