May 6, 2014

My TripAdvisor Review No.31: Rock Garden, Malvan.

“Good place to view Sunset in Malvan”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2014 NEW
The garden is beautifully landscaped and is like a rocky extension of the Chivla Beach. One can go here for a morning walk or an evening view of the sunset, while in Malvan.

I visited this garden in the rainy season, and the huge waves crashing on the rocks and surf spraying around made for an awesome spectacle.

There is a play area for kids, as well as a toy train which goes around the garden offering rides.
Visited August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.30: Tarkarli Beach, Malvan

“Beautiful Scenic Beach”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2014 NEW
Tarkarli Beach is definitely one of the best beaches in Maharashtra. It is very close to Malvan Town. The Sindhudurg Fort is clearly visible in the distance in the middle of the Arabian Sea. There is a beautiful resort run by the MTDC, where one can drop in to have a Malvani meal with fish curry. They have stay options too.

We walked further down the beach to reach the end of the beach at Devbagh, also known as Devbagh Sangam. This is like a small cape or 'Land's End' with the Karli river on one side and the vast Arabian Sea on the other. One can sit here on an upturned boat or the sand and just gaze at the spectacular scenery for hours on end. Then one can walk through a typical coastal village where all the local fishermen live.

A number of resorts are located at Tarkarli beach, offering stay options very close to the beach.
Visited August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.29: Patkar's Heritage Home Stay, Malvan

“A Good Home Stay in Town”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed yesterday NEW
We found out about this place from TripAdvisor, and called Mr.Rane and informed him of our arrival the next day. His voice was friendly and welcoming. However at that time he was offering only bed and breakfast, and we would have to make our own arrangements for lunch and dinner, which suited us fine. Malvan is famous for it's coastal cuisines and there are a lot of restaurants in the town.

When we arrived next evening, it was raining heavily, and we found the entrance to the bungalow down a narrow lane which was almost covered with drooping coconut leaves. We just managed to squeeze our car through this lane. We were welcomed in by Mr.Rane, and Mrs.Rane made us a refreshing cup of hot tea and made us feel at home. After resting a while we went for evening aarti to the Jay Ganesh temple nearby. We had our dinner at 'Arun Bhojanalaya', just around the corner.

We enjoyed the Rane's hospitality for 3 nights. The breakfasts prepared by Mrs.Rane were delicious. On the first morning she made a yummy potato poha topped with grated coconut. The next day we had 'amboli' which were like thick dosas served with a coconut chutney, and a tasty semolina 'upma' on the last day. We wish we could have tasted her home cooked main meals too, but that was not to be.

The room had 3 beds and an attached toilet, with heritage furniture, but no air-conditioning. It is a simple home with no frills, and we enjoyed chatting with them in their drawing room. Mr.Rane was very helpful and guided us about the routes to Vijaydurg, Redi Ganpati and Vengurla.

We hope that the next time we visit, we can enjoy Mrs.Rane's home cooked lunch and dinner too.
  • Stayed August 2013, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

May 5, 2014

My TripAdvisor Review No.28: Club Mahindra Varca Beach, Goa.

“A Jewel in the Club Mahindra Crown”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed yesterday NEW
Club Mahindra Varca Beach is located in South Goa about 11 km from Madgaon and about 42 km south of Panjim. I have holidayed at this Resort four times in as many years, the last visit being in July 2013, and have enjoyed each stay here, even in the rainy season. It is truly a Jewel in the Club Mahindra Gold Crown. RCI has awarded the ‘Gold Crown’ to this resort for more than 10 years in a row.

The resort has a number of Goan style cottages laid out around two large swimming pools and beautifully landscaped gardens. The rooms are all centrally air-conditioned, and the Studio and 1 and 2 bedroom apartments have a dry kitchenette, with a microwave oven, toaster, and kettle.

There are two restaurants and you have a choice of a la carte or buffet meals, and a Dune Shack on the beach which is open from October to April.

The back gate of the resort opens directly on to the beach, and one can go for a long walk on an uncrowded beach or for a swim in the sea. Water sports are made available between October and May. Bicycles are also available on hire at the resort.

There are a lot of indoor games and activities available, including Gym and Spa, and one does not get bored even if the weather plays spoil-sport! In other words one can enjoy at this resort all year round.

The only drawback to this resort is that sight-seeing and eating out becomes expensive if you don’t have your own transport. There is a taxi union attached to the resort which does not allow you to make your own hiring arrangements from outside.
  • Stayed July 2013, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC