Tarkarli beach on the Konkan coast

Sindhudurg is the southernmost district of Maharashtra, just north of Goa. Sindhudurg is supposed to have some of the best beaches in India and Tarkarli beach in particular is mentioned by many as a particularly lovely beach to go to. Tarkarli’s reputation is one of clear waters that allow one to snorkel and scuba dive, which is interesting because to the best of my knowledge there is no other mainland beach in India that is good for watching the world underwater.

Goa does offer Scuba, but even the operators themselves agree that Goa’s murky waters are not the place for it. The best snorkelling & diving in India is in Lakshadweep, where Mitali & Prahlad Kakkar run Lacadives (the other option is to dive with Goa diving in Agatti Island; I have come across some vague rumours of safety here, so do check well before you go) . After that is the Andaman Islands, particularly Havelock Island. I haven’t been there and so do not have first hand experience – but many members of HolidayIQ swear by Havelock which is very reassuring.

Anyway, to come back to Tarkarli beach. I do know that a few years ago, a couple of well known boutique cruise operators (Seabourn, I am almost certain was one of them) had an interesting halt offshore at Tarkarli beach from where they brought guests by boat to the beach and then took them on a cycle tour of the local Konkan region. My impression is that this is not done anymore – certainly not at Tarkarli beach. Not sure why.

MTDC has a resort at Tarkarli beach, which has been reviewed and rated by many members of HolidayIQ. Everyone is unanimous in their opinion of Tarkarli beach. Tarkarli is an awesome beach and Continue reading

Best Beaches of Asia

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(Havelock beach : photo from HolidayIQ)

Conde Nast Traveller has ranked Beach No. 7 (Radhanagar Beach) in Havelock Island, Andamans as one of the top beaches of Asia. I have not been to Havelock although I have done other parts of the Andamans. While the place is astonishing and almost indescribable in its sheer natural beauty, I still think Lakshadweep is a shade – just a shade – better. CN Traveller have also suggested Barefoot at Havelock as the place to stay while there. HolidayIQ members who visited Havelock Island have been ecstatic about the place. They also have pretty interesting reviews and cool pictures for Barefoot At Havelock. Check out both by clicking here.

The Top 5 in the Conde Nast Traveller list of the best Asian beaches are :

  1. Palawan, Philippines
  2. Beach No. 7, Havelock Island, India
  3. Nihiwatu beach, Indonesia
  4. Baa, Maldives
  5. Laem Tong Bay, Phi Phi, Thailand

Click here for all my posts on Beach Vacations.

Click here for all accommodation options in Havelock.

Click here to know all about going on a holiday to the Andamans.

Click here for the Conde Nast article.