In the Heart of Talashil Tondavli Lies Malvan’s Best-Kept Secret – Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay

You didn’t wanted a glamorous flashy vacation.

You wanted an authentic experience and wanted to support locals and local tourism.

You were fed up with honking traffic, endless scrolls and polluted air.

You wanted to do nothing but to lie in a hammock under many, many coconut trees all day and eat some of delicious homemade Malwani food.

Therefore you begin your journey into deeper parts of Malvan and you reach a paradise sandwiched in between river and sea.

Welcome to Talashil Tondavli ! A hidden gem of Konkan!

The road narrows, the sea peeks through coconut trees , and time begins to slow and you reach Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay.

And the truth is Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay isn’t listed under “Top 10 Places to Stay in Malvan.” It doesn’t have to be. It lives in the memories of people who needed healing and found home.

Sorry the official name is “Aapa’s Coconut garden beach Resort”.

But this place made me feel like home. So I am gladly refering this as a homestay.

Please note that this is not any paid/sponsered post for Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay.

Usually I go and stay in homestays, whenever I travel. This is because I believe in supporting the locals economically and boosting the local tourism. If I am recommending any place, it’s just because I genuinely liked it and not because anyone paid me to do so.

Journey to Talashil Tondavli

It was Friday, and I was quite excited because a three-day weekend was coming up. I had booked round trip train tickets to Malvan two months in advance.

If you are also planning a trip to Malwan especially on weekends and if your train route involves section from Mumbai to Goa route, I highly recommend you to book your trip extremely well in advance as Mumbaikars are crazy about Goa. It’s so difficult to travel if you don’t have tickets in advance.

Basically I stay in Gujarat for work purpose. After returning from the office, I headed straight to the station and boarded the train. A wave of relief washed over me the moment I settled into my seat. I was finally going back to my home state, my lovely Maharashtra❤️.

No matter where life takes you, there’s a different kind of joy in returning home.

As the train slowly pulled out of the station, I settled into my window seat, letting the rhythmic clatter of the tracks ease away the fatigue of the week. I plugged in my earphones, played some old Marathi songs that always reminded me of home, and leaned back with a smile.

As the train picked up speed, I gazed out the window, watching the city lights blur into the darkness. The occasional whistle of the train, and the gentle sway of the coach felt oddly comforting. I was already picturing my arrival, the warm hug from nature, the smell of spicy fish simmering in the kitchen, and the calm sea breeze brushing against my face as I stood by the shore.

Somewhere along the journey, with network coming and going, I managed to contact a local scooter rental shop and booked a scooty for three days, right from the train itself.

Details of Scooty rental : A & P Tours & Travels, Contact number – 9422189977

Note : This scooty rental was chosen by me as it was just 500 metre away from Kudal railway station.

The beauty of uncrowded places like Malvan is that you don’t have to plan everything in advance. Apart from the train tickets, everything else just falls into place once you’re on the way.

This wasn’t just a vacation; it was a much-needed break. A break from the screen-heavy workdays, crowded lanes, and chaos. In Malvan, time slows down. People still greet you with a smile, the roads are lined with mango and coconut trees.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the gentle rhythm of the train rock me into a light sleep. In just a few hours, I’d wake up to a different world, one that smelled of the ocean and sounded like home.

My train was destined to stop at Sawantwadi station, not Kudal. So the plan was to get down at Sawantwadi and return back to Kudal by local transport. But fate had a better plan.

I had woken up when the train reached Vaibhavwadi, but I was still half-asleep, swaying lightly with the motion. After crossing Vaibhavwadi, the train gradually slowed down. I’ve always found it hard to sleep when the train stops rocking because there’s something oddly soothing about that rhythmic motion.

So I lay there, eyes barely open, lost somewhere between a dream and reality.Then something magical happened.The train came to a complete halt, waiting for a crossing.

Out of habit, I lazily peeped out of the window and there it was! The board flashed past my eyes like a dream—”Kudal”.

For a second, I couldn’t believe it. My sleepy mind took a moment to register what I had just seen. But as soon as it clicked, I jumped down from the berth, grabbed my bag, and rushed toward the door like a kid who just spotted his favorite toy.

Luckily, the train was still standing. I got down at Kudal, grinning from ear to ear, as if life had gifted me a perfect little surprise. The cool early morning air welcomed me, and for the first time in weeks, I felt truly alive, like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

Distance from Kudal to Talashil Tondavli is around 50 km. The road from Kudal to Tondavli phata was pretty good.

On your way, you will cross three number of scenic bridges over Karli river, Kolamb creek and Gad river.

After crossing Tondavli phata, some sections of the road were pretty bad. But you should not take this negatively. Bad roads often leads to some of the amazing locations.

How I landed in Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay, Talashil Tondavli?

I knew about Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay because my husband had stayed there five years ago, back when we were still dating.

I remember a photo of him, relaxed, swaying on a hammock between coconut trees. That image stuck with me. He had told me there was barely any network at the homestay. Yet every night, he’d walk out to the beach just to find a patch of signal and talk to me for half an hour. That small effort meant everything back then.

I’ve always been fascinated by places with poor connectivity. There’s something peaceful about being completely cut off from the digital world, it helps you slow down, notice the little things, and just be. And now, being in the same place he once described so fondly, felt like walking into a memory we once built together.

But you guys, don’t be scared as things have changed over five years. Now, Coconut Garden Homestay has its own WiFi.

After reaching Malvan, he had called the owner to check if rooms were available. Luckily, they were, and that’s how I ended up coming to this peaceful little place he once spoke about so fondly.

Stay Experience at Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay, Talashil Tondavli

Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay is kind of place that doesn’t ask you to check in. It straightaway invites you to settle in.

You know those moments when life feels a bit too much? When every WhatsApp notification feels like a task and even scrolling feels exhausting?

That’s when you need a place like Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay in Talashil-Tondavli.

I didn’t go there with an itinerary. No checklists, no “places to visit nearby” Google searches. The plan was simple—do nothing. And let me tell you, it was the best decision I made in a long time.

Imagine swaying in a hammock, tied between two coconut trees, the salty sea breeze teasing your hair, and the rhythmic hum of waves whispering just a few meters away.

That’s how my mornings began. And honestly, that’s also how they ended. The space in between? Filled with some of the most comforting Malvani food I’ve ever had.

You can walk barefoot to the Gad river from your room within couple of minutes. And along the way, you’ll only hear birds, rustling leaves, and your own thoughts finally slowing down.

On one fine afternoon, my hammock was swaying gently under the canopy of coconut trees, I looked up. My eyes glanced the length of a towering coconut tree from its sandy roots to its leafy crown.

In that moment of tranquility, a cherished memory of my late grandfather flashed in front of my eyes. When I was a child, he would often tell me stories from Indian mythology.

One of the stories he told was of the Sagar Manthan and the magical Kalpataru, a wish-fulfilling tree that emerged from the cosmic ocean during the great churning.

He also told me a small story about a disheartened man, much like many of us at some point in our lives, seeking food, drink, and shelter. This man found solace under the shade of coconut trees, where, in his dreams, a coconut tree spoke to him. The tree revealed how he could achieve his dreams of sustenance and protection through its bountiful offerings.

My grandfather further explained me that Coconut tree was often refered as Kalpataru or Kalpavruksha, since ancient times in Sanskrit for its ability to fulfill essential needs.

There was something deeply comforting about the old trees at Coconut Garden Homestay. These beautiful trees were whispering stories to my soul. That feeling led me to write Living Kalpataru.

This piece celebrates the everyday miracles bestowed upon us by the selfless coconut tree.

Living Kalpataru

You’ve heard the tales from ages past,
Of Indian myths, rich, deep, and vast.
Where gods and demons went to fight,
Churned the ocean with complete might.

In search of Amrit, nectar divine,
They turned Kshirsagar into a shrine.
With Vasuki serpent used as churning rope,
Mount Mandar, churning rod in tug of hope.

The ocean groaned, the heavens swayed,
As treasures from the deep were laid.
Airavat rose, Moon ascended, Lakshmi too,
Then came Kalpataru, where dreams came true.

Then Indra rose in glory bright,
The gods had won the endless fight.
He claimed the gifts with royal gleam,
Kalpataru crowned his heavenly dream.

He took the tree to heaven's crest,
And placed it where the gods rest.
A wish-fulfilling, sacred prize,
Now hidden high beyond our skies.

But you're no god in heaven's throne,
Neither you have any realm to own.
And so you cried helplessly in vain,
As Kalpataru now, is out of your domain.

You felt a sorrow, deep and true,
That such a gift won’t come to you.
That Kalpataru, high and rare,
Was meant for gods, not yours to share.

Oh child! Still you can't see? 
A miracle stands near to the sea.
Not far in some celestial dome,
But right here near your earthly home.

Do you remember that summer noon,
The ocean breeze, the heat of June?
That tender sip that cooled your soul?
He stood right there, for you to console.

Look near the shore, where winds play,
Where sunlight kisses each new day.
There stands your tree, so tall, so free,
Your living Kalpataru, the Coconut Tree.

He quenches your thirst, he gives you food,
He treats your soul and lifts your mood.
His leaves protect, his shade defies the sun,
His roots seek water for his son.

You touch his bark, feel strength so old,
A strength which storms could not uproot.
No guards, no gold, no guarded gate,
He stands for all, both tiny and great.

Therefore when your dreams run dry,
Don't look above into the blue sky.
Look at coconut tree with closed eyes,
He holds your dreams where silence lies.

He doesn't ask for prayers or praise,
He simply gives, be it night or days.
He is indeed your own living Kalpataru,
For which even Lord Indra envies you!

You are not Indra, with heaven's might,
You don't have Airavat, no palace bright.
But with the coconut tree by your side,
You are not less than him in earthly pride.

This poem is a tribute to all the real-life Kalpatarus that rustle gently in the breeze to compete with the mythical Kalpataru.

Whenever you go and swing the hammock at Appa’s Coconut Garden Homestay, don’t forget to connect with a living Kalpataru.

Contact Number of Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay – +91 80972 76549

Authentic Malvani Food Experience at Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay, Talashil Tondavli

Let me tell you something honestly!

When people ask me what was the best part of my stay at Aapa’s Coconut Garden, I don’t even hesitate.

The food. Hands down, the food.

If you’ve grown tired of sipping overpriced cappuccinos in crowded cafés with Instagrammable walls but forgettable taste, then maybe it’s time you try something different. Something real.

Come to Aapa’s Coconut Garden. Sit under the shade of coconut trees, feel the sand between your toes, and let Kaki (the humble magician in the kitchen) serve you a glass of solkadhi.

I think solkadhi should be renamed as ” Soul Kadhi” because it literally touches the soul.

Every single meal here was a blissful experience.

You don’t get “options” on a printed menu here. You get whatever is fresh, whatever is in season, and whatever Kaki feels like pampering you with that day. And trust me, you’ll love it.

I tried a glorious variety of Malvani delights:

1. Paplet (Pomfret) rava fry – crispy on the outside but delicate inside.

2. Surmai (Kingfish) rava fry – the classic coastal celebrity.

3. Kombdi vade & Chicken rassa – soul-warming Konkani comfort food.

4. Ghavane with coconut chutney for breakfast – light, simple, perfect.

5. Gudi Padwa special meal on a banana leaf – festive and fresh.

6. Javala Bhakri – dried fish paired with rustic rice bread.

7. Bangda (Mackerel) fry – bold and flavorful.

8. God raita – a sweet mango pickle that danced on the palate.

And then came Saundale (False Trevally). I had tasted this fish before on one of my earlier Konkan trips and simply fallen in love with it. It’s not the kind of fish that gets the spotlight, but its unique flavor always stayed with me. So on my last day at Aapa’s, I asked Kaki if it was possible to get it.

She smiled, checked, and came back saying she had just one piece left.

I was already happy.

But then something unexpected happened which I will never forget.

Alongside the saundale, she served me a small piece of Karli fish.

Now, if you know anything about Konkan food, you know Karli is a local legend. The tastiest fish, but also the most dreaded—for one reason: Kaate (thorns).It’s so thorny, it has to be cut in a special cross-cross style. Most outsiders don’t even dare touch it. And I was one of them.

I knew about Karli, but I never dared to order it.

I used to think I wouldn’t be able to eat it efficiently.

Usually, Konkani hosts serve guests the popular Surmai or Paplet, clean fishes with minimal thorns.

All the thorny local fishes are reserved for family. But Kaki served me a piece of Karli, probably brought for her own family. And with that small piece of Karli, I was converted from a guest into family.

Later, just when I thought the surprises were done, she brought out a warm Ghavane—filled with sweetened coconut. I hadn’t ordered it.

I’m not even someone who usually enjoys sweets. But this was different. It was the perfect sweet. And I fell in love with it.

These aren’t meals you forget.

They’re not dishes; they’re memories cooked with love and served with care.

And if you ever find yourself at Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay, do one thing: ask for the fish no one else asks for.

Sit down, eat slowly, and you’ll find something much deeper than just taste.

You’ll find the feeling of being home, far away from home.

Approximate Costing for Malvan trip.

Stay cost for a Couple – Rs 1500-1600 per night

Meal cost for a Couple – Rs 700- Rs 800 per day ( Veg Meals)

Meal cost for a Couple – Rs 1000 – Rs 1500 per day ( Sea food)

Scooty renting cost – Rs 500 per day.

Souvenirs to take from Malvan, Sindhudurg

You can take following local specialities as souvenirs from Malvan, Sindhudurg.

By buying these things from the locals, you will not only try some of the best things of Malvan but also support locals economically.

1. The most famous Devgad Hapus ( If you come in April May).
2. Kokam ( local souring agent)
3. Kokam Sharbat ( Kokam juice)
4. Malvani Masala
5. Kaju (Cashewnut)
6. Jawala ( Dried fish)
7. Sukha Bombil ( Dried fish)
8. Sode ( Dried Prawns)
9. Amba poli ( Dried mango)
10. Fanas poli ( Dried Jackfruit)
11. Kombdi Vade flour.

What else can you do in Sindhudurg district?

If don’t want to do nothing like me, don’t get afraid.

Sindhudurg has plethora of beaches for you to explore. And the most interesting thing is that Sindhudurg district is the least populated district of Maharashtra. So be sure of having crowd free beach experiences.

For your convenience, I have arranged most of beaches of Sindhudurg district from North to South direction.

1. Rameshwar beach

2. Girye beach

3. Girye Kotharwadi beach

4. Phanase beach

5. Padavane beach

6. Devgad beach

7. Taramumbri beach

8. Mithmumbri beach

9. Kunkeshwar beach

10. Mithbav beach

11. Tambaldeg beach

12. Munage beach

13. Achara beach

14. Tondavli beach

15. Talashil beach

16. Kolamb beach

17. Chiwla beach

18. Malvan beach

19. Wayari beach

20. Tarkarli beach

21. Devbag beach

22. Bhogwe beach

23. Niwati beach

24. Khavane beach

25. Kalavi beach

26. Falefondyewadi beach

27. Kondura beach

28. Wayangani beach

29. Sagareshwar beach

30. Mochemad beach

31. Aravali beach

32. Shiroda beach

33. Redi beach

Besides beaches, Sindhudurg district is home to some ancient forts like

1. Sindhudurg
2. Vijaydurg
3. Sarjekot killa

However wherever you go, don’t litter. Don’t pollute.

I want to share one very important highlight which I observed at Talashil beach. When I went to this beach, I was quite unhappy with it as stone wall construction work was going on & all the beach was messed up. I had to walk away and find a peaceful spot for me.

I asked the homestay owner and other local people about it. They explained me that initially sea was was very far away, however in recent years sea expanded & encroached some of the land. Hence stone wall is required to built to stop further encroachment.

These locals stay in a very fragile environment. They have Gad river immediately at the back. Talashil is extremely narrow land-strip sandwiched in between Gad river and Talashil beach.

Such is the effect of the Global warming due to reckless activities of we humans and due to which innocent local people suffer.

I request you all to take steps at your own individual level to reduce Global warming and help to save beautiful places like Talashil Tondavli for our future generations.

Visit remote places like Talashil Tondavli.

Stay in the homestays instead four star or five star hotels. In this way you will get true opportunity and satisfaction to support the locals & local tourism. But leave nothing behind except your footprints on the beaches.

Final Thoughts

I didn’t want to leave Malvan. But sadly, I had to leave this coastal paradise.

But before leaving I had another emotional moment. Kaki from the Aapa’s Coconut Garden homestay invited me into her room for ” Oti Bharne ” tradition.

Oti Bharne is a beautiful and symbolic tradition in Maharashtra where women bless other women by filling the fold of their saree (called oti) with sacred and auspicious items.

What Happens in the Ritual:

The woman being honored is respectfully invited and seated.

The host or elder woman places items into the oti of her saree:

Coconut (श्रीफळ): A symbol of prosperity and purity.

Haldi (turmeric) and Kumkum (vermilion): Representing auspiciousness and marital blessings.

Rice and grains: For abundance.

With this tradition done by Kaku, I felt honoured as a family member.

If you’re tired of the noise and need a break from being “productive,” I highly recommend you to sway in the hammock under the living Kalpatarus of Aapa’s Coconut Garden homestay.

Just go. Don’t plan.

Don’t think too much.Pack a backpack.

Aapa’s Coconut Garden Homestay will take care of the rest.