Malvan
| Malvan Malvan (मालवण) | |
|---|---|
| city | |
  Malvan | |
| Coordinates: 16°03′24″N 73°28′08″E / 16.056535°N 73.468752°ECoordinates: 16°03′24″N 73°28′08″E / 16.056535°N 73.468752°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Maharashtra |
| District | Sindhudurg |
| Elevation | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 60,000 |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Marathi, Malvani |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| PIN | 416606 |
| Telephone code | 91-2365 |
| Vehicle registration | MH-07 |
| Website | sindhudurg.nic.in |
Malvan (Marathi: मालवण) (also written as Malwan) is a town in Sindhudurg District, the southernmost district of Maharashtra. This culturally and historically important town is a Taluka place in Sindhudurg District. Malvan taluka consists of villages like Aangnechi wadi, Achra, Khalchi Devli, Jamdul, Juva, Pankhol and Sarjekot.
Malvan is wellknown for its historical monument, the Sindhudurg fort, which is beautiful and spread in a vast area. The staple diet of the people here is fish curry and rice. It is known for its variety of mangoes (Malvani Hapus - Alphonso). It is also known for sweets such as Malvani Khaja (Made from Gram - besan flour and coated jaggery) and Malvani Ladoos.A very important part of Malavni culture is a Malvani Dashavtar, a drama-play based on mythological stories. There are many tourism
places in Malvan. The main occupation here is fishing.Many foreigner visit here.The nature of the people here is very helping and hardworking.
Several apocryphal and some more credible stories related to the name Malvan exist. Salt was produced in large quantity in the Malvan region. Salt producers use term Mahalavan to describe a region rich in salt, a compound word from "Maha" meaning great, and "lavan" meaning plantation (or salt). Another possibility is a phonetic derivative of the compound of "Mad" and "Ban", Malvani for coconut trees and garden respectively, relating to the large number of coconut trees in the region.
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, Chiwala 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 - 33 °C while relative humidity ranges from 69 to 98%. The annual average rainfall of Malvan is 2275 mm.
Location and Reaching there
Malvan is easily accessible by Road. By road, Malvan is 514 km away from Mumbai, 200 km from Ratnagiri. When arriving from Mumbai or Goa, take National Highway NH-17 till Kasaal and then take a State Transport bus or Rickshaw for an approximately 35 km ride to Malvan.
Nearest railway station is at Kudal/Kankawali and nearest Airport is at Dabolim in Goa. Overnight trains from Mumbai to Kudal are daily. State Transport buses from Kudal are frequent to Malvan. you can also reach there by your own vehicle.
Those who want to come from Pune, Best option is 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 vovlo bus from pune to malvan) You can also go for Kadamba Transport Corporation buses which daily depart from Pune to Goa. You can get down at Kasal and from there catch Malwan buses. The timings are: Luxary(Non AC) 6:30pm (Pune - Madgaon) and Volvo (AC) 7:30pm (Pune-Panaji).
Also there are plenty of buses heading towards Goa from Pune which go via Kasal. If you don't get direct bus from Pune, come to 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, Bijapur have to go via Kolhapur to enter into Konkan.
If you are travelling first time on this route, kindly note that there are some buses from Pune, Kolhapur indicating the same boards of Savantwadi or Panaji but go via different routes. some buses enter into Konkan/Goa via Gadhinglaj-Ajara-Amboli route. If you want to come to Malvan, don't catch these buses otherwise you will get down to the southernmost part of konkan. Enter into the buses going either via Radhanagari-Phonda-Kankavali-Kasal or via Gaganbawada-Talere-Kankavali-Kasal. Then catch the Malvan bus from Kasal.
People / Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[1] Malwan had a population of 18,675. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Malwan has an average literacy rate of 81%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 77%. In Malwan, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.
This area of the Konkan is predominantly Hindu and the majority of these Hindus are, Kshatriya, Maratha,Bhandari & Gabit. '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 Marathas 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 part.
- 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 Dadu (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. 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 sixty years.
- The tree is also known by the nameof '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.Topiwala High School& Jr.College
- Bhandari High School
- S.K.Patil Mahavidyalaya
- Kanyashala
- Jeevan Vidya Vidyalaya
- Industrial Training Institute (ITI)
- Government Polytechnic
- Dr.s.s.Kudalakar highschool
- Rosary English School.
- Varadkar High School, Katta
- Parab College Of Engineering, Near Pimple par, Kalse
- Jai Ganesh English School,Malvan
- Dnyandeep Vidyalaya, Hiwale, Gawadewadi
- New English School, Malgaon
- Trimurti High School, Shirwande
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 seashore 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.
Water Sports
Tsunami Island (near devbaug beach) is a small island on the delta of Tarkarli river. This beach cum 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
- Sindhudurg - A sea fort. 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 built 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 - 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.
- Arse Mahal Beach
- Tondavali Beach (19 km North of Malvan)
- Achra Beach (22 km north of Malvan)
- Rameshwar Temple (23 km north of Malvan)
- 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)
- 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
Sindhudurg Guide
Sindhudurg Tour Guide Pvt Ltd is an innovative initiative launched to boost tourism in Sindhudurg district by Nitesh Narayan Rane. The organization trains youth from local communities to take various self employment opportunities in tourism industry. These trainees are later motivated to run businesses like tourist guides, tour operators, travel agency, rental cars, home stays, agro tourism, water sports and village tourism. More details about this initiatives can be found on www.sindhudurgguide.com.
Malvan Quick Look
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A view of Sindhudurg Fort
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Malvan beach
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Another view of Malvan beach
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A view of Malvan Rock Garden
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A view of tranquil Devbaug Backwaters
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Tarkarli Beach from MTDC Resort
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MTDC Houseboat at Tarkarli creek -To be commissioned in 7 May
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MTDC resort at Tarkarli
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View from Sindhudurg Fort
References
- ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
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