• All you wanted to know about the FIVE best beaches of Maharashtra namely Tarkarli, Kunkeshwar, Ganapatipule, Harihareshwar, Velneshwar and Scuba Diving at Tarkarli.

Millions of Tourists visit Maharashtra annually to enjoy its Beaches, Caves, Jungle Safaris, Bird Watching, Sanctuaries, Historical Monuments, Museums, National Parks etc. For tourist accommodation Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) runs 34 resorts.

The motto of MTDC is, ‘ATITHI DEVO BHAVA’ (“Guest is God”), to provide best facilities to tourists. 

The Konkan area is famous for its pleasant and peaceful beaches. Ratnagiri, Alibag, Malvan, Tarkarli, Guhagar beaches have, over the years, become crowded but many beaches in Konkan are waiting to be explored.

Please find below details of each of the top five beaches namely Harihareshwar, Velneshwar, Ganapatipule, Tarkarli, Kunkeshwar. Plus pictures, how to reach, MTDC resort and what else to see.  

1. Tarkarli with Scuba Diving and Water Sports

If you want a scenic and clean beach in Konkan then Tarkarli Beach near Malvan is the best option.  Tarkarli Beach has been declared “Queen of the beaches” by the Government of Maharashtra. Tarkarli beach is most popular amongst all beaches. The water is clean and transparent, making it ideal for Scuba diving and water sports. 

MTDC Resort Tarkarli. 

MTDC Tarkarli Beach resort has 20 spacious villas and 2 dormitories. The restaurant specialises in Malvani cuisine for e.g. Seafood, Solkadhi, Modak, Puranpoli and fresh vegetables, etc. 2 kms away is the Institute of Scuba Diving.

Villa at resort. 

Room inside villa. 

Typical thali at resort restaurant. 

MTDC’s Indian Institute of Scuba Diving & Aquatic Sports (IISDA) is a leader in the Scuba Diving Industry in India, the largest in Asia and is one of the few PADI 5 star certified dive centres in the country. Various training courses are available here. There are 11 spacious rooms and restaurant which is famous for Malvani cuisine. 

One day training in dedicated scuba training pool, classrooms have audio-visual systems. 

Equipment on display for your use. 

Starting the dive. 

Inside the water.

Resort restaurant

To see video (3 minutes) of MTDC IISDA resort and scuba-diving

Also see

Sindhudurg Fort, Tondavali Beach, Rock Garden and Kunkeshwar Beach i.e. 55 kms away.

How to reach

Train to Sawantwadi/Kudal station. Sawantwadi is app 106 kms (app 2 hours) from Goa i.e. well connected by air. Train Mumbai to Sawantwadi is Madgaon Jan Shatabdi Express. Leaves Mumbai at 5.10 am, takes app 7.5 hours. Trains and station cleanliness have improved over the years.

You can also fly from Mumbai to Chipi i.e. the nearest airport.  

Read MTDC Tour Packages & Scuba diving courses

2. Kunkeshwar

Situated along the sea in the Sindhudurg district, Kunkeshwar is known for its ancient grand and tall shore-side temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Shiv Mandir.

Kunkeshwar Beach. 

With its white sandy beach and crystal clear waters Kunkeshwar offers visitors a perfect blend of nature, adventure, history and spirituality. Apart from numerous mango, jackfruit and Cashew plantations, a variety of birds can be spotted here providing a memorable experience.

The rural Konkani life and food is another attraction. And for those who long for a mystical and spiritual experience along the seaside, Kunkeshwar is the perfect destination.

Drone view of resort. 

Villa at resort. 

Located by the white sandy beach, the MTDC Kunkeshwar Resort is just 200 meters short walk away from the Kunkeshwar Temple. The resort location allows visitors to enjoy the fresh breeze all day long.

The resort has a swimming pool and an in-house restaurant. A guest wrote, “Neera that offers delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian food fare Best for the seafood lovers Head here for a perfect downtime in the coastal region.”

How to reach

Nearest airport at Dabolim, Goa is 186 Kms. Mumbai Airport is 492 Kms.

By Railway: Nearest major railway station on Konkan Railway is Kankavli, 49 Kms. Nandgaon Railway station is 42 Kms.

By Road: 42 Kms from Nandgaon village on NH17 (Mumbai-Goa Highway), 14 Km from Devgad. Mumbai-Kunkeshwar is 492 Kms. Pune-Kunkeshwar is 387 Kms.

Read About Beach and 160 kms from Mumbai is Kashid beach

3. Ganapatipule

Ganpatipule is a small sea side village located in the Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast. It is known for its incredible sandy beaches lined with swaying palm trees and the cool breeze that rejuvenates the mind, body and soul.

Fishing boats.

Backwater.

Ganpatipule is also a pilgrimage site, famous for its centuries-old Swayambhu Ganapati Temple i.e. situated right on the beach.

Read about Ashtavinayak Temples of Maharashtra

MTDC Resort Ganpatipule is a beautiful amalgamation of natural beauty and the convenience of a great location. This beautiful property offers stunning and scenic views. It has a total of 120 rooms, categorized into contemporary cottages and the more traditional Konkani houses.

MTDC resort. 

150 metre walking/sitting area along beach.  

This resort also has more than 150 coconut trees that showcase Maharashtrian culture and history.

Guests with a flair for adventure can also visit the MTDC Ganpatipule Boat Club, i.e. located within the property, and enjoy a host of water activities.

How to reach

Mumbai to Ganpatiphule by bus is 12 hours app. Fastest way is to take a train to Chiplun and then taxi. Read more Here

See video 8 minutes on MTDC Ganpatiphule & Ganpatiphule Temple

Also see

“The beach offers a variety of water sports activities for thrill-seekers e.g. jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat excursions. Plus guests can take a boat and explore nearby islands, which include the forts of Jaigad and Ratnadurg.” Also see Prachin Konkan Museum. Beach has red-coloured sand. Close by is Ganeshgule beach. 

4. Velneshwar

With its scenic crescent-shaped shoreline dotted with towering coconut trees. Velneshwar truly is Maharashtra's hidden gem when it comes to beaches. The rock- free sandy beaches are perfect for swimming or simply lounging around yourself or with family. 

Drone view of beach and resort. 

Art and architecture enthusiasts might like to visit the vibrant Velneshwar Temple that rests right on the seashore, with part of it submerged in the sea- the Merumandal. Decked in bright colours with shades of blue, yellow, and pink, this Shiva temple dates back to when the village was founded approximately 1.200 years ago For devotees, Maha Shivratri is the best time to visit as the place comes a live with celebrations, dance and music

MTDC Velneshwar property is located at a scenic point near the beach. The rooms are spacious and clean, with a big window providing a sea view.

Thali-food at resort restaurant.

How to reach

Mumbai is 290 kms away and closest airport. Closest station is Chiplun from where the beach is 60kms. Chiplun is well connected by train. Or drive down. Time taken from Mumbai is app 7 hours.

To book MTDC resort  

5. Harihareshwar

When it comes to must-visit beaches around Maharashtra, Harihareshwar can’t be missed. Often referred to as the “House of God”, this beach is considered to be a hamlet of peace. Nestled in Raigad district, this auspicious town is where the river Savitri enters the Arabian Sea. 

Surrounded by hills and temples, this beach is nothing less than a spiritual tour. It boasts of crystal clear waters that offer a scenic backdrop as you walk around its sandy pathway. With a host of water adventure sports at your disposal, you can have a wonderful experience as you kick back and relax on your trip at Harihareshwar.

Also see

It also has a famous Shiv temple. Velas beach 30 kms away is where you can see turtles hatching their eggs. Shrivardhan beach is not too far away. Source

How to reach

It is 210 kms from Mumbai and 190 kms from Pune. Mangaon is the closest railway station and is about 60 kms from the beach.

To book MTDC resort & To see video 13 minutes of beach and resort

For more information contact dgm@maharashtratourism.gov.in or reservations@maharashtratourism.gov.in Helpline 1800 202 9930

Basic matter and pictures provided by MTDC. Few changes by Editor.  

Also read

1. Best Beaches in India

2. Gokarna Beaches

3. Beaches of Andaman and Nicobar

4. What to see in Udupi

5. Scuba Diving in A& N

6. Honavar backwaters boating