Having started from Bangalore, Our expectations were rather high since we were going to’Konkan’ , the ultimate Sea Coast running between Goa and Mumbai. We reached Pune and took a cab & travelled thru Mahabaleshwar, Dapoli to reach Kamat Murud resort.It took us almost 6 hours to reach the resort. We had to explain to everyone on the way that the Murud we wanted to go was not the other Murud known for its Janjira fort & also called Murud Janjira. Very soon we realised that the Murud we were headed to was not as famous as its namesake.
The resort is spread over a sizeably large area with a backyard opening right into the Harnai-Murud beach. There are some 10-12 resorts in the neighborhood. The Kamat’s resort gives you a uniquely different appeal reminding you of a fishermen cove with gypsumboard walled huts with mangalore tiled roofs. They have ordinary rooms and perhaps a couple of suites.The other resorts in this area do not seem to have this appeal. The normal rooms need a bit of sprucing up while the suites look fresh and are quite well maintained.
Food, of course seemed to be their strong point since they would every day lay out a great spread of curries rice and of course Fish for a great buffet, day and night. The chai and the evening snacks were lipsmacking.
We stayed here for a couple of days and had a chance to go around the area a bit. Our first visit was to the HARNAI FORT & FISH BUNDER: 6 kms. form Murud stands this Historical fort & behind it on the beach a huge auction is held every day of different kind & color of Fishes which are auctioned off in 2-3 hours and the business runs into crores, which is the only source of livelihood for the local population.The auction is not be missed.Then a short trip to the light house is recommended from where you can get a view of the Harnai Fort or suvarnadurga, now in rambles. this fort stands silently in the sea and a short expedition in a motor boat is recommended . A fisherman named Machendra took me to the fort. The highlight of this fort, we were told, is that, their is sea water all around the fort, but inside the fort there are 7 lakes which are of sweet water. you can see only 6 lakes, but the 7th lake you cant see, Harnai sunset point is a beauty .
Other places to check out are the DURGA TEMPLE, KESAVRAJ TEMPLE [A Beautiful Temple on the hills of Village Asud 4 kms. from resort has magnificent scenic beauty with a water fall] YAGHRESHWAR TEMPLE & ANJARLE GANESH TEMPLE [Dont miss the mountain top breathtaking view of the Harnai Bunder]. There is also the PANHALE KAJI CAVES, UNIVARE HOT SPRINGS, CHANDIKESHWARR TEMPLE & ofcourse the famous DABHOL ENRON. I could not see all of them but Iwas given to understand that they are all worth paying a visit.
Everyday morning there is boat ride which promises to show you some dolphins which they do try hard to show .This motor boat ride for a family of four would cost around 700-1200 depending on one’s negotiation skills. The ride is not run by the resort but by a local beaver. The coast is rich with Shrimps and Prawns and all kinds of strange looking Sea life. Still stunnnig is the combined beauty of the Sea Shore washing the feet of a silent mounain range with a kind of vegetation which you would’nt see along a normal Sea Coast. The beuty of sand and greenery together is just baffling.
And here is the final word.in case you are looknig for high end comforts this is not the resort but if you are looking for a different experience and Konkan culnary, this is the place to visit. Make sure your travel plans are made well in advance and a short visit of course, is much advised