From jaw-dropping beaches to lush green mountains, Maharashtra has countless hidden gems to offer, and one such secret escape is the small town of Vengurla located on the Konkan coast of the state’s Sindhudurg district. Here are some of the attractions for you to explore on your next trip to this beach town. By Chandrani Pal
1. Sagareshwar Beach
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This isolated beach has been recognised as one of the cleanest beaches in the state. With very little to almost no crowd, strolling around this beach will give you an incredible sentiment of peace. In fact, just a stone’s throw distance away from here lies the Sagareshwar Temple, which is the oldest temple of Lord Shiva in the entire region.
2. Vengurla Jetty
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This area of the jetty is inhabited by the fishermen folk and their families. The population here is very thin, which gives visitors an opportunity to have a closer look at their lifestyle, including their per day catch from the sea, fishing rituals, etc. You can even buy fresh fish from here and treat your taste buds to a delicious meal.
3. Vengurla Lighthouse
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The view of the sea from the lighthouse is simply mesmerising. In order to reach to the top, you could either choose to climb roughly 500 steps from the jetty or take the road around the corner. This light house dates back to 1931 and was built by John Oswald, the chief inspector of lighthouses at the time.
4. Dutch Factory
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Dachanchee Vakhar, as the locals call it, is an ancient fort in Vengurla, which used to be a storehouse for Dutch merchants, back in the 17th century.
Apart from this, Vengurla is a preferred bird-watching destination as well, where you can spot some unique feathered species like bridled tern and Indian swiftlet, while boating. The place is also home to many other stunning beaches, such as Shiroda beach, Nivati beach, Vayangani beach and Mochemad beach — apt for water sport enthusiasts. Meanwhile, those seeking some spiritual solace can pay a visit to temples, like Shri Vithoda Temple, Sateri Devi Temple and Mauli Devi Temple.
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What to eat: The seafood fare at Vengurla is the talk of the town. Indulge in mouthwatering preparations of fresh fish, prawns, squids, etc. Don’t forget to try the Surmai (King Fish) thali, and beverages like sol kadhi and cashew fenny.
Getting There: The nearest airport to Vengurla is Dabolim airport, from where you can rent a taxi. However, if you are planning to travel by train, get off at Sawantwadi railway station and take an autorickshaw to reach the destination.
Stay: A serene vacation calls for an equally serene and comfortable stay. Reserve your cottages at the very beautiful Golven Resort, Vengurla.
Related: These Bioluminescent Beaches Around The World Will Give You New Travel Goals
