Vengurla is an alluring beach town, located on the Konkan coast in the southern most district of Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. Just 110 km north of Goa, Vengurla is popular for its long stretch of clear white sand beaches ringed by high mountains. One of the busiest ports during the reign of Maratha King Chhatrapati Shivaji, the port was a busy trade center between the 16th and 18th century. The existence of huge warehouses, trading centers and markets are pointers to its rich mercantile past. Between 1664 and 1812, the town was twice burned to ground. The residue of the attacks is still seen on the Vengurla rocks, and is now popularly known as Burnt Island. The Burnt Island is group of three large rocks that were once an important navigation point for seafarers. At present, the rocks act as a breeding site for a rare bird, the Indian Swiftlet.
Malvani, a dialect of Marathi, is spoken in Vengurla.
Vengurla boasts of five stunning beaches. Nivati beach, Shiroda beach, Mochemad beach, Sagareshwar beach, and Vayangani beach. Of these, Nivati and Shiroda beaches are highly recommended as they are blessed with crystal clear water and offer great opportunities for water sports.
Vengurla is also famous for its temples like the Mauli Devi Temple, Sateri Devi Temple and Shri Vithoda Temple.
Though not a shopping destination, roasted cashew nuts and sweets made from cashew are worth trying and are found in shops all around the town.
