Malgund beach was on my list for a long time. I visited Malgund 2 years back but it was just for one evening. It was 4 days planned year-end trip before Christmas. Our destinations for the coastal line were Malgund, Ganapatipule, Kajirbhati, Aare-Ware, Ratnagiri and nearby offbeat beaches.
Travelers for this trip were I and Renuka.
We after our Scuba Dive
About Ratnagiri, Malgund and surrounding places:
Ratnagiri city is a port city on Arabian Sea coast of Maharashtra in India. It is a main city from the Konkan region and famous for its Alphonso Mangoes, Birthplace of “Lokmanaya” Bal Gangadhar Tilak, prime leader of India’s freedom movement and Shivaji’s Fort. There are many tourist points in Ratnagiri district that are blessed with untouched and beautiful beaches.
On the northern side of Ratnagiri, you can visit twin beaches called Aarey - Warey and also the Malgund beach. Malgund is known as the birthplace of the Marathi poet Keshavasuta, born in 1866.
Ganapatipule is a holy destination which is just 25 km from Ratnagiri city.
The route to reach Malgund from Pune is –
Take National highway 48 (Old Number was NH4) – Drive till Karad city on highway – Cross Karad and drive for few km – after Karad, look for the first flyover on the highway – Do not take flyover route – Take right below the flyover – Drive on State highway 144 – Malkapur – Amba – Sakharpa – join on Mumbai Goa highway – Drive towards Mumbai for few km – Take left for Ratnagiri – Ratnagiri - Ganapatipule - Malgund.
Another way to reach Malgund is Pune - National highway 48 (Old number was NH4) - Umbraj - take right turn at Umbraj – Paatan village – Kumbharali ghat – Koyananagar – Chipalun – Take a left on National Highway 66 (Old number was NH17) - Take right at Navadi - Chafe - Ganapatipule - Malgund. This route is not in good condition (Dec 2018) due to road widening.
Day 1: 20nd Dec 2018 – Pune - Ganapatipule - Malgund:
We woke up early morning and left home at 6 AM. We wanted to avoid highway traffic and enjoy the morning breeze. After Satara, we took a pit stop for tea and coffee. We decided to go by the Kumbharali ghat as we were not aware of road condition. We wanted to have breakfast in Chipalun but because of the road condition, we had breakfast before Kumbharali ghat. Because of the nonstop drive after breakfast, we could reach our destination before 2 PM. Our first destination was Ganapatipule.
Lord Ganesh's Vahan mouse
Due to Weekday and afternoon time, there was no rush at all and we took Ganesh Darshan comfortably. we were in front of Ganesh Idol for more than 10 min whereas, on weekends/peak time, you hardly get 5-6 seconds for darshan. Ganesh Idol from the temple is Swayambhu (means self-originated) ganGaneshol. According to locals, the Hindu god, Ganapati, taking umbrage by a remark made by a native lady, moved to Pulé (a few km ahead of the town) from his original abode of GaneshGulé. Thus the region was named Ganpati-pulé. The temple is at the base of a hill and very close to the sea. The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwar-devta (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who visit Ganapatipule, make it a point to pay their respects to this deity. We had Mahaprasad as Khichadi and Laddu (Sweet) in the temple.
Ganapatipule Ganesh Temple
Our next destination was Malgund which is just 3km away from Ganapatipule. We haven't booked any hotel room so we visited a couple of hotels. As per the budget and requirement, we settled down at "Sagar Darshan beach resort". He offered us a good discount for 2-night stay due to Weekdays through the third (Saturday) night was already sold out. we like the place as it is located on the beach. Each room is a separate small cottage with a sunset view from the room. The hotel area was well maintained with Konkani touch.
Entrance to Sagar Darshan beach resort
Sagar Darshan beach resort
We had some rest and visit the Malgund beach for sunset. This place is on the north end of Malgund beach hence hardly any tourist visit this side. We had a short walk on the beach and then settled down for sunset. Watching a sunset from the beach is our favorite activity. After a long time, we saw Sun touching the sea horizon spreading beautiful red color in the sky. We witnessed a beautiful sunset and captured the moments.
Malgund Beach
Sunset at Malgund beach
Sunset from Malgund Beach
We return to the hotel and ordered a meal. Owner set up a campfire for us as it was cold. Small dining huts are set up close to the beach. Food taste was average but having dinner with campfire and sea wave music made our day.
Sun touching sea horizon
Expenses:
Petrol: INR 3000/-
Toll 1: INR 90/-
Toll 2: INR 60/-
Breakfast: INR 85/-
Ganapatipule Entry: INR 10/- for 2 person
Coconut water: INR 80/- for 2
Stay at Sagar Darshan resort: INR 3000/- for 2 night
Bread butter toast at the hotel: INR 50/-
Dinner at Hotel: INR 370/- (Starter, Kaju Masala, 4 chapatis):
Coconut water: INR 60 for 2
3 water bottles: INR 60
Day 2: 21st Dec 2018 – Malgund:
We woke up at 6AM and left the hotel by 7AM to explore some untouched beach on the north side of Malgund. The road till Jaigad is parallel to the shore which makes you feel fresh. Every section offers you a view of the upcoming beach on the same route. As you move towards the Jaigad side, Road becomes smooth and wide.
Coastal Village near Malgund
The first beach after Malgund was Waravade. The beach was a bit clean with off white color sand. We spend some time on the beach and when we were about to leave, we saw some activity in the sea. Soon we got to know that it was a group of Dolphin fish. Group consists of around 15 to 20 dolphins and they were Swiming very close to the beach. It was a memorable time to watch these beautiful fishes closely from the beach. I was not carrying my telephoto lens, I missed an opportunity to click the photographs.
Waravade beach
After a wonderful start, we went ahead for our next beach. Next beach was near Undi Village. When we reach, we got to know that there is no access road for the beach and the entire hill belongs to Jindal company for their staff house. We move ahead in search of the next beach. we reach at Kachare Village while searching route for the beach. Beach is known by name Kachare beach. The road to the beach is very narrow and hardly any tourist visit the place. The beach is divided into 3 parts due to the rocks formation. You can walk to the next section of the beach through the rocks while watching sea waves splashing water during high tide. Kachare beach is clean, soft sand and curved in the shape. The beach is clean as it is totally untouched.
Kachare Beach (Section one at the rightmost hill, Section 2 below hill 2 and section 3 left)
Kachare beach (Section 1)
Kachare beach (click from the second part of the beach)
We enjoyed the morning time on the beach and had a walk till the third section/beach. We took a lot of photos before we came back. We loved this beach so much as it was difficult for us to leave. Konkan always offers you offbeat places and It's our responsibility to keep such beaches clean and safe for our future generations.
Kachare beach (third part of the beach)
We left this beautiful place. Our next destination was Nandivade beach. Nandivade village has Hanuman Temple and clean beach. The village gives you a typically Konkani feel. The beach was clean and very well maintained by the villagers. Homestay is available in the village as well. We spend just 30 min on the beach and started our return journey to Malgund.
We visited Jaigad fort in the past hence we skip the visit. You can read my Blog for Jaigad fort details here
Nandivade beach
We came back to the hotel by 10-10.30AM and had a tasty breakfast. After spending some time in the hotel area, we freshen up and left for some local sightseen. Malgund is known as the birthplace of the Marathi poet Keshavasut, born in 1866. His full name is Krishnaji Keshav Damle and he wrote poetry under the pen name Keshavsut. He was born in the year 1866 October 7. He died in the year 1905 and in the span of 39 years, we wrote 132 poetry. Poem Tutari was a famous poem in Marathi wrote by Keshavsut which was called to fight for independence. The poem inspired many Indians to fight to overthrow the British occupation.
Birthplace of poet Keshavsut
Keshavsut's house is now converted into Mesume and library. House is a typical old Konkani house. You can read his famous poem written on Stone and places behind the house. Library and information of famous Marathi poet are also available in the museum area. It's a gold mine for Marathi people who have interest in Marathi literature. Afternoon time is the best time to visit this place. After this place, we visited Ram Temple which is a 1000-year-old temple.
It was 2 PM on the clock and we were hungry. We went to Ganapatipule for lunch as there are plenty of options available for veg and non-veg meal. After lunch, we returned to the hotel for some rest. We visited Malgund beach again for sunset. We had a long walk on the beach. We got to know about Yoga fame Holiness Shree Mataji Nirmala Devi. Last week of December is celebrated as the week of Nirmala Devi in Malgund. Her followers from India and around the world (Yes, We saw many non-Indians in Malgund) visit Malgund for Yoga, Prayers, and celebration. This was the reason for not getting a room in Malgund from 23 December onwards till year end. If you're looking for a holiday near Malgund then better to avoid last week of December month. We planned to check a couple of hotels near Kajirbhati beach for our Saturday night stay. we got to know from locals that Shree Nirmala Devi's followers do not prefer to stay outside Malgund so it is easy to find the hotel from Ganapatipule to Ratnagiri area.
Sunset
Many followers were on the beach for some Yoga activity, an area in front of our resort was empty. We saw Sunset spreading colors in the sky from Malgund beach. It was a calm and peaceful evening. we decided to visit Nakshatra restaurant from Bhandarpule for dinner. The restaurant is owned by Mithil Pitre and we know each other coz of travel. The ambiance of Nakshatra resort and restaurant is good and we enjoyed the dinner with tasty Modak.
Day 3: 22nd Dec 2018 – Malgund - Ratnagiri - Kajirbhati:
We woke up by 7AM and went on the beach for running. We spend morning time on the beach and came back for breakfast. We check out the hotel by 11AM and went to Ratnagiri for sightseen as planned. On the way to Ratnagiri, We took a pit stop at Aare and Ware beach. The road journey from Ganapatipule to Ratnagiri offers you beautiful scenery as most of the time the road is parallel to the seashore. The road has several curves and hairpin bends that give you a wonderful view of photography. The road travels past a high cliff, below which the sea waves ferociously lap without a pause. In fact, the road hugs the seashore for a length of some 7 - 8 Km. It becomes difficult for nature lovers to go ahead without capturing the beauty in the camera. We took many pit stops for photography. This route is ideal for an aerial view of the beaches.
Near Aare-Ware Beach
We travelers...Ware beach at the background
Ware Beach
Aare Beach during low Tide
This was our third visit to Ratnagiri hence we decided to visit only Ratnagiri Marine Fish Museum and Birthplace of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak. click to Read my Travel Blog on Ratnagiri year 2014. We first visited Ratnagiri Marine Fish Museum. Museum consists of many varieties of Marine as well as freshwater fish variety. You can see Wheale fish skeleton as well as information on marine life. Its good place to spend an hour.
Sea horsefish
Marine fish
We were hungry so without wasting any time we had our lunch at "Amantran" restaurant. It is famous for seafood and the meal was delicious. I tried Royal Pomfret fish meal with Crab masala whereas Renuka had Veg meal with Amras and Modak.
Royal Pomfret meal with Tasty Crab Masala
After a tasty meal, We went at Bal Gangadhar Tilak Birth Place. He was an Indian nationalist, journalist, teacher, social reformer, lawyer and an independence activist. He was the first leader of the Indian Independence Movement. The British colonial authorities called him "Father of the Indian unrest." He was also conferred with the honorary title of "Lokmanya", which literally means "accepted by the people (as their leader)".
You can see the entire house which is maintained very well. You can get a sense of the typical house of a Ratnagiri resident. Some of Bal Gangadhar Tilak’s personal belongings like pagdi, uparna, and pen are there on display along with some old photos too. Unfortunately, tourists skip this place but I feel proud and lucky to visit such a place where a legend freedom fighter of India was born.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak birthplace
We returned to Bhandarpule and checked in at hotel Krushnkunj. We spend our evening time at Kajirbhati beach for Sunset and some photoshoot. We meet our friend Rupesh Prabhu who newly opened Scuba Dive site near Kajirbhati beach. We booked Sunday morning slot for Scuba and went to Ganapatipule for Dinner. In our last trip, We visited Prachin Kokan Museum. so we visited Magic Garden. This place has some illusion ride, magic show, mirror maze etc. An overall good place to visit with Kids for fun. we had a light meal at dinner and went to the hotel for rest.
Sunset from Kajirbhati Beach
Light after Sunset from Kajirbhati beach
Expenses:
Fish museum entry: INR 30/ for 2 person
Fish museum Camera chargers: INR 25/-
Lunch at Amamtran: INR 900/- (Royal pomfret meal, Special Veg meal, Crab Masala, Cold drinks)
Stay at Krush-Kunjan: INR 1500/- AC
Bhel at kajirbhati: INR 25/-
Magic garden entry: INR 300/- per person
Dinner: INR 170/- (Curd rice, extra curd, and Masala Papad)
Ice cream: INR 170/-
Day 4: 23nd Dec 2018 – Scuba Dive at Kajirbhati - Pune:
We woke up at 7.30 AM and left the hotel by 8.30 AM. We reached at Kajirbhati beach for Scuba Dive. We were doing scuba dive after a break of 3 years and it was our overall 6th Dive in India. The weather was perfect for dive and a cool breeze was playing on sea water. We were amazed at the water visibility; we were not expecting so much clear water visibility. we reach a Dive site in the boat. Dive location was just 200-300 meters away from the beach and overall depth was 4-5 meters. We geared up with wetsuits. There are plenty of Corals, Rock patches and fishes around us. We were surrounded by beautiful and colorful small fishes, they aren’t harmful and watching them is a treat to the eyes. It is really hard to describe just how awe-inspiring SCUBA diving is … the underwater world is just so unique.
Selfie during Dive (Date time was not set in camera)
We during Scuba Dive (Date time was not set in the camera)
This dive site also consists of Live marine plants and small underwater valley. We saw a variety of fishes and this dive site is far better than Malvan for sure. It's not good to compare the Dive sites as every dive site have its own identity. By the time I'm writing this travel blog, I just came back from Scuba dive trip to Netrani Island (Karnataka) where I was swimming with 400-500 fishes and saw Shark, eels, giant Napoleon fish etc. Soon I will publish travel blog with underwater videos on Netrani Trip.
We spend around 40 to 45 Min inside water and overall experience at Kajirbhati was simply amazing. After Scuba Dive, We returned hotel bath and check out process. We took a lunch break at Rupesh's newly opened restaurant. After a tasty meal, our return journey to Pune begins.
Ignore Date and Time on video as It was not set in the action Camera
We prefer Amba ghat route for our return journey. we had Evening break as hotel Kasturi, amba ghat and Dinner at Aaram hotel near Khambatki ghat. We reached home safely by via NH-66 route by 11PM. It was truly a stress-relieving trip.
Ramdara temple is a beautiful temple and half-day picnic spot near Pune City. It was on the list for monsoon but didn’t get time to visit. Post monsoon we decided to visit the temple
Ramdara Temple
About Ramdara temple
Ramdara temple is around 30km from Kothrud area. As it is located outskirts of Pune city, the distance may change based on your city location. Temple rebuilt in 1970 and the main shrine of the temple is Lord Shiva though idols inside the temple are of Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita.
To reach the temple from Pune city is Kothrud (Or your respective location) – Swargate – Camp area – Hadapsar – Solapur highway – cross the first Toll – Loni kalbhor – take right after crossing the small bridge (bridge on water stream) on the highway – cross small village after km drive – Ramdara temple. The road ends at Ramdara temple so fewer chances to miss the location.
September 2018: Ramdara temple visit We left home by 7-7:30AM and reached the temple after an hour drive. Landscape change after crossing Loni kalbhor area. You cannot spot temple till you reach the entrance arch. Temple is located between the hills and they have enough parking spaces under plantation. You can see beautiful temple view from Arch.
Welcome Arch
Temple has beautiful mythology Paintings and colourful walls. You can spend an hour around the temple. The area is calm and peaceful. Lake around the temple and lots of greenery keep temple area cool. Temple has beautiful idols of Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita. It also has a shrine of Lord Shiva. Nandi in front of Temple is impressive. You see Ganesh temple as well within the temple area. Temple also have Ashram of Shri Devipuri Maharaj also known as Dhundi baba.
There is a walkway around Lake and you can see lots of birds. There is a huge tree (Umbar tree) at the start of the walkway (near Arch) which is home to many small birds. You can spot raptor nearby area. Overall this place is a good choice to spend a couple of hours and treat to the eye during monsoon.
Ramdara Temple
Ramdara Temple
Expenses:
Car petrol: INR 400/- (Petrol rate was around 87-88 per Lit)
The toll on Solapur highway: INR 30/- Return
No car parking charges
I will try to upload more and more travel blogs. Thanks for reading this travel blog
We wanted to visit Konkan area during monsoon and we decided to visit Velas beach. It was our second visit to Velas. We contact Mohan Upadhye for stay arrangement and he offered his own house for stay. I just recovered from Surgery hence we were looking for a homestay. Mohan sir was in Mumbai for some work so he offered us his place.
Travellers for this trip were me and my wife Renuka.
way to Velas
About Velas:
Velas is a small village, famous for Olive Ridley turtle population that visits the Velas beach every year and lays their eggs during winter time. Best time to visit Velas is from Jan mid to March end. Bankot Fort is also few km away from Velas.
Best way to reach Velas is Pune - Tahmini - Mangaon - Goregaon - Mandangad - Velas. Road condition after Mandangad is in a horrible state. Also, road condition between Tahmini village and Tahmini ghat top is in a bad state.
While returning, we chose a different route. It was from Velas - Crossed Savitri river by Ferry - Harihareshwar - Goregaon - Mangaon - Tahmini - Pune. Road condition is much better than the Mandangad route. Road condition between Harihareshwar to Mandgaon (11km shorter than Harihareshwar-Goregaon) is in a horrible state.
Day 1: 29nd Sept 2018, Pune – Velas:
We started our journey at 6 AM in the morning. We wanted to reach at Velas as soon as possible. We had our breakfast at “Quick bite” in Tahmini. Road condition till Tahmini stop was not in good shape but we gain speed after Tamhni ghat. There was beautiful greenery everywhere and a lot of flowers along the roadside making this journey more charming. It was difficult for me to go ahead without taking smalls breaks for photography.
Tahmini Ghat
we visited Shiv temple which is just km before Devhare village. Shiv temple is small but built in Konkani style. Temple was surrounded by Forest. In the local language, it is known as Devrai. Shivling is very old and you can see other old Idols inside the temple. As per Locals, history of the temple is a cow instead of milking for her master, was delivering it on a stone in the jungle. Her annoyed master once followed her to that stone. Seeing the behaviour of the cow, he tried to axe the stone. As the axe hit the stone, the red blood emerged out of the stone. The master understood that this was not an ordinary stone; he apologized to the stone & started worshipping it. That stone is the Shiva-Linga (The symbol of Lord Shiva). I heard similar stories in different part of Konkan region.
Shiv temple at Devhare village
At Devhare Shiv temple
We reached Velas by 1PM. Our meal arrangement was made at Chandrakant Jadhav's home who is a neighbour of Mohan Upadhye. Food was simple but tasty. after a meal, we visited Nana fadnavis (3rd Peshwa from Maratha emperor) statue as he belonged to Velas. After a quick visit, we came home for rest.
Nana fadnavis statue
By 4:30 PM, we left for Velas beach. Velas is enclosed by mountains on three sides and open to the sea on the fourth. It is famous due to the Turtle Festival. Velas is also one of the popular breeding sites of Olive Ridley, which is an endangered species of turtle. Season to visit Velas for Turtle Festival is from January till March. Beach has black-brown soft sand and calm sea waves. Mohan Upadhye is one of the person from Velas to developed and maintained the breeding site for Turtles. we heard a lot of stories from Mohan on our first visit to Velas (the year 2015).
Sunset from Velas beach
we returned home after a beautiful sunset from Velas beach. We had our Dinner at Suryakant Jadhav's home. Special thanks to Jadhav family for preparing separate food for me considering my post surgery requirements. Tomorrow's morning plan was to visit Velas outskirt area for birding. We got to know that Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher visit Velas every year during the Migration period. Chandrakant Jadhav knows the location so he agreed to join us.
Expenses:
Car fuel: INR 2500/- (Fuel rate was around INR 90/-)
Breakfast at Quick bite: approx INR 200/- for 2 people (Upama + Dosa + 2 Coffee)
Veg meal in Dinner: INR 320/- for 2 people
Day 2: 30th Sept 2018, Velas - Pune:
We woke up by 6 and left the room by 6:30 AM for bird watching. Suryakant Jadhav joined us and we went nearby field. We spend an hour near the water stream where Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher visits. Our waits paid off as we saw beautiful Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher. I was prepared to capture in camera but missed it. We saw other forest birds and came back for breakfast.
Nearby Velas
Bird watching trail with Z security... surprisingly Dogs were quite inside forest trail so we can focus on birding!
After breakfast, we went towards Sakhari village which is on the south of Velas. You can see kelshi beach opposite the river creek. There is also a small Beach between Velas and Sakhari. There is no route to reach the un-named beach. You have to take a forest trail to reach the beach. Beach is very small with clam waves. we spend some time and then went for Bankot Fort which is located on the north of Velas.
Un-Named untouched small Beach
Bankot creek was a major sea trade route; hence fort was important as a watchtower for the trade route. References of this fort are found in Greek traveller Pliny’s works in first century AD, where he refers to this fort as Mandargiri or Mandgor.In 1548, Portuguese won this fort from Adilshah. Later Kanhoji Angre captured this fort. In 1818, Commander James captured the fort and named it as Fort Victoria.
View from Bankot Fort
Main entrance of this small fort is intact. You can see water tanks, Basement room and bastion on the fort. Fort is too small that it takes hardly 15-20 min to see the entire fort. From here we can have a glimpse of Savitri River and the surrounding region. Bankot fort has an interesting connection with Sir Arthur Mallet of the Arthur seat point fame at Mahabaleshwar. He lost his wife and 32 days old daughter in a tragic ferry mishap at the creek.
Fort Entrance
We returned to Velas after Bankot fort visit. We packed our bags and left beautiful Velas by 12. As Mandgangad route in the horrible state so we decided to travel via Harihareshwar. There is a Ferry service to cross the Savitri river. We went to Vesai village which is just 7 km from Velas. You can cross the River along with your car. Harihareshwar is around 4 km from Bagmandla.
Savitri River
Harihareshwar is known as Kashi of Southern India. Temple is surrounded by Holy hills named as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiv and Parvati. Temple and nearby area have huge mythology history associated with it. Pradakshina (Parikrama) route is unique and interesting. It starts behind the temple. You need to climb a small hill and then get down from another side. Take a walk around the rocky coastal hilly area which is exposed to strong sea waves and wind. Parikrama becomes very risky during high tide as the entire path is covered by sea waves with the strong water current. For monsoon, the route is closed for safety reasons.
Parikrama Path start point
Colour of Nature
We left Harihareshwar by 2 PM and had lunch near Mhasala. We choose Tamhini Route for our return journey. Tamhini Ghat welcomed us with Heavy rainfall. We reached home safely by 9:30-10 PM
Expenses:
Breakfast: INR 110/- for 2 people
Car entry in Jetty with 1 person: INR 150/-
Jetty ticket for 1 person: INR 13/-
Parking at Harihareshwar temple: INR 40/-
Water Bottle: INR 20/-
Lunch at Mhasala: INR 154/- (2 Egg Burji + 2 Extra pair Pav)
Coffee in Tahmini: INR 40/-
Contact Number for reference:
Mohan Upadhe: 91895622778, 918983767388
Suryakant Jadhav: 917218053041
Tahmini Ghat
I will try to upload more and more travel blogs. Thanks for reading this Travel Blog.
