Chapter 2: Kamat Gaav (Village Kamat)

Kamat or best spelled Kamath is a village surrounded by rivers, mountains, hills, forests, and wildlife. Far away from any commercial activity. It falls in Maharashtra's Raigadh district of the Konkan region, associated with Roha Taluka (Tehsil). The nearest market place is Sutarwadi with a handful of groceries and sweet shops, eatery places, medicals, and small doctor clinics. The gram panchayat office can be found here, which addresses most of the clerical work for all villages nearby. Sutarwadi is further linked to other nearest villages such as Jamgao, Dhoklewadi, Durtoli, Kudli, Yeral, and few others. The lingo used in and outside Kamat is mostly Marathi. However, they do speak Hindi for Tourists and Visitors. The population of the village is barely 300 people belonging to communities such as Sanap, Nilekar, More, Mene Shirke, Konde, Sutar, and Beloshe. It has around 55 houses with a temple of Lord Hanuman and a primary school up to 4th standard. For higher grade schools, the children go to Sutarwadi or travel to the small towns Kolad or Roha. 

Let's talk about the famous spots around Kamat. 

1. River Kundalika - It's a long, big, deep, and beautiful river, originates from the leftover water of Tata Powerhouse. The riverbank is very near to Kamat. It's quite a tourist spot, there are many resorts available to stay & spent quality time with your dear ones. The climate is awesome during Monsoon and Winters. River rafting and boating activities are hosted almost all times of the year. The locals often go fishing all year round.

2. Dungi (Ambyache Maal) - Very beautiful and scenic point. You can have a selfie with sun from here, the sunset view from this place is awesome. This is also a point where all mobile networks are reachable. Also, the tortoise mountain (Jani Cha Donger) right in front is a pleasant sight to witness. One can also do meditation by sitting on any of the rocks placed there. 

3. Kinjol Maal - A big cashew nut tree awaits for you. Not sure if that tree still exists. But at a time when we lived around it, it was huge. Every day hundreds of cashew seeds used to fall underneath, which we used to collect and go home. Even the riped cashew fruit was greatly tasteful what we used to savor, such was its flavor.

4. Dhavdi - A mile and half away from village Kamat. It is at the bottom of the many hills, there lies a bridge. A point connecting two villages Yeral and Kamat. The white water flowing beneath the bridge is a site quite endearing. We spent a great deal of time down here during our vacation period for swimming and playing.

5. Ghaat - A place for washing clothes during those times. Accompanied by an iron wire bridge, hanging on which one can cross the river from one end to the other. Unless you are an athletic type or a great swimmer you should not take up this over-pass to cross the river, as it quite tests your arm strength.

6. Kharba - The entry point to the village. It's also Kamat's bus stop. 

7. Dhodhoni Waterfalls - Almost a mile away from the village in the direction of the Dungi lies this falls. One of the best spots during monsoon. A great nature treat for you. Take a dip, stay inside the water, and splash with it. The flowing water sound is amazing to witness here.

8. Poultry Road (Forest area) - A plane land, yet with enough bushes on it. An ideal place to play cricket or soccer here. Looks to be a safe place to hang around,  but it's quite a territory of wild boar and rabbits. Be aware of the attacks, as every year some villagers or Adivasis face them.

9. Mothi Dungi: Scary spot full of wild monkeys and parrots. Near to Dungi. Not much visited by many, because of the wild habitats.

10. Maruti Mandir: The place for prayers, rituals, Poojas, bhajans, village summits, counseling, discussion, verdict announcement, rules & policy announcement, festival gathering, and any such activities..

11. Shala: A primary school for village children to study until 4th grade. It is also a place for small village gatherings during festivals and sports contests.

13: Mori: A safe portion of the river for anyone who wants to dive in. The water is pretty shallow here. If you are an adult, it won't be easy for you to drown. Most parts of our mornings was spent swimming here. Many children of my age learned swimming here during those days.

Well, these are only a few places that we've been in childhood. However, Kamath is about exploring a lot more unknown places and its vivid beauty.

Do come, witness, and feel yourself.