Malvan
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| ?Malvan (मालवण) Maharashtra • India |
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| Coordinates: | |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
| Area • Elevation |
• 5 m (16 ft) |
| District(s) | Sindhudurg |
| Population | 60,000 (2001) |
| Language(s) | Marathi, Malvani |
| Codes • Pincode • Telephone • Vehicle |
• 416606 • +91-2365 • MH-07 |
| Website: sindhudurg.nic.in | |
Malvan (Marathi: मालवण) (also written as Malwan) is a town located in Sindhudurg District - southernmost district of Maharashtra. This culturally and historically important town is a Taluka place in Sindhudurg District. Malvan taluka consists of villages like Achara, Jamdul, Juva, Pankhol and Sarjekot.
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[edit] Geography and Climate
Malvan is a compact town situated on the coast of Western India and boasts some beautiful beaches. Sindhudurg fort, Tarkarli beach, Mobar point, Chiwala beach, Tondavali beach, all attract tourists. Malvan town is bound by three small creeks: Karli, Kolamb and Kalavali.
The climate of Malvan can be generally classified as warm and moderately humid. Average temperatures range between 16 - 33°C while relative humidity ranges from 69 to 98%. The annual average rainfall of Malvan is 2275 mm.
[edit] Location and Reaching there
Malvan is easily accessible by Road. By road, Malvan is 514 km away from Mumbai, 200 km from Ratnagiri. When arriving from Mumbai or Goa, take National Highway NH-17 till Kasaal and then take a State Transport bus or Rickshaw for an approximately 35 km ride to Malvan.
Nearest railway station is at Kudal/Kankawali and nearest Airport is at Dabolim in GOA.
[edit] People / Demographics
This area of the Konkan is predominantly Hindu and the majority of these Hindus are, Kshatriya, Maratha,Bhandari & Gabit. Common surnames are: Amberkar, Khot, Parab, Gawade, Chavan, Bagwe, Sarmalkar, Gaonkar, Kolambkar,Kubal,Sarang, Joshi, Rane, Kharade, Paradkar, Indulkar etc. The major festival is 'Anganewadi Jatra' 'Bramhan Dev Jatra'(held at Achra),DevRameshwar Kandalgaon & Achre. People from Malvan staying elsewhere return to their native place every year during the months of August-September to attend 'Ganeshotsav', 'Ram Navmi', and various other Jatras(festivals).Also festilval of God is "Gondhal" someone called "Paanji" comes in the month of May after every three years.
As of 2001 India census,[1] Malwan had a population of 18,675. Males constitute 51% of the population and females 49%. Malwan has an average literacy rate of 81%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 77%. In Malwan, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.
[edit] Culture
- 'Malvani' dialect: Malvan has its unique culture signified by its peculiar dialect and Food. Malvan lends its name to 'Malvani' dialect (A mix of Marathi and Konkani). This dialect is very popular among local population in Sindhudurg district and also parts of Ratnagiri.
- Cuisine - The cuisine of this region is popularly known as Malvani cuisine. Coconut, Rice and fish assume prime significance in the Malavani cuisine.
- Dashavataar (In Marathi: दशावतार)- It is an art form popular in most of the Konkan region in Maharashtra and more so in and around Malvan. It is a play that depicts the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu (as in Hindu mythalogy).This continues till wee hours of morning or probably after that also sometimes. Dashavataar, mainly conducted at the time of "Saptah" which the mahapuja of Gram Devta. During this all villagers also sale their home made products like Khaja, Kadak Dadu (popularily known as "Khadkade Ladu"), Lonache - लोणचें (Pickles), and others. This utsav is the main Parvany (Event) for the villagers. At this very important event, all Chakarmani (A term used for A large number of Salaried class people from Konkan work who work in cities like Mumbai, Pune) visit their homes and enjoy the Khajas and Laadus.
- Barrister Nath Pai Sevangan: Barrister Nath Pai Sevangan is named after the famous freedom fighter and legislator from Maharashtra. It is located in Dhuriwada Malwan near the sea shore. It undertakes humanitarian work and also has a huge enclosed community center in which many events take place.
- Pimpal (The peepal tree): Pimpal is a peepal tree (Sacred fig) in the heart of the town. The whole place has been named after the tree. On one side of this tree is a road leading to the municipal corporation, on the other side there is Topiwala High School and a government health clinic. Pimpal is considered sacred and holy and has been in malvan for as many as sixty years.
- Malwan Schramik Maachimar Sangh: The traditional fishworker union in Malvan, registered in 1987, has small-scale fishermen as members.
[edit] Education
- A.S.D.Topiwala High School& Jr.College
- Bhandari High School
- S.K.Patil Mahavidyalaya
- Kanyashala
- Jeevan Vidya Vidyalaya
- Industrial Training Institute (ITI)
- Government Polytechnic
- Dr.s.s.Kudalakar highschool
- Rosary Convent School.
- Varadkar High School, Katta
[edit] Wildlife Sanctuary
The Malvan (marine) Wildlife Sanctuary was declared on 13 April 1987, with a core zone of 3.182 km² and buffer zone of 25.94 km² (total area being 29.122 km²). The core zone includes the Sindhudurg fort, Padamged island and other submerged rocky structures. The north eastern border of the buffer zone is 50mts from the seashore near Malvan port, while on the east it is a semi-circular sandy beach 500 mts parallel to the shore of Malvan, in the south it is near Mandel rock, and in the west touches the Malvan rock.
[edit] Tourist Attractions
- Sindhudurg - A sea fort. This impressive Sindhudurg (meaning Ocean Fort), was built in 1664 by the great 17th century Maratha warrior, Shivaji on "Kurte" island to the glory of the Maratha Empire. The construction of a sea fort is a stupendous task, and at Sindhudurg no efforts were spared. Over 2000 khandis (4000 mounds) of iron were used for casting and the foundation stones were laid down firmly in lead. Even today, as one approaches the fort past a rocky reef, navigable through a narrow channel, one marvels at the transportation of such heavy material through such choppy waters.
- Tarkarli - A serene beach located 8km off Malvan town. It has a Cottage Resort around the beach developed by Maharashtra Tourism (MTDC). This beach is a favorite with sand particles devoid of any red tinge and sky reflecting waters. Further north about another 6-7km, is the Tarkarli creek and a lovely estuary. Boat ride on the Tarkarli creek highly recommended. It takes you a little out in the sea and on a lucky day, you might spot some dolphins too!
- Rock Garden - The Rock garden is situated near the Arase Mahal and on the Rocky Shore of Malvan.
- Jai Ganesh Mandir
- Chivla Beach
- Arse Mahal Beach
- Tondavali Beach (19km North of Malvan)
- Achra Beach (22km north of Malvan)
- Rameshwar Temple (23km north of Malvan)
- Devbaug Beach (12km south of Malvan)
- Vetal Mandir (4km North of Malvan)
[edit] Malvan Quick Look
 A view of Sindhudurg Fort |
 Malvan beach |
 Another view of Malvan beach |
 A view of Malvan Rock Garden |
 A view of tranquil Devbaug Backwaters |
 Tarkarli Beach from MTDC Resort |
 MTDC Houseboat at Tarkarli creek -To be commissioned in May 7 |
 Around Devbaug village |
 MTDC resort at Tarkarli |
 View from Sindhudurg Fort |
[edit] References
- ^ Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns. (Provisional). Census Commission of India. Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
