15-day itinerary: Konkan coastal road trip
Exploring the confluence of land and sea along the Konkan coast
How to get there AirAsia India flies to Mumbai from various destinations across India. From Mumbai, hire a sturdy and comfortable 4-wheel drive for the rest of the trip.
Where to stayIn Mumbai, the Taj Mahal Palace offers luxury accommodation, beautiful views and a world-class spa.On the road trip, the Konkan coast offers a variety of accommodations to suit all budgets.
Day 2: Mumbai – Alibaug – Shrivardhan – Harihareshwar
Have an early breakfast and drive to Bhaucha Dhaka, 20 minutes away. Take the Ro-Ro ferry service from there to Alibaug. From there, drive 3.5 hours to Shrivardhan beach. Enjoy a delicious Konkani lunch with surmai, bombil and modak being popular choices or a vegetarian thali.
Leave for Harihareshwar, approximately 45 minutes away. Surrounded by 3 hills and a beautiful untouched beachfront, its known as the house of god. Check-in to your hotel for 1 night.
Day 3: Harihareshwar – DapoliAfter breakfast, visit the famous Harihareshwar temple and watch a beautiful sunrise. Leave for Dapoli 2.5 hours away and check-in to a hotel for the night.
Visit Karde beach, known for its layer of black sand underneath white sand. Also visit the Murud beach for the Murud-Janjira fort and feast upon a seafood thali and sol kadhi.
Visit Ladghar beach for a spectacular sunset and dolphin sightings. Buy something from the local fish market and take to the beach shacks where they’ll make you a meal from the produce you bought. Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 4 and 5: Dapoli – Chiplun – Guhagar Drive 1.5 hours to Chiplun, famous for its mangoes and coconuts. See the Vashishti river and walk 500+ steps up to Marleshwar temple from where you will be greeted with stunning valley views. If you plan to visit in the rains, go see the Sawatsada waterfall – a photographers delight.
A 1 hour drive away is the vibrant Guhaghar where you’ll see huts coloured in various shades. Check-in to your hotel and visit the Vyadeshwar temple, the beach and Talkeshwar lighthouse. Visit Anjanvel village, for a Maharashtrian meal before returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 6: Guhagar-Ganpatipule
After breakfast, leave for Ganpatipule, a 2 hour drive through the ghats. Known for its Lord Ganesh temple on the beach, you could also visit Prachin Konkan that highlights Konkan history and culture. Check-in to your hotel for 2 nights. Venture out to the beach and if the weather and water currents allow, indulge in some water-sports. Retire for the night after a dinner of ambapoli or fish curry.
Day 7: GanpatipuleNext morning post breakfast, leave for Aare Ware Beach with a packed lunch, known for its beautiful stretch of white sand and brilliant blue waters. As you drive, you’ll witness a 10 km stretch with many twists and turns that offers picturesque views of the coast. Spend your day here and return to the hotel for the night.
Day 8: Ganpatiphule – Malvan via Ratnagiri, Kasheli and Devgad
With an early start to the day, the 4.5 hour drive to Malvan is stunning. Enroute, stop at Ratnagiri for breakfast and witness vast green and yellow fields. 42 km ahead is Kasheli and its isolated Devghali beach that offers beautiful views. You’ll also pass the Thiba Palace, 3 storey structure with unique architecture.
The Kanakaditya Temple, which is one of the few Surya temples in Maharashtra is located in a thick forest and makes for a serene pitstop. If you’re a history and photography buff, stop at Devgad for its abandoned forts the fishing village of Ananwadi. Arrive in Malvan and after checking-in to your hotel for 2 nights, visit the Devbag Sangam. Retire for the night after dinner.
Day 9: Malvan and Tarkarli15 minutes away lies Tarkarli, known for its snorkelling and dolphin spotting. The beach is one of the most beautiful along the coast and with clear waters you can see the stunning seabed with its coral reefs.
Amble through the town lanes and interact with the locals while feasting on delicious Konkani cuisine and if they’re in season, the alphonso mangoes. Drive 15 minutes further to the Sindhudurg Fort and witness it in all its glory. Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 10: Tarkarli to Vengurla
Today after a breakfast, a short 1.5 hour drive will bring you to Vengurla. Check-in for the night and visit the Kondura and Vayangani beaches, Shiroda Market for the local cashews, berries, coconuts and mangoes. Spend the day relaxing.
Day 11: Vengurla to GoaAfter checking-out, drive to the Terekhol Fort (also known as Fort Tiracol) and visit its 16th century church. Drive further to Goa and take your pick from where you want to stay – South Goa, North Goa or Panaji and check-in to a hotel for 3 nights.
Day 12 to 14: Goa
Depending on which part of Goa you’re staying, enjoy some much needed rest, put your feet up at any of the Taj hotels or amã stay properties and allow yourself plenty of pampering with massages, good food and some good ol’ susegad.
Day 15: Depart from GoaLeave Goa and head back home with some wonderful memories!Hidden gem: take your perfect 10 itinerary to 11Tondavli beach, 19km north of Malvan is a beautiful, white sandy beach with clear waters and is a well-kept secret.When to goWhile you can visit anytime of the year, the best months are between November and February. If you do plan to visit in the monsoon season, it’s best to check the weather and road conditions since the region is susceptible to heavy rainfall. Driving along beautiful roads can be a meditative experience whilst also allowing you to meet new people, learn about different cultures and cuisines and exchange stories. We hope you enjoy this bucket-list trip.