If you’re looking for a change of scenery from Goa without having to drive too far, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra‘s Konkan region makes for a lovely road trip. Located just across the Goa–Maharashtra border, it’s close enough for a weekend getaway but quite a bit to discover if you want to spend a few more days exploring. If not, there’s nature to cocoon yourself in, beaches to laze on, forests to stay in and relish the silence – basically peace!
For me, travelling from Saligao in North Goa, it takes approximately two hours to reach the southern parts of Sindhudurg, depending on where I’m headed, factoring in the traffic. The drive itself is part of the appeal, with stretches of highway, coastal roads, green countryside, little villages, and the kind of scenery that makes you want to take a few detours along the way.
Sindhudurg has a lot going for it, particularly if you enjoy quieter beaches, coastal villages, fresh seafood, historic forts and being surrounded by nature. You can spend your time exploring the beaches of Tarkarli, Malvan and Vengurla, take a boat out to the historic Sindhudurg Fort, discover the backwaters around Devbag, or head inland towards Amboli for waterfalls and lush landscapes. There’s also Sawantwadi, known for its traditional wooden toys and royal heritage, and Devgad, famous for its Alphonso mangoes.
Choosing Where to Stay in Sindhudurg
One thing worth knowing before planning your trip is that Sindhudurg isn’t a single town or a compact beach destination. It’s a fairly large district, spread across approximately 5,207 sq. km, with eight talukas and a coastline stretching for around 121 km. Places like Bhogwe, Malvan, Vengurla, Devgad, Kudal and Sawantwadi are all part of Sindhudurg, but they’re quite different from one another. Where you choose to stay will therefore depend on which part of the district you want to explore and the kind of holiday you’re after.
I’ve visited Sindhudurg on a few trips and stayed at properties in several locations. Most have given me an opportunity to explore different parts of the district, and I’ll be adding more properties to this guide as I discover them.
If you’re planning a trip to this part of the Konkan coast, here’s a look at the places I’ve stayed in Sindhudurg, along with what you can expect from each location.
Staying in Bhogwe
Bhogwe is a quieter coastal village in Sindhudurg, and a good option if you’re looking to get away from the busier tourist stretches. The landscape here is particularly lovely, with coconut palms, mango plantations, fishing villages and long stretches of relatively untouched coastline. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, spend time by the beach and enjoy a little more privacy.
One of the things that makes Bhogwe special is its location near the Karli River estuary, with beautiful views of the surrounding coastline and the Arabian Sea. It’s a lovely part of Sindhudurg for anyone who prefers a peaceful beach holiday over a packed sightseeing itinerary.
Where I stayed in Bhogwe: AryaVarta Resort
If you’re looking for a quiet beachside stay in Bhogwe, Aryavarta Beach Resort is worth considering. We went here to celebrate a friend’s birthday in April and paid approximately ₹4,000 per room per night when we visited, and I thought it was a lovely little find for anyone who enjoys simple, rustic properties surrounded by nature.
Getting to the resort is a little different. You park your car and walk for a minute or two through a plantation to reach the property. The approach is slightly off the beaten path, but I suppose that’s also what makes this stretch of beach feel so secluded. You don’t stumble upon a place like this without venturing a little away from the main road.
The property is surrounded by greenery, with beautiful coconut trees, mango plantations, and plenty of open space. There’s a little cove-like access leading down to the beach, and the stretch of sand feels almost like your own private beach. It’s particularly lovely in the mornings and around sunset, when you can head out for a walk along the shore without the usual beach crowds.
The resort has simple, spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the garden, with glimpses of the sea beyond. The rooms were clean, the air-conditioning worked well, and overall, they were comfortable enough for a relaxed stay. The bathrooms, however, are quite tiny and basic. They’re clean and perfectly fine for a shower, but don’t expect elaborate bathrooms or fancy hotel-style fittings. This is a fairly rustic property, and I think it’s best enjoyed with the right expectations.
There’s a restaurant on the property serving local food, including Malvani-style thalis, fish preparations and mutton dishes. Having the option to eat at the resort is convenient, particularly given that you’re staying away from the busier parts of town.
What I particularly liked were the little touches around the beach area. There are sunbeds, hammocks and tables placed by the sand, so you can spend a good part of the day outdoors without having to keep heading back to your room. It’s a lovely setting to read, nap, watch the sea or simply do very little. I’d highly recommend Aryavarta for families, couples or anyone looking for a peaceful beach holiday. If you’re someone who enjoys nightlife, parties or lots of activity around your accommodation, this probably isn’t the place for you. It’s more about waking up to greenery, taking a stroll by the sea and enjoying the quiet.
The location can be a little challenging to access, but that’s also part of its charm. I genuinely hope the owners retain the property’s simple character and resist the temptation to overbuild. The open spaces, plantations, and relatively untouched beach are what make this place special, and it would be a shame to lose that.
Staying in Malvan
Malvan is one of the best-known coastal destinations in Sindhudurg, and for good reason. It’s a lovely mix of beaches, history, water-based activities, and Malvani food. The town is particularly famous for Sindhudurg Fort, the 17th-century sea fort built by Shivaji, which you can visit by boat. There’s also Tarkarli Beach, known for its long stretch of sand and water sports, Devbag, where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea, and Tsunami Island, which is popular for boat rides and adventure activities.
Food is another big reason to visit Malvan. This part of the Konkan coast is known for its Malvani cuisine, particularly seafood preparations, fish thalis, kombdi vade and spicy curries. You can spend your days exploring the coastline, going snorkelling or scuba diving, visiting the local markets or simply finding a quiet stretch of beach to unwind.
Malvan makes a good base if you want a holiday that combines sightseeing, beach time, local food and a little adventure. There are plenty of accommodation options in and around the area, ranging from extremely basic and grungy homestays to beachside resorts.
Where I stayed in Malvan: River Coast Resort
River Coast Resort is located at Devbag Sangam, where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea, and is quite a lovely property if you’re looking for a comfortable stay surrounded by nature. When standing at River Coast Resort, you will see AryaVarta Resort on the opposite bank directly in front of you. While getting to AryaVarta takes 2 hours, getting to River Coast Resort from North Goa takes over 3 hours. 
River Coast Resort has a collection of individual cottages and rooms spread across a large property, with plenty of open spaces, landscaped areas and outdoor seating. It’s also pet-friendly, which is a definite plus if you’re travelling with your furry companions.
One of the more distinctive accommodation options here is the A-frame cottage, called AURA. These 2 wooden cottages have a rather charming architectural style, with river-facing views, private sit-outs and spacious interiors. The resort has several other room categories too, including luxury cottages, deluxe wooden cottages, semi-luxury cottages and Pearl Cottages. So there’s a fair bit of choice depending on the kind of stay you’re looking for and your budget. Some of the higher-category rooms come with particularly lovely river views, and the A-frame cottages have additional features such as a private jacuzzi.
The rooms are plush, spacious, and well maintained, with comfortable furnishings and thoughtful details. The overall property is also kept in good condition, and I particularly liked how much outdoor space there was. There are several little corners to sit and unwind, whether you want to enjoy the river views, spend time outdoors or simply find a quiet spot with a book. There’s even a rather unexpected Merlion statue on the property – the iconic Singapore mascot- which makes for an interesting little landmark!
Service was another highlight during our stay. The staff was warm and attentive, and I liked that there was some flexibility around how you wanted your meals served. For dinner, you could choose to eat at the restaurant or have it set up outside your cottage in one of the open seating areas. We really enjoyed this option, as it meant we could have a relaxed dinner outdoors without necessarily having to sit at the restaurant every evening.
And the food deserves a special mention. The resort has an on-site restaurant serving a range of dishes, including local Malvani cuisine, and we had some excellent meals here. It’s always a bonus when the food at your accommodation is good enough that you don’t feel the need to head out looking for restaurants every time you’re hungry. The prawn thali comes with 8 prawns – that’s unheard of in Goa! And every seafood dish we had was fabulous.
Breakfast, however, was a bit of a letdown for me. The spread was extremely basic, and I felt there was a need for improvement, particularly when it came to the tea and coffee. The rooms have pre-mix sachets, which is a pity if you like to make your brew a certain way, while the tea and coffee served at the restaurant were far too milky for my liking, even after informing them to hold the milk. It might seem like a small thing, but if you’re someone who needs a proper cup of tea or coffee to get the day started, it’s worth mentioning!
Another experience I’d recommend at River Coast is taking one of the boat rides that leave directly from the property. They organise trips in the mornings and evenings, and we opted for an evening ride. We headed out around golden hour, when the light over the river was particularly beautiful, and stopped at a sandbank for a little while. It was a lovely way to spend the evening and one of the highlights of our stay. I’d definitely recommend asking about the boat rides when you check in, as it’s a nice experience to add to your itinerary.
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One thing to know, though, is that while the resort is right by the river, you can’t simply walk out of the property and jump into the sea or head straight to a beach for a swim. The nearest beach is around a five-minute drive away. We went there for an evening swim, but quickly got out of the water when we noticed hundreds of jellyfish swimming around, even in the shallow water. I’d suggest checking local conditions before heading into the water.
River Coast Resort in Malvan is particularly suited to families, couples and pet parents looking for a relaxed getaway with comfortable accommodation and things to do without having to venture too far. As for the cost, River Coast has multiple room categories, so prices vary considerably depending on the cottage you choose, the season and occupancy. The A-frame cottages and premium river-facing options are at the higher end, while there are other room categories to consider if you’re working with a more modest budget. I’d recommend checking directly with the resort for current rates and inclusions before booking.
More spots to stay at in Sindhudurg
There are plenty more corners of Sindhudurg I’d like to explore, and I’ll keep adding to this guide as I discover new stays across the district. So if you’re planning a trip to the Konkan coast, bookmark this page. Hopefully, it’ll give you a few ideas on where to stay in Sindhudurg for your next getaway!
Until then, if you’re looking for other getaways from Goa, check out my blogs on Coorg, Hampi and Ratnagiri
