While planning our road trip to Sindhudurg, we had only one thing in mind – beach hopping around Malvan. We had booked just one night’s stay in Malvan and decided we’d figure out the rest as we went. Looking back, I’m so glad we booked only one night.

While planning the next leg of our trip and looking up places around Sindhudurg Fort and Tarkarli, we came across Devbag. It immediately reminded us of a place that felt almost magical – a narrow stretch of land where the backwaters and the sea exist side by side, with a small coastal community of homes, homestays, and resorts tucked in between.

The moment we realised what this place had to offer, we changed our plans. Instead of moving on, we decided to spend the next three days in Devbag.

The drive itself felt like the beginning of an adventure I didn’t know I needed. A narrow road stretched ahead, with houses on both sides. Beyond them lay the calm backwaters on the left and the Arabian Sea on the right. Along the way, we passed water sports booking points before deciding to find a place to stay first.

We came across a beautiful resort that opened directly onto the beach. One look was enough – we booked it immediately.

I walked into the room, opened the window, and literally started jumping with joy. I hadn’t imagined my first view from the room would be something like this, especially at such an affordable price. It felt unreal.

After freshening up and having breakfast, we stepped out to explore.

We began with a walk along the beach, simply trying to understand the place. Eventually, we reached the point where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea – a landscape that felt endless, stretching into what looked like nowhere. We couldn’t reach the very end, and sadly I couldn’t capture the entire view on camera, but what we did see was enough to stay with me.

Later that day, it was time for water sports.

Before this trip, the only water activities I had ever tried were scuba diving and small boat rides, years ago when I was a fearless kid. Everything else intimidated me.

But something felt different this time.

Maybe it was the energy of the place. Maybe I was finally ready to challenge myself.

It only took a little convincing from my brother before I agreed to try the banana boat ride.

Then I discovered I had to sit in the front because I was the lightest person there.

My anxiety instantly doubled.

I was convinced I would fall or drown. I imagined every possible thing that could go wrong. The fear felt very real.

But once the ride started, something changed. The instructor and everyone around me kept encouraging me. Instead of thinking about my fear, I focused on following the instructions – “When the boat turns, let go of the rope.”

Then came the inevitable moment.

The boat flipped.

The next second, I was in the water, floating, panicking, and somehow trying not to drown in water that barely reached above my knees.

Someone shouted, “Just stand up!”

I did.

And then I laughed.

At that moment, I realised how much fear exists only in our minds. Within minutes, I had gone from imagining the worst to wanting to do it all over again.

That feeling stayed with me.

After that, I happily tried more rides, went parasailing, and even did scuba diving again. Watching every member of my family step out of their comfort zone made the day even more memorable.

We returned to our stay exhausted, happy, and grateful for the kind of day that leaves you smiling without really knowing why.

The next morning, we woke up early for the dolphin safari.

The safari covered nearly 40 kilometres, taking us towards Nivati Beach and the point where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea. We carried binoculars, hoping we’d spot dolphins.

We didn’t.

Surprisingly, none of us felt disappointed.

The calm sea, the fresh morning air, and the beautiful surroundings had already given us enough.

The rest of the day was slower. We explored a little more, spent time on the beach, enjoyed fresh seafood, sipped solkadhi, treated ourselves to ukadiche modak, and ended the day with a quiet walk along the shore before calling it a night.

The next morning wasn’t supposed to be an early one.

At least, not for us.

My father was already awake when he suddenly spotted something from our room.

“Dolphins!”

He woke all of us up, and within seconds we were at the window, still half asleep but completely awake with excitement.

There they were.

Two dolphins, making their way towards the deep sea.

We stood there, pointing at them, making sure everyone caught a glimpse before they disappeared into the horizon.

Sometimes the best moments don’t happen when you’re looking for them.

We travelled nearly 40 kilometres hoping to spot dolphins and returned without seeing a single one. The very next morning, they appeared right outside our window, as if Devbag wanted us to leave with one last memory.

I can’t think of a better way to end that trip.

Every trip has two stories – the one you live and the one you plan. If you’re thinking of visiting Devbag, I’ve put together a practical guide to help you plan your own escape.

Read Devbag Travel Guide: Things to Do, Where to Stay & Travel Tips.