GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Maharasthra's southernmost district of Sindhudurg in the Konkan belt stretches 128 km of the total 720km along the western coastline of India. Its topographical boundaries are marked by the Sahayadri Mountains in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west, Ratnagiri district in the North and the state of Goa in the south.

Topography
The 5207 sq km topography of Sindhudurg is rich and varied with pristine beaches and splendid marine ecosystems along its coastline, fertile green flatland, largely untouched forests, hills and mountains and a wild life sanctuary.

Resplendent eye candy
Sindhudurg boasts of picture post card beauty. The virgin territory of Sindhudurg dotted by an array of green villages with quaint red-roofed houses tucked away in coconut and areca nut groves, or mango orchards, , long silvery beaches alongside deep blue seas, backwaters and a lagoon (at Mochemad) and picturesque verdant fields, is as yet virgin territory to international tourists and local visitors. It abounds in long virgin beaches, where, on a full moon night because of phosphorescence, waves glow in the dark, exuding a sense of rare tranquillity.

LOCAL HISTORY
The construction of many maritime forts along the Konkan-Malvan coast is credited to Shivaji, the Maratha warrior, who in the 16th century consolidated the entire state of Maharashtra for the first time under one rule against the Muslim rulers. In order to protect the outer flank of the State from naval invasions and to provide safe hideouts for quick pirate raids on trade ships led by the Marathas, Shivaji built and strengthened fortifications at many important junctures along the western Maratha empire.

A witness of time
Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg were considered a mark of martial supremacy, under Chattrapati Shivaji. In the 17th Century as they were strong naval bases.

Shivaji strengthened Vijaydurg (or the Fort of Victory) by adding an impressive triple row of protective walls, towers at strategic points along the ramparts and spacious buildings within the fort.

The Sindhudurg (or Ocean Fort), located off the Malvan port stretches across the 48 acre Kurute island and is enclosed by a two-mile long wall which is 12 feet thick at certain vulnerable areas. Within its premises are temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimari, Mahapurush and Shivaji himself, the last being the only shrine in Maharastra, dedicated to the warrior king himself. The beaches at Vijaydurg and off Sindhudurg are also extremely picturesque.

Click here to learn more on the forts of Sindhudurg

OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
Sindhudurg is far removed from the pre-planned package tours and run-of-the-mill kind of holiday destination. It lacks the usual over crowded tourist stopovers and mass tourism infrastructure options. So beware and don't fall prey the suggestions perhaps of a Constar, as you would deeply regret it once you get there!

This region is for those who are adventurous at heart but enjoy a slow even pace to really soak in the sights, smells and sounds of the place. Here you must be game for some serious chill-out time.

Lazy days and starry nights
Long languid hours under the sun at pristine beaches, a dip in the azure blue waters, self discover trails and treks into the mountains and fields, waterfalls tucked away in least expected nooks and crannies, visits to local temples and markets, fresh fish auctions at various boat jetties, a boat ride along the lagoons with only dolphins for company, an early morning or sunset spent admiring Shivaji's architectural marvels at Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg forts, time spent with locals, cycling aimlessly, soaking in the local art and culture at the small town of Pinguli and Sawantwadi, is what you can expect in your days spent at Sindhudurg.

ART AND CRAFTS
Sawantwadi, little known so far for its royal heritage, still prides itself of a Rani or Queen, who belongs to the Bhonsale dynasty and an old palace, built in the era of Khem Sawant Bhonsale III (1755-1803). In a sincere attempt to revive traditional Ganjifa art, the Queen has made provision for skilled artists and master craftsmen who work within the palace. They painstakingly hand-paint and design intricate Ganjifa cards, a game dating back to the Mahabharata, while another team of skilled craftsmen sculpt out wooden lacquer toys, wood sculpted vegetables and fruits and other interesting bric-a-bracs. When you stroll down the Sawantwadi market, you'll surely find traditional craft which make wonderful gifts and souvenirs to take back home.

LOCAL FOLK THEATRE
Another key cultural attraction is the puppetry of  Pinguli. Crafted with care the leather and wooden puppets seem to take on a persona of their own when their masters breathe life into their characters during performances. The Thakar Adivasi Kala Aangan, an art arena created by Culture Aangan at Guddipur village, Pinguli near Kudal is a 'must do' for art enthusiasts. Besides a visit to the art gallery, the artists would be more than happy to organise a short performance when given prior notice.

For local theatre lovers, the Dashavatar performances depicting the myths and legends of the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu is a veritable treat of rural cultural heritage.

USEFUL INFORMATION
Climate: Semi tropical
Seasons: Monsoon: June- September, Winter: October- February, Summer: March- May
Temperature: Varies between 32°C in summer to 21° C in winter
Rainfall: Southwest monsoons bring heavy rains average 2482 mm
Best time to visit: October- February
Clothing: Light, cool and comfortable
Languages spoken: Malvani (Local language) Marathi (state language) Hindi and English (also spoken)

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Forts	Sindhudurg, Vijaydurg, Devgad, Yeshwantgad, Teracol
Beaches	Tarkarli (Malvan), Devbag ( Malvan), Chivla (Malvan), Tondavali ( Malvan), Achara, (Malvan), Vayangani ( Vengurla), Niveti ( Vengurla), Sagartirtha ( Vengurla), Sagareshwar ( Vengurla), Mochemad( Vengurla), Shiroda( Vengurla), Bhogwe (Kudal), Kunkeshwar ( Devgad), Mithbhav ( Devgad) Khavana ( Vengurla)
Natural ports	Vengurla, Malvan jetty, Sarjekot, Reddi, Devgad
Hill Resorts	Dajipur, Amboli
Waterfalls	Padagar (Devgad), Napane ( Talere), Nangartas (Amboli), Chorla
Lake	Dhamapur
Wild sanctuary	Bison sanctuary at Dajipur
Temples	Kunkeshwar(Devgad) Bharadidevi, Agnewadi (Malvan), Ganapati (Reddi), Vetoba (Aravli), Jain Vestiges (Malvan), Rameshwar (Malvan), Brahmadev (Kharepatan), Hiranyakeshi (Amboli), Mahalaxmi (Narur)
Churches	Sawantwadi, Malvan, Kankavli
Mosque	Sawantwadi

 

SINDHUDURG AT A GLANCE

Geography
Latitude	15.37° (South) to 16.40° ( North)
Longitude	73.19° (East) to 74.13° ( West)
Geographical area	5207 sq. km
% land area of state	16.93 % of Maharashtra
Topographical boundaries	East : Sahayadri mountains West : Arabian Sea North : Ratnagiri district South : Goa State
Total coastline	129 km of total 720km of Konkan coastline from Maharastra- Kerala
Salt belt	1160 hectares
Total Forest area	38,643 hectares
Highest mountain peak	Gaganbavda 2700 feet
Civic details and statistics
District Civic Headquarters	Oras or Sindhudurgnagari
Population (as per 2001 census)	8,68,825
Male	4,17890
Female	4,50935
Density of Population	Approx 2000 per 165 sq km
Ratio of Rural : Town	90.53 : 9.47
Ratio of Male : Female	1000 : 1079
Govt & Admin divisions
Talukas	Kudal, Malvan, Vengurla, Dodamarg, Devgad, Vaibhavwadi, Kankavli, Sawantwadi
Gram Panchayat	433 consisting of 4069 members
Total number of villages	743
City	1
Nagar Panchayat	7
Nagar Palika	3
Economy and local produce
Per capita income (2004-2005)	Rs 28,278
State level per capita income	Rs 32,170
Agriculture	Rice, main crop, Rabi ( adequate for local sustenance)
Horticulture	Mango, Cashew, Jackfruit, Kokum, Awla, Karvonda, Jamun
Fruit bearing trees	Beetelnut, Coconut, Banana
Fishing	Pomfret, Mackeral (Bangda) , Kingfish ( Surmai), Lobster Prawns, Crab, Baby shark, Clams (tisrya), Ribbon fish
Festivals and Arts
Festivals	Holi, Ganesh Chathurti, Annual village Deity festivals
Local theatre	Dashavatar
Craft	Pinguli, Sawantwadi