Latest news with #Konkan
Deccan Herald
4 days ago
- Deccan Herald
Monsoon magic in Sindhudurg
From ancient sea forts and misty forests, to heritage villages and coastal cuisine, Sindhudurg offers a peek into Maharashtra's untamed Konkan charm, writes Shweta Dravid.
The Print
13-08-2025
- Politics
- The Print
Not good, says Deputy CM Pawar amid row over Maharashtra civic bodies banning meat sale on 15 August
Speaking to the media, Pawar said Tuesday: 'I saw this news on television. When it is a matter of devotion and faith, such bans are enforced. Be it Ashadhi Ekadashi or Mahavir Jayanti, selling of meat is prohibited. But in Konkan (cuisine), in every vegetable, meat, fish is used. So, such bans are not good.' The decision, first taken by Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) and followed by civic bodies such as Malegaon, Nagpur and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, has drawn criticism not just from the opposition but surprised Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar too. Mumbai: A political uproar has broken out in Maharashtra following orders of a few municipal corporations for closure of slaughterhouses and meat shops in their jurisdiction on Independence Day Friday. 'If it is an emotional issue, I can understand. But banning meat on 15th of August in Maharashtra is not appropriate. I will take more information on this,' he added It was on Sunday that KDMC commissioner Abhinav Goel issued a notice stating that all slaughterhouses and shops of licensed butchers of goat, sheep, chicken and large animals must remain closed for 24 hours from midnight of 14 August till midnight of 15 August. The civic body warned of action under the Maharashtra Municipal Corporations Act, 1949, if any animal was slaughtered or meat sold in the specified period. The commissioner stated that the decision was taken in view of the long-standing resolution to make sure public order is maintained and observed on national occasions. Following the uproar against the order, KDMC officials told the media that the civic body had been issuing the order for the last 15 years and while slaughter houses were shut, there was no ban on eating meat on Independence Day as such. Lashing out against the order, NCP (SP) MLA Jitendra Awhad said: 'This is too much. Who are you to decide what people will eat and when? What are they trying to prove? How much hatred will they spread? The government first tried to have division over caste and creed. Now, they want to divide society based on veg and non-veg.' He added that he had vowed to have meat on the day. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray too slammed the decision. Speaking to the media, he demanded resignation of the KDMC commissioner. 'Whether it is vegetarian or non-vegetarian food is not the issue here. On Independence Day, we have the independence to eat whatever we want. We will eat meat that day. And in our household, we will have meat as well. In fact, in our household during Navratri, we offer non-veg to our goddess as prasad,' he said. (Edited by Nida Fatima Siddiqui) Also Read: Indian laws are letting animals down every day. It's a legal, moral, ethical issue
India.com
07-08-2025
- India.com
5 Secret Motorcycle Routes From Goa That Feel Like A Bollywood Movie
Not Just Baga and Palolem – Let Your Wheels Roar Beyond the Beaches There's a Goa beyond beach shacks and sunburnt crowds.A Goa where roads curl like smoke through jungles, where rivers don't just flow – they whisper. Where silence rides pillion and freedom tastes like red dust, salt, and sweat. And the best way to discover this Goa?Not with sunscreen and a cocktail. But with a helmet, a full tank, and a road that disappears into the unknown. So park that beer your weekend ride into wildness, soul-first. What Makes Goa's Weekend Rides So Special? It's not just the routes. It's the rhythm. Unlike the choked highways of bigger metros or the flat monotony of long plains, Goa offers ever-changing terrain: one minute you're cruising past coconut groves, the next you're hugging cliffs that drop into the Arabian Sea. Every bend has a story, every village a scent. It's where Portuguese ruins meet Konkan spice plantations spill secrets to passing motorbikes aren't just transport — they're time machines. This isn't just a trip. It's an untamed poem on two wheels. 1. Goa to Chorla Ghat – A Ride into Emerald Silence Distance: ~60 km | Route: Goa – Sanquelim – Chorla Ghat This is not a road. It's a meditation. As soon as you leave the bustle of Panjim and Mapusa behind, the road begins to wind. Slowly. Then suddenly. Till the trees thicken, and time slows. Chorla Ghat is a part of the Western Ghats, but unlike touristy Amboli, it remains whisper-quiet. Why ride here? Hairpin bends carved through forest canopies. Valleys where the fog sleeps even in summer. A stop at Sahydari Spice Farm for hot lunch and local stories. No loud dhabas. No hoardings. Just green, and the low hum of your ride teaches you to listen. 2. Goa to Gokarna – Because Beaches Should Come with Cliffs Distance: ~145 km | Route: Goa – Karwar – Ankola – Gokarna If Goa is your playground, Gokarna is the secret garden behind it. Start early. Let the morning sun follow you down NH-66, and before long, the road opens to Karwar's glassy coastline. Stop here for fresh seafood and peace before heading further south. Then comes the roads. Coconut-dotted trails. Beaches that feel like they've been waiting just for you. Pit Stops: Om Beach for its iconic shape and serenity. Kudle Beach for sunset chai by the rocks. Mirjan Fort – crumbling, moss-covered, and perfect for moody portraits. This isn't a destination. It's a slowdown. 3. Goa to Amboli – Where Mountains Greet the Sky Distance: ~100 km | Route: Goa – Banda – Sawantwadi – Amboli This ride isn't wild. It's cinematic. Take the road less taken from North Goa and glide through Sawantwadi's sleepy charm. The climb to Amboli is where your gears start dancing. Sharp turns. Valley views. And air that smells like eucalyptus and freedom. What's special? Hiranyakeshi Temple, hidden inside a cave beside a river source. Old British-era viewpoints with mist rolling below. Local vada-pav stalls that taste like nostalgia. Amboli isn't just high in altitude — it lifts your spirit too. 4. Goa to Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary – The Jungle Beckons Distance: ~80 km | Route: Goa – Margao – Sanguem – Netravali Ready to trade sea breeze for bird calls? Head inland from South Goa, past Sanguem's sleepy towns, into the heart of Netravali – a sanctuary that hums with life. The roads are narrower, yes. But every curve takes you deeper into green. Don't miss: The Bubbling Lake (Budbud Tali), where the water never stays still. Butterfly sightings, hornbill calls, and untouched trails. Homestay experiences where life moves with the sun. This ride isn't for speed. It's for softness. 5. Goa to Dandeli – Adventure Meets Forest Majesty Distance: ~140 km | Route: Goa – Mollem – Anmod – Dandeli For those who want their rides wild and a little reckless. Past Mollem, the road gets rugged, the terrain shifts. The Anmod Ghat stretch is known to test both rider and bike — steep climbs, narrow paths, and sweeping forest views. And then: Dandeli – Karnataka's adventure capital. Things to do post-ride: River rafting in Kali River's fierce currents. Kayaking through forested waters. Staying in treehouse lodges under star-drenched skies. This isn't just a getaway. It's your pulse, recharged. But Isn't Riding in Goa Just About Rentals and Beach Bars? Absolutely not. The real joy of motorcycle travel in Goa lies outside tourist zones. It's in watching locals wave as you pass their fields. In sipping black jaggery tea at roadside stalls. In not knowing where the next turn leads — and loving it. Here's what these rides give you that a taxi never will: Freedom: No fixed stops. Pause where your heart tells you. Connection: With nature, with people, with yourself. Joy: That quiet, unfiltered kind that comes when your head is clear and the horizon is wide. Ride Ready? A Few Practical Tips Gear Up, AlwaysGoa may be chill, but your ride shouldn't be. Helmet, gloves, ankle-covering shoes — non-negotiable. Fuel Up Before the ForestRemote routes = fewer pumps. Start full. Carry spare if needed. Offline Maps Save LivesSignal drops. Let Google Maps breathe. Download routes before you leave. Start Early, End SlowSunsets are beautiful, but riding post-dusk in forest areas? Risky. Time your return. Respect the SilenceNature isn't a DJ. Let your engine do the talking, and turn off the speakers. Why This Matters Every time you choose a lesser-known road: You uplift local chai stalls and small guesthouses. You reduce over-tourism in crowded beach belts. You protect these routes by giving them value – just by riding through. Your bike isn't just leaving leaving respect. Final Thought Don't just visit Goa—ride through it and feel the freedom of the open road. Let the wind, the curves, and the quiet moments between nature speak to your soul. This journey isn't about likes or views—it's about finding yourself in the ride. Just for the love of it. Just for you.
United News of India
16-07-2025
- Politics
- United News of India
Raju Shetty vows to fight against Shaktipeeth highway
Kolhapur / Sindhudurg, Jul 16 (UNI) MP and president of Anti-Shaktipeeth Highway Action Committee, Raju Shetty, today termed the proposed Shaktipeeth Highway being built by the Maharashtra government as a "Swarthpeeth" (selfish pursuit), which will plunge the state into a debt trap, and vowed to continue his fight till this highway is cancelled. Talking to reporters at Sawantwadi in Sindhudurg district after visiting Sri Patradevi Goa area, he said, "Proposed Shaktipeeth Highway being built by the Maharashtra goverment, is a 'Swarthpeeth' (selfish pursuit), which will plunge the state into a debt trap, and I will fight till the last drop of my blood to get this highway cancelled." Shetty emphasised that his agitation for cancellation of proposed Shaktipeeth was not political but was for protecting the rights of the people of the land and to save the fragile environment. He said that the estimated expenditure of this proposed Shaktipeeth highway is Rs 86,000 crore but considering working style of the state government, the proposed expenditure will raise up to Rs 1.50 lakh crore, which will not be affordable for the government but mount the burden of loan on the state, he reasoned. He made an emotional appeal to the people of Sindhudurg district to extend support for cancellation of the proposed Shaktipeeth highway. Asked about statement of Konkan MLA Deepak Kesarkar who had said that the proposed Shaktipeeth highway will not pass through the Sindhudurg district, Shetty replied that the government has not changed its plan. UNI SSS SS
Time Business News
24-06-2025
- Time Business News
Best Beaches in Maharashtra: Coastal Escapes You Can't Miss
Maharashtra's coastline stretches over 700 km along the Arabian Sea, offering a treasure trove of sun-kissed beaches, cultural retreats, and offbeat seaside getaways. Whether you're seeking peace, water adventures, or beach parties, the best beaches in Maharashtra cater to every traveler's desire. From the golden sands of Ganpatipule Beach to the clear waters of Tarkarli Beach, the lively buzz of Juhu Beach to the tranquil shores of Velneshwar—each destination has its own charm. You can read Best Hill Stations in Maharashtra Beaches like Alibag Beach and Kashid Beach make for perfect weekend getaways from Mumbai and Pune, while hidden gems like Vengurla-Malvan Beach, Bhatye, and Guhaghar offer untouched beauty and authentic Konkan experiences. Rich in heritage, blessed with natural beauty, and dotted with temples, forts, and coconut groves, these coastal escapes promise unforgettable moments. In this blog, explore the best beaches in Maharashtra with complete information—how to reach, best time to visit, must-see attractions, fun activities, and handy travel tips. Whether you're a solo backpacker, couple, or family, it's time to dip your toes in Maharashtra's finest coastal gems. Overview: A pristine beach blessed with a famous Ganesh temple, Ganpatipule is ideal for both spiritual seekers and beach lovers. Nearest station: Ratnagiri (30 km) Road: 340 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: November to March Ganpatipule Temple Prachin Konkan Museum Malgund Beach Swimming Devotional visits Watching sunsets Book early during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi Avoid weekends for a peaceful experience Famous Weekend Getaway From Mumbai Overview: A long, uncrowded beach lined with chikoo orchards, perfect for relaxed, offbeat trips. Nearest station: Dahanu Road Road: 140 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: October to March Bordi Beach Asavli Dam Dahanu Fort Beach strolls Orchard walks Local Warli art tours Try fresh chikoo during harvest season Great for eco-stays and rural tourism Overview: One of the most iconic and lively beaches in Mumbai, Juhu is perfect for evening outings, street food, and celeb spotting. Easy access from anywhere in Mumbai via road and suburban rail Best Time to Visit: October to February ISKCON Temple Prithvi Theatre Versova Beach (nearby) Try Mumbai street food Evening walks Beach sports Keep an eye on personal belongings Visit during weekdays to avoid heavy crowds Best Weekend Getaways From Delhi – One Day Trip Overview: A scuba diving paradise, Tarkarli is one of the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in Maharashtra. Nearest station: Kudal (35 km) Road: 550 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: October to March Sindhudurg Fort Devbagh Beach Tsunami Island Scuba diving Snorkeling Dolphin watching Stay in beachside homestays for best experience Book water sports in advance Overview: Kashid is a quiet, white-sand beach nestled between Alibag and Murud, perfect for picnics and water sports. Road: 30 km from Alibag, 125 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: October to February Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Murud-Janjira Fort Revdanda Beach Banana boat rides Camping Photography Weekdays are more peaceful Avoid monsoon due to high tides Best Tourist Places In Maharashtra To Visit In Summer Overview: Popular for its proximity to Mumbai and ferry access, Alibag offers a mix of beach fun, historic forts, and local cuisine. By ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa + local transport Road: 100 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: November to February Alibag Fort Kihim Beach Varsoli Beach Water sports Fort exploration Local seafood tasting Try cycling from Mandwa to Alibag Book ferry tickets online in peak season Best 20 Places To Visit in Pune Overview: A holy beach town often called the 'Kashi of the South,' surrounded by hills and temples. Nearest town: Shrivardhan (18 km) Road: 200 km from Pune Best Time to Visit: October to February Harihareshwar Temple Diveagar Beach Kalbhairav Temple Temple visits Sea walks Photography Early mornings are peaceful for temple darshan Combine with Diveagar and Shrivardhan for a beach circuit Overview: A clean, serene beach perfect for a spiritual and nature-filled retreat. Nearest town: Guhagar (20 km) Road: 300 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: October to March Velneshwar Shiva Temple Hedvi Ganesh Temple Guhagar Beach Meditation Local seafood Swimming Carry cash; limited ATMs No water sports, ideal for peace seekers Overview: Famous for their clean waters, coral reefs, and cultural festivals, these beaches are a hidden gem of Konkan. Nearest station: Sawantwadi (20 km) Road: 540 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: October to February Sagareshwar Beach Vengurla Jetty Sindhudurg Fort (Malvan) Snorkeling Dolphin tours Seafood feasts Hire local guides for underwater sports Ideal for peaceful vacations Overview: A lesser-known beach with a vast coastline, perfect for long walks and quiet time. Nearest town: Chiplun (45 km) Road: 280 km from Mumbai Best Time to Visit: November to February Vyadeshwar Temple Anjanvel Lighthouse Hedvi Ganesh Temple Sunset walks Village exploration Nature photography Carry food and water on the beach Not many resorts—opt for local homestays Overview: A beautiful long beach near Ratnagiri, ideal for photography, family time, and gentle swims. Best Time to Visit: November to March Mandavi Beach Ratnadurg Fort Thibaw Palace Parasailing Sand sports Exploring Ratnagiri town Combine with Ganpatipule trip Visit early morning for best photos Maharashtra's coastline is filled with diverse beach destinations—from lively shores to quiet getaways. Whether you're after water sports, temple visits, photography, or peaceful sunbathing, the best beaches in Maharashtra offer something for everyone. Plan your journey, respect the coast, and soak in the stunning Konkan charm. Q1: Which is the cleanest beach in Maharashtra? A: Tarkarli and Ganpatipule are among the cleanest beaches. Q2: Which beach is closest to Mumbai? A: Juhu and Alibag are the most accessible from Mumbai. Q3: Which beaches are best for water sports? A: Tarkarli, Alibag, and Kashid offer various water sports. Q4: When is the best time to visit beaches in Maharashtra? A: October to March offers the best beach weather. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
