Discovering Dapoli: A Scenic Road Trip to Maharashtra’s Hidden Coastal Gem
Embark on an unforgettable road trip to Dapoli, Maharashtra’s hidden coastal gem. This blog takes you through winding roads, mesmerizing ghats, and serene beaches while exploring local flavors, picturesque landscapes, and quiet coastal life. Experience the magic of Anjarle Beach, the charm of Dhapoli’s small-town vibes, and a nostalgic journey under starlit skies. Perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, tranquility, and a slice of Konkan’s untouched beauty.
Travel surprises are always a treat—sometimes sweet, sometimes bittersweet. As avid travellers, we’ve always cherished the places we visit, celebrating their charm and encouraging our friends to experience them too.
Recently, during a casual get-together with friends, we found ourselves reminiscing about trips when one of our “couple” friends mentioned their honeymoon in the Andamans. Naturally, as someone who had explored the Andamans years ago, I lit up, eager to share my fond memories of the stunning beaches and serene landscapes we had fallen in love with nearly eight years ago. To my surprise, their response was underwhelming: “It wasn’t that special.” Their exact words stung a little.
It made me pause. Could it be true? Were there other destinations just as remarkable—if not better—than the Andamans, a place I had always held in such high regard? That’s when someone chimed in: “The Konkan beaches rival the Andamans, maybe even surpass them in some ways.”
To me, “Konkan” had always been synonymous with Goa and its bustling beaches. Yes, Goa is beautiful, but I wouldn’t place it in the same league as the Andamans. This new perspective intrigued me. As Ted Lasso says, “Be curious, not judgmental.” So, curiosity got the better of us.
We decided it was time to explore the Konkan coast ourselves. This year, we planned not one but two trips to different parts of Maharashtra’s Konkan region to fully immerse ourselves in its beauty. What we discovered was nothing short of remarkable—an experience worth every moment and memory.
Our journey began in Pune, which serves as our base for this blog. For those reading from Mumbai, the same routes and references would apply. Unlike coastal cities, Pune lacks direct access to beaches or the sea. Typically, Puneites head to Alibaug for their beach fix or explore the countless waterfalls that spring to life during the monsoon season.
However, our first opportunity to explore the Konkan coast came during the summer—a season when much of the landscape around Pune transforms into a parched expanse of brown, with greenery becoming a rare sight. The scorching sun dominates the day, with temperatures climbing high enough to make stepping outside a challenge. That said, Pune’s heat is far more bearable than the sweltering, unforgiving summers of Delhi.
Fortunately, mornings and evenings offer a refreshing respite. The gentle breeze and pleasant temperatures make these times ideal for venturing out and soaking in the surroundings. With this window of opportunity, we set off to uncover what the Konkan had to offer, even in the harsh summer season.
The Drive
We chose a destination about five hours from Pune, passing through the picturesque Mulshi and Tamhini Ghat. Our goal was Dapoli, a quaint town close to Anjarle Beach and a few other serene spots within a 5–10 km radius.
Coming from North India, we expected smooth, swift highways, but the journey quickly reminded us that Maharashtra’s terrain has its own unique character. Unlike the flat, wide roads of central and northern India, Maharashtra offers a blend of winding curves and narrow stretches, many of which are just single lanes. These roads demand patience, as you often slow down to make way for oncoming traffic.
While Google Maps guided us with its usual shiny blue route, it didn’t warn us about the challenges ahead. A significant stretch of the highway—nearly 50-70 kilometers—was under expansion and riddled with construction work. For most of this stretch, we crawled along at 20 kmph, testing both our patience and endurance.
As dusk settled, the roads grew darker, with no streetlights in sight and diminishing traffic. The stillness of the surroundings brought on a rush of adrenaline. Our senses heightened, and the journey took on a surreal quality under a canopy of stars. It had been years since we’d seen such a clear, starlit sky in India—a mesmerizing sight that made the slower pace worth it.
The beauty of a road trip is how it transforms with the mood you create. We filled the silence with acoustic melodies, transitioned to nostalgic oldies, and sang along with carefree abandon. On stretches where there wasn’t another soul in sight for over 20 kilometers, the drive felt almost orchestral, like swaying to an unspoken symphony.
Of course, there was that faint voice in the back of our minds, whispering prayers for the car to keep running smoothly. A breakdown here, in the middle of nowhere, wasn’t a scenario we wanted to imagine. But those fleeting worries only added to the thrill of the adventure.
Dapoli, a small town nestled along the Arabian Sea, feels like it’s been plucked straight out of Malgudi Days by R.K. Narayan. As we arrived, the quaint coastal village seemed to come alive with a nostalgic charm. The ambiance stirred something within me—a flood of childhood memories set to the tunes of old songs and jingles. It was a peaceful, almost magical moment, as if time had slowed down just for us to savor it.
For our stay, we chose the Lemon Tree Resort, perched atop a hill with a stunning view of the Arabian Sea and a small fort resting gracefully on the shore below. By the time we reached, night had already settled in, so we quickly headed to dinner before retreating to our cozy room.
The resort itself was impressive, both in its location and its thoughtful construction. It offered a handful of leisure options to unwind, from scenic spots to relax to spaces for recreation. Like us, a few families were also soaking in the calm and enjoying their time there. The place felt warm and welcoming, setting the tone for the serene days ahead.
Serenity
This was a work vacation for us, so our only plan was to explore the area in the evenings after finishing office tasks. However, the patchy Wi-Fi made it a challenge to get through the day. With some compromises, we managed to complete our work and, eager to unwind, decided to check out the nearby beaches.
The Konkan coastline spoils you with choices—there’s a beach every 2–3 kilometers, each offering something unique. That evening, we chose Anjarle Beach, a short drive from our resort. Descending from the hilltop, we passed through a picturesque, vibrant village that felt like it had leapt out of a postcard. Its charm was undeniable, with narrow roads weaving through colorful homes radiating warmth and positivity. It was so peaceful and welcoming that thoughts of retiring to a place like this began to creep into my mind.
After navigating a maze of quaint internal roads, we finally reached Anjarle Beach. For a moment, it felt otherworldly—like a beach untouched by time or the chaos of modern life. This wasn’t a party beach with bustling crowds. It was serene, with only a handful of people scattered across the vast expanse of sand. The silence wasn’t empty; it was filled with the whispers of the sea breeze, carrying stories only the wind could tell.
We began to walk, and the farther we went, the more it felt like the beach had embraced us, drawing us into its rhythm. The scenery was punctuated by the remnants of old windmills—rustic and weathered, yet adding a distinct character to the landscape. In the distance, we could see cars and bikes cruising along the coastal road, a sight that sparked an idea. We exchanged a glance, and without saying a word, we knew: tomorrow, we would be driving along that coastal road to see what lay beyond.
As the sun began its descent into the horizon, painting the sky with hues of gold and crimson, we sat there, soaking in the moment. It felt like the sun was bidding us a gentle goodbye, leaving behind not just a tranquil evening but also some breathtaking memories and photographs—now proudly showcased on our IG page.
A Journey to Remember
The next day, evening couldn’t come soon enough. We wrapped up work as quickly as we could, eager to hit the coastal road once again. Driving through the serene village felt like revisiting an old friend, its charm undiminished. As we cruised along the coastal road, the Arabian Sea roared in welcome, its waves crashing against the shore with untamed energy, almost as if it was racing alongside us.
It was during this drive that a gap in the railings caught my eye—a narrow opening that led directly to the beach. I stopped the car, resisting the tempting boyhood dream of driving on the beach. Responsibility prevailed, and we parked nearby, choosing instead to explore this hidden gem on foot.
The beach was an enigma, unlike any we had encountered before. As we walked closer to the sea, the shoreline revealed its unique charm: a stretch that narrowed with every step, flanked by water on both sides. It was clear that during high tide, the waves claimed this space completely, leaving behind traces of their journey—plastics, debris, and other remnants that the sea had carried back.
This beach had a distinct personality, one that set it apart. It featured an unusual geography—brown sand interspersed with black rocks, and, most strikingly, patches of mangroves growing directly on the shoreline. It was like stepping into a carefully painted masterpiece brought to life, a surreal 3D landscape crafted by nature. Despite its small size, it left a profound impression. We spent over an hour simply sitting there, marvelling at its beauty and reflecting on the wonders we often overlook in our quest for far-flung adventures.
As the sun began its descent, we captured our customary time-lapse sunset video, savoring every moment on this magical beach. A bittersweet thought lingered: we might never return here, but having visited it once was a privilege we would always cherish. This beach had secured its place among the top beaches we’d ever explored—a memory etched into our hearts.
On the drive back to Pune, through winding roads and the never-ending construction stretches, we found ourselves replaying the highlights of this journey. What had started as a curious whim, inspired by a casual conversation, had transformed into an unforgettable adventure. From navigating challenging roads to discovering serene villages and untouched beaches, this trip reminded us of the simple joys of exploring with an open heart and a curious mind.
Travel often surprises us in ways we don’t expect—it shifts our perspective and makes us appreciate the beauty in what we might otherwise overlook. The Konkan beaches, with their raw charm and peaceful embrace, had a way of grounding us, of making us pause and soak in the moment.
As we finally reached home, tired but fulfilled, we couldn’t help but smile. This wasn’t just a road trip; it was a reminder of why we travel—not just to see places but to feel them, to connect, and to create memories that stay with us long after the journey ends.
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