Harnai Beach - Maharashtra
Dapoli is a pleasant town situated at a height of about 800 feet above sea level in Ratnagiri district, Konkan on the west coast of Maharashtra, India. It is blessed with abundant natural beauty and enjoys a cool climate throughout the year. Surrounded by hills and forests with a long coastline, this place is a home for a variety of migratory birds and animals. There are plenty of cashew nut, jackfruit, coconut and betel nut plantations.
Situated 15 km from Dapoli, Harnai beach provides a quite and a peaceful retreat. It is an isolated stretch that is lined with a fort on its northern end. With natural harbor, clear waters, beautiful seascape and rocky coasts, it promises to be a place for leisurely holidays. People love to spend their relaxing vacations here by exploring the deserted beaches and feasting on delicious sea food.
Harnai port is the main fishing village. Every evening hundreds of fishing boats come back after fishing and gather to auction their catch. Loads and loads of Pomfret, kingfish, mackerel, white jumbo prawns, lobsters, squids, sting rays and many more varieties of fish are auctioned and sent to Mumbai, Koch (Cochin) as well as exported to the international market. You can also participate into the fish auction and bid for fish of your choice. It is an unforgettable experience for all seafood lovers. Watching fish auctions has become one of the major tourist attractions at Harnai.
From temples to beaches and ancient forts, Harnai has it all. It houses four forts viz. Suvarnadurg, Kanakdurg, Goa Fort and Fategad. Suvarnadurg is a shore fort and surrounded by sea on all sides. It was conquered and refurbished by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660. It was also a base for the Maratha navy ship-building facility. Kanakdurg Fort is a sub fort of Suvarnadurg and was constructed by Shahu Maharaj in 1710. There are steps to reach to the top of the fort and the fishermen colony situated on Fategad can be seen from here. On one of the highest points on the fort, there is an old lighthouse from where one can get a fabulous view of fishing boats, fish auctions, Suvarnadurg fort and beautiful sunset. |
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