By Mallika Bhagat

Copyright timesnownews

As the monsoon clouds sweep across India’s western coast, our collective focus should move towards the Konkan coast, which has gorgeous destinations that seem almost untouched by time. Recently, industrialist Anand Mahindra drew attention to a part of this coast in Maharashtra. With hills that offer sweeping views of the jagged landscape, forts and uncrowded beaches, the Konkan coast remains largely underexplored by mainstream tourism. Anand Mahindra shared photographs captured by travel enthusiast Sandesh Samant on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the monsoon scenery. “These photos of the Konkan region in the monsoon were shared by @sandesh_samant along with the comment: ‘Maharashtra is so underrated and we have created no infrastructure for tourism,’” Mahindra wrote. “I wouldn’t agree that we created NO infrastructure. He may have said that in order to be emphatic.” Konkan CoastKonkan Coast, which stretches from Daman and runs through Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, is best-known for its sun-kissed beaches that straddle the Arabian Sea. The entire region however, is also dotted with magnificent sea forts, such as Sindhudurg, Mirjan and more than exemplify the architectural brilliance of the Maratha empire. Then there are temples, such as Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri and Murudeshwar in Karnataka, which tell the tale of the region’s empires. The coast is also fringed by the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that come alive with waterfalls in monsoon. Among its most compelling destinations, apart from Mumbai, are: Alibaug: A coastal town known for its palm-fringed beaches, colonial-era forts, and proximity to Mumbai, offering an accessible escape into nature. Ratnagiri: Famous for Alphonso mango orchards, forts, and quiet beaches, Ratnagiri exemplifies the region’s agricultural and coastal charm. Ganpatipule: A serene town with pristine beaches and the revered Swayambhu Ganpati temple that is a popular tourist spot in Maharashtra. Malvan and Tarkarli: Home to fortresses like Sindhudurg, these towns boast diving opportunities and access to rich Konkan cuisine. Amboli: Located in the Western Ghats, Amboli is a hill station with cascading waterfalls and misty landscapes, a monsoon favourite for travellers. While tourism infrastructure remains modest here, it is gradually evolving. Boutique homestays, eco-resorts, and local guides are beginning to offer immersive experiences, allowing travellers to explore the Konkan region and its many charms. As Mahindra’s post suggests, Konkan is a destination where the beauty of the monsoon and the charm of local life converge, a rare and largely undiscovered corner of India. Travel News – Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.