Located on the southern-most tip of Maharashtra’s Konkan strip, Vengurla is an unspoilt paradise of sun, sea and beaches!
Vengurla is replete with ancient history and now has a defunct port which used to be a stopover for “passenger steamers” in the 80’s between bombay and goa. Originally a trade settlement, it is a small town today, with a thriving cashew and fishing industry. Rich in Konkani culture, it is home to a few temples, which attract devotees all year round.
The beach not to miss is Sagareshwar, with its backdrop of emerald-green casuarina groves and fluttering palms. A walk across silvery sand dunes will bring you to this pollution-free, golden beach and its perfect blue water and refreshing waves. There are quite a few other beaches, equally good, nearby – but it is the completely secluded coves dotting the coastline that are difficult to pass up – and if you are good at hiking, you’ll be heading for those, soon!
Walk into the villages and find a lunch ‘mess’ or a khanaval as they call it and try the local malvani cuisine. Fish of course is on the cars everywhere and do try the maharastrian version of soul kadi with your meal.
There’s a touristy looking lighthouse perched on the hill overlooking the jetty – the view from the top is awesome and takes in the famous Vengurla Rocks or Burnt Islands, the shore and the Arabian Sea in a heady cocktail.
The nearest airport is Dabholim, Goa. National highways and railways connect Vengurla to Kudal, Mumbai, Goa and the rest of India. State run buses are the only option to get here if you dont have your own transport.
vengurla- maharashtra's undiscovered beach
A state run guest house (Sagar) near the lighthouse is a cheap option to stay or you may try your luck at Velagar beach.
The best option on the beach is the Dolphin Bay Beach Resort (Tel: 227529; Tariff: Rs 350-1,000), which has 5 tents and 2 thatched huts with common baths. Another 2 bamboo huts come with attached baths. They have well-furnished, clean air-conditioned rooms as well. The resort has a pretty, open canopy restaurant that serves Malvani, Goan and other Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Hot water is available on request. They organise dolphin-spotting boat rides (Rs 700 for a group of 10 people), and arrange transportation and campfires on request. Tents are not available in the monsoon.
Silver Sands-Kothari Beach Resort (Tel: 227987; Tariff: Rs 400-550) has 8 rooms, 6 of which have attached baths. The rooms are basic but clean and airy. It also has an open canopy on a dune acting as a cafeteria area. They serve the regional Malvani cuisine, provide hot water on request, and arrange dolphin-sighting trips (Rs 700 for a group of 10 people). They also make transport arrangements.
Paulo’s Green Garden Resorts (Mobile: 09869869470; Tariff: Rs 300-500) is all of 4 thatched huts with cemented floors. Though clean, the huts are tiny and cramped. The attached baths are clean. It has a garden restaurant and hot water is available on request. It’s a bit of a walk from the beach and should only be your last option.