Plan a budget trip to Malvan, and have a blast at this beach getaway!

A hidden gem in Maharashtra, Malvan is known for the historically important Sindhudurg Fort, but there's a lot more to this gorgeous town. Plan a budget-friendly trip to Malvan recommended by Apeksha Sangam, and enjoy a blissful time in this beach paradise!!

Like exploring secret lagoons? Relaxing on pristine beaches? Swimming with a diverse population of neon coloured tropical fishes? Love action-packed adventures? If it sounds like your perfect day, then island hopping in the southernmost town of Maharashtra fits the bill, and this budget-friendly itinerary by Apeksha Sangam will make your trip to Malvan unforgettable!

Best way to reach Malvan:

Although Malvan is easily reachable by road from major cities of Maharashtra, the best and the most budget-friendly way to reach there is by railroad. Malvan does not have a railway station, but you could travel to the nearest railheads at Sawantwadi (43 km) or Kudal (30 km) and then take an auto or a bus to Malvan.

Budget accommodations: 

Malvan has many types of accommodations ranging from budget-friendly beachside homestays to luxury resorts. It can be confusing. You can find most of the accommodations on various portals like MalvanCity or Booking.com. The most cost-effective would be to book a beachfront homestay at Chivla beach. Price ranges from Rs.800 to Rs.2,500 for one night.

Pro tip: Homestays also offer food services at much lesser costs than hotels and you get to try authentic Malvani cuisine.

Places to visit in Malvan:

Sindhudurg Fort: This fort is a must-visit place in Malvan. It has the best viewpoints. Just explore and you will find many! There is a place in the fort where you can even find Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaja's palm and footprints. The sunset from this place is the best to be seen, and you are going to fall in love with its view easily!

Tsunami island: This island was formed in 2004 when tsunami waves hit the Indian Ocean. This is one of the most happening tourist places in Malvan as adventure activities like scuba diving, paragliding, Jet ski, banana boat ride, kayaking, etc can be enjoyed here. It's an adventure-packed place!

Explore Different beaches: Malvan has many beaches. The must-visit ones are Tarkarli beach, Chivla beach, Nivti beach, and Dandi beach. These beaches offer much more than picturesque views. One can also opt to do adventure activities at Tarkarli beach or Chivla beach.  (Prices are less at Chivla beach compared to Tarkarli beach or Tsunami Island)

Devbag Sangam:  Devbag Sangam is the point where the Karli river meets the Arabian sea. One can take a boat ride to witness this beautiful Sangam. 

Rock garden: The entry ticket per person is Rs.5. You can park your car for Rs.50. The garden remains open between 5 pm - 9 pm. I will suggest you be here just before sunset to witness a breathtaking sky.
What to see: 1) Sunset point 2) Musical fountain 3) Play area for children 4) Paths decorated with lights which change their colors

Things to do in Malvan:

Adventure activities: Scuba diving, parasailing, jet ski ride, snorkeling, etc.

Dolphin safari and a Boat ride: You can go for a boat ride where you can spot Dolphins. The best time to see Dolphins is before 9 am because as sun rises overhead they go deep into the sea. These boats cost you Rs. 800 per boat. They show you around 5-6 points. The boat ride is for 2 to 3 hrs including a visit to Tsunami Island.

Fish auction: Various types of fresh fishes like Surmay, Paplets , Bangdi , Frons are available here at the fish market near Sindhudurg fort. The timing of it is from 6 am to 9 am every day.

Malvan market: One can buy famous Malvani masalas and products of Mango, kokum, and cashew nuts.

Here are a few extra tips if you are planning a trip to Malvan :

• Rent a bike for Rs. 300 per day to explore 
• Avoid alcohol: Even though it is 90 km from Goa, alcohol cost is pretty much the same as Mumbai or Pune. 
• Carry extra cash for emergencies because ATMs are too distant.
• There is a lot of network issue here so before booking a stay confirm with the owner if they have wifi facility available.

• If you are planning to do adventure activities, then book a whole package as it is much reasonable.
• You can also visit few cashew nut factories where you can buy them at a cheaper price than in markets.

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All in all this hidden gem of Maharashtra, its people, the food, and the culture will leave an imprint on you even after you get back. So, why wait, pack your bags, and plan a budget trip to Malvan!

This article is written by Apeksha Sangam. Follow her on Instagram for more such travel itineraries, and fun content here!

Also Read: Planning for a trip? Then check these luxurious vacation properties near Mumbai for a fabulous stay!

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