Dapoli

A few hours away from the hustle bustle of Mumbai, lies the coastal town of Dapoli.

Pristine beaches and quaint villages make this an ideal vacation spot. Red soil interpersed with thatched roofs and green vegetation paint a pretty picture. Konkan, as the West Coast of Maharashtra is known as, is beautiful.

The 5 hours drive might be the reason why this town does not see too many tourists yet, even in the vacation season. Reason enough for me to want to check it out.

Hotels are available for any budget. My personal preference is a good two star one facing the beach.

How to reach:
Take the Panvel exit out of Mumbai and drive along NH17. Continue along, through Khed to Dapoli.

An alternative route exists, which can save 20 kms, if you dare do some offroading. For this route, once you reach Goregaon, turn right towards Ambet and continue along through Mandangarh to Dapoli. This route is best avoided if you are travelling at night.

Things to do:
Swim, eat, sleep, hike along the coast.

Places to see:

Dont miss the climb up to the Keshavraj temple. Thanks to the pleasant tree cover, you can visit it at any time of the day. Do checkout the ancient water channels which brings water from a hidden spring somewhere up the hills.

  
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The Nandi at the ancient Keshavraj temple



 

Drive to nearby Anjarle for breathtaking views of the coast.