Sindhudurg Delights

Famous for its beaches, backwaters, waterfalls, natural beauty and pilgrimage centres Sindhudurg is located at a distance of about hundred kilometres from the Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary. Tourists travelling from Mumbai or Pune to the weekend getaway of Djaipur wildlife sanctuary can easily make a trip to Sindhudurg by employing the services of cab rental hires. The long narrow stretches of beaches are the primary attractions here. The sea-bed at a depth of 20 feet can be seen on clear days. The most important feature though is the Sindhudurg Fort. Amongst the more popular and important sea forts of Maharashtra, the Sindhudurg Fort was built in the 17th century. The fort is situated off the Malyan port in the Kokan area of Maharastra. A two mile long wall envelopes the fort. The naval prowess of the Maratha’s is epitomised by this great structure. Visitors can taste the sweet water from any of the three water reservoirs within the ramparts of the fort or explore the hidden passage which starts inside a temple and looks like a water reservoir, it goes under the island for 3 kilometers, under the sea for 12 kilometers, and 12 kilometers from here to a nearby village. The entrance to the passage is almost invisible. Alternatively visitors can match or compare their handprint and footprint to that of Shivaji Maharaj. The prints of the great warrior are embedded in one section of the fort. The serenely beautiful beaches of Vijaydurg lie just off the fort. Snorkeling can be undertaken around the Sindhudurg Fort. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) conducts the snorkelling activities. The cost of the activity is reasonable all-round the year. Visitors would also get a chance to enjoy the Puppetry of Pinguli which is an important part of the region’s culture. Leather and wooden puppets are skilfully crafted and veiled by some of the world’s best storytellers. Visitors travelling by radio cabs or cars should travel to the nearby Tarkali beach. Often referred as the Tahiti of India, the beach is located at the mouth of Kali River and the Arabian Sea. This white sandy beach of Tarkali is copiously fringed by Casuarina trees and the azure waters harbour playful dolphins that can be spotted early in the mornings.