Vengurla

405 Kms
3.5 / 5
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Best Season: November to February

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Best Season: November to February

Location: In Sindhudurg District

Situated in Sindhudurg district, the culturally significant coastal town of Vengurla is known for its prominent temples, beautiful beaches and coconut, cashew and mango plantations.

Info

Vengurla, which is just north of Goa, is a beach town, located on the Konkan coast in Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra. Vengurla is popular for its long clear white-sandy beaches ringed by semicircular high mountains covered in lush green foliage of cashew, mango, coconut and berry trees. Vengurla is surrounded by the hills of Dabholi, Tulas, and Mochemad on the north, the east, and the south respectively, while on its west lies the Arabian Sea.

It was one of the busiest ports during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji, between the 16th and 18th century. Between 1664 and 1812, the town was sacked twice. The effect of the attacks is still seen on the Vengurla rocks, now popularly known as Burnt Island. The Burnt Island is a group of three large rocks. They were once an important navigation point for seafarers. At present, the rocks act as a breeding site for the Indian Swiftlet.

Vengurla has five stunningly beautiful beaches. Vayangani, Sagareshwar, Mochemad, Sagarteerth, Shiroda and Redi — lie in a line on the coast of Maharashtra and ultimately rub shoulders with Goa. Nivati and Shiroda beaches are blessed with crystal clear water. There are also facilities for water surfing and boating on the beach here.

Vengurla is a town with rich cultural heritage. It is also famous for its temples like the Mauli Devi Temple, Sateri Devi Temple and Shri Vithoda Temple, Shri Rameshwar, Shri Navadurga at Kanyale Redi, Shri Vetoba at Aaravali, Shri Ganesh at Redi and Shri Ravalnath.

Vengurla is a small town and hence the options to stay are limited. There are a few options close to the sea which include tented resorts and a few lodges.

Being a beach town, seafood is the best option you have as it is easily available. Shacks on the beaches provide sumptuous local seafood. The local cuisine is Malvani cuisine which is quite distinct from Konkan food.

Though not a shopping destination, roasted cashew nuts and sweets made from cashew are worth a try. You can buy them in shops all around the town.

Facilities

There are facilities for water surfing and boating on the beaches here.
The options to stay are limited.
There are a few options close to the sea which include tented resorts and a few lodges.
Being a beach town, seafood is the best option you have as it is easily available.
Shacks on the beaches provide sumptuous local seafood.

Things to do

Sagareshwar: Sagareshwar Beach is distinguished by a huge stretch of shiny silvery sand dunes, sparkling beach and a crystal blue sea. It is only 4 km from Vengurla and is one of the most visited beaches.
Nivati: Nivati is an unexplored piece of land blessed with natural grandeur that springs a surprise at every turn. Nivati beach is secluded, with a beautiful stretch of white sand beach and the turquoise blue sea to complete the picture. The Nivati beach is the main attraction in Nivati with the Nivati fort standing strong to protect it. Nivati rock, about 10 nautical miles into the sea, is a group of three rocky islands and is a major attraction for explorers. Sighting dolphins is as easy as it gets and dolphin rides are very popular in Nivati. Nivati is also blessed with a 5 Km long backwaters. A cruise in the narrow water lanes of Nivati backwaters gives you an insight into the simple village life is.
Shiroda Beach: is situated at a distance of around 14 km from the Vengurla village. The beach is renowned for the Salt Satyagraha started by Mahatma Gandhi. A division of protest was undertaken here in order to support the Satyagraha movement.
Mochemad Beach; is at a distance of around 8 km from Vengurla. One can enjoy various water sports activities. The beach offers a magnificent view of the coastline lined with Suru and Cyprus trees, the golden sand and the waves of Arabian Sea.
Vayangani Beach, Offers spectacular views of the sea shore and the surroundings. The beach is lined with coconut palms, mango, cashew and jack fruit groves.
Vengurla lighthouse: About 3 km from the Vengurla town is the Vengurla lighthouse. Accessible via a winding path and perched upon a hill, the Vengurla lighthouse offers a spectacular view of the sea below stretching far into the horizon, palm-fringed coastline, a creek far away trailing out to the sea and the Burnt Islands.
Aravali is a small village near Vengurla,and is around 14 km far. Shri Vithoba Temple and Sateri Devi Mandir are situated in this village, whichare of religious importance for the devotees. Aravlali attracts many pilgrims and tourists throughout the year.
Dabholi is located at a distance of around 8 km from Vengurla. It is also a religious centre, renowned for housing Purnanand Swami Sarswat math, which is frequently visited by devotees and tourists.
Sargeshwar Shiva Temple: It is one of the ancient temples is located in the village of Sargeshwar. The stone carved temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. An interesting feature of this temple is that it is built at a site where the waves of the sea water touch its footsteps.
Redi Ganpati Temple: is located at a distance of around 20 km from Vengurla. It is renowned for Manganese mines found near the temple. It is believed that the statue of Lord Ganesha enshrined in the temple was found from a mine in 1976.
Vengurla jetty was once a bustling port. It is a part of settlement set up by the Dutch. The port was central to many trading activities during the rule of the Maratha King Chatrapati Shivaji. Presently standing in the ruins, the port was built with cement and wood. Still capable of catering small boats and their landing, it plays an important role for the local fishermen.