5 Things To Know About Kunkeshwar Beach

Last Updated on October 5, 2021 by Mrunal & Jiten

Kunkeshwar Beach was recommended to me by my best friend who lives in Chennai. He is a frequent visitor of the Konkan coast during his weekends as his cousins live there.

He had visited the place before and asked me to try it out once. Since he had the guidance of the locals, he was able to give me the list of all the places I should explore in and near that particular Beach.

And, I followed the route judiciously so that I do not miss the small gems that are not covered by most Tourist operators.

• Konkan is very popular with tourists across India and abroad.
• Konkan is the place to be during holidays, what with nature bounties like green valleys; mostly calm sea; serene beaches, Sparkling springs, mountains; Coastal fruit  – Alphonso mangoes, Jackfruit, tender coconut.
• Other attractions such as  amazing seafood; proximity to big cities like Mumbai, Goa; water sports – banana boat rides, surfing, scuba diving; camping; temples; crowd-free environs and heritage tourism

A trip to Kunkeshwar will reflect all features of Konkan and more… One gets this feeling soon as we land in this area.

Why Kunkeshwar

So, off I went with my wife and daughter to this amazing location on a long weekend.

My daughter liked the trip more than everybody else, especially watching the glowing surf in one of the nearby beaches and eating luscious mangoes!

More about glowing beaches later.

Why this beach you may ask when one can go anywhere in Konkan?

Because of most amazing beaches in and around the area, historical forts, and religious temples and more than you can cover 2 – 3 days.

It is an unexplored region; crowds are less and you can move around freely.

Kunkeshwar is a small Village ashore the Arabian Sea. It is just16kms away from the City of Devgad. Its name is derived from the name of Lord Shiva, to whom the local temple is dedicated.

The temple is crowded to the hilt during Shivratri. This temple was built by a sailor who was saved by a light on the shore here according to locals.

The beach, on whose shore the temple lies, is itself breathtaking. Our family was awe-struck at the beautiful sunset on day one of our trips. With no crowds whatsoever we had a major part of the beach for ourselves. We enjoyed having the snacks from the vendors selling seafood on the beach.

There are other places near this beach that endeared me and my family to this place. Check out what you can see when you are there…

Devgad fort

This fort is on top of a hill, just at the meeting point of the Arabian Sea and Devgad creek.  Though a small one, it is imposing – made of Blackstone with 3 Bastions. It was built by Kanoji Angre in 1705.

One can access this fort from Customs House at Devgad. Do fill your water bottles below to keep yourself hydrated at the top. And yes, due to its size, most people can explore the whole fort area easily.

Remember to visit the two temples built inside the temple. The Harbor is just below this fort. Get a bird’s eye view of it, the Devgad beach, Lighthouse, and windmills from the top.

Vijaydurg fort

For the record, this is the oldest fort in all of Konkan. Considered impregnable, it was built during the reign of Raja Bhoja II around 1193 – 1200. It was later fortified by the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

This massive impenetrable fort was previously called Gheria as it was surrounded by water on four sides. Now there is a trench road leading to the fort on one side.

It is said that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj personally hoisted his flag only in this fort and Torna Fort. The great ruler won it from Adil Shah and renamed the fort as Vijay Durg (fort of victory).

This fort is said to have held strong for Marathas in later years against attacks of the Portuguese and British.

A wall has been discovered on one side of the fort, lying submerged 3 meters underwater. It is assumed to have been built to break attacking enemy ships, adding to the safety of the fort.

Devgad beach

From Vijaydurg fort move to the placid Devgad beach for swimming and sunbathing.

This beach, lying between two small hills, is accessible for people coming from other locations via the Devgad bus stand.

Devgad harbor on this beach. Step into the lighthouse, located inside, to watch passing ships in the Arabian Sea.

Do not forget to buy the world-famous Alphonso mangoes here.

Tara Mumbai beach

Tara Mumbai beach is located near a small village just Kunkeshwar 4 km away.  People come here to admire the glorious sunset, White Sands, and blue azure waters.

One can catch glimpses of hardworking fishermen lunge their catch from their boats onto the beach.

The lucky visitors are rewarded with sightings for porpoises here.

The specialty of Tara beach is Phosphorescence. The special feature of the beach makes the Sea waves glow during the night. Adjust your trip to watch this nature miracle!

Shiva temple – Kunkeshwar temple

The ancient Kunkeshwar temple is located in the village of the same name, just beside the beach. It has been built around 1100 AD. This temple is also known as Kashi of South. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was as a frequent visitor to this famous temple.

Bridges, greenery and beautiful carvings lead to the main sanctum sanatorium.

There is also a cave on the eastern end of the temple with beautiful carvings of warriors.  One can pay reverence tools of Ganesh Shiva and Nandi here. The important festival celebrated here is Maha Shivaratri.

Vimleshwar Shiva temple

Do not miss this temple!  It is not usually included in every Tourist Itinerary but is worth your spending some time here.

Vimleshwar Shiva Temple is located between Vijaydurg and Devgad. It is an old cave temple with idols of Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha.

Built-in Laterite rock, the intricate architecture, on the inside and outside, is simply out of this world. There are also two huge Elephants figures that are said to guard the entrance.

The main idol of Vimaleshwar (a Shivling) is in the sanctum sanatorium. Not many enter the sanctum due to the presence of numerous bats and darkness surrounding the internal region of the cave.

Alongside this temple is a refreshing, everflowing stream.

These are some places in and near Kunkeshwar Beach to explore and admire!

Each place will be a new experience not unlike before, for this is Konkan Land a marvel of nature, claimed from the sea. Surprises abound; come and see for yourself!

How to reach…

Kunkeshwar beach is easily accessible from other parts of the country.

By Air:

A new International Airport is coming up at Chipi. Traveling to Konkan is now possible for even foreign travelers.  From Chipi airport you need to just travel 48 km road to reach our destination.

Nearest major railway stations on Konkan Railway are:

• Kankavli – 49 Kms away
• Nandgaon Railway station – 42 Kms away

By Road your destination is:

• 42 Kms from Nandgaon village on NH17 (Mumbai-Goa Highway)
• 14 Km from Devgad
• 492 Kms from Mumbai
• 387kms from Pune
• 160 km from Kolhapur

Conclusion

When you plan a holiday to Kunkeshwar beach, keep looking for tour packages and occasional offers like station pick up and drop so that you can reach your destination with utmost convenience.

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