THE JOURNEY BEGINS: TO UNMARKED & UNEXPLORED BEACHES KISSING BLUE EMERALD WATERS OF ARABIAN SEA, maharastra, India

clock wise: map; dighi port, shriverdhan beach entrance


A lightening wave of anger passed through my body. Clutching the iron railing of the boat hard, I looked towards the approaching port. The horror of March the 12TH, 1993 was vivid again in the front of my eyes when bombs tore apart Mumbai, killing hundreds of innocent people. It had been frustrating 15 years of wait and despair by the relatives of those who had been brutally killed. Now the verdict had come; but the execution of justice has to wait. Appeals to the higher and then to the highest court! A conviction awarded by the lower court now has to be challenged by referring to the democratic fabric of the constitution of India. A paradox? Where are the rights of the citizens to live in harmony and peace? We remain disinterested and immune to the plight and agony of thousands of relatives whose dear ones lost their lives whereas get concerned for the fundamental rights of terrorists and murderers to defend themselves. I had no answer. I looked at my watch. Half an hour it took on boat from Murud-Janjira to Dighi Port, a busy and an important one, where the mass destruction instrument RDX and large consignment of arms and ammunition had landed, 15 years ago.

We had decided not to take a beaten path to the hidden pristine beaches by road via Kolad on NH17. Instead, we took a bit of adventurous journey by boat to the Dighi Port, which eventually leads to the enchanting and exotic Konkan landscape and beaches. The car would arrive taking a circular route and wait for us at Shrivardhan.

We left Dighi Port immediately by taxi on our onward journey. There was a distinct excitement growing within us. The winding coastal road with rural setting along with lined palm trees told us what we had to expect. No cafe, fast food joints, crowd or noisy traffic. We knew, we are entering formally into the unmarked and unexplored land and beaches of Konkan, Maharastra, kissing the pristine blue waters of Arabian sea! After a drive of half an hour, we reached an exotic village of Diveghar with it's isolated and beautiful beach. A soft musical sound of waves and a gentle breeze greeted us. The village had a Swarn Ganpati (an idol of Lord Ganesh) covered with gold! It was a true spiritual sight! We sat there for sometime praying for peace and happiness. Moving our both the palms over our faces as a token of thanks to the deity we left.

Within 20 minutes climbing the path, we reached our hotel, Fulora Resort, situated on a cliff. Wow! Had a quick wash and a cup of tea with Bhajias and left excitedly towards the small town of Shrivardhan and to the beach. Shrivardhan was a beautiful small town. It was the most exhilarating view of a typical rural and coastal Konkan. it was stunning! The Kandivali beach! A beautiful stretch of sand with the colorful boats lined up! The cliffs surrounding the beach behind. A perfect beach for swimming. The beach had a tremendous calming effect on us.

We sat there watching the small dots of fishing boats at far on the horizon! Then it was a time to pay our respects to the divine forces. The temple of Somaja Devi had a special significance. As per the stories and records, if a deadly snake bites, you would be taken to this temple rather than to a doctor! Amazing ! And you will be cured. Phew!

We took a trek in the nearby forested cliffs. The walk was enchanting with the sounds of insects, butterflies and monkeys. The we headed for our dinner in a local home. You had to give a prior intimation. The food in'Sagar Darshan' was typical Konkani with spices and coconut and an unlimited non-veg meals, accompanied by silver fish and was only for Rs.80.00( $ 2) per head.

This was a beginning. We were already thrilled beyond our imagination and we didn't know but had an inkling. It was going to be a heavenly experience! With these thoughts we drifted smoothly into a deep sleep.

Distance from Mumbai: By road via Panvel-Kolad-Mangaon-210 km

Stay: The Fulora Resort- Tel.(Mumbai Office)- 91-22-24042501 There are other hotels and private homes. Check mtdc web site: http://maharastratourism.gov.in/