Konkaninfo.com
Dapoli - Harnai
Around Dapoli
Others
Ads
Dapoli - Harnai - Adventurous Weekend tourist Destination
Situated 15 km from Dapoli, Harnai beach provides a quite and a peaceful
experience. 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 pleasurable holidays.
It is becoming a popular tourist spot amongst many visitors from Pune
and Mumbai. 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. The
fish auction is the essential trade step between fish landings and the
trade. Business worth lakhs of rupees is carried out daily between 4
pm to 7 pm. 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, 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. Suvarnadurg fort was
the base for Kanhojee Angrey who was the chief of Maratha Navy. Kanhojee
Angrey spent his childhood in Suvarnadurg fort, of which he was later
the Governor. He set up powerful fleet of warships to protect the western
coast of Konkan from British, French, Dutch and Portuguese attacks.
Suvarnadurg fort is a landmark in Konkan.
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 which
gives a fabulous view of fishing boats, fish auctions, Suvarnadurg fort
and beautiful sunset. Earlier this lighthouse was used by fishermen
and sailors as a navigation guide towards Harnai Port. Goa fort lies
on the way of Harnai harbor. It can be identified by its huge black
stoned wall. Suvarnadurg fort and the beautiful sunset can be viewed
from this wall.
How to reach Harnai
State Transport (ST) buses / private shared jeeps, rickshaws run between Dapoli and Murud. You
can hire an auto rickshaw or drive down. Rented jeeps / cars are available
Directions from Dapoli to
Harnai:
• Take the Harnai road from Dapoli
• Follow this road straight till Harnai ST Stand and after crossing
it, turn left
• You will reach Harnai harbor
(Road Route: Dapoli - Gimhavane - Asud Pul (bridge) - Saldure - Palande
- Harnai)
Places to Stay:
• Sea Princess at Palande (Phone: 02358 243600)
• Bhavani Residency (Phone: 02358 243058)
You can also stay in beach resorts or
hotels at Karde, Murud, Ladghar or Dapoli.