In Sindhudurg district, Malvan is a very important Taluka.
Malvan is almost hidden by palms and has got very nice seashore. The rocky
terrain of Malvan holds two forts - Sindhudurg and Padmagad. It is said
that there was an underground route joining them.
Sindhudurg, the ocean fort was built by Shivaji in 1664 AD and this fort
stands firmly as a silent sentinel to the lingering memories associated
with the maritime history of the glorious Maratha Empire. In those days
Malvan was used for shipbuilding and repairing works. Then the city
developed accordingly. It was a planed city with market area, residence
offices etc. Today Malvan is known for its saltpans, Chinese clay pottery
and the special Malvani cuisine, which is quite distinct from Konkan food.
A most interesting spectacle to witness at Malvan is the auction of the day's catch in the evening when all the trawlers come home. Resembling the trading floor of any stock exchange with various types of fish being sold to the highest bidder, it is an exercise in organised chaos that an outsider will be at an utter loss to understand. Its all over within an hour or so with the catch having exchanged hands, loaded on to trucks, and dispatched to the markets of the larger cities inland.
Malvan Beach
The beach is one long stretch from Malvan and the fort of Sindhudurg,
which once was Shivaji's naval headquarters and is visible from almost
anywhere along the beach. A short boat ride from the jetty at Malvan takes
one to the island on which the fort is situated. There's even a guide
available to take one around and inside the fort. Villagers still live
here, as there are three fresh-water wells inside, which are completely
cut off during the monsoons.
Sindhudurg Fort
Sindhudurg was the ocean fort built by Shivaji in 1664 AD on a low rocky
48-acre island off the Malvan coast. The fort stands firmly as a silent
sentinel to the lingering memories associated with the maritime history of
the glorious Maratha Empire.
Dhamapur Lake
Situated in the western part of Sindhudurg, the Dhamapur Lake is well
known for its clean, crystal clear waters. Spread over 5 acres, the lake
area is ideal for excursions and water sports. The Bhagawati temple is
nearby. Boating facility is also available.
Malvan Marine Sanctuary
Malvan Marine Sanctuary is the only marine sanctuary located in Malvan
Taluka of Sindhudurg district. The sanctuary is spread over an area of
29.22-sq-km and is rich in coral and marine life. The golden sands and
casuarinas plantations at the Malvan coast form a scenic view and it's a
feast to eyes.
Tarkarli
Tarkali is situated 6-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 at Devbag. This place has gained prominence because of its long and
narrow stretch of beach with pristine waters.
Ramgarh Fort
10-km from Malvan, the Ramgarh fort in situated in Ramgad village of
Malvan Taluka. Being close to the road the tourists can easily visit the
fort. There are 7 canons still buried in the reverse position in this
fort.
Valaval
Valaval is famous for its greenery and natural beauty. On the full moon
day one can witness an amazing site, while the sun is setting in the east
direction one will find the moon rising. This beautiful sight is seen in
the sky and at the same time one can find its reflection in Walaval River.
It seems as if actually watching two moons and two suns. Laxmi Narayan
temple is also situated in the vicinity, with six black pillars and
sculptures made of black sand. In Valaval tourists can also visit the
Rameshwar temple and Devi Mauli temple, which are worth seeing.
Ozar
Ozarcha Shri Vigneshwara temple at Ozar is one of the Astha (also spelt
as Ashtha) Vinayak temples, located at a distance of about 5-km from
Malvan. It is a very famous temple, which is visited by large number of
devotees.
Devbag
Devbag is a beautiful village located 8-km away from Malvan city. The
village is surrounded by water; only one side is attached with the land,
which is the only way to enter the village by walk. But in the rainy
season this way is also under water and it looks like an island. Visitors
can enjoy eating the local speciality-Rice with fish curry.
Sridev Rameshwar (Achara)
16-km from Malvan is the temple of Sridev Rameshwar, a well known wakeful
deity in the entire campus.
Aangnewadi (Shri Bharadee Devi)
> 14-km from Malvan in the village of Masure is the temple of Shri
Bharadee Devi. Every year a fair is organised in the month of February,
which attracts devotees in large numbers.
Bharatgad And Bhagwatgad
Bharatgad and Bhagwatgad are two forts situated near Masure, 14-km from
Malvan. These forts were constructed in 1701 AD. Bus facility is also
available from Malvan to Masure.
Air: Nearest airport is Goa, 145-kms away from
Malvan.
Rail: The closest railway station is Kudal on the Konkan Railway
line.
Road: Regular private and government buses are available from
Mumbai (450-km), Pune (400-km), Ratnagiri (200-km), and Panaji (130-km)
for Malvan.
One has got the options to stay at any of the MTDC resorts or private hotels in Malvan.