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Driving through the winding roads of Sindhudurg, I found myself surrounded by lush green hills, towering trees, and open skies. This was a far cry from the frenetic energy of nearby Goa. Nestled on the Maharashtra-Goa border, Sindhudurg offers a quieter, untouched alternative to its more commercialized neighbour. It was here, at Amaresha, a villa in Coco Shambhala, that I experienced a retreat unlike any other, with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea and a sense of peace I hadn’t known in years. From my villa, I could gaze out at the infinity pool, where the sight of paragliders soaring and boats drifting on the sea added to the allure of the location. The first meal was a surprise—a rice-flour taco with paneer and salad, an unexpectedly healthy and satisfying preparation that set the tone for a day of exploration. The solitude was palpable: a villa made of sustainable wood, no Netflix, weak Wi-Fi, and just enough space for thoughts to wander. The feeling of being unplugged was starkly different from any Goan experience, where even the quietest beaches now echo with the sounds of crowds and bars. After a short 30-minute drive, filled with tunes from Elvis, Whitney, and Pink Floyd, I arrived at a secluded river flanked by coconut trees. The peaceful setting was punctuated by the calls of kingfishers, barbets, hornbills, and other rare birds. As I wandered along the riverbank, abandoned boats added a sense of mystery to the serene landscape. For someone from Mumbai, steeped in urban life, this was an immersion into local Maharashtrian culture I hadn’t experienced before. The sound of traditional music played softly in the background, and a cooking class at the villa introduced me to local Malvani dishes like Kothimbir Vada and amaranth vegetable—a meal that felt deeply connected to the land. A short walk from the villa brought me to the beach, where I watched a sunset filled with hues of red and yellow mist. This quiet moment, as the sun dipped below the horizon, was a reminder of how some places are best shared with the people who matter most. I felt a pang of longing for my family, and as if to soothe that melancholy, I headed to the spa for a massage with local juniper oil. The spa was lit by nine candles, their soft glow enhancing the calming ambience. Later, I returned to the pool for an evening dip, accompanied by a refreshing glass of kokum sherbet. My dinner—gyozas, Thai curry, rice, and vegan coconut pancakes—was a fitting end to the day, light and nourishing. With no temptation to stay up late, no bustling nightlife or clubs to lure me out, I found myself in bed early, lulled by the gentle sounds of nature. It was the most peaceful sleep I’d had in a long time. The next morning, I embarked on a trek to Nivti Fort, a 3.5 km hike that rewarded me with breathtaking views of a secluded beach and the Arabian Sea stretching out into the distance. Along the way, I was lucky enough to spot a hornbill and a white eagle—rare birds that would thrill any avid birdwatcher. From the top of the fort, the view of the broken boat on the deserted beach below felt almost cinematic. Later, I set up by the beach for another sunset, this time watching a pair of lovers quietly take in the view. It was a scene I’d never witnessed in Goa, where most beaches are overrun with tourists. Here, in Sindhudurg, I felt the luxury of time, space, and solitude—a place that allowed me to reconnect with myself. This wasn’t a trip defined by alcohol or parties, but by moments of quiet reflection. My detox drink of choice? A refreshing curry leaf lemonade and some sol kadi. No loud music, no pressure to party—just a true slice of Indian coastal beauty, experienced as it should be. Sindhudurg is a destination that offers something different, a place where nature and tranquility take center stage, reminding you what it means to truly disconnect. Vidhi Bubna is a travel and lifestyle journalist who holds interest in interviewing celebrities and public figures. Her work focuses on art, culture, celebrities and None
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