Anjarle is a pristine coastal village in Dapoli taluka, Ratnagiri district — 17 km north of Dapoli. While most travellers come to the Konkan for classic beach holidays, Anjarle has quietly become a premier destination for community-based mangrove ecotourism.
The philosophy: community-based conservation
The main protectors of Anjarle's dense mangrove channels are the local communities themselves — the relationship between the villagers and the wetlands is entirely symbiotic.
Economic, ecological and cultural protection: Ecotourism gives the community a direct financial reason to protect the standing forest, actively preventing illegal logging, clearing and poaching along the estuary.
Education, awareness and livelihoods: The wetlands provide steady income for local boatmen, guides and naturalists, while visitors learn how mangroves prevent coastal erosion, filter river runoff and act as nurseries for marine life.
Towards full community management: Launched with support from the forest department and conservation NGOs, the project is designed for self-reliance — local committees are progressively taking full control.
Activities: kayaking, boating & birdwatching
The tidal channels where the Jog River meets the Arabian Sea make exceptional trails for low-impact adventure and wildlife watching.
Mangrove kayaking: Paddle through narrow, canopy-covered saltwater lanes for a close-up look at the mangroves' aerial roots (pneumatophores).
Mangrove safari boating: A group-friendly option in stable, low-emission eco-boats, with guides sharing insights on local ecology.
Estuary birdwatching: Nutrient-rich mudflats attract resident and migratory birds including kingfishers, egrets, reef herons and sandpipers.
Village architecture & the Turtle Festival
Anjarle keeps its classic Konkan character — from the beach you see a dense backdrop of coconut groves dotted with the roofs of traditional mud and laterite-brick homes. Between February and May, the beach also hosts the famous Olive Ridley turtle hatching season.
Booking information & address
Address: Near Anjarle Grampanchayat, Taluka Dapoli, District Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415712
Phone: +91 7038425793 / +91 9404765675
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Anjarle mangrove kayaking in advance?
Yes. Advance booking is required because trips depend on the daily tides. Call +91 7038425793 or +91 9404765675.
What are the Anjarle ecotourism timings?
08:30 AM to 05:30 PM, subject to high and low tide cycles.
