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Tarkarli Beach

Beach · Malvan, Sindhudurg

A long, clean beach south of Malvan where the Karli river meets the Arabian Sea, known for clear water, water sports and Malvani food.

Tarkarli is one of the best-known beaches of Sindhudurg. The sand runs for several kilometres south of Malvan town, lined with casuarina and coconut trees, and on calm days the water near the shore is clear enough to see the sea bed. The Karli river reaches the sea at the southern end, near Devbag, so the beach sits between the sea on one side and quiet backwaters on the other.

Most visitors come for the sea. Boat rides, snorkelling and scuba diving start from Tarkarli and Malvan, and the rocky reefs around Sindhudurg Fort are the usual places for underwater trips. The backwater side is calmer and is used for boating and kayaking. Activities depend on the season and the sea, so ask the local operators what is running on the day you visit.

Tarkarli is also a place to eat. Small hotels and homestays serve Malvani food: fish thali, sol kadhi, kombdi vade and fresh catch from the morning boats. Many stays are run by local families in the village behind the beach.

The beach is best in the morning and around sunset. Swim only where local people say it is safe, and keep away from the river mouth, where currents can be strong.

Best time to visit

October to May. Sea activities usually stop during the monsoon (June to September).

How to reach

Nearest railway stations: Kudal and Sindhudurg (Oros) on the Konkan Railway. From Malvan town it is a short drive south along the coast road.

Places nearby

Facts: Wikidata (CC0) and OpenStreetMap; map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.