Tarkarli and Sindhudurg

Tarkarli near Malvan has water clear enough for snorkelling and scuba, unusual on this coast, with a sandbar where the Karli river meets the sea and a stretch of white sand backed by coconut. Offshore stands Sindhudurg, a fort Shivaji built between 1664 and 1667 on a rocky island, its walls laid on a foundation of molten lead poured into the rock, with a hidden entrance so placed that the gate is invisible from the sea. Inside are a temple to Shivaji, one of very few, and impressions in dried lime said to be his hand and footprint. Malvan cooking, heavy on coconut and kokum, is the region's other draw.

What you actually see

• Sindhudurg fort - a sea fort with a concealed entrance and lead foundations.
• The handprint - impressions in lime attributed to Shivaji.
• The clear water - snorkelling and diving off Tarkarli.
• Malvani food - coconut, kokum and seafood cooking.

When to go

November to May; the monsoon closes water sports entirely and boats to the fort stop. Water clarity is best from December to March. Summer holidays bring domestic crowds.

Honest expectations

Water sport operators vary widely in safety standards and equipment; several drownings have occurred. Fort boats are suspended in rough seas. Accommodation is mostly homestays of variable quality.

Nearby

Malvan lies north; Goa is south.