A guide from scratch on how to travel & enjoy Tarkarli Beach from Mumbai, which is one of Mainland India's most pristine beaches.

1. Traveller's Guide to Tarkali Beach & Scuba Diving at Sindhudurg Fort
Beautiful crystal clear waters and golden sands, around the Sindhudurg fort
What is Tarkarli Beach?
A serene beach located 8 km off the Konkan town of Malvan.
This beach is a favorite with white sand particles and sky reflecting clear
waters. The sea-waters are so clean, we can see through 1 feet depth of the
sea water. The waves are very calm and docile, compared to beaches in Goa.
It is located on a thin strip of land, which is adjacent to the scenic backwaters.
What is Sindhudurg Fort?
A fort built by Maratha ruler Shivaji, on an island, off the coast of Malvan.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling is done around the fort region.
Both these activities can be done by non-swimmers as well.
What is Malvan?
Malvan is a small town situated on the coast of Western India. It lies in the
Konkan belt. It is also a Marine Wildlife Sanctuary.
It is home to the famous sea-food centric Malvani cuisine.
Locals speak Malvani language, which is very similar to Marathi.
Hence, the knowledge of Marathi is advisable.

2. How to reach Tarkarli Beach conveniently and economically?
Sr. No From To Mode of Transport Travel Time Approx Cost in INR (2012)
1 THANE Station KUDAL Station Train 8-10 hrs 350
2 KUDAL Station KUDAL ST Stop Auto Rickshaw 10 mins 30
3 KUDAL ST Stop MALVAN Bus 1 hr 24
4 MALVAN Tarkarli Beach 6-Seater Rickshaw 30 mins 200
Where to stay?
Once you reach Tarkarli Beach, there are plenty of
resorts and home-stays where one can stay.
We stayed at Chaitanya Beach Resort. It was a cozy and
homely place. It was 2 minutes from the Tarkali Beach
and was adjacent to the Tarkarli Backwaters. Food and
accommodation, both were provided, at a nominal cost.
The rooms were very clean and the overall staying
experience was fantastic. It cost us Rs. 1500 for 3 rooms
for 1 night's stay. We also had 3 full vegetarian meals,
amounting to Rs. 2000 (For 9 people)
There is also an option of staying in House Boats, which
float around in the Tarkarli Backwaters.
What are the Attractions there?
Attraction Location Duration Cost in INR (2012)
Scuba Diving (with photographs) Off the Sindhudurg Fort 30 mins 1000 per person
Snorkeling Off the Sindhudurg Fort 30 mins 250 per person
Water Sports (Any 3) Tsunami Island 30 mins 500 per person
Boat Ride to various points Tarkarli Backwaters 1 hr 1400 (For 9 people)

3. Tarkarli Beach is quite isolated and very clean
The view of the Tarkarli Backwaters, from our rooms

4. The clear Tarkarli Backwaters
The shacks at Tsunami Island, which is habitable only during low tide

5. Marine life is aplenty, both on the beach and the sea.
Explore the coral reefs and marine life, while Scuba Diving

6. SANGAM, the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and Tarkarli Backwaters
Golden sands and clear waters, definitely make Tarkarli India's very own Caribbean!

7. Contact Mr. Rupesh Prabhu for Scuba Diving. Very helpful person.
Water Sports at Tsunami Island
This is where we stayed. Very comfortable. Highly advised.
Compiled by:
Rahul Ajmera (ronajmera@gmail.com)
This guide is compiled by the author on the basis of his trip to this wonderful place from 3rd
February 2012 to
5th
February 2012, for 2 Days and 1 Night, along with 8 other friends. The total trip, inclusive of travel, food,
sight-seeing and Water Sports cost them around Rs. 3000 per person.
All the photographs used were taken during the trip itself.