1. Tarkarli

This was the first overnight trip with friends at Trakarli. It was short though fun and lively trip to coastal Maharashtra. We started the trip on 29th September from Mumbai. It was road trip from Mumbai via pune, Kolhapur, Gaganbawada ghat - Tarkarli. The road stretch is really awesome to drive during rains.

Tarkarli -

Day - 30th September

We arrived at Tarkarli stayed at one small village resort.The resort was really nice and next to the sea shore. We had awesome breakfast at the hotel and took some rest also.

Then we proceed towards the Tsunami island which is there n the Karli back waters is the hub of water sports activities in Tarkarli. S.C.U.B.A Diving and snorkeling, islands off the coast and Tarkarli coast being the most popular for dolphin watch sea rides, Tarkarli is really a haven for the ones who love the surf!

We enjoyed the water sports to the fullest. Then proceeded towards the local market to have awesome malavani food. The local 'Khanaval' (Mess) is better than any other hotel around if you really want to test the authentic malvani food.

Day 2 - 1st October 2012
We went to Sindhudurga fort. Sindhudurg (sindhu = sea, durg = fort) was built by the Hiroji Indalkar (Deshmukh) – Shivaji's Master Architect & builder, built several forts in Maharashtra two notable are Sindhudurg fort and Raigad in 1664. Shivaji selected the strategic rocky island location, then known as 'Kurte' for the fort, himself - to counter foreign forces, and to keep the nearby Siddis of Murud-Janjira in check.
Entrance to the fort and main watch tower
Shivaji's temple on the fort
One of the best preserved forts of the Marathas, Sindhudurg fort has zigzag rampart with 42 bastions. Apart from the huge stones, the building material involved 2000 khandis (72,576 kg) of iron erecting the massive curtain wall and bastions. A notable feature is that the foundation stones were laid down firmly with 5 khandis (181.5 kg) of molten lead. [3]
The Watch Tower facing the sea
Over 4000 mounds of iron were used in the casting and foundation stones were firmly laid down. Construction started on 25 November 1664. Built over a period of three years (1664–67), the sea fort is spread over 48 acres (190,000 m2) with a two-mile (3 km) long rampart, and walls that are 30 feet (9.1 m) high and 12 feet (3.7 m) thick. The massive walls were designed to serve as a deterrent to approaching enemies and to the waves and tides of the Arabian Sea. The main entrance is concealed in such a way that no one can pinpoint it from outside. At a time when Samudra Gaman (travelling

by sea) was banned by scriptures, this construction on an island represents the revolutionary mindset of its engineer

Day 3 - October 2, 2012

We started for our return journey towards Mumbai via Pune. The trip was awesome and joyful.....

Happy Travels ......