SEA SHORE DIARIES: PART II
Beach Vibes only😊
Hello and welcome to "What's around us to explore!" I'm back with another exciting article, this time focusing on the beautiful sea shores of the Konkan region, particularly Ratnagiri and Goa. As a beach enthusiast myself, I can't wait to share my adventures and discoveries along these coastal gems.
Also read my previous article: Sea Shore diaries Part I
Day 1:
Beaches often hold a unique charm, each offering its own blend of natural beauty, local culture, and recreational opportunities. Ratnagiri and Goa are both known for their stunning coastline, rich history, and vibrant atmospheres. What an adventurous journey from Mysore to Ratnagiri! The road trip from Pune to Ratnagiri have been filled with scenic landscapes and exciting discoveries, especially with the sightings of Hanuman Langurs (Gray Langurs).
Hanuman (Grey) Langur
These monkeys are fascinating creatures, known for their distinctive appearance and social behaviors. Observing wildlife in their natural habitat can be a highlight of any trip, providing a deeper connection with the natural surroundings.
Day 2:
Started the Sea exploration from Mandavi beach, Ratnagiri. Spent 2-3 evening there and it was so refreshing and pleasant. The bridge connects the beach for a long way and throughout the bridge there are seating arrangements. One of the best place to hangout in Ratnagiri. This is one of the best beach I have ever visited. Night time the beauty adds on to beach with bright street lights and the local shops. I tried smoke biscuits for the first time there and it was very smoky.
Mandavi Beach, Ratnagiri (sunset mode)
Mandavi Beach, Ratnagiri (Night mode)
Day 3:
Next day, I visited Ganapatipule beach, one of the famous tourist attraction in Ratnagiri. Ganapatipule Beach in Ratnagiri sounds like a fascinating destination, combining natural beauty with cultural and spiritual significance. The presence of the Ganapati temple along the beach adds a unique dimension to the experience, making it not only a scenic spot but also a place of religious importance that draws many devotees.
Sunset pics from Ganapatipule beach
Aare Ware View Point
The aesthetic views of Ganapatipule Beach must have provided a picturesque backdrop for your exploration. The idea of young couples having their pre-wedding shoots there adds a touch of romance to the atmosphere, highlighting the beach's popularity not only among devotees but also as a charming location for special occasions.
Bivalve shells, collected from Ganapatipule beach
Snail Shells, collected from Ganapatipule beach
Exploring Ganapatipule Beach and collecting shells had been a wonderful way to connect with the coastal ecosystem. The diversity of marine life I encountered, from bivalves and snails to cuttlefish bones, sea weeds, Lepas and even spotting a Sepia, adds an extra layer of fascination to my sea shore diaries.
Lepas (barnacles) on the fallen log
Sargassum
This is the first time I am seeing the cuttle fish bone! It is an internal shell found in the members of the Sepia family. There are some economical importance of the cuttlebone, like dietary supplements for selected pets.
Cuttle fish bone
Sepia and some cuttle bones
The presence of dense Pandanus plants along the coastline adds not only to the natural beauty but also plays a crucial role in the ecology of the area. The stilt roots of Pandanus act as sand binders, helping to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. This is a remarkable adaptation of these plants to the coastal environment.
Pandanus spp.
Moreover, the culinary use of Pandanus leaves in Indian cuisine is an interesting cultural aspect. The leaves are utilized for their aromatic properties and are especially popular in dishes like Pulavs and Biriyanis with its marketing name 'kewra water'.
Balanus and bivalve shells collected from Shirgaon Mangroves
Further reading: Episodes of Lake marathon: 13 Shirgaon Mangroves
Day 4:
Next I had an lifetime experience with Stern trawling in one of the Shirgaon seas. Started early in the morning from Sakhartar (fish market), and sailed almost an hour to reach the fishing spot. Trawled the net for almost an hour and got an average amount of catch.
Sunrise from one of the Shirgaon Sea
Shirgaon Sea
Trawling boat
Fish collected
Mackerel, Ribbon fish, tongue fish, sea crabs, shrimps are some of the edible fish collected. Had some nice ribbon fish fry for the mid day snacks. Some of the fish caught were cooked to make yummy fish curry in the fishermen style and the food was simply delicious. No masala, no cuisines can beat the taste of the indigenous, freshly cooked meals. The kitchen was designed on the inner compartment as the ocean breeze might disrupt the flame.
Kitchen Ribbon fish fry
Along with the edible fish, some other sea creatures were caught, some of them with no commercials importance were left back to the sea. Among that, puffer fish, octopus, sea anemones were present.
Mantis shrimp
Puffer fish
Some tiny fish Sea anemone
Octopus
Experiencing a pause in the sea journey due to low tide was an unexpected twist in the adventure, but we made the most of it by turning the waiting time into a fun and memorable interlude. Chit-chatting, playing games, and spending quality time in the boat cabin surely added a social and enjoyable aspect to the journey.
Some cormorants, kingfishers and pond herons were waiting to catch their preys. Couple of common red shanks were wadding on the mud and predating small fishes and mollusks. Observing the diverse birdlife in the coastal environment adds another layer of richness to the sea shore diaries. The presence of cormorants, kingfishers, pond herons, and common red shanks indicates a thriving ecosystem where various species coexist and depend on the marine resources for their survival.
White breasted kingfisher
Common Red Shank
Well, the trawling journey sounds like it was filled with unique experiences and memorable moments, despite the hot sun and the absence of dolphin sightings. The fact that none of our team experienced sea sickness is a definite plus, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the adventure on the sea.
Shirgaon Sea
The mention of missing dolphins, even though they are commonly available in the area according to experts, adds an element of unpredictability to sea exploration. The marine environment is vast and dynamic, and wildlife sightings are not always guaranteed. However, the anticipation of seeing dolphins and other marine life adds an exciting aspect to future sea shore diaries or coastal adventures.
Day 5:
On the day 5, which was the last day of my journey, we took on road from Shirgaon to Goa. We made a short visit to Surya temple of Kasheli. Spotting the great Indian Hornbill is indeed a remarkable moment, especially considering it's your first encounter with this majestic bird.
The presence of such unique wildlife adds a special and memorable dimension to your sea shore diaries. The great Indian Hornbill is known for its striking appearance, with a large and distinctive bill and vibrant plumage. Also spotted Asiatic Koel male, red vented bulbul and an orchid species grown on a tree (epiphytes). Truly Konkan region is rich in culture, heritage, and biodiversity.
Great Indian Hornbill
Asiatic Koel Male
Red Vented Bulbul
Orchid (epiphyte)
Taking a pause at Kasheli Beach, described as an unexplored and less familiar gem, highlights the charm of discovering hidden and less-trodden destinations. The natural setting with steep mountains surrounding the beach on three sides creates a picturesque and secluded environment. The juxtaposition of the sandy shores against the rugged mountain backdrop adds to the scenic beauty and uniqueness of Kasheli Beach.
Kasheli beach, Maharashtra
Ending my sea shore diaries of the season with a visit to Bambolin Beach in Goa sounded like a serene and fitting conclusion to the coastal exploration. This beach was quite, calm, pleasant and peaceful compared to Baga beach which I visited last time.
Having lunch at a beachside restaurant and sampling local fish delicacies sounds like a delightful way to round off the coastal exploration. The combination of delicious local cuisine, the soothing ocean breeze, and the laid-back atmosphere of the beach is indeed a recipe for a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
Bambolin Beach
Shells collected from Bambolin Beach, Goa
Sea weed
Crab
So, last but not the least, sighting the ocean over flight from Goa to Mysore was simply mesmerizing. The aerial perspective, especially during a 20-minute stretch over the ocean, adds a unique and divine touch to your journey. Flying over the ocean offers a breathtaking view of the vast expanse of water, with the changing hues and patterns of the sea creating a visual symphony. It's an experience that provides a different dimension to coastal exploration, allowing you to appreciate the grandeur and beauty of the ocean from a bird's-eye view.
Bird eye view of the ocean
The Sea Shore Diaries Part 2, covering the Konkan and Goa region, has been a captivating journey filled with diverse experiences, from pristine beaches and trawling adventures to unexpected wildlife sightings and cultural gems. My observations of species richness, discovering new birds, animals, and plants, underscore the ecological wealth of the coastal areas that I explored. The fact that this adventure stands out as one of the most memorable trips of my life speaks volumes about the richness and uniqueness of the experiences that I encountered along the way. Discovering lesser-known destinations, and immersing myself in the natural and cultural facets of the region has undoubtedly made my sea shore diaries a compelling and authentic travelogue. Looking forward for more such travel diaries and adventures. Keep reading "what's around us to explore", bye bye!
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