Konkan Connect › Places to visit
Karli River Backwaters, Tarkarli
Activity · Malvan, Sindhudurg
The calm backwaters of the Karli river behind Tarkarli and Devbag, used for boat rides, kayaking and houseboat stays.
Behind the Tarkarli and Devbag beaches runs the Karli river on its last stretch to the sea. The water here is calm, edged by mangroves, coconut groves and small villages, and it feels very different from the open beach a few hundred metres away.
Local operators run boat rides along the backwaters, often towards the river mouth and the sandbar called Tsunami Island. Some offer kayaks for paddling in the calmer parts, and a few houseboats let you stay on the water overnight.
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times, when the light is soft and birds such as kingfishers and egrets feed along the banks. If you are new to kayaking, go with a guide and stay close to the shore.
Boating stops in the monsoon when the river is in flood. Always wear a life jacket and choose registered operators.
Best time to visit
October to May, early morning or late afternoon.
How to reach
From the Tarkarli and Devbag jetties. Nearest railway station: Kudal.
Places nearby
Facts: Wikidata (CC0) and OpenStreetMap; map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.