Road Trip to Konkan – Exploring Serene Beaches in Maharashtra

Exploring pristine Konkan Beaches: Road Trip in Maharashtra

A road trip along the Konkan coast of Maharashtra is the perfect way to explore some of India’s most serene and unspoiled beaches. Stretching from Mumbai to Goa, the Konkan region is dotted with charming coastal towns and palm-fringed shores. Whether you're looking for peaceful getaways, authentic seafood, or scenic drives from Mumbai or Pune, a Konkan beach road trip promises a refreshing blend of nature, culture, and adventure - making it one of the best coastal journeys in India.
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On a spontaneous road trip from Pune to some of the most stunning, peaceful, and untouched Konkan beaches in Maharashtra, in my beloved Hyundai i10, I made some wild wishes that miraculously came true. The distance from Mumbai / Pune to Konkan is quite comfortable for a day trip. Driving along the scenic coastal stretch, I discovered some untouched beaches like Dapoli beach, Anjarle beach, Karde beach, and Kelshi beach. These are among the best beaches in Maharashtra and top places to visit in Konkan.

Driving my car on Dapoli beach

​A dear friend from Mumbai called me up and said he was coming to meet me in Pune. He wanted to experience a short travel trip in my style.
When I worked in Pune, I would eagerly await the weekends to embark on impromptu road trips to explore new places. These trips were always filled with wonderful experiences, and I loved the spontaneity of them. My car was always ready for these adventures, with the boot filled with essentials like a tent, sleeping bag, bed covers, cushions, maggi, a pan, and a few bowls.

Loading my car for the trip to Konkan beaches

​My friend was completely unaware of what awaited him. I had given him strict instructions not to question me or overthink anything. Instead, I wanted him to relax, enjoy life, and let his mind be free.
It was October, and the rains that had pelted the Sahyadri Mountains in the previous months had left their mark on the landscape. The mountains were now lush green, and only a few water streams snaked through their valleys. As we drove through the western ghats of Mahabaleshwar, we stopped to pick up strawberries and mulberries.

Waterfalls in the western ghats

​It was a beautiful 8-hour drive from Pune to Dapoli. We arrived just before sunset. We inquired with the resort owner if we could pitch a tent on their grounds. He agreed and offered us food at their restaurant.
It was a beautiful full moon night. We collected wood from the forests near the beach and lit a bonfire on the beach. The sound of the snow-white crashing waves filled the air with a pure and sublime music.

Bonfire on Dapoli beach

​Everything was so beautiful that we spent the entire night on the beach, never returning to the tent. We had something very interesting planned for the early morning. As the sun gradually rose out of the horizon, I saw the moon fading away.

Early morning at Dapoli beach

At 7:30 in the morning, we went on a boat ride for dolphin spotting. It was my first time witnessing so many playful dolphins! Seeing them leap out of the ocean made me feel like a child again.

Dolphin spotting at Dapoli beach

​We had a delightful breakfast at the resort and then set out to explore the uncharted beaches along this coast. We drove to a secluded Anjarle beach.

Aerial view of Anjarle beach

​The walk along the shore, with the soothing sound of waves crashing against my legs, provided me with a delightful moment of solitude, a constant yearning for. On the beach, I found a small, inviting hut with a thatched roof, offering a perfect respite after a long night of beach activities. I unpacked my car, pulling out cushions and bed covers, and settled into my makeshift bed. The gentle ocean breeze caressed my skin, accompanied by the soothing melody of the waves, creating a lullaby that lulled me into a deep sleep. The thatched roof provided me with a shield against the harsh sunlight, ensuring a comfortable and restful night’s sleep. My quick power nap rejuvenated me, leaving me feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead. As I awoke, I was greeted by the cheerful laughter of a few children from a nearby village, who were playing alongside me. They seemed to be lost in their own world, enjoying the beach as their own personal playground, just like a carefree child.

unexplored Anjarle beach

​My quest to explore the outer regions of the coast was not fulfilled, so I decided to venture into the inner parts. We drove to lands where roads didn’t exist, and I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw thousands of seagulls flocking together near a shore. I stood there for a few minutes before realizing I wasn’t dreaming.

Seagulls on the beach

Seagulls on the beach

​We drove further and arrived at a village where people were diligently engaged in their daily routines. Women were busy picking firewood, while children played in the mud near a water source. I parked my car here and ventured into the woods, leading me to a pristine stretch of beach. It seemed as if no one had ever visited this secluded beach before. I attempted to inquire about the name of the village and the beach, but I’ll keep that information to myself for now :)

Konkan Beaches, Maharashtra

​There are moments in my life when I witness something so beautiful that it leaves me feeling calm for hours. This was one such moment. My friend and I sat silently on the beach, whispering to the ocean without realizing the time had flown by. It was already 4 p.m., and we suddenly realized we were hungry in the middle of nowhere! There was no hope of getting any food from the surroundings. That’s when my preparation came to the rescue. While my friend helped me build a fire using stones and wood, I collected drinking water, maggi, a pan, and a lighter (thanks to my smoker friends who often forget their lighters in my car). Cooking maggi in the woods, using a self-made fireplace, was an interesting experience for me.

Cooking maggi on self made fire place in the woods near the beach

​It was undoubtedly the best Maggi I’ve ever had.

Eating self-cooked maggi on fire place in the woods near the beach

​I couldn’t resist taking a stroll through these tranquil woods near the beach. It was difficult to leave this beautiful beach, but I had a Monday morning to “not” look forward to!

The woods of Anjarle Beach, Maharashtra

​With heavy hearts, we began driving back to Pune after sunset. We drove the entire night to reach Pune. My friend kept thanking me throughout the journey for giving him this wonderful experience before his challenging workdays. I reciprocated his gratitude by thanking him for being an incredible travel partner. He never questioned any of my ideas and supported me wholeheartedly in making my wild wishes come true.

​Best time to visit Dapoli beaches

Konkan beaches are a great destination to visit anytime of the year. During the summers, they offer a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, allowing you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the water. In the monsoon season, a scenic drive through the beautiful Western Ghats is a must. Winters are the perfect time to witness the enchanting sight of dolphins. These playful creatures can only be spotted early in the morning during the months of October to February. 

​How to travel to Dapoli

By bus: Overnight and early morning state buses connect Mumbai and Pune to Dapoli.
By train: The nearest railway station is Khed, located 40 kilometers away. By car, Dapoli beach is approximately a 7-8 hour drive from Pune.
By car: The road from Pune to Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Kashid, Khed, and Dapoli is in excellent condition. Dapoli beach is also 9-10 hours away from Mumbai.