Introduction
Dapoli is a beautiful coastal town in Konkan, Maharashtra. It has some of the most peaceful and clean beaches in India, but not many people know about them. While places like Goa and Alibaug are crowded, Dapoli’s beaches are quiet, relaxing, and full of natural beauty.
If you love watching dolphins, playing water sports, enjoying seafood, or just walking on soft sand, Dapoli is the perfect place for you! Let’s explore the best hidden beaches in Dapoli and what makes each one special.
To reach Dapoli:
From Pune:
- By Road: 150-170 km (3-4 hours) via NH 66.
- By Bus: State or private buses take 4-5 hours.
- By Train: Take a train to Khed/Chiplun, then a taxi or bus.
From Mumbai:
- By Road: 180-200 km (4-5 hours) via NH 66.
- By Bus: Direct buses take 5-6 hours.
- By Train: Take a train to Khed/Chiplun, then a taxi or bus
1. Murud Beach – See Dolphins in the Wild! 🐬
Murud Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Dapoli, and for a good reason—you can see dolphins here! Every morning, boats take visitors into the sea to spot these friendly creatures jumping in the waves. It’s an experience you will never forget!
Apart from dolphins, Murud Beach is great for water sports like jet skiing and banana boat rides. If you love seafood, try the delicious Malvani fish curry and crispy prawns at the local shacks.
👉 Best for: Dolphin watching, water sports, and seafood lovers.
2. Karde Beach – The Most Peaceful Beach 🌅
If you love quiet and calm beaches, Karde Beach is perfect for you. It is less crowded, making it ideal for people who want to relax and enjoy nature.
Like Murud Beach, you can also spot dolphins here in the morning. The sunsets at Karde Beach are magical, with the sky turning shades of pink, orange, and purple. It’s a great place to sit by the sea and unwind.
👉 Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and people looking for peace.
3. Ladghar Beach – The Magical Red Sand Beach 🌊
Ladghar Beach is unique because of its red-colored sand, which looks beautiful in the evening light. Some people call it Tamas Theertha, as they believe the water here is holy.
This beach is also perfect for adventure lovers. You can try jet skiing, parasailing, and bumper rides here. If you want both spirituality and adventure, Ladghar Beach is a must-visit.
👉 Best for: Adventure lovers, spiritual seekers, and sunset watchers.
4. Kelshi Beach – A Secret Beach with Sand Dunes 🏖️
Kelshi Beach is a hidden paradise where you will find almost no crowds. It is surrounded by huge sand dunes and coconut trees, making it a perfect place for a quiet getaway.
If you love birds, this beach is great for bird watching, especially during the winter months. Nearby, you can visit the Kelshi Dargah and Mahalakshmi Temple, which are historical and spiritual places.
👉 Best for: Nature lovers, bird watchers, and people looking for privacy.
5. Anjarle Beach – A Beach with a Famous Temple 🙏
Anjarle Beach is a clean and peaceful beach, famous for the Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple, a beautiful temple located on a hill. From the top, you can see the entire beach and the Arabian Sea—it’s a breathtaking view!
If you visit in February or March, you might be lucky to see baby turtles hatching and making their way to the ocean. It’s a special moment for nature lovers.
👉 Best for: Pilgrims, photographers, and turtle lovers.
6. Harnai Beach – A Beach with a Historic Fort 🏰
Harnai Beach is not just a beach—it’s also a place of history and culture. Here, you can see Suvarnadurg Fort, an ancient fort built to protect the Konkan coast. You can take a boat ride to visit the fort.
Harnai Beach is also famous for its fish market, where you can see fishermen selling fresh seafood. If you love authentic Konkan fish, this is the place to buy it!
👉 Best for: History lovers, seafood lovers, and cultural explorers.
7. Palande Beach – A Hidden Spot for Long Walks 🚶♂️
If you want a completely quiet and clean beach, visit Palande Beach. It is one of the least commercialized beaches in Dapoli, which means no loud crowds or shops.
It’s a great place for long walks, meditation, and peaceful moments by the sea. Many travelers combine their trip to Harnai Beach with Palande Beach, as they are very close to each other.
👉 Best for: Relaxation, meditation, and peaceful walks.
8. Burondi Beach – A Hidden Camping Spot 🌌
Burondi Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Dapoli. The water here is crystal clear, making it great for swimming and beachside camping.
At night, this beach becomes a perfect spot for stargazing. With no city lights around, you can see a sky full of stars, making it an amazing experience for photographers and nature lovers.
👉 Best for: Camping, stargazing, and night photography.
10. Kolthare Beach – A Beach for Complete Solitude 🌞
Kolthare Beach is one of the most secluded beaches in Dapoli. If you are looking for a quiet escape, this beach is perfect.
It has soft white sand and clear waters, making it great for morning walks and peaceful relaxation. Unlike other beaches, very few people visit Kolthare, so you can truly enjoy solitude and nature here.
👉 Best for: Writers, peace seekers, and solo travelers.
Dapoli is not just a paradise for beach lovers—it’s also a foodie's delight! The local cuisine is a mix of Konkani, Malvani, and Maharashtrian flavors, with lots of fresh seafood, coconut-based curries, and traditional sweets. Here are some must-try dishes in Dapoli:
💡 FOODIE TIPS FOR DAPOLI
✔ Try a seafood thali – It comes with fish curry, fried fish, sol kadhi, and rice!
✔ Ask for fresh catch of the day – Fishermen bring in fresh seafood every morning.
✔ Don’t miss Sol Kadhi – It’s the best drink to cool down after a spicy meal.
✔ Carry home some Konkani spices – You can buy Malvani masala, kokum, and jackfruit chips from local markets.
🍴 WHERE TO EAT IN DAPOLI?
🔹 Suruchi Restaurant – Famous for authentic Malvani seafood and thalis.
🔹 Annapurna Khanawal – A great place for homely Maharashtrian food like Misal Pav and Bharli Vangi.
🔹 Ketkar’s Restaurant – Best place for Kombdi Vade and Sol Kadhi.
🔹 Hotel Gavran Tadka – If you love spicy food, their Malvani Chicken is a must-try.
🔹 Local Beach Shacks – For fresh Bombil Fry and Pomfret Curry while enjoying the sea breeze.
Seafood Delights
- Malvani Fish Curry
- Tisrya Masala (Clam Curry)
- Prawns Sukka
- Bombil Fry (Bombay Duck Fry)
- Kombdi Vade (Chicken Curry with Vade)
Veg Konkani Delicacies
- Sol Kadhi
- Ukdiche Modak
- Bharli Vangi (Stuffed Brinjal)
- Misal Pav
- Amboli
Local Fruits & Sweets
- Hapus (Alphonso Mangoes)
- Karvand (Konkan Berries)
- Jackfruit Delicacies (Phanas Poli & Jackfruit Chips)
- Kokum Sharbat
- Narali Bhat (Coconut Rice)
Here’s a list of things you can buy in Dapoli:
- Fresh Seafood (fish, prawns, crabs)
- Coconut Products (dried coconut, coconut oil, fresh coconut)
- Alphonso Mangoes (seasonal)
- Honey (locally produced)
- Handicrafts (crochet, bamboo crafts, shell items)
- Cashews (locally grown)
- Spices (kokum, tamarind, and various masalas)
Here are some popular places to stay in Dapoli and an approximate cost for one-night stays at some of the resorts in Dapoli:
- MTDC Resort Dapoli – ₹2,000 - ₹4,500 (depending on the room type and season).
- Ratnasagar Beach Resort – ₹2,500 - ₹5,000.
- Palande Beach Resort – ₹1,500 - ₹3,000.
- The Fern Samali Resort – ₹6,000 - ₹10,000 (luxury stay).
- Anand Resort – ₹1,000 - ₹2,500.
- Shree Ganesh Beach Resort – ₹1,500 - ₹3,50
These options vary from budget to luxurious stays.
The best season to visit Dapoli is from October to March.
During this period, the weather is pleasant with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing, beach activities, and enjoying the outdoors. The monsoon season (June to September) is also beautiful but can be rainy and less favorable for outdoor activities.
When visiting Dapoli, it's good to pack for the coastal climate. Here’s a list of essentials:
- Light Clothing – Comfortable, breathable clothes (cotton or linen) for warm weather.
- Swimwear – If you plan to visit beaches or resorts with pools.
- Sunscreen – Protect yourself from the sun, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
- Hat/Sunglasses – For extra sun protection.
- Footwear – Comfortable walking shoes for exploring, and flip-flops or sandals for the beach.
- Insect Repellent – To avoid mosquito bites, especially in the evenings.
- Personal Toiletries – Basic hygiene items, including hand sanitizer.
- Light Sweater/Wrap – For cool evenings or air-conditioned rooms.
- Camera/Phone – For capturing the scenic beauty.
- Medication – If you have any specific needs, like allergy meds, or motion sickness
Environment:
- Avoid littering, especially near beaches and natural areas. Dispose of trash properly or carry it back with you.
- Respect wildlife and local flora. Don’t disturb animals or plants in their natural habitat.
- Be conscious of water conservation, especially in coastal and rural areas.
Safety:
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
- Be cautious while swimming, especially in the sea, as some beaches may have strong currents.
- Use insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites, which can carry diseases like dengue.
- Keep your valuables secure and be cautious in unfamiliar or remote areas.
By being responsible, you can help preserve the beauty of Dapoli and ensure a safe, enjoyable trip!
Dapoli is a hidden paradise that offers some of the best beaches in Konkan. Whether you want to see dolphins, try water sports, explore history, or just relax, Dapoli has a beach for you!
Unlike the crowded beaches of Goa or Mumbai, Dapoli’s beaches are still untouched and peaceful. So, if you’re planning your next beach vacation, skip the usual places and discover the hidden gems of Dapoli! 🌊✨
Which of these beaches do you want to visit first? Let us know in the comments! 😊🏖️
