To See & Do
Not at all a run-of-the-mill destination, Vengurla is a getaway for those who are adventurous at heart, ideal for some serious R&R. Besides chilling out on the beach, there is much to be seen ancient temples, historical forts and quaint villages, all tucked away in the lush green countryside. Though MTDC has declared Sindhudurg the tourism district of Maharashtra, Vengurla and its surrounds have, for better or for worse, been spared the benefits of official attention and are relatively untouched by mass tourism. That's why they offer the best chance to discover the rustic Konkan and its village life in all its pristine beauty.
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Sagareshwar Beach |
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Beaches are undoubtedly the main draw of Vengurla, and the casuarina-framed Sagareshwar Beach, 3 km from the ST Bus Stand, is absolutely gorgeous. Access to this beach is over soft, powdery white sand dunes with scattered patterns of low shrubs. In the early morning light the sand takes on a golden hue. At sunset, the view of that great ball of fire dipping into the ocean is peerless.
Clean and mostly deserted, the beach is quite safe for a dip in the inviting blue waters, though at high tide the pounding waves can seem a bit intimidating. This is not unusual to Vengurla and any seasoned Mumbaikar who has splashed around in the waters off Gorai can handle Sagareshwar with ease. The quaint old Sagareshwar Temple of Shiva on the beach has a courtyard blooming with flowers and a huge deepasthambh.
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Vengurla's Lighthouse |
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A lighthouse perched on a hill overlooking the jetty is the unmistakable, unchallenged landmark and main attraction of the town. A steep, winding path up a flight of huge steps cutting through some thick vegetation leads to the top of the hill. A fairly huge plateau houses the lighthouse and a few staff quarters. What a difference the view from up here must make to those stuck with the dreary job of switching the lights on and off.
For, the view from the top of the lighthouse is indeed mind-blowing. Ahead of you is a vast seascape, stretching till the eye can see. You have a bird's eye view of the jetty and the palm-fringed shoreline of Vengurla on the left, with the jagged cliff face kissing the sea on the right. To the north-west, thrusting out of the sea, lie the Vengurla Rocks, also called Burnt Islands, an important pointer for seafarers in times long gone, that they had reached land and safety in Vengurla.
The plateau extends to the north of the lighthouse and is worth exploring in itself. The northern tip of the plateau overlooks a fantastic horseshoe beach. While there is no direct path down to the beach, there are a number of winding pathways going down to small coves tiny strips of sand just large enough to pitch a tent, with the cliff face rising on both sides. Be warned that this is no walk in the park and only those who have some experience in hiking should try and venture down to the waterline from here.
Entry fee Rs 5 Timings 4-5.30 pm.
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Vengurla's Jetty |
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A bustling port a major trading settlement during the reign of the Marathas Vengurla's jetty today is nothing remarkable but a good point from which to view the setting sun. Though tiny, it's extremely busy and the activity once the boats dock at the jetty, filled with the day's catch, is a very interesting sight.
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Vengurla's Fruit Research Centre |
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Even if you don't have a green thumb, the Konkan Farming University and Fruit Research Centre at Vengurla is a must-see. The centre's main brief is to carry out experiments on mango and cashew, for which the region is famed. Indeed, a new variety of mango, named Sindhu, was developed here. The research centre has an excellent nursery where one can buy all types of saplings. Close by is a cashew factory and, on request, one can witness the entire process of how cashews are separated, roasted and packed. Both the research centre and the factory are located off the main road when entering Vengurla towards the Camp area (15 mins walk from the ST Bus Stand on the main Vengurla-Kudal Road). There?s also another cashew factory, Varaskar, in the Camp. Sadly, one can?t actually buy cashews at either.
The best time for a factory visit is from 5.30 to 6 am, when the nuts are roasted.
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Vengurla's Market |
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If you're here during the pre-monsoon summer months of May and early June, don't miss out on a visit to this market where you'll get the best quality Alphonso mangoes at the best price. Vengurla's sublimely sweet Alphonsos are more expensive than those of Malvan, Rajapur or Ratnagiri, but even Vengurla can?t beat Vijaydurg or Devgad. Cashews are also available in plenty. Snack on khaja, made from sweet palm jaggery, before heading off to inspect the fish market.
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Mochemad and Vayangani |
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The entire coastline down to Goa is dotted with virgin beaches. First in line is Vayangani Beach, framed by Vayangani Gaon with its young supari and casuarina groves. Next up is Mochemad fishing village, which hosts one of the better known beaches of Vengurla, located 10 km away on the road to Shiroda. The beach, with a backdrop of towering hills, is the most scenic on this stretch. It's just sand, surf and sea an ideal place for camping. Not surprisingly, a 5-star beach resort has been proposed for Mochemad.
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Shiroda and Aravali |
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The important Maharashtrian town of Shiroda, situated 10 km down south from Vengurla, is home to the Mauli Devi Temple whose presiding deity is the kul devi, or patron goddess, of the region. Shiroda is connected to India's freedom struggle as it participated in the historic Salt Satyagraha of 1930, initiated by Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to Shiroda. Salt continues to be the major produce of this area. However, the USP of Shiroda is its excellent beach, the silvery ocean standing out in sharp contrast to the lush green interiors. Don't miss Shiroda's weekly bazaar (Mondays) if you extend your weekend in Vengurla
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The Shri Vithoba Temple and the Sateri Devi Mandir at Shiroda's twin village of Aravali nearby are also worth a visit. Carry a bunch of Lord Vithoba's favourite offering of bananas along to the temple. What you must not forget to take along, though, are a brand new pair of large-sized Kolhapuri chappals. The locals believe Lord Vithoba likes to wear Kolhapuris and stroll through the villages at night. Sagartirth is a long stretch of golden beach at Aravali, whose sands are literally untouched and undisturbed.
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Content Source:
Outlook Traveller
Contributed by:
Sherwin Noronha with Pramila N Phatarphekar
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