A unique place where you can enjoy the beauty of both hills and beaches, Dapoli is a perfect tourist destination for your next getaway! Located at an altitude of 800 ft. in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, Dapoli is 215 km from Mumbai. Being situated in the Western Ghats, the area is filled with lush greenery and has a 50 km coastline stretching from Burondi, Kelshi, to Dabhol. It is also known as “Mini Mahabaleshwar” for its year-round cool climate. The places to visit in Dapoli include beaches like Karde Beach, Ladghar Beach and Ajrale Beach. The city also boasts historic locations, such as Suvarnadurg Fort and Panhalekaji Caves.
So, if you wish to enjoy beach activities, wildlife spotting and bird watching, the places to visit in Dapoli are the best places for family getaways and solo trips near Mumbai.
Places to visit in Dapoli
1. Karde Beach
One of the less explored places to visit in Dapoli, Karde Beach is a perfect spot for your weekend getaway. Its proximity to Mumbai and Pune makes it easily accessible. Enjoy the views of the expensive stretch of golden shoreline with Sheoke trees.
A perfect place for long walks, sunset views, swimming, boating and dolphin spotting, Karde Beach is a must-visit place in the region.
- Best Time to Visit: October to May.
- Timings: The Beach is open 24×7.
- Location: Karde Beach, Maharashtra 415713.
3. Ladghar Beach
Another popular tourist destination to visit in Dapoli is Ladghar Beach, which is popularly known as the “Tamas Teertha” due to the red colour areas on the shoreline adding beautiful hues to the site. It is famous for its grainy shoreline, water sports, dolphin spotting and mesmerising crimson sunsets.
Enjoy water activities, including a banana ride and water scooters. Don’t forget to try the local Konkan delicacies, including seafood, Rice Bhakri, Birada Usal and Modak. Moreover, while visiting the beach, you can also explore nearby attractions like the Shiva Temple and the Dutta Madir.
- Best Time to Visit: November to March.
- Timings: The Beach is open 24×7.
- Location: Ladghar Beach, Maharashtra 415712.
4. Murud Beach
For adventure seekers, Murud Beach is one of the best places to visit in Dapoli. It is a perfect place for adventure sports like parasailing, Kayaking, banana boat rides and dolphin watching, making it one of the popular beaches near Mumbai.
While visiting the beach, you can also explore the nearby Janjira fort and other small islands for a memorable experience.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March.
- Timings: The beach is open all day, but the activity times may differ.
- Location: Murud Beach, Murud, Maharashtra, 402401.
5. Anjarle Beach
Filled with the breathtaking beauty of the Konkan coastline, clean white sands and lush coconut groves, Anjarle Beach is one of the best places to visit in Dapoli. Located 20 km from Dapoli, it is a heaven on earth for every nature lover, seeking solitude in a peaceful atmosphere. The area reflects a vibrant traditional Konkan lifestyle. You can witness the age-old customs and art forms preserved by the local communities, mainly fishermen and farmers. You can also experience the local folk dance “Kadal” and traditional Konkan folk songs.
It is the best spot, if you are looking for less-crowded beaches to spend a relaxing time away from city chaos and to witness the rich heritage of the region.
- Best Time to Visit: Kadakai Devi Festival (June/July) and June to October for pleasant weather.
- Timings: Open throughout the day.
- Location: Anjarle Beach, Maharashtra 415714.
6. Keshavraj Temple
A testament to the rich cultural heritage of India, Keshavraj Temple is one of the best places to visit in Dapoli. Located 6.6 km away from the city centre in Asud, a small village in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Keshavraj and is also known for its architectural heritage.
The moment you step inside the temple, the stunning architecture and intricate details will leave you spellbound. The exquisite carvings, elaborate structures and beautifully crafted pillars, narrating the tales of ancient mythology, attract both devotees and history enthusiasts.
- Best Time to Visit: Festivals like Ram Navami, Diwali and Janmashtami.
- Timings: Open 24 hours.
- Location: Vyaaghreshwar – Garambi Rd, Asud, Maharashtra 415713.
7. Suvarnadurg Fort
For history enthusiasts, Suvarnadurg Fort is one of the stunning forts in Maharashtra. It is situated on a small island in the Arabian Sea, near Harnai in Konkan, along the West Coast of India. The fort was built in 1660 by Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire, for the Maratha Navy and defence purposes. The literal meaning of Suvanadurga is “Golden Fort” and the fort was known as the “feather in the golden cap of Marathas”.
The fort is also known for its stunning architecture and mystical aura, making it a must-visit place for every visitor to the region.
- Best Time to Visit: November to May.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Location: Suvarnadurg Fort, Dapoli, Maharashtra, 415712.
8. Parshuram Bhumi
Located on a hilltop in Dapoli, Parshuram Bhumi is known for its breathtaking beauty and historic significance. The main center of attraction of the area is a majestic 21-foot statue of Lord Parshuram, positioned on the top of a half-globe with a 20-foot radius.
According to the Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Parshuram reclaimed the land of Konkan from the sea and hence became a significant place of worship among the devotees. One can experience the divine energies associated with Lord Parshuram at the site.
- Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year.
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Location: Burondi Village, Tehsil Dapoli, Maharashtra, 415712.
9. Panhalekaji Caves
Located near the banks of the River Thorli-dhakti Kotjai in a small village, Panhalekaji, the caves are one of the best historic places to visit in Dapoli. Inside the 29 Panhalekaji Caves, you can find dome-shaped sanctuaries, statues and historic facts dating back to the Buddhist times of Hinayana & Vajrayana and the Shilahar dynasties. You can also find the statues of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Saraswati in the caves.
So, whether you are a history enthusiast or an adventure seeker, these caves are a must-visit on your trip to Dapoli.
- Best Time to Visit: June to March.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Location: Panhale Kazi, Maharashtra 415711.
How To Reach Dapoli
Located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, Dapoli is accessible from major cities like Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur through roads. It does not have a railway station and an airport of its own. The nearest railway station is Khed Railway Station, 30 km away and the closest airport is Ratnagiri Airport at 60 km. From these transit points, you can either take a bus or a taxi to reach Dapoli. However, for convenient travel, you can look out for hotels in Dapoli offering private cab services to and from transit points and nearby tourist places.
Dapoli is located 290 km from Mumbai and 170 km from Pune, making it an ideal weekend destination for city dwellers. The best way to reach Dapoli is by taking the Mumbai-Pune Expressway till Khopali exit and continuing towards Kolad and then towards Mangaon, followed by Khed to reach Dapoli. Various state transport buses are running regularly from Dapoli to major cities like Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur. Before heading towards Dapoli, you can take a halt and explore the famous tourist attractions in these cities. There are numerous budget-friendly hotels in Mumbai, hotels in Pune and hotels in Kolhapur for your relaxing and comfortable stay.
Book your stay from Treebo Club’s website or app for an affordable and convenient stay at additional discounts.
