Exploring Vengurla
After visiting Redi, Aravali, and other nearby places, we headed towards Vengurla town. This was our first visit to the town, and by the time we arrived, it was already around 3:30 PM. Our plan was simple—find a hotel, have a meal, and then explore the town.
However, to our surprise, the entire town seemed eerily quiet. All the shops were closed, and even hotels and restaurants were shut. After wandering around for quite some time, we finally asked a local, who advised us to try our luck on Bandar Road, where we might find a hotel or a homestay.
Following the suggestion, we reached Bandar Road, only to find that the only open hotel was fully booked. With no other option, we turned back. By now, hunger had kicked in, and our stomachs were growling. On the way, we stopped near the newly built Sky Bridge, where a few street vendors were just setting up their stalls as the clock struck 5 PM.
A couple of stalls had opened, but they had nothing ready to eat yet. One of the vendors, a woman, quickly offered to make an omelet for us. Relieved, we ordered omelet-pav and tea. As we ate, we inquired about accommodation, and she suggested a homestay just a minute away. Not only that, but she also called the owner on our behalf and arranged everything for us.
Mandavi Nature’s Homestay – A Hidden Gem
The homestay was run by a woman from a self-help group, and luckily, they had one room available. Without wasting time, we headed straight to Mandavi Nature’s Homestay.
The moment we saw the place, we felt grateful that we hadn’t found a hotel earlier—this place was truly a hidden gem. The homestay had only three rooms, all spotlessly clean and beautifully maintained. The front yard was adorned with flowering plants, coconut trees, and even a small vegetable garden. At the back, a serene creek added to the charm. The atmosphere was peaceful, with birds chirping as the evening set in.
Adding to the experience, the self-help group also operated a boat safari, perfect for birdwatching in the early morning. The safari covered around 1.5 to 2 km on the water, offering a unique way to observe the local wildlife. To top it all off, they also served authentic homemade Malvani cuisine, just the way we wanted. Hearing all this, my heart was filled with joy.
Without hesitation, we booked the room, freshened up, and rested for a while. Later in the evening, we returned to the Sky Bridge. By then, darkness had set in, transforming the entire scene. The once quiet bridge was now alive with people, the beach below was buzzing, and the street food stalls were in full swing—a completely different vibe from earlier in the day!
Sky Bridge, Vengurla
After crossing the Sky Bridge, we made our way down to the beach. For us Goans, beaches aren’t exactly a novelty, so we didn’t linger for too long and soon decided to head back.
Meanwhile, the fishermen were busy pulling their boats ashore after a long day at sea. A thick rope was tied to one side of the boat, with a group of men pulling it with all their strength, while others pushed the boat from both sides. To synchronize their effort, they chanted in unison—something similar to the classic “Jor laga ke haisha!” but in Malvani.
Just then, a group of women struggling to bring in a larger boat called out for extra hands. As we were passing by, they asked for help. My two kids, eager for a new experience, quickly stepped forward. They put in all their effort and returned completely drenched in sweat—only to realize the sheer hard work that goes into earning a livelihood.
This is what travel is truly about—not just weekend getaways for fun, but real-life experiences that teach more than any classroom ever could.
Mangrove Water Safari
The next day began with an exciting water safari. By the time we arrived, the women from the self-help group were already on the boat, oars in hand, ready to set off. There were five women in total, one of whom was there specifically to provide information about the birds and the surrounding mangrove forest.
I had immense admiration for these women, especially the ones rowing the boat! As we listened to them, it became clear how deeply they understood and cared for nature, the mangrove ecosystem, and the birds that inhabited it. Along with the names of various bird species, they shared interesting facts and insights, making the experience both educational and enriching.
After such a beautiful start to the day, we had breakfast and bid farewell to our wonderful homestay.
Next on our list of places to visit in Vengurla was the Lighthouse, which ranked at the top of our itinerary. However, luck wasn’t on our side this time, as the visiting hours were limited to just 4:00–5:00 PM. Since we couldn’t wait until then, we had to leave without seeing it.
