Namita SawantDapoli beach is a popular tourist destination along the Konkan coast of Maharashtra for several reasons, the top being its pristine beaches, pleasant climate, and strategic location. Nestled amidst the Sahyadri Mountains, it is an ideal getaway for people staying in Mumbai and Pune.
With a stunning coastline stretching as far as 50 kilometers, Dapoli is dotted with beautiful beaches known for their golden sands and blue waters. In this blog, I will share my experience of exploring the serene beaches of Dapoli. I visited Murud beach and Karde beach during my return trip from our village in Konkan.
Best time to visit Dapoli beach
The best time to visit Dapoli is during the monsoon season, which occurs between June and September. The climate during this period is cool, making it an ideal time to plan your visit. We visited in the summer season, which is an off-season due to the hot days. But we were surprised to see the beach crowded with people. Nonetheless, winters and monsoons are regarded as the best time to visit Dapoli, when the weather is more favorable and comfortable for exploration.
Things to do in Dapoli beach
Dapoli is renowned for its adventure activities, such as water sports, river rafting, and trekking. If you are fortunate, you may even spot dolphins. Unfortunately, I missed the chance to see them by just a day. The small food stalls along the beachside confirmed that dolphins were visible the day before my visit.
In addition to adventure activities, Dapoli also holds historical significance as it served as a military camp in the past. History enthusiasts can explore forts like Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg. Moreover, there are religious places to visit as well.
Which beach is best for water sports Dapoli?
Murud beach is a well-known beach in Dapoli that offers breath-taking views of the sun, sand, and sea. It is a must-visit destination for sports and adventure activities. At Murud beach, you can indulge in thrilling water sports such as parasailing, banana boat rides, and more. It is even possible to book an early morning boat ride for dolphin spotting. Remember to bring your binoculars and follow the instructions of the host to increase your chances of spotting these exotic creatures.
Although we missed the opportunity to spot dolphins, we still enjoyed exploring this beach. Despite the crowds, there were several activities to engage in, including cart rides, camel rides, and bicycle riding. I found the cleanliness of the beach to be lacking, partly due to the allowance of vehicles on the beach, which contributed to the chaos. However, the children in our group had a fun time playing in the water, while I was captivated by the mesmerizing sunset. After the calming sunset, we treated ourselves to hot snacks at the food stalls located right on the beach. From hot Maggi and omelettes to tea, there were various food delicacies available. Additionally, you can also find affordable beachwear and sand toys for sale at nearby shops.
Where to stay in Dapoli?
If you are traveling to Dapoli with your family and have kids in your group, Murud beach is an ideal place to stay. There are several accommodation options available right on the beach. However, it is important to be cautious about the sanitation conditions. Unfortunately, most resorts near Murud beach in Dapoli are not well-maintained, and the washrooms had unpleasant stench. Despite the poor conditions, the room prices were high.
During our visit, as we hadn’t pre-booked, we were mostly offered non-AC rooms in the scorching heat of over 40 degrees Celsius, and to our disappointment, these rooms were also filthy. After an hour of searching, we finally found the best resort in Dapoli, Yashraj Beach Resort, which provided us with a more satisfactory stay. If you do research and pre-book online, you might find good accommodation options.
Yashraj beach resort Dapoli – Review
Yashraj Beach Resort is a fantastic property situated near Murud Beach in Dapoli. It offers a range of amenities including a restaurant and a swimming pool. Personally, what stood out to me the most about the resort was its cleanliness and the availability of affordable AC rooms, priced at around 2,500 rupees per night. The rooms are equipped with smart TVs and have hot water facilities. They are also well-ventilated and feature balconies, providing a comfortable stay for families.
The restaurant at the resort serves vegetarian food of excellent quality. We thoroughly enjoyed our dinner and breakfast there, and the service was satisfactory.
While Yashraj Beach Resort is a short walk, approximately 7-10 minutes, away from the beach, the cleanliness and quality of the rooms make it a preferable choice compared to the resorts located on the beach.
Local cuisine of Dapoli beach
If you are a seafood lover, Dapoli is a true seafood paradise. Being located on the Konkan coast, you will come across numerous restaurants that serve delicious fresh seafood thalis. The food is delectable, and most of these restaurants also offer modak, a traditional sweet dish, on their menus. Even for vegetarians, there are plenty of food options available.
However, it is important to note that not all restaurants maintain the same standards. Along the beach, you will find a variety of restaurants, some of which are slightly pricey while others lack hygiene. Before deciding to dine in any restaurant, it is advisable to peek into the kitchen area to assess the cleanliness and make an informed decision.
Final words on Dapoli beach
Weekend getaways from Mumbai and Pune to Dapoli beach is a perfect getaway to enjoy the charm of rainy season. Dapoli offers a perfect blend of mountains and beach. With abundance of natural beauty, diverse attractions, and adventure activities, Dapoli is the most sought-after destination for tourists in Maharashtra.
