Your Konkan Coast Travel Guide: Harihareshwar, Shrivardhan, Aravi & Diveagar

Overview

This guide provides travel information based on a recent trip to the Konkan coast, covering Harihareshwar, Shrivardhan, Aravi, and Diveagar beaches. It includes insights on weather, travel times, beach experiences, and tips for planning your visit.

Destinations

1. Harihareshwar

• First beach visited on the trip.
• Ideal to stay at a beach property for easy access to the beach, especially for early morning visits.
• Approximately 4-5 hours from Pune.

2. Shrivardhan Beach

• 45 minutes from Harihareshwar.
• Considered the main taluka (administrative division) in the Raigad district.
• Well-maintained with walkways, seating areas, and good lighting. A suitable spot to enjoy the sunset with family.
• High tide can limit beach visibility.

3. Aravi Beach

• 12 km from Shrivardhan according to Google Maps, but a shortcut of 5 km is possible (approximately 15 minutes travel time).
• Located right by the roadside, offering scenic coastal drives.
• Sunset point offering panoramic views. No need to go down to the beach to enjoy.

4. Diveagar

• 7 km from Aravi beach.
• More stay options available compared to Shrivardhan and Harihareshwar due to its popularity.
• Approximately 4 km long beach.
• Closer from Mumbai than the other beaches.

Travel Tips & Recommendations

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit these beaches is from the end of October to January. During the monsoon season (presumably June-September), the beaches, especially Diveagar, can be dirty due to ocean debris washing ashore. However, cleaning takes place after the monsoon season.

Weather

• The weather during the trip was misty and cloudy.
• Cloudy weather is preferred for enjoying the beaches.

Transportation

• Easily accessible from Pune (Harihareshwar).
• Diveagar is closer if coming from Mumbai.
• Consider driving along the coastal road at Aravi beach for scenic views.

Accommodation

• Many resorts are available at Diveagar beach.
• Staying at a beach property in Harihareshwar is recommended for convenient beach access.

Vibe

Expect an "offbeat Goa vibe" with small, winding routes.

Important Considerations

• During monsoon, Diveagar beach is not clean.
• Consider visiting Murud, though it requires a ferry.
• Tamhini Ghat route back to Pune may have heavy rainfall.

Overall Experience

The trip offers diverse beach experiences, from proper beaches to scenic walkways and viewpoints. The Konkan coast is a great alternative to North India for scenic beauty.