Driving through the winding roads of Sindhudurg, I found myself surrounded by lush green hills, towering trees, and open skies. This was a far cry from the frenetic energy of nearby Goa. Nestled on the Maharashtra-Goa border, Sindhudurg offers a quieter, untouched alternative to its more commercialized neighbour. It was here, at Amaresha, a villa in Coco Shambhala, that I experienced a retreat unlike any other, with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea and a sense of peace I hadn’t known in years.

From my villa, I could gaze out at the infinity pool, where the sight of paragliders soaring and boats drifting on the sea added to the allure of the location. The first meal was a surprise—a rice-flour taco with paneer and salad, an unexpectedly healthy and satisfying preparation that set the tone for a day of exploration. The solitude was palpable: a villa made of sustainable wood, no Netflix, weak Wi-Fi, and just enough space for thoughts to wander. The feeling of being unplugged was starkly different from any Goan experience, where even the quietest beaches now echo with the sounds of crowds and bars.

After a short 30-minute drive, filled with tunes from Elvis, Whitney, and Pink Floyd, I arrived at a secluded river flanked by coconut trees. The peaceful setting was punctuated by the calls of kingfishers, barbets, hornbills, and other rare birds. As I wandered along the riverbank, abandoned boats added a sense of mystery to the serene landscape. For someone from Mumbai, steeped in urban life, this was an immersion into local Maharashtrian culture I hadn’t experienced before. The sound of traditional music played softly in the background, and a cooking class at the villa introduced me to local Malvani dishes like Kothimbir Vada and amaranth vegetable—a meal that felt deeply connected to the land.

<img alt="g" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f72eaa4e-1386-4326-81c7-b6348c4bb2d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_IMG_5234.jpg" />

A short walk from the villa brought me to the beach, where I watched a sunset filled with hues of red and yellow mist. This quiet moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon, was a reminder of how some places are best shared with the people who matter most. I felt a pang of longing for my family, and as if to soothe that melancholy, I headed to the spa for a massage with local juniper oil. The spa was lit by nine candles, their soft glow enhancing the calming ambience.

Later, I returned to the pool for an evening dip, accompanied by a refreshing glass of kokum sherbet. My dinner—gyozas, Thai curry, rice, and vegan coconut pancakes—was a fitting end to the day, light and nourishing. With no temptation to stay up late, no bustling nightlife or clubs to lure me out, I found myself in bed early, lulled by the gentle sounds of nature. It was the most peaceful sleep I’d had in a long time.

<img alt="g" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cacb942c-5c26-437b-b02e-aab2a02492bc" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_IMG_5520.jpg" />

The next morning, I embarked on a trek to Nivti Fort, a 3.5 km hike that rewarded me with breathtaking views of a secluded beach and the Arabian Sea stretching out into the distance. Along the way, I was lucky enough to spot a hornbill and a white eagle—rare birds that would thrill any avid birdwatcher. From the top of the fort, the view of the broken boat on the deserted beach below felt almost cinematic.

Later, I set up by the beach for another sunset, this time watching a pair of lovers quietly take in the view. It was a scene I’d never witnessed in Goa, where most beaches are overrun with tourists. Here, in Sindhudurg, I felt the luxury of time, space, and solitude—a place that allowed me to reconnect with myself.

<img alt="c" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="26d7b585-c9a8-461b-97fb-68492971144e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/thumbnail_IMG_5239.jpg" />

This wasn’t a trip defined by alcohol or parties, but by moments of quiet reflection. My detox drink of choice? A refreshing curry leaf lemonade and some sol kadi. No loud music, no pressure to party—just a true slice of Indian coastal beauty, experienced as it should be.

Sindhudurg is a destination that offers something different, a place where nature and tranquility take center stage, reminding you what it means to truly disconnect. 
&nbsp;

Driving through the winding roads of Sindhudurg, I found myself surrounded by lush green hills, towering trees, and open skies. This was a far cry from the frenetic energy of nearby Goa.

Driving through the winding roads of Sindhudurg, I found myself surrounded by lush green hills, towering trees, and open skies. This was a far cry from the frenetic energy of nearby Goa. Nestled on the Maharashtra-Goa border, Sindhudurg offers a quieter, untouched alternative to its more commercialized neighbour. It was here, at Amaresha, a villa in Coco Shambhala, that I experienced a retreat unlike any other, with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea and a sense of peace I hadn’t known in years. From my villa, I could gaze out at the infinity pool, where the sight of paragliders soaring and boats drifting on the sea added to the allure of the location. The first meal was a surprise—a rice-flour taco with paneer and salad, an unexpectedly healthy and satisfying preparation that set the tone for a day of exploration. The solitude was palpable: a villa made of sustainable wood, no Netflix, weak Wi-Fi, and just enough space for thoughts to wander. The feeling of being unplugged was starkly different from any Goan experience, where even the quietest beaches now echo with the sounds of crowds and bars. After a short 30-minute drive, filled with tunes from Elvis, Whitney, and Pink Floyd, I arrived at a secluded river flanked by coconut trees. The peaceful setting was punctuated by the calls of kingfishers, barbets, hornbills, and other rare birds. As I wandered along the riverbank, abandoned boats added a sense of mystery to the serene landscape. For someone from Mumbai, steeped in urban life, this was an immersion into local Maharashtrian culture I hadn’t experienced before. The sound of traditional music played softly in the background, and a cooking class at the villa introduced me to local Malvani dishes like Kothimbir Vada and amaranth vegetable—a meal that felt deeply connected to the land. A short walk from the villa brought me to the beach, where I watched a sunset filled with hues of red and yellow mist. This quiet moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon, was a reminder of how some places are best shared with the people who matter most. I felt a pang of longing for my family, and as if to soothe that melancholy, I headed to the spa for a massage with local juniper oil. The spa was lit by nine candles, their soft glow enhancing the calming ambience. Later, I returned to the pool for an evening dip, accompanied by a refreshing glass of kokum sherbet. My dinner—gyozas, Thai curry, rice, and vegan coconut pancakes—was a fitting end to the day, light and nourishing. With no temptation to stay up late, no bustling nightlife or clubs to lure me out, I found myself in bed early, lulled by the gentle sounds of nature. It was the most peaceful sleep I’d had in a long time. The next morning, I embarked on a trek to Nivti Fort, a 3.5 km hike that rewarded me with breathtaking views of a secluded beach and the Arabian Sea stretching out into the distance. Along the way, I was lucky enough to spot a hornbill and a white eagle—rare birds that would thrill any avid birdwatcher. From the top of the fort, the view of the broken boat on the deserted beach below felt almost cinematic. Later, I set up by the beach for another sunset, this time watching a pair of lovers quietly take in the view. It was a scene I’d never witnessed in Goa, where most beaches are overrun with tourists. Here, in Sindhudurg, I felt the luxury of time, space, and solitude—a place that allowed me to reconnect with myself. This wasn’t a trip defined by alcohol or parties, but by moments of quiet reflection. My detox drink of choice? A refreshing curry leaf lemonade and some sol kadi. No loud music, no pressure to party—just a true slice of Indian coastal beauty, experienced as it should be. Sindhudurg is a destination that offers something different, a place where nature and tranquility take center stage, reminding you what it means to truly disconnect.

Planning a trip to Goa? Why Sindhudurg is a better option instead

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, which was inaugurated on December 4, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suddenly collapsed raising concerns over its making.&nbsp;

The police have registered an FIR against the contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil under different sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He has been charged with fraud, collusion and endangering public safety.&nbsp;

<h2>What led to the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue?</h2>

The FIR was registered after the Public Works Department (PWD) complained about the poor quality of the statue and said that the nuts and bolts used in its construction were rusted.&nbsp;

Tourists and local citizens had also raised concerns earlier regarding the deteriorating condition of the statue.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-government-under-fire-after-collapse-of-35-foot-shivaji-statue-inaugurated-by-pm-modi-last-year-753508">Maharashtra govt under fire after collapse of 35-foot Shivaji statue inaugurated by PM Modi last year</a>

Even after these warnings as well as an alert given by the PWD Malvan division's assistant engineer on August 20, the officials did not take any preventive action.&nbsp;

The PWD said that the rusting bolts and nuts have been posing a risk to the stability of the statue.&nbsp;

"The steel used in the making of the statue had started rusting. The PWD had already written to Navy officials informing them about the statue catching rust and requested them to take appropriate steps," said Sindhudurg guardian minister Ravindra Chavan.&nbsp;

On September 8, the work on the statue was started by the Indian Navy, which does not have any expertise in statue construction. The unveiling of the statue took place on the Navy Day, 4 Dec, at Rajkot Fort.

The Indian Navy said that the cause of the incident will be investigated in a statement on Monday (August 26).&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/surge-in-pocso-cases-in-mumbai-after-badlapur-sexual-assault-753458/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Along with the State Government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest," the Indian Navy stated.&nbsp;

Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that strong winds likely led to the collapse of the statue.&nbsp;

“The incident that happened is unfortunate. This statue was erected by the Navy. They had also designed it. But due to strong winds of around 45 km/h, it fell and got damaged," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, which was inaugurated on December 4, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suddenly collapsed raising concerns over its making.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue, which was inaugurated on December 4, 2023, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suddenly collapsed raising concerns over its making. The police have registered an FIR against the contractor Jaydeep Apte and structural consultant Chetan Patil under different sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). He has been charged with fraud, collusion and endangering public safety. What led to the collapse of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue? The FIR was registered after the Public Works Department (PWD) complained about the poor quality of the statue and said that the nuts and bolts used in its construction were rusted. Tourists and local citizens had also raised concerns earlier regarding the deteriorating condition of the statue. Also Read: Maharashtra govt under fire after collapse of 35-foot Shivaji statue inaugurated by PM Modi last year Even after these warnings as well as an alert given by the PWD Malvan division's assistant engineer on August 20, the officials did not take any preventive action. The PWD said that the rusting bolts and nuts have been posing a risk to the stability of the statue. "The steel used in the making of the statue had started rusting. The PWD had already written to Navy officials informing them about the statue catching rust and requested them to take appropriate steps," said Sindhudurg guardian minister Ravindra Chavan. On September 8, the work on the statue was started by the Indian Navy, which does not have any expertise in statue construction. The unveiling of the statue took place on the Navy Day, 4 Dec, at Rajkot Fort. The Indian Navy said that the cause of the incident will be investigated in a statement on Monday (August 26). Watch: Surge in POCSO cases in Mumbai after Badlapur sexual assault "Along with the State Government and concerned specialists, the Navy has deputed a team to immediately investigate the cause of this unfortunate accident and initiate steps to repair, restore and reinstate the statue at the earliest," the Indian Navy stated. Maharashtra's Chief Minister Eknath Shinde said that strong winds likely led to the collapse of the statue. “The incident that happened is unfortunate. This statue was erected by the Navy. They had also designed it. But due to strong winds of around 45 km/h, it fell and got damaged," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's what led to the collapse of Chhatrapati Shivaji statue in India's Sindhudurg 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency.

Maharashtra Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant's brother Kiran Samant was keen on contesting this Lok Sabha seat. However, the BJP managed to get the seat for itself and fielded Rane. This seat has not been contested by the BJP earlier.

The BJP shares power in Maharashtra with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-helmed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as part of the 'Mahayuti' alliance.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-meghalaya-to-vote-in-phase-1-here-are-the-key-candidates-712703">Lok Sabha polls 2024: Meghalaya to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates</a>

The Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency, which covers two key coastal districts of Maharashtra, has traditionally been a bastion of the undivided Shiv Sena. After the party split in June 2022, Vinayak Raut supported the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, which has now renominated him from the seat.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-a-guide-on-how-to-vote-for-first-time-voters-712688">Lok Sabha elections 2024: A guide on how to vote for first-time voters</a>

Rane's elder son Nilesh Rane had won the 2009 Lok Sabha election in the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency when the Rane family was part of the Congress. Nilesh was re-nominated by the Congress, but lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election against Vinayak Raut.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-the-mother-of-all-elections-712690">India Elections 2024: The mother of all elections</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-elections-2024-the-mother-of-all-elections-712690/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Raut retained the constituency in 2019 when Nilesh contested as the candidate of Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha, a political outfit floated by his father. The outfit was later merged into the BJP.

Narayan Rane had started his political career in the undivided Shiv Sena and went on to become the chief minister in 1999. However, he was expelled from the party by its founder Bal Thackeray in 2005 for 'anti-party activities'.

Rane’s younger son Nitesh represents the Kankavli assembly constituency in Sindhudurg district.

 
&nbsp;

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday fielded Union minister Narayan Rane from the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Maharashtra. Rane is pitted against Shiv Sena (UBT) candidate Vinayak Raut, who is the sitting Lok Sabha member from this constituency. Maharashtra Industries Minister and Shiv Sena leader Uday Samant's brother Kiran Samant was keen on contesting this Lok Sabha seat. However, the BJP managed to get the seat for itself and fielded Rane. This seat has not been contested by the BJP earlier. The BJP shares power in Maharashtra with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar-helmed Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) as part of the 'Mahayuti' alliance. Also Read | Lok Sabha polls 2024: Meghalaya to vote in Phase 1. Here are the key candidates The Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency, which covers two key coastal districts of Maharashtra, has traditionally been a bastion of the undivided Shiv Sena. After the party split in June 2022, Vinayak Raut supported the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction, which has now renominated him from the seat. Also Read | Lok Sabha elections 2024: A guide on how to vote for first-time voters Rane's elder son Nilesh Rane had won the 2009 Lok Sabha election in the Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg constituency when the Rane family was part of the Congress. Nilesh was re-nominated by the Congress, but lost the 2014 Lok Sabha election against Vinayak Raut. Watch | India Elections 2024: The mother of all elections × Raut retained the constituency in 2019 when Nilesh contested as the candidate of Maharashtra Swabhiman Paksha, a political outfit floated by his father. The outfit was later merged into the BJP. Narayan Rane had started his political career in the undivided Shiv Sena and went on to become the chief minister in 1999. However, he was expelled from the party by its founder Bal Thackeray in 2005 for 'anti-party activities'. Rane’s younger son Nitesh represents the Kankavli assembly constituency in Sindhudurg district.

Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP fields Union minister Narayan Rane from Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg seat

The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast "heavy to very heavy" rains in Maharashtra, especially in the coastal Konkan region, from June 7 to 11.

As per the forecast, there is a possibility of "very heavy" rainfall in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts tomorrow and on June 8.

Also, there is a possibility of very heavy rainfall in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts on June 9, while there is a similar forecast for the six districts of Konkan region including Mumbai and surrounding areas on June 10 and 11.

"As per the forecast of the met department, the state calamity relief cell has sounded a high alert at almost all the places in the state especially in the Konkan region. The state calamity relief cell has instructed district administrations to remain on high alert to face any emergency conditions," a government release stated.

Directions have been given to the control rooms in Mantralaya, divisional commissioner's office, district collectors' offices, municipal corporations and tehsildar offices to work round-the-clock, it added.

People in Mumbai can dial 1916 and those outside Mumbai can dial 1077 in case of emergency.

As per the forecast, there is a possibility of "very heavy" rainfall in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts tomorrow and on June 8

The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast "heavy to very heavy" rains in Maharashtra, especially in the coastal Konkan region, from June 7 to 11. As per the forecast, there is a possibility of "very heavy" rainfall in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts tomorrow and on June 8. Also, there is a possibility of very heavy rainfall in Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar districts on June 9, while there is a similar forecast for the six districts of Konkan region including Mumbai and surrounding areas on June 10 and 11. "As per the forecast of the met department, the state calamity relief cell has sounded a high alert at almost all the places in the state especially in the Konkan region. The state calamity relief cell has instructed district administrations to remain on high alert to face any emergency conditions," a government release stated. Directions have been given to the control rooms in Mantralaya, divisional commissioner's office, district collectors' offices, municipal corporations and tehsildar offices to work round-the-clock, it added. People in Mumbai can dial 1916 and those outside Mumbai can dial 1077 in case of emergency.

IMD predicts heavy rains in Maharashtra from June 7-11

sindhudurg

Sindhudurg, News on Sindhudurg, stories on Sindhudurg, articles on Sindhudurg, Sindhudurg stories at Wion, Sindhudurg news, Sindhudurg latest news