Nov 02, 2008 06:30 PM
21057 Views
(Updated May 13, 2009 07:06 PM)
Dapoli is one of the coastal towns along the west coast in Konkan(West Maharashtra). It is not yet that famous so less crowed and less pollution makes it ideal location for peaceful vacation. This place is about 70 KM from my place and around 250 km from Mumbai on Mumbai-Goa highway. We drove in the morning to spend the day there. Only purpose to go there was to spend the day in silver sand resort; enjoy sea fish, photography, and relax under the shadow of trees. Just relax nothing else.
One may go to Machchi Bunder for fresh fish around 5 PM. One may also hire a boat from there for Rs. 300-500 to go inside sea. People tell stories of Dolphin but we could not see any Dolphin. However, along the beach in one place we could see thousands of birds(Seagull). These birds are not noisy like flamingo.
How to go
One can go to that place by own car or by public transport. If someone prefer public transport, it is better to come to Khed by Konkan railway and catch a bus for Dapoli. If you are driving, life is little comfortable. Come to Khed on Mumbai-Goa highway and from there go to Dapoli. Beach is little away from Dapoli and its name is Murud-Harnai. In this part of the country people are very friendly so getting right direction is not a problem.
At-least one night halt is must if someone planning from far off places. From Mumbai or Pune it may take 4.5 hours. In some places, mainly on ghat section, road is too bad.
Best time to go*
October to February is the best time to visit. Never try during monsoon. Monsoon in Konkan is not very friendly particularly on hills.
Resorts-*
Beach is little away from Dapoli and its name is Murud-Harnai. Most of the resorts are around that place. I remember only two; one a joint venture with MTDC(LOTUS) and other one is Silver Sand. We preferred Silver sand for Malwani food. Silver sand has small decent cottages.
There are atleast 10 small resorts in that area.
What I liked most –*
Clean sea beach and not too much of crowed inspite of Diwali Holidays.
Very clear and compact waves on the sand created during high tide.
Drive on the beach. Sand is not soft so 140/160 is just fine. First time I drove on the beach.
Enough shed to relax after lunch when sun is too rude
Enough joints for food. I am fond of Malwani food. Rs. 180/- for buffet lunch is not bad if you like typical Malwani food.
Migratory birds. We spent half of out time there.
Sea is very near to all almost all resorts. Night stay may be much better.(We prefer to stay at sea beach during Full Moon Night. Just try that if you have not experienced it so far.)
Soft sunshine of Late October, cool breeze, never ending clear blue sky is so fascinating. Atmosphere is just right for photography(hope Subhash read this). Sweet coconut water is just the right drink; who wants KF… what’s KF… LoL** Other photos are in gallery.
So friend enjoyed a lot with my family and wish you all enjoy here or elsewhere of your choice.*
