By JKV Travel
If you’re dreaming of a peaceful seaside escape with clean beaches, water sports, scuba diving, backwaters and coastal forts – all without the crazy rush of overcrowded destinations – then Tarkarli Beach in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra is exactly where you should be heading next.
Nestled in the pristine Konkan coastline, Tarkarli is often called the “Mini Goa of Maharashtra” – but honestly, it’s much calmer, more authentic and closer to nature. From tarkarli beach sunsets to thrilling tarkarli scuba diving, dolphin safaris and local Malvani food, this place has everything you need for a perfect beach holiday.
Tarkarli Beach is a beautiful coastal village situated in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, in the heart of the Konkan region. It lies close to Malvan, and not too far from Goa, making it one of the most accessible yet offbeat beach destinations on the western coast of India.
Nearest town: Malvan
Nearest railway stations: Kudal, Kankavli, Sawantwadi Road
Nearest airport: Dabolim (Goa) / upcoming Sindhudurg Airport (Chipi)
Approx. distance from Mumbai: 500–550 km
Approx. distance from Pune: 390–420 km
This location makes Tarkarli beach perfect for a Konkan road trip, a relaxing long weekend plan, or even an extended beach vacation.
Unlike commercial beaches where you struggle to see the sand through the crowd, Tarkarli still feels raw, natural and peaceful. The beach is known for:
Soft golden sand stretching across a long shoreline
Crystal-clear seawater – on good days, you can even see through the water near the shore
Swaying coconut and suru trees lining the coast
Less commercialisation, which means more space, silence and serenity
Imagine starting your day with a peaceful walk on tarkarli beach, listening to the sound of gentle waves, feeling the cool breeze and watching fishermen quietly setting off into the sea. By evening, the sky turns golden, then orange, then purple – offering some of the best sunsets in Konkan.
One of the strongest reasons people search for tarkarli scuba or tarkarli scuba diving is because this destination is famous for its underwater experiences. Tarkarli is one of the best places in Maharashtra to try scuba diving in the Arabian Sea.
Beginner-friendly: Even if you don’t know swimming, there are guided scuba sessions with trained instructors.
Colorful marine life: You can spot corals, small fishes, sea plants and rocks under the water.
Reasonable pricing: Compared to other scuba hotspots, tarkarli scuba diving is often more pocket-friendly.
Memories captured: Most operators provide underwater photos and videos, so you take your experience home.
Apart from scuba, you can also enjoy:
Snorkelling
Parasailing
Jet ski rides
Banana boat rides
Bumper rides
The beauty of Tarkarli is not limited to just the main beach. The entire surrounding area is full of amazing natural attractions.
Just a short drive from tarkarli beach lies Devbagh, a stunning stretch of sand where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea. This confluence point, often called Sangam Point, is perfect for:
Boat rides in the river
Dolphin-spotting tours
Calm and scenic views
Photography and relaxed walks
This small island in the backwaters near Devbagh is famous for:
Shallow water – ideal for water sports
Parasailing, kayaking, jet ski, bumper rides
A unique experience of being in the middle of the water yet feeling safe and calm
Many travellers say that visiting Tsunami Island and Devbagh completes their Tarkarli experience. You get the beach, the backwaters and a little bit of adventure – all in one trip.
Another reason why Tarkarli beach in Sindhudurg stands out is the chance to see dolphins in their natural habitat. Early in the morning, local boat operators take you deep into the sea for dolphin safaris.
You can watch playful dolphins jumping out of the water
Click photos and enjoy the cool morning breeze
It’s a beautiful experience for kids, families and couples
When you plan a trip to Tarkarli, you also get easy access to Malvan and the mighty Sindhudurg Fort, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Located on an island near Malvan, this sea fort is:
A symbol of Maratha naval power
Surrounded by strong walls and crashing waves
A great spot for history lovers, photographers and culture enthusiasts
Reaching the fort by boat and walking on its ramparts while watching the vast sea around you is an experience you won’t forget.
If you love seafood and coastal flavours, then Tarkarli and Malvan are like heaven. Here, you can enjoy:
Fresh fish thalis (surmai, pomfret, bangda, prawns)
Malvani chicken & mutton for non-veg lovers
Kombdi vade, solkadhi, bhakri, rice, and homemade curries
Light, coconut-based gravies, perfectly spiced – not too spicy, not too bland
You also find plenty of homestays and small local eateries where food is cooked with love and served hot, giving you a taste of real Konkan.
FAQ's About Tarkarli Beach, Sindhudurg – JKV Travel
Answer: Yes, Tarkarli scuba diving is generally considered safe for beginners and even non-swimmers, as long as you choose a licensed and experienced dive operator. Most centres provide training in shallow water, proper equipment, life jackets and constant guidance from certified instructors.
Answer: Tarkarli is one of the top adventure hubs on the Konkan coast. Apart from scuba diving, you can enjoy snorkelling, parasailing, jet skiing, banana rides, bumper rides, speed boat rides and kayaking, especially around Tarkarli Beach, Devbagh and Tsunami Island. Many packages combine multiple activities in one session, so you can experience both the thrill of adventure and the beauty of the Arabian Sea in a single trip.
Answer: Yes, dolphin safaris in Tarkarli are one of the most loved experiences for visitors. Early morning boat rides take you into deeper waters where pods of dolphins are often spotted jumping and playing in the waves.
Answer: Tarkarli offers a range of stays to suit different budgets from simple homestays and beachside cottages run by local families to small resorts and guesthouses near the shore. Many properties are located close to Tarkarli Beach, Devbagh or Malvan, so you can stay within walking distance of the sea.
Final Thoughts
Tarkarli isn’t just a beach, it’s the heart of Konkan – where clean shores, thrilling scuba dives, calm backwaters, dolphins, forts and flavourful Malvani food all come together. If you’re dreaming of a getaway that’s beautiful, peaceful and still full of adventure, Tarkarli Beach in Sindhudurg is exactly where your next trip should be. Here, every day starts with the sound of gentle waves and ends with golden sunsets over the Arabian Sea. In between, you can dive under the water, sail through backwaters, taste coastal flavours and walk through historic sea forts. For anyone looking to experience the true charm of Maharashtra’s Konkan coast, Tarkarli deserves a special place on your travel bucket list.
Also read
If you’re planning a Tarkarli trip, you simply can’t miss nearby Malvan. From stunning beaches and the iconic Sindhudurg Fort to vibrant local markets and authentic Malvani food, Malvan adds even more colour to your Konkan getaway.
In our detailed guide - Discover Malvan: Beaches, Forts & Local Culture Explored
