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As someone who loves traveling around India and exploring offbeat destinations, I was thrilled when I first heard about Dapoli. Nestled along the Konkan coastline in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, Dapoli charmed me with its beautiful beaches, lush hills, mouthwatering cuisine, and old-world charm.
Locating Dapoli on the Map
For those wondering "where is Dapoli", it is situated around 230 km from Pune and Mumbai along the Mumbai-Goa highway (NH66). You need to take a detour from the highway towards the coast to reach Dapoli. It takes about 5-6 hours to reach Dapoli from both Mumbai and Pune.
The nearest railway station is at Khed which is 30 km away. From Khed, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Dapoli. The closest airport is Chipi in Sindhudurg district which has limited flights.
So while Dapoli may not have excellent connectivity, the effort to reach there is totally worth it once you immerse yourself in the tranquil vibes of this coastal town.
Why I Fell in Love With Dapoli
I first visited Dapoli for a quick beach getaway from Mumbai. But I ended up extending my trip once I experienced the laidback rhythms of this beach town.
What struck me most was how uncrowded and pristine Dapoli's beaches are compared to other beaches near Mumbai. I could take long tranquil walks along golden sands lined with casuarina trees without the cacophony of city beaches. Murud, Ladghar, Anjarle are some of my favorite beaches here.
Beyond beaches, I enjoyed theflavoursome local cuisine dominated by coconut, fish and kokum. The stunning sunset views from Kelshi and Dabhol ports are etched in my memories too.
But I think what I loved most was how Dapoli gives you a glimpse of old Maharashtra. The heritage wooden house Naik wada, Portuguese-style churches, ramshackle buildings hark back to the bygone era. This nice blend of offbeat natural beauty, bucolic landscapes, history and mouthwatering food left me yearning for more.
Guide For Planning A Trip to Dapoli
Here is a mini-guide for those planning a trip to Dapoli based on my personal experiences:
How To Reach
As mentioned earlier, reach Dapoli via the Mumbai-Goa highway and take the detour from Khed town towards the coast. Whether you travel by your own vehicle or by state transport buses, it will take 5-6 hours.
Where To Stay
I prefer staying in homestays run by locals to experience the culture closely. My favorites are Nivant Beach Resort, Atithi Parinay resort, and Rainbow Farms. Hotels like Yash Executive and Valleys are decent budget options too.
Best Time To Visit
I enjoy Dapoli the most during monsoons (July-Sept) when the landscapes turn lush green and beaches become stunning, devoid of crowds. Winters (Nov-Feb) are pleasant too. Summers can get uncomfortably humid.
Top 5 Things To Do
Take long walks on pristine Murud, Ladghar and Anjarle beaches
Enjoy lip-smacking Malvani cuisine with fish, coconut & kokum flavors
Watch the sunset from Kelshi and Dabhol ports with their striking views
Explore historic Panhalekaji Caves and Mahalakshmi Temple
Check out the Portuguese-style churches with their old-world charm
Excursions Nearby
You can make nice day trips to Harne beach, Pawas town to see fireflies and Tarkarli for scuba diving/snorkeling.
So if you love offbeat destinations like me, do yourself a favor by visiting this coastal gem next time you travel in Maharashtra. Trust me, Dapoli will leave you charmed with its tropical landscapes, history and mouthwatering cuisine.
Also read - How I Make My Way to Panchgani from Pune
Let me know in comments below if you need any other details for planning your Dapoli trip. I'll be happy to help more travelers discover the secrets of this coastal town.