A 3-Day Monsoon Trip to Dapoli: Scooty Rides, Black Sand Beaches & Coastal Calm

There has always been something about Konkan that fascinated me.

As a child, I imagined its winding roads, endless coastline, and sleepy villages. Years later, my adult self finally decided to stop dreaming and start packing. One backpack, a train ticket to Khed, and an autorickshaw to Dapoli—that's all it took to begin one of the most peaceful trips I've ever experienced.

Most people would probably choose to explore Dapoli by car with a driver. I chose differently.

I rented a scooty, strapped my backpack on, and spent three days riding through narrow red-earth lanes, lush green landscapes, quiet fishing villages, and some of the most serene beaches along the Konkan coast. The stretch from Harnai to Ladghar is pure magic—black sand beaches, traditional kaularu houses, swaying coconut trees, and roads that make you want to keep riding just a little farther.

Travel Period: End of June (beginning of the monsoon)

Duration: 3 Days

Day 1: Trip from Mumbai to Dapoli

https://youtube.com/shorts/Q2uoOBRnF3A?si=P8x8MG6Tu1A0_DyN

My journey began aboard the Mandovi Express from Mumbai to Khed. From Khed station, I took an autorickshaw to Dapoli, where I rented a scooty for around ₹600 per day.

One thing that surprised me? The locals barely seemed concerned about helmets. While that may be common here, I'd still recommend wearing one for safety.

The ride from Dapoli to Harnai immediately slowed life down. Rain-washed roads cut through dense greenery, tiny villages appeared every few kilometres, and the cool monsoon breeze made every mile feel therapeutic.

Lunch at Surali Garden

Before checking into my hotel, I stopped at Surali Garden, a restaurant that absolutely deserves the hype.

If you enjoy authentic Malvani cuisine, don't miss the Kombadi Vade Thali and the Surmai Thali. Fresh seafood, comforting flavours, and generous portions—it was the perfect welcome to Konkan.

Checking into Agastya Seaview Resort & Spa

For my stay, I booked Agastya Seaview Resort & Spa, which offers spacious studio apartments equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, toiletries, and everything needed for a comfortable stay.

The highlight? A stunning view of the Arabian Sea right from the room.

The in-house restaurant serves only vegetarian food, but several nearby restaurants offer delicious non-vegetarian options if you're craving seafood.

Sunset at Harnai Beach

After resting for a while, I headed to the beach around 6 PM, just a five-minute drive from the resort.

No crowd.

Just black sand stretching endlessly, waves crashing rhythmically, and a sky slowly changing from gold to shades of pink and purple.

Growing up in Mumbai, beaches usually meant crowds, noise, and endless traffic on road. Harnai felt like the complete opposite.

I stood barefoot as the waves washed over my feet, watching the sun disappear into the horizon. It was one of those rare moments where time seemed to pause.

The day ended exactly the way every vacation should—with a light dinner, a glass of wine, and a re-run of Friends.

Day 2: Temples, Beaches & Hidden Coastal Roads

I started the morning early with a full day of exploring planned.

Kadyavarcha Ganpati, Anjarle

My first stop was Kadyavarcha Ganpati, one of the most beautiful temples in the region.

Getting there required navigating narrow village roads on the scooty, but every turn rewarded me with breathtaking views of the coastline.

The temple itself is built in traditional coastal style with beautiful red laterite stone architecture. Surrounded by greenery, it radiates an incredible sense of peace.

Anjarle Beach

From the temple, I followed winding red-earth roads into Anjarle village until I reached the beach. Like many beaches in this region, Anjarle has striking black sand.

One thing you absolutely should do here is look for seashells. I spent quite some time walking along the shore collecting beautiful little shells, each shaped differently by the sea.

Durga Devi Temple

A short drive away is the serene Durga Devi Temple.

Simple, traditional, and surrounded by nature, it's another wonderful stop if you enjoy visiting places that still retain their old-world charm.

Anjarle Lighthouse

Later, I rode up to the Anjarle Lighthouse.

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, it's an ideal picnic spot. The roads are well-maintained enough for both cars and two-wheelers, making the ride fairly comfortable.

The panoramic ocean views from here are absolutely worth the climb.

Goagad Fort, Harnai

The next stop was Goagad Fort in Harnai, a quiet little spot that offers one of the best views in the area.

From here, you can see Suvarnadurg Fort standing tall in the sea, surrounded by water and looking almost cinematic against the monsoon sky. It was one of those moments that made me stop, look out at the horizon, and just take in how beautiful this coastline really is.

By evening, I returned to the resort, ordered myself a cocktail, and spent hours simply watching the sea from my balcony.

Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing becomes the highlight of the trip.

Day 3: Forest Temples & Coastal Drives

My final day began with a ride south towards Shree Keshavraj Mandir in Asud.

Hidden within dense forests, reaching the temple feels like discovering a secret tucked away in nature.

Towering trees surround the pathway, birds provide the soundtrack, and the stone flooring, tiny water fountain, and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the most tranquil places I visited during the trip.

Shree Bhagwan Parshuram Hill, Burondi

From Asud, I continued towards Shree Bhagwan Parshuram Hill in Burondi.

Besides the temple itself, there's a meditation centre where visitors can sit quietly for a while. Volunteers also offer refreshing drinks, and clean washrooms are available—something every road traveller appreciates.

Ladghar Beach & One Last Coastal Drive

My final stop was Ladghar Beach before taking the scenic coastal road back to Harnai.

This drive alone is worth visiting Dapoli for.

The Arabian Sea stretches endlessly on one side while lush green hills line the other. The cool sea breeze follows you the entire way, making every kilometre unforgettable.

It felt like the perfect ending to three incredibly peaceful days.

Returning Home

The following morning, I boarded my train back to Mumbai.

As the Konkan landscape slowly disappeared from the train window, I realized this wasn't just another weekend getaway.

It was three days of slowing down.

Three days of choosing winding roads over highways, sunsets over schedules, and silence over city noise.

And sometimes, that's exactly the kind of trip your soul needs.

Trip Cost (For Two People)

The total cost of the trip came to approximately ₹25,000 for two people, including:

Accommodation

Food

Scooty rental

Petrol

Train tickets

Autorickshaw fares

For a three-day coastal escape filled with scenic drives, peaceful beaches, incredible food, and unforgettable sunsets, I'd say it was worth every rupee.