It was on 24th of Jan 2002 when I first visited Kamats Murud Harnai Beach resort. I have been to the palce twice in 2005 and in 2006
I was a bachelor then and the movie Dil Chahata Hai was released. In typical Bollywood style two of my friends dropped into my office around 4.00pm and we decided to take a trip. We left Thane around 5.30 pm and drove down without a set destination. After ‘Wadkhal Naka’ we decided to take the goa road. The drive was good and we stopped a number of times to enjoy the scenery. A flat tyre set us back buy another 1/2 hour. We crossed ‘Parushram Ghat’ around 12.00 am. and then saw the right towards Harnai. One of my freinds who is a fishalcaholic told me " harnai changle chimbori mothe jitada ani khup khup shimple, jhinge" Crabs, Barramundi and Prawns /shells .
Mood set we drove on a lonely stretch of road and reached Harnai and our quest for a place to stay started. We saw a broken down board that stated Kamats beach resort. Walked in and found these small asbestos huts with Mangalore tile roofs.
You can drive to Harnai which is a beautiful driver. Or take a train get down at Khed and Take a ST to Dapoli and then Another to Harnai Murud Walk from ST Stop to Kamat.
Let me state what can you expect from the resort.
Price:
Over the years I have found that you can bargain on rates. If you call they will ask from where you are calling and ask for an appropriate cost. On the nigh we gate crashed we paid Rs.1000.00 per night for 3 persons no food.
When I booked through a travel agent it cost me Rs.1500.00 per night in 2005 for a couple no food.
In 2006 I went without booking in Feb and bargained like crazy and got the same room for rs.500.00
During off season go directly and bargain Rs.500 to 600 would be a fair price. There are a few more hotels in the area. Garambhi, is a good alternative I will write about it in my next review.
Rooms:
Asbestos/Cement sheet walls with iron pillars, seems like it was constructed illegally. Very cold during windy nights. Creepy crawlies abound if not smoked. Please ask for a fox of tortoise/mortein coils. NOTE: coils only. Sprays don’t work. Light one around 6.00 pm and leave.
Food:
The cook tries his level best. Price is over the roof. KandaPhoa RS.30.00, Bread Butter two slice Rs.20.00
Chicken Chilly RS.75.00
Location:
The best location you can get. 100 yards from beach a small garden you can hear the Arabian sea from your rooms. You can view the sea while you eat.
Service.
A tip goes a long way. Please tip the guy who comes twice to your room. They normally keep bad quality towels, napkins in room . After the tip it is changed without request to the best quality. No soaps after tips they ask if you want more.
Another point, the hotel states that they do not allow drinking alcohol, a tip makes it possible. They even get it for you. Something I do not agree. Cost of one quarter Old Monk Rum Rs.120.00
Around Kamats
The area around the hotel is also great. You may visit the local temple which dates back to the early 18th century and there is also a small Shivalinga there. Its right in the center of the village.
Some of the homes near the village provide food(for Rs. 200.00 per day Veg Rs.300.00 Chicken / Fish 500 mutton) unlimited Breakfast Lunch Dinner.
You may visit the light house and the Machhi Bunder. Visit around 4.30 am and you will get the best fish which you can ask the locals to cook. 6 big size promfret Rs.600( 15 inches nose to tail).
For those who are into angling like me. Go to Suvarna Durg and catch some of your own. Take a ferry Rs.250.00 to 500.00 depending on captains mood.