In this blog post, I will cover Dapoli, a fantastic weekend getaway, ideal for beach lovers, more so in the monsoon. If you’ve done Goa enough and more times, and would like a quieter getaway and at a drivable distance (as against taking a flight), Dapoli should be your choice! Dapoli is a coastal town in the Konkan region, about a 6-hour drive from Pune. I went with a couple of friends last year in July. With all of us eagerly awaiting the monsoon now, I feel this is a good time for me to share my experience, so in case you’re planning a short getaway in the rains, I hope this blog makes you consider Dapoli!

Let me start by the best part of the trip – THE DRIVE. Maharashtra is most beautiful during the monsoon and the Western Ghats offer the most gorgeous views. People who stay in Maharashtra, esp in Mumbai/ Pune, and have driven to destinations like Matheran, Lonavla, Igatpuri, etc. will vouch for what I’m saying. But very few people I know have visited Dapoli – truly a hidden gem, I must say!

To be honest, we were skeptical of the drive for two reasons – (1) It was long. Personally, I am quite comfortable with 3-4 hours of drive but Google Map showed this to be a 6-hour drive and (2) The weather. The forecast showed incessant rain, which could make the drive dangerous and likely even longer!

However, surprisingly, the drive was actually the best part of the trip. The 6.5 hours, via Tamhini Ghat, were pleasant, enjoyable, and scenic. The rain gods were considerate – while it did rain, thankfully, there wasn’t any water logging and we didn’t get stuck anywhere. On the flip side, the rain made the drive absolutely gorgeous – the trees had turned even greener and we drove past uncountable waterfalls on the way. The vibe at these waterfalls was great and the spirit of the people un-matched. Many cars and bikes were parked beside the waterfalls and people of all age groups (the elderly, young couples, teenagers, and kids ofcourse) were only too happy to get completely drenched in the waterfalls and follow it up with a hot cup of chai and Maggi – a signature treat on the hills anywhere in India! We stopped for breakfast at the Orchard Resort Cafe.

As we got closer to our destination, we drove through the Dapoli town, which looked commercial and busy. But as we drove further, the waters welcomed us. We drove by the sea, which was serene.

Now, the key highlight in Dapoli, the reason why people go there – BEAUTIFUL BEACHES – untouched, quiet, not crowded, not commercial, so pristine and so serene. Dapoli has beaches galore, we visited three of them – Murud Beach, Karde Beach, and Ladghar Beach. For once, I will let the pictures speak for themselves:

Murud Beach:

Karde Beach:

Ladhghar Beach:

In terms of STAYING options,

• We had booked the SaffronStays at Athaang for two nights – a modest, homestay like property. The con of this property – the access to it – we had to cross a small village, noisy and crowded, with a narrow passage, making it difficult for two vehicles to cross each other. However, the pro (which almost made us forget the con) was its location and the view from it – we were literally ON the sea with views of the Ajnare Beach and the dense coconut plantations. We opted for the home cooked breakfast at the property

• A property which was highly recommended was the Sagar Sawali Beach Resort at Ladghar. The drive to Ladghar (from Saffron) was mind-blowingly beautiful, and apparently the Konkani food at Sagar Sawali is very good, so a good choice for my next trip I guess
• Ofcourse there are many 3-star hotels and home stays in Dapoli, that one can choose from. But remember, there aren’t any fancy 5-star luxury hotels in the region yet

Coming to PLACES TO EAT. Below is a list at places we enjoyed or heard as recommendations:

• Point of View: Beautifully done up, great local Maharashtrian snacks, and magnificent views!
• Nisarga Sahavas: Is a great option to stay as well as go for a buffet meal
• Exotica Suvarna Samudra Resort: THE place to grab a drink at the bar & enjoy views from it
• Main Dapoli City: Opt for the Maharashtrian thaali at Shreyas or head to the Comfort Inn Emerald’s multi-cuisine restaurant

Point of View:

Exotica Suvarna Samudra:

In terms of SIGHT-SEEING, let me be honest, we were just so thrilled to be at the beaches during the day and in our room balcony/terrace in the evenings enjoying the sea view, that we didn’t feel the urge to go anywhere. However, some recommendations are –

• Lots of temples – Keshavraj Temple, Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple, Anjarle Ganpati Temple, Datt Mandir Ladghar, Chandika Devi Temple in Dabhol
• Suvarnadurg Fort, located on an island in the Arabian Sea
• 21 feet tall statue of Lord Parshuram
• Panhalekaji buddhist caves, that date back to nearly 1000 years

In India or in Maharashtra, when one thinks of beach destinations, top of mind is Goa. Ofcourse, Goa has its own charm and its own vibe. No doubt, I love it too and was there just a few weeks after Dapoli. But Dapoli is different, its unique. It’s non-marketed and it’s non-commercial and honestly, I’m glad it is the way it is – undiscovered and untouched. If you genuinely want to get away to a quiet place, away from the city humdrum, also don’t want to feel the pressure of visiting that new fancy restaurant that’s opened (so true for a destination like Goa!), don’t want to see too many more people, don’t want to have a beer at the beach shacks, don’t want the beach beds, Dapoli is the place for you – completely unwind here – just sit at the beach on the sand or on your car’s bonnet (!). Take a stroll and get your feet wet (some people did make a choice to go completely into the waters and swim), hear the sound of the waves and see the sun set, soak in the view, hold hands of you partner or play with your child or just relax and read a book.