Dapoli, Maharashtra Travel Guide

This travel guide is based on a staycation experience in Dapoli, a coastal town near the Konkan coast in Maharashtra, India. Dapoli is known for its untouched, clean, and peaceful beaches.

Why Dapoli?

• Untouched Beaches: Dapoli boasts raw, uncommercialized beaches that are clean and peaceful.
• Natural Beauty: The area offers incredible natural beauty, providing a refreshing escape from city life.

Accommodation: Taran Cottage at Anjali Beach

The staycation was at a beach-facing property with a rustic, village-like feel, specifically Taran Cottage, located right next to Anjali Beach.

Property Details:

• Location: Anjali Beach, Dapoli.
• Rooms: Offers various rooms and villas depending on group size.
• Rustic Feel: The cottage and in-house restaurant have a rustic, village-like ambiance.
• Amenities: Includes a sofa for relaxation, a table and chairs for enjoying coffee, storage space, a tea/coffee station, and a separate washbasin and washroom area.
• View: Offers an incredible view of the beach, visible even from the bed.
• Balcony: A spacious balcony with ample seating for large groups.

Anjali Beach

• Calm Side: The side of Anjali Beach near the property is calmer.
• Access to Main Beach: A boat ride is required to reach the main part of Anjali Beach.
• Less Crowded: The beach is typically empty, offering a peaceful experience.

Dining

• In-House Restaurant: The property has an in-house restaurant with freshly made-to-order food.
• Local Cuisine: Focuses on local Malvani seafood.
• Recommendation:
  • Restaurant Amantran: Recommended for authentic Malvani seafood.
  • Must-try dishes: Prawns Rava Fry, Pomfret Thali, Surmai Thali, and Sol Curry.

Things to Consider

• Travel Time: Approximately 6.5 hours from Mumbai. It's recommended to stay for more than one night.
• Road Conditions: The road conditions for the last 7-8 kilometers may not be ideal.
• Nature: Be prepared for a natural environment, which may include rodents. Eating inside the room is discouraged to avoid attracting them.

Property Review Summary

• Location: Excellent beach view.
• Rooms: Basic, spacious, and comfortable. No TV for a more nature-focused experience.
• Maintenance: Decent, considering the close-to-nature setting.
• Service: Prompt and helpful staff.
• Food: Generally good at the in-house restaurant.

Cost (Approximate)

• Room Rate: ₹8500 per night (weekday rate, inclusive of taxes). Weekend rates will be higher.
• Meal Costs (per person per day, plus GST):
  • Non-Veg: ₹1600 (includes lunch, high tea, dinner, and breakfast) - considered slightly overpriced.
  • Veg: ₹1400 (includes lunch, high tea, dinner, and breakfast).

Route Options from Mumbai

• Option 1 (Average): Old Mumbai-Goa Highway.
• Option 2 (Recommended): Pune Expressway, then take a ride to join the Old Mumbai-Goa Highway. This route saves approximately 45 minutes despite requiring toll payments.