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Request a CallbackThe beaches are the easiest part of Konkan to discover. But travel inland and you start seeing a very different side of the region.
Across the laterite plateaus are petroglyphs carved into the rock thousands of years ago. Some are believed to date back around 12,000 years. There are animals, human figures and strange geometric shapes. We spent hours looking at them, trying to understand who made them, why they were here and what this landscape might have looked like when they were created.
But the petroglyphs are only one part of the story. Fishing communities still follow the seasons, traditional homes sit among coconut and mango orchards, and old forts and temples tell stories from much more recent history.
Unexplored Konkan is a four-day journey through its villages, landscapes and history. You’ll stay in traditional homes, share meals with local families and see a side of Konkan that is easy to miss.
Duration
4 Days
Group Size
16 at the max
Accommodation
Traditional homestay
Pick Up Details
Ratnagiri at 6:30 AM
Drop Off Details
Ratnagiri at 5:30 PM
Food
Local delicacies
Suitable For
Over 5 years of age
Rain Expectations
Heavy monsoon showers
Best Season
Monsoon and Post Monsoon
Unexplorations take time. We plan our days so you have time to slow down, take it all in and notice the little things along the way. For Unexplored Konkan during the monsoon, be prepared for wet roads, muddy paths, cloudy skies and changing weather throughout the day. At times, heavy rain may affect travel timings or mean small changes to the itinerary. We simply adjust as the weather changes.
Pick up at Ratnagiri at 6:30 am and drive into Konkan’s interior. Reach the homestay at 9 am. Experience Konkani village life, food and coastal culture right where you're staying.
Drive to Ranpat Waterfall, situated right next to the Konkan Railway. In the afternoon, visit the prehistoric petroglyph sites.
Visit the Shri Karneshwar Temple and the centuries-old Sardesai Wada - where an important episode of Maratha history unfolded. Travel to the second homestay. After lunch, visit Purnagad Fort.
Drive towards Godavne Beach and walk the last 1.5 km to reach it. Spend the morning by the sea. In the afternoon, drive back to Ratnagiri, reaching by 5:30 pm.
Pick up at Ratnagiri at 6:30 am and drive into Konkan’s interior. Reach the homestay at 9 am. Experience Konkani village life, food and coastal culture right where you're staying.
Drive to Ranpat Waterfall, situated right next to the Konkan Railway. In the afternoon, visit the prehistoric petroglyph sites.
Visit the Shri Karneshwar Temple and the centuries-old Sardesai Wada - where an important episode of Maratha history unfolded. Travel to the second homestay. After lunch, visit Purnagad Fort.
Drive towards Godavne Beach and walk the last 1.5 km to reach it. Spend the morning by the sea. In the afternoon, drive back to Ratnagiri, reaching by 5:30 pm.
Some experiences on this journey take you deep into Konkan’s past — prehistoric petroglyphs, ancient temples and forts overlooking the sea. Others bring you closer to the Konkan of today. Then, there are the little moments. A tour of their Konkani home with the hosts. A stop for chai and pakoras with a local family after a boat ride. Conversations with locals in the villages.
Unexplored Konkan brings all of these together. It’s a glimpse of how everyday life in Konkan continues alongside a rich past.
Purnagad Fort sits quietly above the sea, surrounded by the green of the Konkan hills. It offers beautiful views of the coast and the creek below. Built by the Marathas, the fort was strategically located at the mouth of the Muchkundi river, overlooking the Arabian Sea. You’ll also visit the centuries-old Sardesai Wada, a place closely linked to one of the most significant episodes in Maratha history.
Godavne and Wayangani are two quiet stretches of the Konkan coast. Surrounded by greenery and the open sea, they offer a chance to slow down, walk along the shore or simply sit by the waves. After days of exploring the region, these beaches give you some time to pause and take in the coast.
The Konkan petroglyphs are among the most remarkable traces of the region’s past. These massive carvings etched into laterite rock are thousands of years old, depicting animals, human forms and other shapes. Looking at them closely, you begin to see them not just as rock carvings, but as clues to the lives of the people who lived here thousands of years ago.
Most people know the Konkan coast, but very few get to see how people live in its villages. At Tural, walk through the village and its paddy fields, see the homes and farms around you, and experience everyday Konkani life.
Take a boat through the waterways around Sangameshwar, passing mangrove forests and the places where the rivers come together. After the boat ride, walk to a Konkani home nearby for some chai and pakoras. Spend some time chatting with the family and looking around their aangan.
During the monsoon, the waterfalls of Konkan come alive. Ranpat Waterfall is particularly striking, with the Konkan Railway line running through a tunnel in the rock beneath it. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a train passing right in front of the waterfall. On the way to the second homestay, you’ll stop at two more beautiful waterfalls, Pawas and Nevli, both surrounded by lush greenery.
Tucked inside the quiet village of Kasba Sangameshwar, this temple is easy to miss. Built by the Chalukya rulers, its black stone walls have intricate details — figures and forms that most visitors walk past without a second look. With a knowledgeable guide, we go deeper into the stories carved into every corner.
Konkan truly comes alive during the monsoon. The hills turn green, waterfalls come roaring back, rivers swell and paddy fields fill with water. The rains are part of everyday life here, and they bring a different energy to the villages and the landscape.
Murli Sundrani · Unexplored Konkan
Hi Murli here,I recently experienced Unexplored India in Konkan, and it has been nothing short of phenomenal. The idea of exploring the lesser-known corners of our own country was exciting from the beginning, but experiencing it firsthand made me realise just how much of India we have never truly explored. We often travel to well-known, well-documented destinations, while there is so much hidden treasure waiting to be discovered right in our own backyard. What makes Unexplored India special is the way it takes you beyond sightseeing. We explored Konkan on foot, stayed in local homes, ate authentic local food, experienced the culture and traditions, and connected with the people and their way of life. Konkan was absolutely beautiful. The weather was phenomenal and breezy, and we explored places like Dheroon, historic forts and what felt like completely untouched beaches. Imagine standing on a beautiful beach with almost nobody around, or experiencing a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea with not another tourist in sight! Living in local homes and sharing meals with local families was one of the highlights for me and my wife. It gave us a glimpse into the richness of Konkan’s culture that you simply cannot experience through a conventional holiday. But personally, this journey gave me something even more special , it took me back to my childhood. For four days, I ate every meal with my hands. I bathed using a lota and traditional vessels. Staying in wooden houses, seeing wooden cupboards and experiencing those little details that were once a part of everyday life brought back memories of a simpler childhood that we often forget as we grow older. In many ways, Unexplored India felt like an immersion into our own heritage and culture. A big thank you to the entire Unexplored India team for thinking of such a wonderful concept and bringing it to life. I’m already looking forward to exploring the many other unexplored corners of India. Special thanks to Abhishek and Prachi, who took us through the entire experience so seamlessly, calmly and joyfully. And, of course, the fellow travellers made the experience even more memorable. A wonderful experience, a journey back to our roots, and a big thumbs-up to Unexplored India and Unexplored Konkan!
Prathima Rao · Unexplored Konkan
I’m Prathima, and when I think about exploring Konkan, what can I say? It had all the elements… nature, trekking, farming, cycling and at the same time, it taught us so much. For the first time, we saw petroglyphs. Do you know what petroglyphs are? I didn’t, until I came on this trip! We got to experience prehistoric history as well as the historical forts of Shivaji, and everything that comes along with it. And then there were the beautiful vistas of the Arabian Sea, which are so wild and dramatic at this time of the year, crashing against the rocks. And the dripping monsoon rain that gives the whole landscape this incredible emerald-green colour. There is something so exquisite about experiencing all of this together ,nature, history, adventure and learning, all in one journey. Thank you, Unexplored India, for such a wonderful experience.
Aditya Shivaprasad · Unexplored Konkan
Hi, my name is Aditya, I’m from Bangalore, and I recently had the opportunity to be part of Unexplored Konkan by Unexplored India. This was my first experience with Unexplored India, and I must say, this initiative is one of the best travel experiences I’ve come across. The whole idea is to explore the unexplored regions of India, and through this experience, we were introduced to different cultures, cuisines and places that a normal tourist may not even come across while travelling on their own. We got to know about things like petroglyphs, I’m sure many of us wouldn’t even know what a petroglyph is! But being able to see and understand these things in person was a completely different experience. We explored beautiful beaches, temples, understood the ancient history and architecture behind them, and experienced so much of what makes Konkan special. And for me, the food was definitely one of the biggest highlights. We got to meet the local people, experience their food, visit their farms, and they were kind enough to welcome us into their homes and share food made from what they grow themselves. Overall, exploring Konkan gave me a completely different perspective. It made me realise how much there is to discover within our own country. Incredible India, indeed! And with initiatives like Unexplored India, I’m sure we’ll continue discovering many more hidden jewels and treasures across the country. Thank you, Unexplored India, for such a great experience!
Archana Singh · Unexplored Konkan
I had signed up for Konkan in Rains because it sounded completely different from my usual holidays and solo travels. What I discovered was, without a doubt, one of the most exotic and memorable holidays I have ever experienced. The homestay was far beyond my expectations. It felt like we were getting a genuine glimpse into the lives of the people of the region — their homes, food habits, rituals, and the incredible flora and fauna around them. It wasn't just a stay; it felt like we were becoming a small part of their everyday world. The group itself was an absolute delight, including the Unexplored India team. We swam in a stream, watched some of the group do their own Jane-and-Tarzan acts using tree branches across the water, played imaginary volleyball on the beach, and walked to one of the most beautiful waterfalls imaginable. We even ended up creating a reel at the behest of Ritu, a fellow traveller! The petroglyphs were fascinating, made even more memorable by our interaction with Professor Sathe, whose academic insights added another dimension to the experience. And then came the Purangad Fort — perhaps the most extraordinary experience of them all. With the Arabian Sea on one side and the ancient fort overlooking it, it felt almost spiritual. In an age of AI and technology, standing there felt like being transported centuries back to the time of Shivaji Maharaj. For me, this was the most exotic travel experience I have had to date. It felt like a cleansing of the soul — revitalising a tired mind while bringing out a sense of being young, carefree and mischievous again. The fellow travellers became like family, as did the wonderful Unexplored India guides, Prachi and Abhishek, who made the journey even more special. I absolutely loved this experience, and I know it will remain a part of me for a very long time. Thank you, Unexplored India, for creating an experience that words can hardly describe. Some journeys simply have to be experienced.
Mitul · Unexplored Konkan
Just coming back from the Unexplored Konkan, and I can sum up the entire experience in one word — AWESOME! Heartfelt thanks to the Unexplored India team for conceiving such a beautiful journey. It was not only calm, relaxing and refreshing, but also deeply educative. The trip gave me an opportunity to understand the culture of the region, taste some delicious local recipes, and discover our heritage and prehistoric practices through the excavated petroglyphs and ancient temples. The logistics and arrangements were nothing short of perfect. And the choice of the Rustic Homestay was simply awesome. Beyond its beauty, serenity and beautifully designed interiors and exteriors, the lip-smacking food and the warmth of Mr. and Mrs. Karkare made the stay truly special. More than anything, it gave me a completely new perspective towards life. And the trip would have lacked its heart if Prachi had not been there. Her warm and beautiful smile, constant presence and the way she attended to every member whenever we needed her made such a difference. Lots of love and hugs to you, Prachi! ❤️ A special thanks to our driver, Avinashji, for navigating the bus so smoothly through the narrow lanes and bylanes, always with a smile on his face. I am returning with a heart full of wonderful memories and new friendships with people I had met just six days ago. I am sure these relationships will continue far beyond this trip. I sincerely hope Unexplored India opens up many more such journeys across different parts of the country. And being a Bong, I especially hope to be part of a similar experience in West Bengal someday! Wishing the entire Unexplored India team lots of success. I look forward to being part of many more such journeys in the future.
We choose homes that let you experience Konkani life, rather than simply giving you a place to stay. On Unexplored Konkan, you spend time in two very different homes, each rooted in its surroundings.
Tural Village
The first homestay is the perfect reflection of Konkan. Built with laterite blocks, a tiled roof and traditional rock beds, it sits in a forested valley surrounded by paddy fields, with a small village just beyond. There is no other commercial stay for 20 km in any direction.
The days here revolve around Konkani food, farm life, mango orchards and village walks. You’ll also get to know the home itself, with the hosts sharing stories about its traditional design and the way people have lived here. Rooms are shared between three people.
Neral Village
The second homestay is a farmhouse closer to the coast, surrounded by thick vegetation and cradled between two rivers. It feels greener, quieter and more open. Rooms here are also shared between three people.
What 4 Days of Unexplored Konkan Actually Look Like!
Over the last 17 years, we’ve trekked through some of the most beautiful, diverse landscapes in our country. But we also know how different travelling through India can feel. We've realised that some of the most interesting parts of our country don't make it onto a typical tourist itinerary.
They are found in the small details and little moments. A village temple, the family kitchen, an old house, a local festival. Maybe a conversation with someone who has lived there all their life. These things don't always fit neatly into a sightseeing list, but stay with you longer. This is what we look for when we travel. Journeys that give people the time and space to look closer and travel deeper.
This is Unexplored India.
We believe that when you understand a place a little better, you begin to see it differently. Our hope is that, along the way, you also rediscover something that makes you feel proud of India too.
Arjun Majumdar is the Founder & CEO of Indiahikes. In this video he talks about why we started Unexplored India after 17 years of leading treks and what it means to travel this way through the country.
A closer look at the people, places and traditions of India that often remain unseen.
Unexplored Konkan: Where the monsoon writes its story
There are journeys that take you to a destination, and there are those that gently immerse you in the soul of a place, like Unexplored Konkan, a three-night, four-day monsoon sojourn along the rain-washed Ratnagiri coast.
Read the full storyAll Stays
Homestays
Every meal
All meals (except those mentioned as exclusions)
Transport
Everything from when we pick you up in Ratnagiri until we drop you back there
Permits
Forest and Local Permissions are arranged before you arrive
Group Leaders
Guidance and facilitation throughout the trip from our leaders who bring the region to life with historical and cultural stories.
You will receive a 90% refund if you cancel 20 days or more before the trip date. Please check the detailed cancellation policy for complete terms and conditions.
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