Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Tarkarli Konkan Holiday

Best Time of the year: October to Mid April

Interesting Places - Tarkarli, Devbaug, Malwan, Sindhudurg Fort..

Things to Do and Experiences -  

Exploring Backwaters in Motorboats, Beaches; Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Kayaking, Island Hoping, Boats, Thrill Rides (banana boats; bumpy boats etc); Island Fort, Konkan Countryside and Malwan Food..


Tentative Plan for the trip. 



Out Plan

(Day 0 / Night 1 Thursday)

Start from Mumbai.. 
Day 1  (Friday)
Arrival at Tarkarli, stay at a resort close to the beach
Rest and freshen-up, walk on the beach near Tarkarli
Noon Excursion to Sindudurg Fort
Evening Excursion to Malwan Town, dinner at Malwan town
Night back to Hotel and hit the sack.

Day 2 (Saturday)
Pre-breakfast boat ride for Dolfin watch (Optional).
Early breakfast
Leave for Snorkeling, Scuba Diving etc
Back for Lunch at Hotel
Post lunch
Leave for Sunami Island / Nivati Beach by Boat
Kayaking and Water Sports at Sunami Island till evening Back during evening
Shopping during evening at Malwan
Dinner at Malwan town
Dinner at Hotel

Day 3 (Sunday)
7:00 am Early Morning, start for Mumbai
Lunch on the way.
10:00 pm Night back in Mumbai.

Stops on the way only for (Rest Room Breaks, Lunch, and Evening Tea).
Sindudurg Fort in the backdrop

Sunami Island


Estimated adventure sports and local transport: (Adventure Sports is not mandatory for you to participate).

Meals (avg cost may be Rs.200 to Rs.350/- per meal per head). 
Breakfast (avg cost may be Rs.75/- to Rs.200/- per meal).
Lodging: 
Rs.1000/- to 2000/- for a home stay type rooms; per night
Rs.2000/- to 4000/- for a deluxe grade rooms. per night


Sindudurg fort entry cost.
Snorkelling Rs.300/- per head (Approx)
Kayaking Rs.150/- to Rs.200/- per head 15 minutes
Scuba Diving Rs.1200/- to Rs.2000/- depending upon the quality of gear and expertise; also extras for photography.
Boat Rides contributions may go upto Rs.500/- to Rs.2000/- per boat. per boat 6 to 8 persons can be accomodated. Cost depends up the destination and duration.


Know more about the place



Tarkarli
Tarkarli is situated 8 KM south of Malvan and 546 KM from Mumbai on the west coast of India, at the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea.
Tarkarli is a small and beautiful costal village in Malvan Taluka famous for its clean beaches and backwaters.  This village is famous for its Ramnavmi Utsav. Here in Mapurush Temple the celebration of Ramnavmi is arranged every year. To mark this occasion there are various dramas (Marathi Natak) are arranged.
This place has gained prominence because of its long and narrow stretch of beach with pristine waters. On a fairly clear day, one can see the bed unto a depth of 20 ft. It presents a panoramic view with tall 'Shuru' trees in the background. The wide river, the beautiful sailboats and the tiny wonderful islands hamlets situated on the riverbank, add to the picturesque beauty of Tarkarli. Sighting dolphins is not a rare event here. This place fishes throughout the year, the sea during summer and winter and back-waters during the monsoon since the sea water enters this area and also due to safety reasons.
Malvan is historic place. A beautiful beaches,are here. Special malvani Food, Sindhudurg fort, Tarkarli beach, Devbagh beach, Chivla beach, verious temples and lot of things from here you can enjoy.

Devbagh Beach
Devbagh is a small fishing village based on a thin strip of land with Karli river backwaters on one side and Arabian sea on the other. Devbagh beach is adjacent to Tarkarli beach and ends at Devbagh sangam. It is easily accessed by the Malvan-Tarkarli road.
Devbagh beach is less crowded even during high tourist season and attacts tourist looking for peace and nature.
Things to do at Devbagh
The Devbagh beach is extension Tarkarli beach and one can walk along the beach straight upto Tarkarli.
Boat rides to the Karli river backwaters or into Arabian sea to explore Tsumani island, Bhogve beach, Nivati beach from Devbagh sangam.
One can see Dolphins jumping out of the sea, just 20 minute boat ride from Devbagh sangam.
Visit Devbagh sangam where river Karli meet the arabian sea.



Sindhudurg Fort
The fort was built with the help of huge rocks on the Kurte Island which amazes people & one appreciates imaginative power of Shivaji. In 1664 shivaji erected this fort on 44 acers of land. It took 500 stone splitters & stone breakers, 200 blacksmiths , 3000 labourers & hundreds of skilled artists who toiled very hard to complete this fort in three years. This is evident from stone inscriptions. Initially 3 K.M. long outer wall (Tat) was built. Average height of wall 10 meter and 2 to 4 meter broad in which liquid lead was used in the foundation. This wall today also stands impenetrable . The trick used in the construction of entrance door seems to be mastermind work. The technique was so deceptive for the enemy that they could not even realize from where the entrance door begins. Outer zigzag wall also built in a such a way that if the enemy would come to attack it would be visible from any side so that troops inside the fort could fire their guns and cannons effectively and humble the enemy . Crores of Hones (Goldcoins) were then spent to build this wonderful fort.
Maratha king Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built this fort on island of 'kurte'. In those days Malvan was used for ship building & repairing works. Then the city developed accordingly. It was a planned city with market area, Residence Offices etc. In Sindhudurg Fort there is 'Shri Shivarajeshwar temple' of King Shivaji. Also there are temple of Hanuman & Jarimari mandir and Goddess 'Bhavani Temple'. Impressions of shivaji's fingers prints found to be preserved here on one of the wall . Also lies, inside the fort worth seeing temples of Bhavanimata, Shambhu Mahadev, Jirimiri & Mahapurush. All are in good conditions.There is one rare  coconut tree inside the fort which has two branches.
You have to go to the fort-from, Malavn jetty by a boat known as 'Ulandi'in a local language. There are there forts in the vicinity of Kolamb creek. Surjekot: First is Surjekot at the mouth of the creek. It is 4 Km from Malvan. This fort is constructed by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1668.




Nivati Beach
Offers peace and serenity to independent travellers. Fishermen seen launching their traditional boats and nets daily into the sea is an interesting feature to watch on this beach. Adjoining the beach is a twin village Kochra, which offers wonderful view of small tropical oasis on Nivati's shore.

Malvan Market Market is famous for all home made Konkani products & sea products.They are really tasty & long lasting. You can gift these things to your friends & relatives as a souvenir of your visit to district Sindhudurg. Bharatgad Fort: is on the bank of the creek near village Masure & Beyond the creek there is fort Bhagavantgad. These two forts are nou in reminiscent forms. To watch the real beauty of nature is a great experience for the tourists. It is nothing but a heaven on the earth. Tarkarli Beach: It is the most beautiful sea beach in all the coastal stripe of Konkan. Tarkarli has 8 Km long coastline that makes ideal for early morning walks. It is a heaven by the sea . Maharashtra. Tourism is very proud of this place. You can enjoy playing & walking on the powder white sands coconut palm shrouded beach might reward you with the sight of a turtle drying itself on the sand or laying its eggs. Achra Beach: 10 Km from Kolamb. It is clean & lonely beach gives you your Privacy to enjoy the beauty of nature.




Rajkot Second is Rajkot. Near Malvan port. Now only reminiscent can be seen . Third is Padamgad- It is a small fort. At the time of low tide you can walk into the fort. This fort was used for the repairs of ships boats in Maratha period.
Lake Dhampur It is a picturesque lake. It is spread over the area of 5 acres. It is crystal clear lake. The ancient Bhagawati temple is at the bank of the lake. It is a heaven for birdwatchers.
Velagar Beach
Sagartirth is a long stretch of golden beach at Velgar, whose sands are literally  untouched and undisturbed.

Shiroda Beach (19 k.m. from Vengurla) :
Featuring natural beauty,privacy,sparking blue waters, long stretch of silver sands,cool sea breeze whispering through towering Cajurina plantations on the beach, amenities and salt depots around the village Shiroda is feast for the eyes of the visitors.In 1930 salt satyagraha took place in Shiroda with the order of  Rastrapita Mahatma Gandhi. Police arrested hundred's of  protectors ( Swayamsevaks) trying to rob salt by breaking the fence, nut they couldn't stop Swayamsevaks from looting the salt. This conflict continued till Ghandhiji had talks of equality with general Erwin. Shiroda is also said to be the land of inspiration for eminent novelist V.S.Khandekar.
Bhogwe Beach(29 k.m. from Kudal & 36 k.m. from Vengurla) :
Exquisitely secluded on  Exotic western shores of Sindhudurg. This beach offers to the tourist wonderful view of Karli's estuary which mingles secretly with sea waters from behind Devbaug's Famous Mobar Point. The beach lures to the tourists by its stunning white sand and beautiful blue water lagoon, thus an idealist spot for swimming , sunbathing and pick nicking. Flock of local sea birds add to the beauty of serene surroundings by playing with the sea waters. You can explore much more here. A hill in the back drop offers panoramic view of Arabian sea and light house situated on the rocky island. Sunset is the peak time to watch this natures expression.
Shri Maulidevi at Masure This temple is very famouse ,situated in the most beautiful nature all around. This deity is in the form of ant- hill. Dont forght to visit this extra- ordinary from of a goddess. Anganewadi: It is very famous wadi for the jagrut Goddess Bharadidevi. This wadi is one of the wadi of village Masure, 14 Kms from Malvan. Every year, in the month of February, there is a big jatra of Goddess Bharadidevi, Known as Jatra of Anganewadi Devotees from all over India visit this place.
Vilwas Jalmandir This temple is at Vilwas in Malvan Taluka. In Konkan, Konkani people are devotees of ant-hills they feel it is the form of goddess. Here is such ant-hill in the temple. This ant-hill is known as Goddess. There is a water all around the temple. It is a jagrut goddess. This temple is very Beautiful. Jai Ganesh Temple :The Genesh Temple situated from the half kilometer from the Malvan City is the best example for Architectural sculpture. Jyotibhaskar Jayantrao Salgaonkar has demolished his own house and constructed this temple and spend a lakhs of Rupees for the construction of this temple. To complete the desire of his mother Shri Salgaonkar has constructed this temple in the beautiful environment.
Shri Salgaonkar has desire to construct unique temple of Ganesh from the temples of Maharashtra. So he has completed the construction works as per the ancestral reference. At the time of construction of this temple every day there was Pray and Abhishek. In the interest of the development and progress of doners the temple is named as Jai Ganesh Mandir. In the heart of the temple there was a Ghumat on which there are eight Ganesh Statues were sculpture. In the temple there is a Golden Statue of the Ganesh and with them there are Ridhi and Budhi Statues.
Beyond Vaidik heritage this Ganesh temple is a beautiful and enthusiastic tourism place. The tourists and other were always visited this temple because of the beautiful surroundings and peaceful environment. Therefore we must call this temple as the ninth Ganpati of the Maharashtra.
Other Places of interest in costal Sindudurg District
Vijaydurg or Victory Fort
Sprawling over an area of 48 acres, Vijaydurg, fort of victory, was once seized by the British following a bloody battle. They renamed it Fort Augustus. A dilapidated board at the entrance of the fort relates its history. One of the best views of the fort is from the jetty. The fort stretches out into the sea and a walk inside its precincts is worthwhile. Shivaji added triple rows of huge walls, umpteen towers and spacious inner buildings to it and strengthened it in the 17th century. Vijaydurg's beach is a stretch of about a kilometre with good views of the fort at the right and a small plateau with a hut to the left. Once naval bases, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg bear testimony to Maharashtra's martial supremacy during Shivaji's reign.
Bharatgad and Bhagwatgad Fort (17 k.m. from Malvan town)

At Maure town both this fort are located close to each close to each other but separated by an estuary. Bharatgad's outside wall is in dialogite condition today prominent feature of this fort is a more then 200 ft. deep well which has a carved door at the bottom. It is believed that the cave beginning from this door leads to Sindhudurg Fort. The temple and Masjid in proximity inside the fort is a symbol of Hindu and Muslim unity.
History :  Bharatgad was built by Sawantwadikar Fond Sawat in 1680 and Bharwantgad by Pant Bawadekar. Fort witnessed many clashes. To bring under its regime British commander Immelock captured this fort in 1880.

How to Reach Bus facility available from Malvan to Masure.
Shree Durga Devi & Brahmadev Temple Place: Kank 13 km from Malvan.
Sarjekot Fort  ( 4 k.m. from Malavan)
Sarjekot is one amongst the chain of forts built by Shivaji in and around Malavan. Fort is situated on the mouth of Talashil Estuary which displays its splendor. The imposing sructure is encircled by ditch on three of its sides leaving one facing Arabian sea. Sunset view from this fort fascinates visitors. Sarjekot is also a naRangnagad Fort  (18 k.m. from Kudal)
Rangnagad Fort

Situated at an altitude of 2600 ft. above sea level Rangnagad is a trekkers delight. This fort is among the fifteen forts built during the  Shilahar Bhoj's regime. Shivaji captured Rangnagad in 1659 and made the fort his favourit resting place. Fresh water in lake and Rangnaidevi temple inside the fort are scenic splendors. Beware of Bision's on Rangnagad, We recommend you, not to wear colorful Cloths. When they see any person alone, they group themselves together quietly at one place and that is the danger signal for you, But these incidents are rare case.
Kille Nivati  ( 35 k.m. from Vengurla)
This dilapidated fort by the seashore impress upon the visitor by its range of rocks situated at its bottom. The rippling perennial springs here content one's mind. Fort also commands the fine view of Bhogwe beach.
The Holy Gagangad ( 59 k.m. from Kankavali)
This wonderful steep rock fort was established under the regime of "King Bhoj" in 12th century. Standing at an altitude of 3000 ft. fort is advantageously located on the topmost peak of Gaganbavada. It slopes down to bottom nearly from all the sides leaving one narrow way for the visitors to enter inside the fort.
How to Reach There?

Travel (Overnight Journey by: Train/Bus/Private Vehicle)
Sindudurg
 The Konkan District from Maharashtra bordering Goa with Main Stream Mumbai-Goa Highway running through the centre of the district is famous for Beautiful beaches;  costal and hill forts;  Temples;  "Art and Culture";  Malvani food;  waterfalls, backwater, historic places,  Alphonso mango, Cashew nuts, palm, coconut trees, wildlife, Sea food, Food Products, forts, in Sindhudurg.
There are eight talukas in district Sindhudurg. Out it of it there i.e. Devgad, Malvan Vengurla are on the seabank Vaibhawadi, kudal, Kankawali Sawantwadi Dodamarg are at the foot of Sahyadri.
 Access
Nearest Rly heads:
Nearest Airport: Dabolim (Goa) other airports Mumbai or Kolhapur
Focus on Malvan, Tarkarli and Devbaug
Connection by Rail
Kudal on Konkan Railway (Around 1 Hour 15 minutes by from from Malwan) Regular Bus/Rickshaw service available from Kudal to Malwan.
Kankavli Station on Konkan Railway (Around 1 Hour and 30 minutes by road) Buses / rickshaws/ share jeeps available.
Luxury busses are also available from Mumbai/Goa.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Up Coming Events

Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, Chadar Trek, leisure Cycling Trips;  Treks, Backpacking with Cycles; Camping, White Water Rafting, Waterfall Rappelling, Monsoon Adventure Treks, Safaris, Mountaineering, Rural Eco-Trips, Sailing, Kayaking, Snorkeling, Fishing Trips, kite flying etc.


Details for Internet Banking Transfers (RTGS / NEFT / IFSC):
Account Name: OFFBEAT MANDALA
Account No.: 50200006370273
Bank Name: HDFC Bank Limited
RTGS/NEFT/IFSC: HDFC0000019
Branch: THE AMALDAS CO-OP HSG. SOC. LTD., 
JUHU-VERSOVA LINK ROAD,
WARK-K, (WEST), ANDHERI (WEST), MUMBAI – 400053, MAHARASHTRA




Custom Camping Trips

Details / Signups

Custom Treks

Details / Signups

Classic Rajmachi Trek
Fresh Summer Adventure Camp
Panchgani Hill Top Camp at 3500 feet
April (18 to 20)
April (23 to 26)
Age group (10 years to 15 years)
Himalayan Safari to Meghala and Arunachal Pradesh.

May 4th, 2015 to May 10th, 2015

Click here for registration / details
Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek).

Summer - May 17, 2015.
Winter - Nov 15, 2015.

Details / Signup


Markha Valley Trek (ladakh)

June  20, 2015 (11 Nights and 12 Days)
August 22, 2015 (11 Nights and 12 Days)
Chadar Trek 2016

Multiple Batches

Details / Signup











Markha Valley Trekking in Ladakh



The Markha Valley Trek is certainly one of the most varied and beautiful treks in the world. It ventures high into the Himalayas crossing two passes over 15,000 ft (4575 m) as it circles from the edges of the Indus Valley, down into parts of Zanskar, and passes through terrain that changes from incredibly narrow valleys to wide-open vast expanses! It is made all the more interesting by the ancient form of Buddhism that flourishes in the many monasteries that dot the landscape perched high atop hills.

The trails are decorated by elaborate "chortens"(shrines) and "Mani"(prayer) walls that further exemplify the region's total immersion in Buddhist culture. As we trek to the upper end of the Markha Valley we are rewarded with spectacular views of jagged snow capped peaks before crossing the 5150m Kongmaru La (Pass) and descending to the famous Hemis Monastery, where we end our trek. There are also a few days to explore the fascinating town of Leh and raft the Indus River.

Trek Name: Markha Valley Trek



Region : Ladakh Himalayas

Duration : 11 Nights and 12 Days

Max. Altitude : 5150 mts/16895 ft

Grade : Moderate to challenging

Season : Mid June - Mid Oct

Fixed Departures -  
September 5th, 2015 (11 Nights and 12 Days)

Tour Cost per head Rs.27,950/-.

Internetbanking details for bookings.

Details for Internet Banking Transfers (RTGS / NEFT / IFSC):


Account Name: OFFBEAT MANDALA

Account No.: 50200006370273

Bank Name: HDFC Bank Limited

RTGS/NEFT/IFSC: HDFC0000019

Branch: THE AMALDAS CO-OP HSG. SOC. LTD.,JUHU-VERSOVA LINK ROAD,

WARK-K, (WEST), ANDHERI (WEST), MUMBAI – 400053, MAHARASHTRA

SMS / Call / email for queries: 9619182010 / 9819983722 / natureknights@gmail.com
registration email: Names; Contact Number and email id; gender; food preference veg/non veg of all participants at info@natureknights.net and cc to natureknights@gmail.com with subject ( Markha Valley Trek - 2015). 
Includes: (all meals per plan; Stay at Leh; Site seeing as per plan; Trek Support; Trek Guides; Cooks; Tents; Sleeping bags etc).

Excludes: Any non-standard / custom ordered meals that is not part of the package; extra personal porters; beverages; bottled water; any kind of insurance; anything that is not covered is excluded.


Day 01 : Arrive Delhi
Upon arrival at Delhi airport met our representative and then transfer to pre booked hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02 : Delhi - Leh (Complete Rest in Leh for acclimatization)
Take the morning flight for Leh from Delhi. On arrival at Leh met our representative and transfer to pre booked hotel/Guest house for relax and acclimatisation. This is necessary for getting acclimatised at high altitude. Evening one can visit the color full market of Leh. Overnight in the hotel/guesthouse.

Day 03 : Leh - Shey - Thiksey - Hemis

On this day you will go a sightseeing trip to some ancient monasteries in this area.

Shey Gompa is about 15 kms from Leh. It used to be the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh. There are lots of Stupas and Gompas built around the palace. Shey palace was built by Deldan Namgyal in the beginning of 17'Th century AD. Main attraction in Shey is the 12m Shakyamuni Buddha statue inside the Dresthang Gompa.

Thiksey Gompa, close to Shey is about 17 kms from Leh. The monastery is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Ladakh and belongs to the Gelukspa order.

Hemis, about 45 kms south of Leh it is one of the most famous and largest monastery in Ladakh. It belongs to the Drukpa order and was founded in the early 17'Th century. The setting is perfect with the monastery cradled in a lovely valley, surrounded by streams and fronted by long Mani walls. Overnight stay at the guest house.



Day 04 : Leh - Spitok (drive) - Trek to Zingchan (3200 mts/10496 ft)

Leave Leh early morning by Jeeps and reach Spituk (1 hr). Visit the Spituk Gompa, built about 500 years ago. Start the trek from here by crossing a bridge and walking south-west of the river Indus. The gorge section leads to the confluence of Indus and Zingchan. Camp near the village of Zingchan. Overnight in Tents.

Day 05 : Zingchan - Yurutse (3900 mts/12792 ft) via Rumbak

It's a gradual climb from Zingchan to Rumbak. From here one gets fabulous views of the snow capped Stok Mountains. From here we move along the Rumbak Nala towards Yurutse. At Yurutse village you will find fields of barley and potatoes. Overnight in the Tents.



Day 06 : Yurutse - Skiu (3100 mts/10168 ft) via Ganda La

A gradual ascent followed by a steep climb gets one to the Ganda la (4900 M). From here views extend south to the Zanskar range and distant summits of the Himalayan range. This i s followed by a long descent to Shingo village. From Shingo the trail heads into a narrow gorge leading towards Skiu. At Skiu there is a confluence of the rivers coming from Markha valley and Shingo. Overnight in the tents.

Day 07 : Skiu - Markha (3800 mts/12464 ft)

It's a very pleasant hike, up the Markha valley today with the trail crossing numerous streams. Markha is a quaint village with a deserted fort and a small village Overnight in the tents.



Day 08 : Markha - Thochuntse

From Markha the country changes and the warm, relatively heavily wooded sections of the lower Markha is left behind. One will be required to cross the river several times as there are no bridges here. Hankar, enroute, is the highest village in the Markha valley. Overnight in the tents.

Day 09 : Thochuntse - Nimaling (4700 mts/15416 ft)

Trek starts on a good path with several small inclines and a series of grassy ridges. There are a series of Mani walls (walls carved with Buddhist prayers) and chortens en route. This is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Ladakh and is dominated by the Kangyaze peak. Overnight in the tents.

Day 10 : Nimaling - Kongmaru La (5150 mts/16892 ft) - SUMDO

Today one will cross to the north of the Markha, climbing to the top of the highest of the three passes, the 5,306 M Kongmaru La, with its wonderful views from the top. There are snow peaks in every direction and on a clear day the giants of Karakoram, including K2, can be seen on the north-western horizon. The trail descends to the Martselang valley, following the Martselang stream to the village of Sumdo. Overnight in the tents.

Day 11 : Sumdo - Hemis (4 hrs trek) - Leh

Today make an easy descent along the Martselang to where it broadens into the valley of the Indus at Martselang village. Board the awaiting jeeps. Visit Hemis monastery and after that drive to Leh via Shey and Thiksey monastery. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 12 : Leh - Delhi

Transfer to the airport for the spectacular flight across the main chain of the Himalaya to Delhi. On arrival at Delhi transfer to international airport to catch your onward flight.

Trip & services ends here.