“Dapoli, a hill station near Khed station in Maharashtra, is a delightful getaway for a weekend and a great place for picnics. It has stunning beaches, lush greenery, and old temples, making it a popular tourist spot. People who love scenic hills and pleasant weather all year round particularly enjoy Dapoli.
Make sure to visit the famous Dapoli Beach, Karde Beach, Murud Beach, and other untouched beaches in the vicinity. You can also explore ancient caves, go on jungle treks, and visit historic temples, ensuring a memorable visit to Dapoli..”
What is Dapoli All About For Tourists?
Dapoli, also called Camp Dapoli because the British set up their camps there, is a beautiful village situated at an elevation of 700 to 800 feet above sea level.
One of the main attractions in Dapoli is the famous Turtle Festival. Whenever I go to Mumbai, I always make sure to include Dapoli in my list of favorite destinations. While exploring the Konkan Region, I discovered some amazing places.
This spot is ideal for a family outing or a trip with friends. Kelshi, located south of Mandangad, offers sandy beaches, cleanliness, and a peaceful atmosphere that will surely enchant those in search of tranquility.
Murud beach in Dapoli is a must-see attraction that attracts many tourists. It is known for its beautiful palm trees, clean shoreline, and a variety of water activities. Additionally, camping facilities are available, making it one of the most enjoyable and cleanest beaches in the area. There are also several serene and less explored beaches located 12 to 25 km away from this place, which are definitely worth a visit.
In addition to the beaches, there are several famous temples in the area that are frequently visited by tourists. These include the Keshavraj Temple at Asud baug, Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple, Ladghar ‘Tamastirth,’ and more.
Top Attractions Of Dapoli
Dapoli is well-known for its beautiful and unspoiled beaches. You can also experience exciting adventures like hiking and trekking in the forest trails. Explore the ancient Konkan villages, have a picnic at picturesque spots, and visit the Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth. Apart from that, there are temples, caves, and the famous king alphonso mangoes, locally called ‘Hapus Aam’, for mango lovers in Dapoli.
It is a well-liked tourist spot worldwide, famous for its clean and cool weather, picnic spots, beautiful beaches, captivating sunset views, refreshing hot water springs, and its convenient location as a hill station near Mumbai for weekend getaways. Besides its renowned Alphonso Mangoes, Dapoli is also recognized for its plentiful coconut trees, Cashew nuts, and Betel nuts plantations.
Major Beaches, Picnic Spots and Other Attractions
Dapoli Beaches
Ladghar, Karde Beach, and Murud Beach are two popular beaches in the Konkan Region of Maharashtra. These beaches are well-known for their clean shores, pollution-free environment, and vast coastal areas. They are ideal for a day or overnight picnic, as mentioned in this source.
Some of these beaches are still undiscovered, with untouched rocks and pristine sand, offering beautiful landscapes. Additionally, they are renowned for their stunning sunsets and the shade provided by coconut trees.
Serene and Less Explored Savane Beach
Here’s a brief overview of the activities and attractions available at this place. Savane Beach, which is located 27 km away from Dapoli, is a hidden treasure that offers a pristine coastal experience during the day. If you’re a fan of camping and bonfires, you can also enjoy the beach at night.
The scenic drive from Dapoli to Savane Beach along the coastal route is absolutely stunning. This lesser-known beach is ideal for those looking for a peaceful retreat, where they can reconnect with nature and escape the busy city life. Another beach nearby, Anjarle Beach, is separated from Savane Beach by a cliff.
There are three options to reach Savane Beach from Pune: via Khandala, Bhor, or Mulshi. Pune and Mumbai are both around 200 km away. The beach is only 8 km from Kelsi and 4 km from Aade, which are located in the north. The scenic coastal road leading to this beautiful beach enhances its charm. Savane Beach is an untouched beach, perfect for those seeking relaxation and a connection with nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
However, please note that there are no activities or facilities available at the beach, making it less suitable for families. During our visit to Anjarle from Aade, we made a brief stop at this beach but didn’t spend much time there.
If you’re thinking of spending a late evening at the beach, why not gather your friends around a cozy bonfire? During the day, you can take a refreshing swim in the clear water and make sure to catch the stunning sunset in the evening. If you’re looking for something to do during the day, just relax on the sandy beach and soak up the sun. Winter is a great time to enjoy the beach without the intense summer heat.
Don’t forget to capture the beauty of the beach with your camera by taking some pictures and selfies. Feeling adventurous? Give climbing the nearby cliff a try for an exciting rush. How about taking a peaceful walk along the beach to enjoy the scenery with your friends and family?
Unleash your inner child and break free from your everyday routine by building sandcastles and gathering seashells and other treasures on the beach. Take a break and then get active with a game of volleyball or frisbee. This beach is ideal for enjoying a homemade meal and having a nostalgic picnic with your loved ones, reminiscent of the 80s and 90s.
This particular beach is known for its cleanliness and smoothness. It is situated along the Dapoli to Kelshi route, close to Savane Beach. Don’t forget to check out the Light House and Friendship Point during your visit. Although there are limited accommodation choices and the road conditions are average, it still promises a delightful experience.
Enjoy a delightful time at Savane Beach with your loved ones. This hidden treasure, situated far from the main city, offers a peaceful and pristine beach area. It takes around 35 to 40 minutes to reach the beach, considering the average road conditions. The beachfront area presents awe-inspiring views, and you can even drive alongside the coastal road next to the sea.
The clear water and soft sand create an ideal setting for relaxation and unwinding. For the adventurous souls, there’s even a cliff to explore. However, please be aware that there are very few restaurants or food options nearby, and water sports activities are not available. Don’t miss the chance to experience this tranquil sanctuary if you’re in search of serenity.
Famous Karde and Murud Beach
Karde and Murud beaches are situated around 10 to 12 kilometers from Dapoli town. These beaches, found in Ratnagiri district, offer the largest sandy stretches in the area. Tourists can enjoy seaside paragliding, stunning sunsets, and even catch a glimpse of dolphins. It’s truly a paradise for visitors.
Murud beach is an essential place to visit. One of the primary reasons to go there is the opportunity to see friendly dolphins, although it’s quite rare to actually spot them. Being a popular beach, Murud offers various activities like sports, horse riding, and delicious food options such as sweetcorn, coconut, and Konkani seafood.
Moreover, the beach offers a breathtaking view of the renowned Murud Janjira fort, making it even more attractive. There are plenty of resorts and accommodation choices available in this area.
Famous Temples Of Dapoli
Keshavraj and Zholai Temples at Asud baug
The Asudbaug temples are situated in the village of Asud, around 5 kilometers from Dapoli. These ancient Hindu temples, including the Shree Keshavraj temple and the Shri Vyaghreshwar and Zholai temple, are known for their beautiful surroundings in the picturesque Asud village. Tourists who admire old architecture and monuments, especially the Hemadpanthi art style, are well-acquainted with this Lord Shiva temple.
The Keshavraj Temple is a captivating place where you can receive the sacred blessings of the Goddess of Nature. Situated around 6 km from Dapoli on the Dapoli-Harne road, Asud bagh is a stunning location that will leave you amazed. Its beauty is absolutely awe-inspiring and will transport you to a world of wonder. The famous ancient temples of Shree Keshavraj are located merely 8 kilometers from Dapoli on the Harnai road.
These ancient temples in Dapoli are commonly known as ‘Pandav Kalin’ due to their age of thousands of years, dating back to the time of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata mythology era. A major highlight of these historic temples is the natural spring of fresh water flowing from a tree trunk in a hilly area, which is highly admired by tourists.
Dabkewada has a footpath that goes down to a peaceful place. Coconut groves have grown on both sides of the path for many years. The temple, built in the Peshwa era, has a beautiful shadow idol of Lord Vishnu, which is lit up by the gentle light of Samai. There is a spring on top of the hill that flows gracefully towards the temple, ensuring that the stone-carved cow mouth (Gomukh) always has water.
The temple, facing south, has a peaceful atmosphere that captures the spirit. On the left side of the temple, there is a statue of Ganesha, and the temple itself is surrounded by stone paving on all sides. The surroundings are calm, except for the pleasant sounds of birds chirping.
Visitors can easily park their vehicles on Asud Bag road and enjoy a delightful 15-minute walk through coconut, betel nut, mango, and cashew trees to reach this charming place. Along the way, you will come across various wildflowers and dense forests, representing the rich nature in this area.
Keshavraj Deorai, also referred to as this temple, possesses an enigmatic atmosphere due to its dense vegetation encompassing it from all directions. The lush forest of Keshavraj houses a unique perennial stream that runs through the temple premises. To reach the temple, you will need to cross a bridge over the stream and ascend the steps. Keshavraj is widely respected as one of the most esteemed deities in Ratnagiri district.
Keshavraj Deorai is known for its unique feature of spring water flowing from the hills above and passing through stone panhali. The water from the stone gomukha within Shri Keshavraj’s premises flows non-stop for a whole year, providing a pleasant and rejuvenating taste.
Discovering this captivating setting brings happiness to the soul. Keshavraj has a strong bond with the divine, finding comfort, tranquility, and unity in the peacefulness and natural splendor of this region.
This captivating spot brings new life to your body, mind, and soul. Shree Keshavraj temple is nestled in the midst of lush green surroundings, an everlasting stream, and rolling hills. A natural spring originates from the hill’s peak and descends to the front of the temple, ensuring a constant water supply to the stone-carved cow mouth (Gomukh).
Ladghars ‘Tamastirth’ Beach and 21 feet Parshuram Idol
Ladghar is famous for its undiscovered rocky beaches, which are a secret treasure for tourists in the Dapoli area. It is also commonly known as ‘Tamas Tirtha’ (Spiritual location). Situated about 8 kilometers from Dapoli village, Ladghar Burondi Village is a popular tourist spot and a perfect place for a weekend picnic.
Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple
Dapoli is well-known for its ancient temples, including the Kadyavarcha Ganpati (Ganesh temple) in Anjarle village. This Hindu temple, with its beautiful wooden carvings on the pillars, is located just 20 kilometers away from Dapoli.
The temple is surrounded by hills and offers a stunning view of several breathtaking beaches. Anjarle’s Kadyavarcha Ganesh temple is situated in a picturesque location, where visitors can enjoy the lush green mountains, the sea adorned with coconut and betel nut trees, and the magnificent Suvarnadurg fort.
Furthermore, there exists an age-old Hindu shrine devoted to Lord Shiva, showcasing a petite lake in the forefront bustling with turtles and fish. Tourists have the opportunity to relish feeding them and relish a pleasant experience in this tranquil environment.
Dapoli is also has Hiking Trails Not Far From Mumbai
Dapoli is a perfect place for hiking and trekking lovers as it is surrounded by beautiful greenery and thick forests. Many people, especially from Mumbai and other areas, come here during the monsoon season to experience campfires, mountain hiking, and exciting trekking adventures.
Suvarnadurg and Kanakadurga Forts
In Harnai village, near Dapoli, you can discover two fascinating attractions – Suvarnadurg and Kanakadurga forts. Suvarnadurg fort is situated on land, while Kanakadurga fort majestically overlooks the sea. These forts have a rich historical background as they were once under the rule of the brave Maratha Warrior, Shivaji Maharaj.
Interestingly, there is a belief that these forts were once connected by a hidden sea link. However, today they are popular destinations for visitors to explore. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the lighthouse located within the Kanaka Durga Fort – it’s truly a remarkable sight.
Panhalekaji Caves
The Panhalekaji Caves, located close to Mumbai, are among a group of 29 famous caves discovered along the Dhakti and Kotjai rivers. These caves can be easily reached from Khed station.
What makes this place truly fascinating is the wide variety of beautiful birds, the scenic surroundings that provide awe-inspiring sights of mountains and rivers, and the existence of reptiles in the thick forest.
If you want to have a wonderful time with a picnic group, driving your own vehicle to this cave is definitely a worthwhile choice.
Kelshi Village
This ancient village is situated around 34 kilometers from Dapoli. Kelshi is famous for its beautiful beaches and scenic tourist attractions. If you want to experience the true village life of Konkan in Ratnagiri district, Kelshi is the ideal place for you.
Another popular attraction is the ‘Yakub Baba Dargah’, located just one kilometer from the village. People from all walks of life, including Hindu devotees, come here to seek blessings at the revered Mahalaxmi temple, also known as the Mahalakshmi religious temple.
Hot Water Springs
Located in Unhavare village, only 20 kilometers from Dapoli, this natural hot sulphur water spring is famous for its ability to cure common skin problems. Whether you come in the rainy season or winter, this spot is perfect for a picnic. And the best part? There are no fees or charges to enjoy a rejuvenating bath in this sulphur-water spring.
It showcases the amazing healing power of nature and is another tourist attraction conveniently close to Mumbai. To ensure everyone’s convenience, separate shelters for men and women are available to fully enjoy this natural treasure.
Harnai Village For Seafood Lovers
Harnai village, situated 15 kilometers from Dapoli, is famous for its seafood and fish market. If you love seafood, the fresh fish found here can really make your day. Moreover, the Suvarnadurg Fort is another fascinating attraction in Harnai, as mentioned before.
Reaching Dapoli From Mumbai
By Road: Mumbai and Dapoli (Khed) are 250 kilometers apart. To get there, simply take National Highway 17. The journey typically takes about 4 hours. If you want a convenient option, private cars or tourist buses are recommended. These are provided by different tour and travel operators.
However, if you’re traveling with a small picnic group, hiring a private jeep can add an adventurous element to your trip. It enables you to discover the stunning scenic spots, picnic attractions, and other places near Dapoli.
By Train: The nearest station to the town is Khed, which is on the Konkan Railway Route. It is about 29 kilometers away from the railway station. When you get there, you can choose to rent cars, jeeps, or use other local transportation to reach your destination in the town.
By Air: Dapoli, a charming hill town, lacks a direct air connection. The nearest airports to Dapoli are Mumbai and Pune.
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