About

Harnai beach is an isolated stretch that is lined with a fort on its northern end. With natural harbor, clear waters, beautiful seascape and rocky coasts, it promises to be a place for pleasurable holidays. Harnai is becoming a popular tourist spot amongst many visitors from Maharashtra.

Specialities

Suvarnadurg is a shore fort and surrounded by sea on all sides. Suvarnadurg fort is a landmark in Konkan. Once there was a tunnel connecting both the forts but now the only way to get to Suvarnadurga is by boat. However, currently there is no regular boat service to the fort and one has to arrange for a ferry from the local fishermen.

Kanakdurg Fort is a sub fort of Suvarnadurg. There are steps to reach to the top of the fort and the fishermen colony situated on Fategad can be seen from here. On one of the highest points on the fort, there is an old lighthouse from which gives a fabulous view of fishing boats, fish auctions, Suvarnadurg fort and beautiful sunset. Earlier this lighthouse was used by fishermen and sailors as a navigation guide towards Harnai Port.

Goa Fort: Goa Fort lies on the way of Harnai harbor. It can be identified by its huge black stoned wall.

Dolphins: Dolphins can be seend around the Suvarnadurga very often. Local fishermen if asked can give you a trip for reasonable amount. They also help locating the Dolphins. Summer is a best season to see Dophins around.

Sea Food: People love to spend their relaxing vacations in Harnai by feasting on delicious sea food. Harnai port is the main fishing village. Every evening hundreds of fishing boats come back after fishing and gather to auction their catch. The fish auction is the essential trade step between fish landings and the trade. Business worth lakhs of rupees is carried out daily between 4 pm to 7 pm. Loads and loads of Pomfret, kingfish, mackerel, white jumbo prawns, lobsters, squids, sting rays and many more varieties of fish are auctioned and sent to Mumbai, Cochin as well as exported to the international market. You can also participate into the fish auction and bid for fish of your choice. It is an unforgettable experience for all seafood lovers. Watching fish auctions has become one of the major tourist attractions at Harnai.

History

Suvarnadurga Fort was conquered and refurbished by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660 from Adil Shahi dynasty. It was also a base for the Maratha navy ship-building facility.

Suvarnadurg fort was the base for Kanhojee Angrey who was the chief of Maratha Navy. Kanhojee Angrey spent his childhood in Suvarnadurg fort, of which he was later the Governor. He set up powerful fleet of warships to protect the western coast of Konkan from British, French, Dutch and Portuguese attacks. Kanakdurga Fort was constructed by Shahu Maharaj in 1710

How to reach

Harnai is 17 km from Dapoli. State Transport (ST) buses / private shared jeeps, rickshaws run between Dapoli and Murud. You can hire an auto rickshaw or drive down. Rented jeeps / cars are also available.