As the rest of the country chooses Goa as a holiday destination, where do Goans go? Although Goa’s quieter villages, other hill stations, and cooler regions continue to remain popular choices, the neighbouring Konkan coast has also emerged as a sought-after weekend getaway for many, including Goans. The region, bordered by the Arabian Sea on one side and the Western Ghats on the other, stretches from Daman in the north to Karwar in the south.
While tourists continue to throng to Goa for its beaches, flea markets, and vibrant charm, many Goans are now exploring beyond their own coast. Water activities like diving, boating along the coast, temples such as Ganpatipule, Vetoba, and Dhamapur, forts like Malvan, Devgadh, lighthouses, festivals, sky watching camps, are among the many experiences Konkan provides.
Additionally, media, movies like Munjya, and social media have played their part. With content creators taking to reels and portraying a slow-paced, calm life from the villages of Vengurla, Ratnagiri, Amboli, Malvan, etc., it has led to people wanting to experience it firsthand.
After a hectic week of exams and tests, Aditya Madkaikar, videographer and editor, found a perfect weekend escape in Pandur, Malvan. “We took a road trip to Malvan to relax. We were supposed to go to Malvan beach, but our host suggested Kondura instead, so we went there. The drive was completely worth it!”
The charm, kindness, and compassion that the people of Konkan provide have also been respected. Shrunkhala Bhate from Bicholim recalls how she was met with so much love and warmth from the locals during a recent trip to her kuldevi at Rajapur. “People over there are very kind, in Konkani we say they are warm and affectionate. They are good at heart and very much connected to their soil.”
For some, the Konkan is a tourist destination, while for others it offers a welcome escape from the monotony of everyday life. “Whenever I go through difficult phases in life, simply being there has helped me clear my mind,” shares Ketki Mulik, a legal executive who has visited the Konkan numerous times.
Alongside the scenery that feels close to home, the region’s seafood cuisine draws many travellers. With several villages along the coastline depending on fishing, the seafood served is often fresh from the waters of the Konkan coast itself. “Apart from the peaceful environment and greenery, the fresh and delicious seafood was a major attraction for me,” mentions Simran Virnodkar, who recently visited Nivti Beach.
The shoreline never ceases to mesmerise. However, while some travellers are drawn to the Konkan’s rich biodiversity, others are captivated by its heritage and spirituality. “It was a slow journey without much crowd in the train. I traveled there mostly because I wanted to see the original small temples of Konkan,” says Anant Dessai from Cuncolim, highlighting easy accessibility to places by train.
Yet, every traveller seems to find a different reason to return to the Konkan coast. For Veda Manerikar, the attraction was entirely different. “I wanted to witness the Olive Ridley Turtle Festival at Velas Beach,” she shares.
Despite having different itineraries and travel experiences in mind, many agreed that accessibility and affordability played a major role in their choice. With water sports and adventure activities available at comparatively lower prices, the Konkan coast has become especially appealing to thrill-seekers and Goa’s weekend travellers alike.
Riddhi Kerkar, a student, agrees that Konkan is becoming a greatly favoured destination. “I visited the Redi Temple recently, while the temple and beach were not crowded; I saw many Goa-registered vehicles. “I noticed that they too travelled along the same route while returning home.”
The Konkan has indeed become a popular destination because of the simplicity of its people, the opportunity to connect with nature, take part in local festivals, and experience the region’s warmth and culture. With experiences such as astro tourism, night camps, and festival-centric activities that go beyond the coastline, the Konkan offers Goans a familiar escape beyond their own shores.
