The Konkan, also called the Konkan Coast or Karavali is the name given to a stretch of rugged and beautiful section of the western coastline of India from Ratnagiri to Mangalore. Characterized by White sand beaches and clean sea water, Greenery, Palm trees, Paddy fields, religious places and sparse population make this strip an ideal laid back beach vacation. Konkan is also one of six divisions of
the state of Maharashtra. The precise definition of Konkan varies, but most include Maharashtra's districts Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, the state of Goa, and the Kanara districts (North and South) of Karnataka. The sapta-Konkan as depicted in Skanda-purana stretches from southern Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south. This is actually logical since there are a lot of similarities in the food-habits (rice and fish), crops cultivated (rice, mangoes, cashews and jackfruit) and the physique (short, slim and very agile) of people dwelling in this area. Konkan in the rains is a serene and peaceful refuge for those seeking respite from the concrete jungles of the urban world. The best thing you can do is sit out on a verandah and watch the world pass by while the hours waft into wonderful, lazy, rain-soaked days. And when the monsoon finally arrives, quite dramatically, it is accompanied by claps of thunder and streaks of lightning. The smell of wet earth is everywhere and the croaking of the frogs reaches a crescendo. Monsoon in Konkan means sudden bursts of torrential downpours which usually last for a short time, although occasionally, there are periods when it rains for hours on end. These sudden bursts are always succeeded by bright sunshine which lights up the countryside in brilliant colours. Go for quiet walks in the hinterlands and enjoy mind-riveting sights of white-washed ancient temples resting against lush green paddy fields. The breath-taking natural wonders of Konkan have to be seen, to be truly enjoyed. Yes, Konkan in the monsoons has all the ingredients of a dreamy, misty, green vacation with peace and solitude in just the right measure. The best time to visit the Konkan Region is the monsoon season (June to September) though the ferry services are discontinued during this time. During this time, the entire area becomes a captivating and green canvas on which nature seems to have applied its finest and best brushstrokes.
