Explore the Real Village that Inspired 'Tumbbad' Horror Movie

Although the spine-chilling happenings and legendary demon Hastar from the horror film ‘Tumbbad’ are largely fictional, the. film’s setting is inspired by a real village located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. This village, also called Tumbbad, provides a rural snapshot of the region ’s past and folklore that could have captivated the filmmakers.

Historical and mythological significance

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The village of Tumbbad, situated in the Khed taluka of Ratnagiri district, has its own historical significance. It is thought to have served as an. Important trade route during the Maratha period, linking the coastal Konkan area with the Deccan plateau. The presence of ancient structures and temples suggests its former prominence.

Although the specific tale of Hastar, the avaricious demon god, is mainly derived from the film's storyline, the Konkan region is rich in folklore and mythological stories. Local traditions involving spirits, curses, and hidden treasures are prevalent, and these cultural elements likely enhance the eerie atmosphere depicted in 'Tumbbad'. Some residents believe in a concealed treasure in the area, protected by a ghostly spirit summoned by Konkani Brahmans for wealth, which is said to come with a generational curse.The dilapidated buildings and remnants of an ancient temple in the village contribute to its enigmatic charm, possibly inspiring such local myths.

The film also subtly addresses the social and political transformations that occurred during the British colonial era in India, adding another dimension of historical context to the supernatural storyline.

How to Reach Tumbbad Village

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Tumbbad village is easiest to reach by road. Travel options and nearest major cities are as follows:

• By Road: The most convenient method to reach Tumbbad is to hire a taxi or drive from a nearby major city.

• From Pune: At around 100-150 km east of Tumbbad, Pune is a good big city with good road access. Taking around 3-4 hours, it has a beautiful view of the Western Ghats.

• From Mumbai: Located north of Tumbbad, Mumbai is yet another large metropolitan city. The distance is about 250-300 km, and the journey takes around 5-6 hours through the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH 66), with a turn-off near Khed.

• By Train: The nearest train stations are:

1. Anjani Railway Station: About 8 km from Tumbbad.

2. Khed Railway Station: About 29 km from the village. You can take local transport from these stations to Tumbbad.

3. By Flight: The closest major airport is Pune's Lohegaon Airport, which is approximately 210 km away. Once you reach the airport, you can take a taxi or train/bus to Khed and then head to Tumbbad.

Things to Do In and Around the Village :-

Though the village of Tumbbad is a tiny and comparatively quiet spot, thesurrounding area has some attractions:

• Explore Ancient Temples

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The village and surrounding areas have ancient temples that reflect local architecture and religious importance.

• Nature Walks

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The area is famous for its green cover, particularly during and post-monsoon.Take relaxing walk in the surrounding areas.

• Jagbudi River

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Tumbbad is situated on the banks of the Jagbudi River. The riverbanks may be a serene space to spend time.

• Khed Town

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A small town close to Tumbbad, Khed provides simple facilities and local bazaars.

• Chiplun

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A bigger town some 15 km from Tumbbad, Chiplun is a more developed town with better facilities and some sites.

• Historical Places

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Ratnagiri district has various historic forts such as Ratnagiri Fort, vijay durga fort, Mandangad fort. which one can visit. Sardar Purandare Wada near Saswad (though a bit far off, near Pune) was another location for shooting the 'Tumbbad' film.

• Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary

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It is around 100 km from Tumbbad, and the sanctuary is endowed with varied fauna and flora.

• Beaches

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The Konkan coast has stunning beaches. Though not immediately nearby to Tumbbad, destinations such as Guhagar and Ganpatipule can be reached within a few hours' drive.

Local Delicacies and Foods

Local Delicacies and Foods to Indulge in The Konkan region's cuisine is famous for its incorporation of coconut, fish, and spices. While traveling to Tumbbad and its surrounding areas, do not forget to indulge in some of the local delicacies

Image credit: Canva

• Seafood: Fresh fish curries, fried fish, and prawn dishes are the order of the day. Indulge in dishes prepared using locally available fish.

• Ukadiche Modak: Steamed dumplings made of rice flour stuffed with coconut and jaggery, commonly prepared on Ganesh Chaturthi.

• Solkadhi: A cool digestive beverage prepared using coconut milk and kokum.

• Amboli: A soft, pancake bread prepared from fermented rice and lentil batter.

• Vada Pav: Even though this potato fritter sandwich is popular across Maharashtra, you get local versions there.

• Poha: Fried rice prepared with onions, potatoes, and spices and served as breakfast.

• Bhaji: Fried fritters containing a mix of vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and spinach.

• Coconut-based Curries: Vegetable and lentil curries prepared using coconut milk and regional spices.

In conclusion, though the frightening story of 'Tumbbad' is make-believe, the town of Tumbbad in Maharashtra gives one a glimpse into the rural landscape of Konkan, which is its own history, folklore,and nature. Travel to Tumbbad and around brings an opportunity to experience the local culture,taste the local cuisine, and enjoy the landscape that ignited the creativity behind this award-winning film.