A steaming cup of chai on a Sunday, with a side of caramel popcorn and Netflix - sound like a perfect weekend plan, right?
Sometimes, we are amazed by how films like “Three of Us” mirror our own experiences and let us revisit our past through the magic of cinema. We become so captivated by the story that we feel like we are living in the shoes of the protagonist. Where we vicariously relive our bliss and pain, and ponder over the roads not taken. For some it could be like - strolling along the alleys of nostalgia, crossing paths with your first flame, or the mischief of school days.
While for others it could mean - basking in the warmth of your ‘naani ghar’ or locking eyes with your high-school sweetheart after eons. These priceless moments become even more precious when you venture into places like Vengurla - a small sleepy town tucked away in the heart of Konkan region, where sea shimmers like golden honey, reaching far over a horizon so serpentine that a lone boat on it might capsize. A place where the time crawls slower, away from the cacophony of modern metropolis.
So, don’t settle for just watching this emotional rollercoaster of a movie. Instead, create your own ‘THREE OF US’ saga in reality! Here’s how you can plan this unforgettable trip. Read on!
Things to see and do in Vengurla
If you are a lover of the sun and the sea, you will be enchanted by the beaches in Vengurla. They are like a slice of paradise, away from the buzzing touristy traps, with soft sand, and tiny boats gliding over the water like graceful swans as they approach a wooden pier, where fishermen briskly unload the most delicious catch you can dream of.
1. The Lighthouse
Around 3 km from the town and close to the jetty stands Vengurla’s lighthouse. Nestled on a tiny plateau on top of a hill, and reveals a breathtaking view. You can see the ocean stretching to the horizon, the jetty and its boats, the beautiful palm-fringed coast to the left, and a creek far away joining the ocean. To the right, there's a sharp drop to the sea along craggy cliffs. To the northwest, you can spot the Burnt Islands, which served as a crucial guide for seafarers in ancient times.
2. Dutch Factory
Vengurla boasts of an ancient Dutch factory, also known as Dutch wakhar. Once a prominent trading post, the Dutch factory is now a relic of the past. It was once forbidden for visitors to enter this factory, but now it is open to the public. This factory is one of the oldest in Vengurla, and one of the most fascinating historical attractions. It was built during the British rule, and reflects the colonial legacy. If you ever visit Vengurla, don’t miss the chance to explore this place and learn more about its history.
3. Vengurla Market
Vengurla’s small but lively market is a rainbow of exotic fruit. The juicy cashew fruits are the stars of the show, shining in all shades of yellow and rust. The seller will warn you to taste them with salt, before the sun turns them sour. You can also find pink jaam, a fruit that spins like a top with a hidden treasure inside, green betel leaves, and Alphonso mangoes, the king of fruits. Women in the fish market would tempt you with bangda, prawn and shellfish, fresh from the sea.
4. Sindhudurg Fort
Imagine a majestic fort rising from the blue sea. This is Sindhudurg Fort, one of the many forts built by the great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This fort is a must-see attraction in malvan. You can have fun with your family and friends with various activities like scuba diving, snorkelling, water sports and more on the fort.
Getting to the fort is a breeze from Malvan bus stand. You can take a bus or a rickshaw to the jetty, which is only 5 minutes away. Then, you can hop on a boat and sail to Sindhudurg Fort.
5. Sagareshwar Shiva Temple
Sagareshwar Shiva Temple, one of the ancient temples in the village, is a heavenly abode for the followers of Shiva. The temple is sculpted out of stone at a spot where the sea water kisses its feet. At the entrance of the temple, you can see Deepstambh and Nandi the bull standing vigil over the sanctum. The temple overflows with devotees and visitors during the festival of Maha Shivratri. If you ever visit Vengurla, make sure you see this beautiful temple that will touch your heart and calm your mind.
6. Vayangani and Mochemad
Vayangani and Mochemad, the first two pearls in the necklace of dazzling beaches that adorn the coast, flank Vengurla town. Vayangani is a small beach, 7 km from Vengurla, and can be reached via shady trails that curl through Vayangani Gaon, sandwiched between towering supari and casuarina trees. The route to Mochemad, 9 km from Vengurla, is past a quaint blue-and-white church that mirrors Goan Gothic architecture overlooking green meadows. With a backdrop of emerald hills enveloping the island, Mochemad feels like the crown jewel of this stretch. The azure water, sugary golden sand, a slightly salty breeze, and the gentle waves create a heavenly atmosphere.
7. Aravali
Aravali, a charming village near Vengurla, is a popular destination for its Shri Vithoba Temple and Sateri Devi Mandir. The temple is known as a Jagrut Devsthan or a divine dwelling that grants the wishes of the faithful, who flock to the temple with bananas as the main offerings for the lord.
The locals believe that the Lord Vithoba loves to receive a pair of new and large Kolhapuri chappals. They say that the lord walks on the village paths with the chappals on his feet. Visitors can also explore Aravali Beach, Medha village, Mhapan village, Pal and Palkarwadi village, which are nearby. If you visit Vengurla, don’t miss these temples to make your wishes come true.
Where to stay in Vengurla
Vengurla is a sleepy town and the places to stay are few. You can find some tented resorts and a couple of no-frill lodges near the sea. Most of them don’t take credit cards but you can easily find ATMs around. But don’t fret, we’ve curated a list of accommodations where you can crash after a long day of exploring the town.
Bamboo Machan Cottage, a snug hideaway near the ST Bus Stand, boasts four rooms that have attached baths.
Sagar Sarita Beach Resort, another jewel in Vergula Bunder that lets you indulge in the excitement of staying in tents, and also offers a restaurant and bar to spoil your taste buds.
The best option on the beach for a rustic feel is the Dolphin Bay Beach Resort, which features 10 tents with common baths. They also have well-appointed AC rooms for your ease, and they organize dolphin-spotting boat rides and other water sports as well for your enjoyment.
Where to eat
Vengurla is a heaven for seafood aficionados, with a few cozy places that you can try. Hop on to Bamboo Inn on the way to Sagareshwar Beach, just a short walk from ST Bus Stand, known for dishing out scrumptious seafood, Chinese and vegetarian food.
Gajaalee, close to the jetty, is known for its delicious fish thali, made from the fresh catch of the day. You can also discover some hidden gems like Gomantak in the market, which delight both vegetarians and seafood lovers.
Getting There
Vengurla is a quaint coastal town, nestled in the heart of Sindhudurg district in Maharashtra, dotted with sublime beaches, temples, and forts. You can get there in different ways, depending on where you’re coming from. Here’s the scoop:
By road:
You can hop on a bus or a taxi from Mumbai, Pune, Goa, or Kolhapur and hit the road to Vengurla. It’s a long drive, but the views are worth it. It’s about 535 km from Mumbai, 400 km from Pune, 110 km from Goa, and 170 km from Kolhapur. Just follow the signs and you’ll get there in no time.
By train:
The closest train stations to Vengurla are Sawantwadi and Kudal, which are about 20 km and 25 km away respectively. They’re on the Konkan Railway line, so you can catch a train from Mumbai, Pune, New Delhi, Goa, or Ahmedabad. Once you get off the train, you can take a bus or an auto-rickshaw to Vengurla. Easy peasy.
By air:
The nearest airport to Vengurla is Dabolim Airport in Goa, which is about 100 km away. It has flights from all over the country and abroad. From the airport, you can take a bus or a taxi to Vengurla. It’s a bit pricey, but it’s the fastest way to get there.
So, you know everything you need to know to visit this konkan town with gorgeous beaches. What are you waiting for? It’s time to revisit some memories with your ‘Three of Us’ gang, and undress the enchanting charm of this hidden gem. Happy Travels!
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