Devgad, a quiet little beach town situated on the picturesque Konkan coastline, is a hidden tourism gem that offers a plethora of unique experiences to visitors. Though the town doesn’t quite attract as many tourists as its better known neighbours Malvan and Ratnagiri, it is rapidly climbing up the popularity charts. Let’s take a look at 5 reasons (experiences) that are propelling that surge.
1. Pristine Beaches
Devgad is home to some really clean, pristine beaches. The eponymous Devgad beach is the most popular beach in the town. Stretching a little over 2 km, the beach is characterised by beautiful silvery white sand that sparkles in the sunlight. The beach is usually not crowded and offers a gorgeous view of the sunset too. If a long, peaceful beach walk excites you, then you’re in for a pleasant little surprise at Devgad beach.
2. Backwaters of Taramumbari
Taramumbari village in the Devgad Taluka is blessed with backwaters as well as a beach, and offers an opportunity to enjoy a calm yet exhilarating boating safari in the Mangroves. This hour long safari is best enjoyed just after sunrise or right before sunset. Taramumbari is also a nature lover’s delight with its abundance of exotic bird species that will captivate you. Taramumbari’s peaceful setting makes the perfect scenario for rod fishing. Lastly, photography enthusiasts are bound to be captivated by the mesmerising view of the sky at night.
3. ‘Fly’ on India’s first on-coastal zipline!
Well, flying is an exaggeration but you get the point. The ‘Flying Konkan’ zipline of Devgad is the longest in the state with a length of 575 metres (1885 feet) and at a dizzying height of just over 85 metres (280 feet). Ziplining above the Devgad beach gives you a bird’s eye view of the beautiful coastline on the one side and the town and unparalleled views of lush green trees on the other! The sound of crashing sea waves, strong sea breeze, white foam, the gigantic wind mills and everything in between, makes this an unparalleled experience. This zipline is also equipped with utmost safety features, in line with international standards. The Devgad zipline is by far the most unique experience that the whole Taluka has to offer and should be right at the top of your to-do list while here.
4. Vijaydurg Fort
Its Konkan. Of course there is a historic fort somewhere in your vicinity! Vijaydurg, built in 1205, is easily the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast. This iconic Maratha crown jewel sprawls over 48 acres and gives a glimpse into the glorious past of the regime through monuments that are now in ruins but still remarkable. What makes it particularly important is that it is one of only 2 forts where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj personally hoisted the saffron flag. Just a few minutes from the fort is the 100+ year old Rameshvar temple that attracts tourists. The vast spread of the fort and its many monuments would mean that you’d need quite a few hours to explore it in its entirety, so make sure you factor that in before travelling there.
5. Trek to Dream Beach
Dream beach, locally known as Darshan beach, is situated beside Taramumbari. This beach is one of the few unexplored and untouched beaches of Konkan. But more than the beach itself, it’s the journey of getting there that’s more exciting. You can access this beach by taking a short 20 minute trek from Taramumbari. The route is unquestionably scenic and the trek, though easy, is thrilling and adventurous.
A heaven for foodies!
Apart from the various activities listed above, a trip to Devgad in the summers would be incomplete without the famous and juicy Devgad Mangoes – the king of mangoes, is a regional speciality that has put Devgad on the national and international map for food lovers. Come summers and the place is buzzing with fresh harvest of the juiciest mangoes and a variety of fruits that are a Konkan speciality. Apart from fruits, Devgad also offers a vast and scrumptious range of authentic Konkan sea food varieties, from the fresh catch of fish, crabs, lobsters etc. and cooked using authentic spices and curries unique to the taste of Konkan, that cannot be missed.
With long tranquil, beaches, clear blue skies, clean air, mesmerising sceneries with a dash of history, a host of fun activities and the most scrumptious of food and beverages, Devgad easily offers a holistic travel experience, with something for everyone!
