Tarkarli Travel Guide: The Snorkelling Capital of Maharashtra
Tarkarli is where the Western Ghats rivers meet the Arabian Sea — and the water turns impossibly blue. At the southernmost tip of Maharashtra near Malvan, it offers the state's best snorkelling and scuba diving, a UNESCO-worthy Maratha sea fort, lush backwaters, and the finest Malvani cuisine in its home territory.
Why Tarkarli
- Water clarity: Best snorkelling and scuba in Maharashtra
- Sindhudurg Fort: Shivaji's masterpiece sea fort
- Karli backwaters: Kayaking, houseboat stays, mangrove walks
- Malvani food: Seafood cuisine at its authentic source
- Dual experience: Beach + backwater in one destination
Getting There
From Pune
- Drive via Kolhapur → Sawantwadi → Malvan → Tarkarli
- Distance: ~330 km, 6–7 hours
From Mumbai
- Drive via NH66 South ~450 km, 8–9 hours
- Recommended: Overnight bus or train to Kudal/Sawantwadi, then taxi
By Train
- Kudal station (35 km): Konkan Railway trains from Mumbai and Pune
- Sindhudurg station (25 km): Faster local access
- Taxis from station to Tarkarli: ₹400–600
Beaches
Tarkarli Beach
The main beach — white sand, clear water, lined with palm trees. Water sports operators run snorkelling, scuba, and glass-bottom boat rides. Best swimming: October–April.
Devbagh Beach
A peninsula between the sea and the Karli river backwaters — technically an island accessible by bridge. More secluded, preferred by those wanting quiet beaches.
Chivla Beach
Adjacent to Tarkarli, slightly more sheltered. Good for families with children.
Water Activities
Snorkelling
The best snorkelling is near Devbagh and around rocky outcrops. Visibility averages 8–10 metres in November–March. Operators provide gear and safety orientation. Cost: ₹400–600 per person.
Scuba Diving
MTDC Scuba Diving Centre at Tarkarli runs beginner sessions (no certification required). Professional instructors, all equipment provided. Cost: ₹1,500–2,000. Book ahead in season.
Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
For those who don't want to get in the water — see coral, fish, and the seabed through the glass hull. Cost: ₹200–300 per person, 30 minutes.
Kayaking in Karli Backwaters
Guided kayak tours through mangrove channels and the Karli river estuary. Sunrise kayaking is particularly beautiful. Cost: ₹500–800 per session.
Sindhudurg Fort
Built between 1664 and 1667 by Shivaji Maharaj, Sindhudurg is one of India's greatest maritime fortifications. 4.5 km of walls enclosing 48 acres on a rocky island.
Highlights inside:
- Temple with idols of Shivaji and his wife — and a unique handprint of the king embedded in the wall
- Sweet water wells (freshwater on a sea island)
- Views of Malvan town and the coastline from the bastions
- Ancient Portuguese cannons captured in battle
Access: Boats from Malvan Jetty (₹100–150 return, 10-minute ride). Fort open 6 AM – 6 PM. Entry: ₹15 ASI fee.
Karli Backwaters
The Karli (Karivarade) river meets the sea at Devbagh, creating a calm backwater system. Activities:
- Houseboat stays: Spend a night on the water in the estuary
- Crocodile spotting: Saltwater crocodiles are occasionally seen in the upper backwaters
- Birdwatching: Kingfishers, herons, cormorants, and migratory shorebirds in season
Malvani Food
Malvan is the epicentre of Malvani cuisine — don't leave without eating:
- Malvani fish thali: A complete meal with rice, fish curry, sol kadhi, and fried fish
- Surmai (Kingfish) curry: The signature dish
- Kombdi vade: Chicken curry with fluffy fried bread
- Shevya kheer: Coconut milk and rice noodle dessert
Top restaurants: Athithi Bamboo Restaurant (Malvan), MTDC restaurant (Tarkarli beach).
Where to Stay
Budget (₹800–2,000)
- Guesthouses and small hotels in Malvan town
Mid-Range (₹2,500–6,000)
- Beach resorts at Tarkarli with AC rooms and meals
- MTDC Tarkarli Resort (well-located, book ahead)
Premium (₹6,000–15,000)
- Private beach villas and boutique resorts
- Houseboat stays on Karli backwaters (₹4,000–8,000 per couple)
Itinerary
3 Days (Recommended)
Day 1: Arrive Tarkarli. Evening Sindhudurg Fort visit. Dinner in Malvan.
Day 2: Morning scuba or snorkelling. Afternoon Devbagh beach and backwater kayaking. Sunset at Tarkarli beach.
Day 3: Sunrise kayaking in Karli backwaters. Glass-bottom boat ride. Check-out and head back.
Tips
- Book MTDC scuba and snorkelling well in advance (November–February fills up fast)
- Sindhudurg Fort is best visited in the morning before the heat
- The overnight Kolhapur–Malvan state bus is a budget-friendly option from Pune
- Keep two full days minimum — it's too far for a single day
- Carry seasickness pills if doing boat activities on choppy days
