Traveling can let you move across various interesting facades of the world that may be hidden behind the curtains of distances. India has many long-kept secrets of culture, history and natural beauty. Kokan tours could be some of the most loved among these. It is always good to look out for the best things to do and the best places to visit before really coming out with an idea of a trip.
Running from South Mumbai to Goa; the Kokan Coast holds on to a great pleasure for all of you. It could be a perfect gateway for an amazing family vacation. Well, this is going to be all about it.
11 Best Kokan Places
You are never really short of places as far as trips are considered. Moreover, it is always important to make the right choice for places to visit in order to witness the best experiences ever. Also, it is necessary to be sure that you are going to spend your time on something that’s worthwhile. Here are some of the Kokan attractions you can look forward to:
1. Harnai-Murud
The villages Harnai and Murud hold on to a number of natural attractions. Also, this could be one of the best places for having an interesting face-off with history. There are numerous impressive forts including suvarnadurg, Kanakdurg and the fort of Goa. If you are traveling across the coastline from Mumbai, then this should probably be the first destination you reach. You will surely like it.
2. Ganpati Pule
This is one of the most popular religious plains in the area where most of the tourists and localities arrive. This place is popular for its Ganpati Temple holding the naturally carved out idol of Lord Ganesha. Also, the beautiful beach makes the place preferable for a visit. You may have a great time at the temple and then exploring its admirable surroundings. You will have several resorts and spas nearby where you can have the best of time. Kokan tours would seem to be incomplete without visiting here.
3. Kelshi
The place is known well for the two grand monuments it allures. The place reflects a great historical significance. The Dargah of Yakub Sarvari and the Laxmi temple are some of the best places to visit. Yakub Sarvari was known to be the 11 the spiritual guide of Shivaji, the legendary Maratha warrior. There is a lot to explore for you at this amazing place.
4. Harihareshwar Temple
This temple is situated in the small village Harihareshwar on the Kokan belt. This temple is known to be dedicated to Lord Shiva from Hindu mythology. These temples on the Kokan belt are an example of traditional Indian architecture and the unique Maratha style and design which counts as an important feature at the place.
5. Sindhudurg Fort
This is one of the highly visited tourist destinations in Kokan. This sea fort was known to be built by Chhatrapati Shivaji and is one of the most considerable destinations. It is often said that his hands and footprints have been preserved here. There are some other interesting places to visit nearby including Kunkeshwar temple and Tarkarli which is one of the most beautiful regions in the country. You plan a stay in houseboat here during your family trip to the amazing place.
6. Prachin Kokan Museum
This is one of the largest open-air museums in India. It allures descriptions of the lifestyles of the ancient Kokan dwellers. Also, the museum interiors lay great emphasis on the Maratha hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Rao. There are over 450 paintings, miniature models and various other elements that display the historical elements even well. The paintings here are made by the famous artist Arun Dabholkar. Many of these artworks are even set out for purchases. There are also various Kokan themed restaurants where you can savor the purely traditional tastes at the place.
7. Chandoli National Park
This is an amazing and popular tourist attraction, situated in the Sangli district on the Kokan belt. Tigers and the Oriental Garden lizards are the most popular wildlife species here. Moreover, there are more than 20 amphibian species and over 122 species with avian life.
8. Kunkeshwar Temple
Known popularly as the “Kashi of South Kokan”, this temple is situated very close to the beach. This temple is regarded for its sacred devotions to Lord Shiva and sits about 14 kilometers away from the town Devgad. The temple has an undisturbed beach in its surroundings with clean white sands and long stretched seashores which uplift the temple’s beauty even more.
9. Ratnagiri
Well, of course, a visit to Ratnagiri had been already covered when you are planning to visit Ganpati Pule and Harnai-Murud. However, there are many more interesting things that can be done here. The delicious Alphonso mangoes are among those. This place is undeniably a must visit if you’re on a family vacation. The Ratnadurg Fort remains to be a major attraction here. It is known to be the birthplace of King Timbha of the Brahmadesh’s palace and the freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak.
10. Malvan
Malvan is known for its beaches, vibrant marine life, and serene backwaters. Numerous tourists consider the place to be one of the best diving destinations. You may also plan an amazing stay at the exuberant Maharashtra resorts and the lip-smacking cuisines they present for you. Before you set out for the vacation, make sure to catch up with the bus timings. Also, when you have enough holidays, take interest in exploring the places thoroughly. After all, the entire beauty and culture of the place had been settled here.
11. Gardens and Other nature spots
There are amazing natural areas at the place that will set the trip lit. There are various small streams and waterfalls that can be visited and explored. Their pristine beauty will surely relieve the hearts of nature lovers. Kokan is also known to be abundant with mango gardens. Apart from these mango gardens, there are many more parks and gardens in Kokan that can be visited for perfect family picnics.
Kokan is also a place where you can find some of the perfect beaches in India. The 720 kilometers long coastline, spreading out to the states of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka will serve you the best with this pleasure. The place settles itself between the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other. Characterizing blue waters and clean white sands, there are numerous pretty beaches.
Those beaches are rich with the serenity that stretches out a beautiful fantasy for the viewers. These are some of the best locations to spend time ideally around the most elegant natural views. Most of the Kokan beaches are noncommercial and hence you will find them less crowded. These beaches could make up the best weekend options for you.
You will certainly have many more interesting activities to do and amazing places to visit near Mumbai. Moreover, selecting the best ones is always a major consideration. There are astounding places where you can spend your time peacefully around beautiful surroundings. The above-mentioned suggestions will surely let you plan out for the most interesting and memorable Kokan tours with your loved and close ones. Travel smart and grab the best experiences.