By Niraj Kasar — Ratnagiri, India
The coast that gives the world its best mangoes keeps its best views for people who stay a night. Ratnagiri is red cliffs, empty beaches, and one deposed Burmese king’s melancholy palace.
Best time to visit November to February for the coast. April and May if you are here for Alphonso season, and you should be.
What to expect Distances look small and take long. Konkan roads curve for a living.
What to carry An appetite for fish thali and space in the bag for mangoes. Both non-negotiable.
The Konkan does not do bucket lists. It does long lunches. Comply.