Malvan

Geography and climate

Malvan is a compact town situated on the coast of Western India and boasts some beautiful beaches. Sindhudurg fort, Tarkarli beach, Mobar point, Chivla beach, Tondavali beach, all attract tourists. Malvan town is bound by three small creeks: Karli, Kolamb and Kalavali.

The climate of Malvan can be generally classified as warm and moderately humid. Average temperatures range between 16 and 33 °C while relative humidity ranges from 69 to 98%. The annual average rainfall of Malvan is 2275 mm.

Transport links

Malvan is easily accessible by road, being 505 kilometres (314 mi) from Mumbai and 140 kilometres (87 mi) from Ratnagiri. National Highway NH-66 from Mumbai and Goa runs as far as Kasaal, after which Malvan is a State Transport bus or rickshaw ride of approximately 28 kilometres (17 mi) away.

The nearest railway station is at Kudal/Kankawali and the nearest airport is at Dabolim in Goa. Overnight trains depart daily Mumbai for Kudal.

There is a M.S.R.T.C (Maharashtra State Transport) bus from Pune - Malvan. Bus Timing 7:00 am (express bus) and 8:00 pm (semi-luxury bus) everyday from Pune. (note: There is no MRSTC Volvo bus from Pune to Malvan) Kadamba Transport Corporation buses depart daily from Pune to Goa. There are buses from Kasaal. The timings are: Luxury (Non AC) 6:30 pm (Pune - Madgaon) and Volvo (AC) 7:30pm (Pune-Panaji).

Also there are plenty of buses heading towards Goa from Pune which go via Kasal. Malvan can be reached from Kolhapur by any MSRTC or KSRTC bus. Kolhapur is the centre point for the buses heading towards Konkan, Goa. Buses coming from Pune as well as Sangli, Solapur and Bijapur have to go via Kolhapur to enter Konkan.

People / Demography

Malvan is a Municipal Council city in district of Sindhudurg, Maharashtra. The Malvan city is divided into 17 wards for which elections are held every 5 years. As of 2011 India census, the Malvan Municipal Council has population of 18,648 of which 9,663 are males while 8,985 are females as per report released by Census India 2011.

Population of Children with age of 0-6 is 1364 which is 7.31% of total population of Malvan (M Cl). In Malvan Municipal Council, Female Sex Ratio is of 930 against state average of 929. Moreover, Child Sex Ratio in Malvan is around 876 compared to Maharashtra state average of 894. Literacy rate of Malvan city is 93.00% higher than state average of 82.34%. In Malvan, Male literacy is around 94.76% while female literacy rate is 91.11%.

Malvan Municipal Council has total administration over 4,620 houses to which it supplies basic amenities like water and sewerage. It is also authorized to build roads within Municipal Council limits and impose taxes on properties coming under its jurisdiction.

This area of the Konkan is predominantly Hindu and the majority of these Hindus are, Kshatriya, Maratha, Bhandari, Gabit and Kudaldeshkar Gaud Brahmin, Rajapur Saraswat Brahmins, 'Anganewadi Jatra' and 'Bramhan Dev Jatra' are major festivals in the region,(held at Achra),DevRameshwar Kandalgaon & Achre. A number of Malvani emigres return to their native place every year during the months of August–September to attend 'Ganeshotsav', 'Ram Navmi', and various other festivals.

Lot of Population specially Bhandaris, Gabits, Konkan people are found on The Konkan Coast Especially In Karwar, Ankola, Kumta, Honavar (Karnataka) & Goa, these people have migrated from Malvan Way back in the 17th century they have their ancestral Kuldevata's at Malvan (Dev Rameshwar)etc.

Culture

'Malvani' dialect: Malvan has its unique culture signified by its peculiar dialect and food. Malvan lends its name to 'Malvani' dialect (A Konkani dialect or sometimes referred as a mix of Marathi and Konkani). This dialect is very popular among local population in Sindhudurg district and also parts of Ratnagiri and Northern Goa parts.

Cuisine - The cuisine of this region is popularly known as Malvani cuisine. Coconut, rice and fish assume prime significance in the Malavani cuisine.

Dashavataar (In Devnagari: दशावतार)- It is an art form popular in most of the Konkan region in Maharashtra and more so in and around Malvan. It is a play that depicts the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu (as in Hindu mythalogy).This continues till wee hours of morning or probably after that also sometimes. Dashavataar, mainly conducted at the time of "Saptah" which the mahapuja of Gram Devta. During this all villagers also sale their home made products like Khaja, Kadak Ladu (popularly known as "Khatkhate Ladu"), Lonache - लोणचें (Pickles), and others. This utsav is the main Parvany (Event) for the villagers. At this very important event, all Chakarmani (A term used for A large number of Salaried class people from Konkan work who work in cities like Mumbai, Pune) visit their homes and enjoy the Khajas and Laadus.

Barrister Nath Pai Sevangan: Barrister Nath Pai Sevangan is named after the famous freedom fighter and legislator from Maharashtra - Barrister Nath Pai. It is in Dhuriwada, Malwan near the sea shore. It undertakes humanitarian work and also has a huge enclosed community center in which many events take place.

Pimpal (The peepal tree): Pimpal is a peepal tree (Sacred fig) in the heart of the town. The whole place has been named after the tree. On one side of this tree is a road leading to the municipal corporation, on the other side there is Topiwala High School and a government health clinic. Pimpal is considered sacred and holy and has been in Malvan for as many as 60 years.

The tree is also known by the name of 'PHOVAKANDA PIMPAL' by the local population whrein bhokta means people without work. It is a place for tea time discussions for the local people.

Malwan Schramik Maachimar Sangh: The traditional fishworker union in Malvan, registered in 1987, has small-scale fishermen as members.

Marathi Sahitya Sammelan, the conference on Marathi Literature were held once in Malvan city. It was presided by President of the Conference Atmaram Ravaji Deshpande alias Kavi Anil in 1958.

Education

A.S.D.Topiwalla High School & Jr.College - Arts, Commerce, Science, MCVC - all streams Govt. Aided

Bhandari High School & Jr. College - Arts & Commerce - Govt Aided, Science Unaided

L. T. Kanyashala - Govt. Aided

Jai Ganesh English Medium School (Topiwalla English Medium) - Unaided

Rosary English school

Kudalkar (Pragatik) High School - Govt. Aided

Rekoba High School, Wiary - Govt. Aided

Taluka School aka Raghunath Desai School - Govt.

S.K.Patil Mahavidyalaya & Jr. College - B.A. B.Com

YCMOU Learning Centre - SKP College Campus

Govt. Aided D.Ed. College (Kanyashala Campus)

Industrial Training Institute (ITI)

Government Polytechnic, Malvan

Wildlife Sanctuary

The Malvan (marine) Wildlife Sanctuary was declared on 13 April 1987, with a core zone of 3.182 km² and buffer zone of 25.94 km² (total area being 29.122 km²). The core zone includes the Sindhudurg fort, Padamged island and other submerged rocky structures. The north eastern border of the buffer zone is 50 m from the sea near Malvan port, while on the east it is a semi-circular sandy beach 500 m parallel to the shore of Malvan, in the south it is near Mandel rock, and in the west touches the Malvan rock.

Scuba diving and snorkeling

In India there are a very few places where scuba diving can be done and Malvan is one of them. Due to its relatively clear sea waters, Malvan serves as a perfect spot for scuba diving (done mostly with surface oxygen supply) and snorkeling. Near the outer walls of Sindhudurg fort one can see lots of live corals and colorful marine life under the sea. visit this link to get contacts of Scuba divers

Water sports

There are various water sports options available throughout Malvan near sea coast at an affordable rates. Tsunami Island (near Devbaug beach) is a small island on the delta of Tarkarli river. This beach island also is the place to enjoy boat ride in the backwaters of Tarkarli River. This island is not formed due to tsunami waves, but due to this imaginary name it is a popular tourist destination for water sports where one can enjoy rides like Jet-Ski, Banana boat ride, Bumper boat, Kayaks etc. Best time to visit tsunami island for water sports is during high tide when the small island is partially submerged under the water (till knee length).

Tourist attractions

Malvan has emerged as one of the major tourist attraction places in Maharashtra in recent years. Its clean beaches, historical monuments, tasty food/sea food options, various affordable water sports are attracting tourists like magnet. There are many guest house options available in Malvan for stay. Oct to May is the best time to visit. Tourists are advised to book the stay in advance in case planning to visit in months of Apr to May and Nov to Dec; there is large influx of tourists during these months.

Sindhudurg - A sea fort surrounded by sea water from all sides. Only way to reach the fort is by boat. This impressive Sindhudurg (meaning Ocean Fort), was built in 1664 by the great 17th century Maratha King, Shivaji on "Kurte" island to the glory of the Maratha Empire. The construction of a sea fort was a stupendous task which is said to be completed in mere two and a half years. Over 2000 khandis (4000 mounds) of iron were used for casting and the foundation stones were laid down firmly in lead. It is said that the rocks of the same island were used to build the fort. Three sweet water wells are present on Sindhudurg Fort.

Tarkarli - A serene beach located 8 km off Malvan town. It has a Cottage Resort around the beach developed by Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation(MTDC). This beach is a favorite with sand particles devoid of any red tinge and sky reflecting waters. Further north about another 6–7 km, is the Tarkarli creek and a lovely estuary. A boat ride on the Tarkarli creek is a pleasant way to spend some time.

Rock Garden, Malvan]] ]]

Rock Garden - The Rock garden is situated near the Arase Mahal and on the Rocky Shore of Malvan.

Jai Ganesh Mandir

Chivla Beach There are 5 to 6 beach stays gives an excellent accommodation, "Vasanti" House, which is MTDC approved under Bed and Breakfast scheme of Sindhudurg heading. "Dhananjay Niwas" is a preferred guest house for near beach experience, specializing in group stay.

Arse Mahal Beach

Tondavali Beach (19 km North of Malvan)

Achra Beach (22 km north of Malvan)

Rameshwar Temple (23 km north of Malvan). Temple is been located in village called Kandalgaon, It is said that during construction of Sindhudurg Fort, Shivaji maharaj faced lot of difficulties in building base of fort, he prayed to Shri Rameshwar for successful completion of fort and were blessed with the same. Kandalgaon is also birth place of former Maharashtra CM Narayan Rane.

Waingani : There is a Shri Dev Ravalnath Mandir a famous temple. It is a very old temple in Waingani & also a "Gramdaivat" of Waingani. It is a very beautiful model of architecture. There are so many old temples, which is a pride of Waingani. There are many annual festivals. There are so many natural beautiful places, which attract tourists. Waingani is 10 km from Malvan city and 40 km from Kankavali. There is a Waingani Beach.

Devbaug Beach (12 km south of Malvan)

Vetal Mandir (4 km North of Malvan)

 !!! mahanchi bhavani devi (5 km south from Malvan)

 !!! gangeshwar mandir mahan(5 km south from Malvan)

 !!! Rameshwar Temple

Vengurla town is very near from Malvan and also has many tourist attractions like temples (Rameshwar, Sateri, Mauli, Navadurga, Rampurush,etc.), forts, beaches, Veg/Non-Veg food.

Asgani gaon There are Rameshwar Mandir, Ramgad fort, Gad river, Pandavkalin leni

Bollywood Film City

The Sai Bollywood Film City in India is located in Dikwal Village, Nandos, Malvan Taluka, District Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. It is the first Bollywood film city in the world. It is also a popular tourism and leisure place, containing both the film city and an entertainment zone.

Sai Bollywood Film City was established by Sai Bollywood Film City India Pvt. Ltd., and developed by Sai Srishti Developers with the investment of Rs 2000 crore (Rs 20,000,000,000, or about $325,000,000.^[1] The film city was approved by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The city built a Hollywood-style sign saying Bollywood on a hill, as in California.

Gallery

References

Bollywood Film City

The Sai Bollywood Film City in India is located in Dikwal Village, Nandos, Malvan Taluka, District Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. It is the first Bollywood film city in the world. It is also a popular tourism and leisure place, containing both the film city and an entertainment zone.

Sai Bollywood Film City was established by Sai Bollywood Film City India Pvt. Ltd., and developed by Sai Srishti Developers with the investment of Rs 2000 crore (Rs 20,000,000,000, or about $325,000,000.^[1] The film city was approved by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). The city built a Hollywood-style sign saying Bollywood on a hill, as in California.