Konkan Tourism

There are numerous Konkan tourism packages that you can choose from. This enchanting region draws tourists in large numbers throughout the year. The monsoon season mostly stays humid with high rainfall. Although outdoor activities are restricted during this season, the region comes alive with its greenery and waterfalls. Summers also call for adventure and outdoor activities despite being hot and humid. The best time to visit the Konkan region is in the winter season with its dry and pleasant weather conditions. It has plenty of activities and attractions to be explored during this period.

Konkan tourism offers serene beaches, majestic forts and lush greenery. The region is located on India’s western coastline, stretching to Karwar from Damaon. The western coastlines of Indian states like Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka are covered under this region, which is also enclosed by the Arabian Sea, Aghanashini River and Daman Ganga River towards its west, south and north respectively. The Western Ghats bounds the area towards its eastern part. Maharashtra has several areas within the Konkan region including Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Raigad and Palghar, while the biggest city here is Mumbai.

There are many landmarks that you should include in your Konkan tourism itinerary. Ratnagiri is a town worth visiting for its globally-acclaimed Alphonso mangoes and its lovely hill and beachside atmosphere. Ratnagiri has several beautiful beaches including the Guhagar Beach and also a charming lighthouse. Sindhudurg is another great place to visit for its historic forts, including the famous one named after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The entire zone is famous for the Sindhudurg Fort and its beachside activities like snorkelling. Harnai is where you will find the Harnai Karde Beach and many other lovely waterside landmarks. This is a quaint zone where you can visit Anjarle, Ladghar and many other nearby places like Suvarnadurg. Mahad offers history, landmarks, forts and a lot more for visitors while Kelshi is a largely pristine destination which is away from the crowd. If you’re into ancient ruins, then Roha is your ideal place to visit. It is also immensely popular with river rafting enthusiasts. Amboli is located near Goa and offers fabulous waterfalls and stunning natural landscapes while Chiplun is famous for being Parshuram’s abode. It is a sacred site with numerous temples and lush greenery. And of course, Goa is undoubtedly the top place to visit in the region, offering some of India’s best beaches, markets, nightlife, food, shopping opportunities and more. From Candolim and Palolem to Mandrem, Baga, Calangute, Anjuna and Arambol, you have plenty of choices at hand.

Most Konkan tourism packages consists of unlimited shopping opportunities for travellers. Goa is of course, the shopper’s paradise here with its famous Anjuna Flea Market for jewellery, clothing, souvenirs, footwear and more! It also has the Panaji Market for spices, cashew nuts, pickles, pastes and basically everything else. Other famous shopping destinations in Goa include the Arpora Night Market, Mackie’s Night Bazaar, Calangute Market Square and the Baga Market. If you are venturing into Maharashtra, then Mumbai has several premier shopping destinations including its Chor Bazaar, Crawford Market, Colaba Causeway, Kala Ghoda and Zaveri Bazaar. There are several famous markets in Pune like the Juna Bazaar, Laxmi Road and Hong Kong Lane. Nagpur has its Cotton Market and Sitabuldi Main Road along with the Sarafa Bazaar too.

If you want to experience the best of Konkan tourism, then picking out a few beachside destinations is a must! Ganpatipule is one of the top places to visit with its lovely waters, mangroves and famous lighthouse. Another famous beach in the region is Alibaug which is quite close to Mumbai. It is home to several popular beaches, a fort and synagogue. The Nagaon, Korlai and Kashid Beach are quite popular here along with the local cuisine. Dapoli is also a charming destination with beaches, forests and several ancient temples. Other popular seaside destinations include Murud, which is home to several monuments along with Shrivardhan which also has multiple beaches along with a rich legacy of its own. And of course, the list is incomplete without mentioning Goa, which is home to several top beaches including Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Vagator, Palolem, Benaulim, Miramar, Candolim and many others.

Your Konkan tourism package should have sufficient time and space for you to taste the local cuisine of the region. There are many Konkani specialties that travellers swear by including the famous Kolambi Rassa or prawn curry. This dish fuses Malwani spices with coconuts. You will also love the Solkadi which contains Kokum and coconut milk. Bhakri and Usal are also readily available in the area with the former being made of rice flour. The Usal uses Matki sprouts for its creation. The Konkan region is also famous for its Bhangda or mackerel fish fry along with its Kombdi Vade or chicken curry with a Maharashtrian version of the Puri. Dhondas and Kokum Dal are also must-haves along with the Bombil or Bombay Duck fry and Paplet Saar (a traditional Malwani meal). Malwani mutton curries are also worth tasting on your trip.

Make your Konkan tourism package more exciting by clubbing it with various shopping hubs in and around the region. You should definitely buy cashew nuts which are widely available and are some of the finest in the country. You can buy them as gifts for your loved ones too. Amba Poli or exotic mangoes are also great gifts along with Alphonso mangoes, if you are lucky to find them in the right season. Malvani spices or masalas are also great souvenirs to purchase with the signature Kokum beverage that you will find in Goa and several parts of Maharashtra along the coastline. Kokum wax is another popular item and has been used for cleansing the skin since time immemorial.

Wildlife lovers can take some time out to customise their Konkan tourism packages, making sure that they cover some of the region’s most beautiful wildlife sanctuaries. The Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a famous haunt for travellers and is only 60 km away from Mumbai, offering 150+ bird species and several rare varieties. You will also spot other wildlife in the region along with getting an opportunity to explore the 11th century Karnala Fort. The Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary at Nagpur is another must-visit with diverse animal, reptile and bird species. You can also try the Melghat Wildlife Sanctuary which is home to leopards, sloth bears and many other animals. The Bhima Shankar Wildlife Sanctuary offers exciting experiences for visitors along with being a biodiversity hotspot as well.

Those who love history and architecture will find several Konkan tourism packages tailored to their needs. The region is home to several famous forts that are popular attractions for tourists. The Murud-Janjira Fort is one of the country’s oldest marine outposts, positioned over the Arabian Sea. The Sindhudurg Fort lies on the Malvan Town’s shoreline in the Sindhudurg district. This area also contains the Vijaydurga Fort which was rebuilt by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj himself. The Jaidurg Fort in Raigad is another landmark along with the Kolaba Fort in Alibaug. You should also check out the Suvarnadurg Fort and Raigad Fort.

You remember a few basic tips before you planning your Konkan tourism itinerary. Most smaller towns in the region usually have affordable joints in place of swanky restaurants. However, you can expect great local food at these joints. Be careful while trying the spicy and hot curries, which may overwhelm some people. Bottled or mineral water is always recommended and is available everywhere. Since the area is mostly humid, wear cotton and light apparel. Use sunscreen, sunglasses and caps/hats. Local transportation mainly includes tempos, auto rickshaws and state transport buses in the coastal areas. Renting your own vehicle is sometimes the best choice. Many local outlets will not take cards and you will require cash. Knowing a little Marathi will help you communicate better with the locals.