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If you are looking for a clean, peaceful, and naturally beautiful beach to escape the busy city life, Tarkarli Beach is a perfect choice. Located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Tarkarli offers clear blue water, soft white sand, delicious seafood, and a lot of adventure. It’s a hidden gem for nature lovers, couples, families, and adventure seekers.

Let me take you through my personal experience and everything you need to know about Tarkarli Beach.

Location 

Tarkarli Beach is located in Malvan, in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. It lies along the Konkan coast, around 6 km from Malvan town.

How to Reach Tarkarli

By Road: You can drive from Mumbai (around 500 km) or Pune (around 390 km). The roads are scenic but slightly narrow near the beach.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Kudal, about 30 km away. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available from Kudal to Tarkarli.

By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport (Goa), around 130 km away. You can take a cab or bus to reach Tarkarli.

First Impressions of Tarkarli Beach

As someone reaches Tarkarli, he/she will be  surprised by how clean, quiet, and peaceful the beach is. The sand is soft and white, and the water is crystal clear—so different from the crowded and commercial beaches we often visit. There will be no loud parties or big shops, just a long stretch of calm coastline, coconut trees, and gentle waves. It feels like a true getaway into nature.

Things to Do in Tarkarli

Tarkarli is not just for relaxing. There’s plenty to do if you enjoy adventure, nature, and exploring new places.

1. Water Sports and Scuba Diving

Tarkarli is known as one of the best places for scuba diving in India. The water is clear enough to see marine life, colorful fish, and coral reefs. Even if you are a beginner, trained professionals will guide you. It’s safe and super fun!

Other water activities include:

Snorkeling  

Jet skiing  

Banana boat rides  

Parasailing  

Speed boating  

These activities are available mainly from October to May.

2. Houseboat Stay

If you want a unique experience, try a houseboat stay on the Karli River. It’s peaceful, romantic, and offers amazing views of the backwaters. The boats are comfortable and serve tasty Konkani meals on board.

3. Relax and Walk Along the Beach

If you just want to relax, Tarkarli is perfect. You can lie on the beach, read a book, take long walks, or enjoy the sunrise and sunset. The beach is never too crowded, so you always have your own space.

Nearby ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ o Visit

Tarkarli is surrounded by other beautiful places that are worth visiting:

1. Sindhudurg Fort

A historic sea fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, located on a small island near Malvan. You can take a boat ride to visit it. The view from the fort is amazing!

2. Devbagh Beach

Just 5 km from Tarkarli, this beach is peaceful and ideal for a day trip. It’s where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea. You can even spot dolphins here sometimes!

3. Rock Garden

Located in Malvan, it’s a lovely place to sit, relax, and watch the sunset. There are rocks, sea waves, and a calm breeze—perfect for photography.

4. Tsunami Island

A small island in the backwaters, known for water sports and picnic spots. You can reach it by boat from Devbagh.

Food – Taste the Local Flavors

If you love seafood, you are going to enjoy your meals in Tarkarli. Most local homes and eateries serve freshly cooked Malvani food. I tried a fish thali that included fried fish, rice, solkadhi, and curry. It was absolutely delicious!

Must-Try Dishes

Malvani Fish Curry  

Kombdi Vade (spicy chicken with vade)  

Solkadhi (a pink drink made with kokum and coconut milk)  

Prawns fry or curry  

Modak (sweet dish)

Even if you are vegetarian, there are good options available.

Where to Stay

There are many homestays, resorts, and cottages near Tarkarli Beach. I stayed at a beachside homestay which was simple, clean, and very close to the sea.

Types of Accommodation

MTDC Beach Resort (run by Maharashtra Tourism)

Budget homestays with local families

Mid-range resorts with garden or sea views

Luxury cottages for couples or families

Most places offer homemade food and help with booking watersports too.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Tarkarli is between October and March. The weather is pleasant and suitable for water activities. The beach is at its cleanest, and you can enjoy clear skies.

Avoid Monsoon (June to September)  

It rains heavily, and most water activities are shut. But if you like greenery and peaceful surroundings, it can still be a quiet retreat.

Local People and Culture

The people of Tarkarli are warm, polite, and always smiling. Most of them speak Marathi, but many understand Hindi and basic English. The village atmosphere is friendly, and you’ll feel safe and welcome.

You can also learn a lot about Konkani culture, local festivals, and traditional cooking if you stay in a homestay.

Travel Tips for Visitors

Carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

Book water sports in advance, especially in peak season.

Respect the environment—don’t litter on the beach.

Carry cash—card machines and ATMs may not be available everywhere.

Wear comfortable beach wear and footwear.

Tarkarli Beach is a perfect combination of nature, adventure, and relaxation. Unlike crowded beaches, it offers peace, privacy, and natural beauty. Whether you're looking to dive underwater, taste local food, relax on the sand, or explore nearby forts, Tarkarli will leave you refreshed and happy.

If you are planning your next beach trip, skip the usual touristy places and give Tarkarli a try you won't regret it.