Konkan Calling – Part 2:Beaches, Forts & Coastal Adventures
“Picture Abhi Baaki Hai, Mere Dost!”
After a dreamy first day exploring Guhaghar, Hedvi, and Velneshwar, we woke up on Day 2 with one mission: beach, food, forts, and fun—in that order. so here we go on our Mumbai to Dapoli road trip.
“If you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of our journey from the very beginning, don’t miss out! Click the link to relive the excitement of our first day’s adventures and immerse yourself in every unforgettable moment.”
“Utho beta, varna beach nikal jaayega!”
(Because let’s face it, nothing motivates a sleepy family like the promise of water splashes and crispy poha.)
Day 2: Guhaghar Beach – Garmi Mein Bhi Full Dhamaal!
We started the day at Guhaghar Beach, just as the sky was wiping sleep from its eyes. Now, let me clear one myth—sunrise directly from the sea? Naah, not here.
(Konkan coast = west coast, bhai!)
But still, those early golden rays, the soft hush of waves, and the cool morning breeze gave us the kind of “waah kya scene hai” feels that no sunrise could outdo.
Decked in our sandos and shorts, our josh was high as we strolled through this lovely Goa-style narrow lane—flanked by tall coconut trees swaying like they were doing morning yoga.
“Bas ab beach mil jaaye toh setting perfect hai,” we thought.
But plot twist!
We suddenly landed up in a large open ground surrounded by trees… and ferocious desi dogs!
I swear they looked at us like:
“Saala yeh kaun apni territory mein ghus aaya? Bhaagao isko!”
While the dogs stared us down like the villains in a Rohit Shetty climax, me and my daughter were doing a “Mission Impossible” beach hunt—searching frantically for the right way.
Finally, cue victorious background music—we found the path that led to the beach.
And OH. MY. BEACH!
What a gorgeous view it was!
The Beach Vibes – Chill, Clean, and Full-on Masti!
The beach was:
✔️ Clean
✔️ Wide
✔️ Peacefully uncrowded
✔️ Perfect for some good old-fashioned family dhamaal!
Soon, slippers were off, pants were rolled up, and we were all splash-splash-shouting like kids on a school picnic. (Though half of us are oldies with dil toh bacha hai ji attitude)
My inner child did a cartwheel (okay, mentally), and I wasn’t the only one! Wifey, Sister-in-law, nephews and my daughter—everyone turned into giggling water warriors, chasing waves, throwing sea foam, and declaring war over who got wetter first.
“Bhaag DK Bose” vibes were on, with screams of laughter echoing through the morning sea breeze.
It was one of those core memory moments—no filters needed, no reels planned, just pure, wet, sandy, joyful chaos.
“Main paani hoon, mujhe koi rok nahi sakta!”
(Dialogues and drama included at no extra charge.)
Local Nashta – Poha, Thalipeeth & Misal Treats
Post all the beach acrobatics, our tummies started growling louder than the waves.
We headed to a local eatery tucked in a lane with wooden benches and a waft of fried spices in the air. We devoured:
Ab konkan me aakar poha, Misal pav nahi khaya toh kya khaya , Machi khane wale hum log nahi warna pet me ek fish aquarium zaroor dikha deta 🤪
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Fluffy Poha
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Hot Thalipeeth with homemade white butter
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Spicy, fiery Misal Pav that made our eyes water and hearts happy
Add a cutting chai to that and voila—Konkan breakfast goals unlocked.
Vyadeshwar Temple – The Sacred Heart of Guhaghar
After soaking ourselves (literally) at Guhaghar Beach, it was time to soak in some spiritual vibes. Just a short drive from the shore lies the Vyadeshwar Temple—a calm, sacred retreat tucked within the quiet lanes of the town.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vyadeshwar is the kuldaivat (family deity) for many locals in the Konkan region. As we walked through the temple’s modest entrance, the vibe shifted—cool stone beneath our feet, the soft hum of chants, and that deep sense of serenity that only comes from places steeped in devotion and history.
“Itna shaant, itna serene… aisa laga jaise Shiv ji khud tapasya mein baithe ho!”
Now about its architecture—
You might think it’s Hemadpanthi style because of the stone construction and simplicity, but technically it’s not. The temple is believed to be over a thousand years old, and while it does have some visual similarities, it follows more of a traditional Konkan-Maratha design—sturdy, humble, and sacred.
The Char Kon Connection – A Temple on All Four Corners!
What really caught my eye was the beautifully symmetrical layout. Apart from the main sanctum where the Shivlinga resides, the temple complex houses four smaller shrines at each corner, dedicated to:
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Shri Surya (Sun God)
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Shri Ganapati (Ganesha)
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Shri Vishnu
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Shri Devi Durga
Each one feels like a stop on a spiritual compass—giving you the full spectrum of divine energy, all in one peaceful, shaded courtyard.
The tranquility, the old-world charm, and the feeling of being wrapped in sacred silence—Vyadeshwar Temple isn’t just a stop; it’s an experience.
Shri Talakeshwar Temple & Lighthouse – Where Divinity Meets the Deep Blue
Post our darshan at Vyadeshwar Temple and a hearty local breakfast (yes, that poha-thalipeeth-misal combo was uff 😋), we hit the road again—this time toward Anjanvel, home to the charming Shri Talakeshwar Temple and its iconic Lighthouse.
Perched atop a breezy hillock, the Talakeshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a favourite spot for both devotees and dreamers. The temple’s structure is simple and timeless, blending into its natural surroundings…
…or at least, it used to.
Because now, someone decided to give it a full makeover in fluorescent pink! 😳
Gone is the lovely earthy brown from earlier times—replaced by a shade that practically glows in the dark!
Let’s just say, Lord Shiva might now be in new shades of temple . But hey, in a land of colours and quirks, it’s all part of the charm, right?
Still, paint job aside, the calm aura of the place remains untouched. The silence here isn’t just peace—it’s poetry.
Dolphin Point – The Natural Marvel Opposite the Temple
Directly opposite the temple, there’s a rock formation shaped like a dolphin’s fin—no kidding! Known locally as Dolphin Point, this is nature at its most playful. From here, you can gaze out at the Arabian Sea stretching endlessly ahead, its waves brushing the rugged Konkan coast below.
The breeze? Perfect.
The view? Mesmerising.
The vibe? Absolutely filmy.
“Yeh kon sa location hai re baba? Full movie scene lag raha hai!”
We spent some quiet time here—just sitting, soaking in the view, clicking reels, and letting the calm sea speak to our not-so-calm city souls. And trust me, this is one spot you’ll want to bookmark if you’re chasing sunsets, peace, or just that one perfect Instagram frame.
Gopalgad Fort – Where History Hides Behind the Greens
After soaking in the panoramic sea views at Talakeshwar Temple and waving goodbye to Dolphin Point, we continued our journey—meandering through lush green curves and whispering coconut groves. The road was narrow and twisty, but oh-so-beautiful, the kind that makes you want to hum an old Hindi song with the windows down and the breeze in your hair.
As we navigated the winding path through the sleepy Anjanvel village, the fort walls began to peek out—and just like that, we were at the gates of Gopalgad Fort.
Also known as Anjanvel Fort, Gopalgad has quite the tale to tell. Built during the Siddhi rule in the 16th century, it was later captured and strengthened by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as part of his grand coastal fortification plan. The fort stands tall, strategically overlooking the Arabian Sea, guarding the coastline like a loyal sentinel of time.
Its solid laterite walls, bastions, and hidden nooks carry stories of battles, bravery, and Maratha maritime prowess. Though partially in ruins today, the fort still whispers tales if you pause and listen.
From the top, the views of the sea and nearby creek are just… wah bhai wah! Perfect for those Insta-worthy wide-angle shots—and a bit of time travel, if you let your imagination loose.
With Gopalgad’s rugged beauty etched in our memories, we hopped back into our car and drove toward the Dabhol–Dhopave Ferry Jetty.
Crossing over by ferry is one of those little joys of a Konkan road trip—short, scenic, and salty in the best way! Once on the Dabhol side, we cruised ahead toward Dapoli, ready for the next chapter of our coastal adventure.
Dapoli Check-In – Pool Party, Anyone?
By late afternoon, we reached Dapoli and checked into our hotel. And what did we find?
A swimming pool calling our name!
My daughter and my nephew cannonballed in, the pretty ladies soaked their tired feet, and even the “main swimming nahi karta” kind of me was eventually found splashing around.
There were poolside selfies, floaty fights, and “yeh reel banegi” declarations.
Murud Beach Sunset – A Dramatic Close to the Day
It was all about Camel Rides, Car Worries & Filmy wala Feels
Our evening plan? Catch the sunset at Murud Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Dapoli, known for its soft sands, vibrant atmosphere, and—you guessed it—those picture-perfect sunsets.
As we drove in, we spotted a line of cars parked right on the beach.
“Kya baat hai, full Bollywood vibe!”
So naturally, we followed suit and parked our car like we were in some Rohit Shetty beach climax scene. Sand under the tires, sea breeze in our hair—what a setting!
While we were soaking in the beauty, the real show began.
My wife and sister-in-law spotted the camel ride option and were instantly on board—literally!
There they were, giggling like college girls on a field trip, riding high and waving like queens of Rajasthan transported to Konkan’s coastal charm.
And me? Well, I was playing double role:
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One eye on the breathtaking Murud Beach sunset, all orange-gold and cinematic…
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Other eye nervously flicking toward our parked car, calculating how fast the high tide might rush in like a villain in slow motion.
It was like a real-life suspense thriller.
“Agar tide ne car tak pahunch gaya, toh beach se seedha mechanic ke paas jaana padega!”
We were standing there, chai in one hand, biscuit in the other—enjoying the moment, but mentally prepared to slow-mo run through the sand like Baywatch extras to save our vehicle.
In the end, the tide behaved, the sunset dazzled, and our car lived to drive another day.
Murud Beach gave us not just beautiful photos, but full-on masala laced memories—complete with drama, romance (of the landscape), suspense, and camel cameo!
Traveller Tip: Murud Beach Edition
Just a heads-up, fellow wanderers—the road leading to Murud Beach is super narrow, like many Konkan coastal lanes. One wrong move and you’re in a full “Dhoom vs BEST bus” situation.
Ek taraf sea view, doosri taraf ek bada tourist bus aa gaya toh samjho game over!
There’s no chance of overtaking or reversing in style—unless you’re driving a cycle or blessed with Ajay Devgn’s stunt skills.
So go slow, honk often, and pray that the road is as empty as your calorie count after poha and misal pav!
Night Drive – Thrill, Chatter & The Unseen Curves
Post-sunset, we hit the road back to our hotel.
Let me tell you—Konkan night drives are not for the faint-hearted. The roads are narrow, winding, and love to spring surprises.
There was one stretch so dark and bumpy, it felt like:
“Aisa lag raha tha ki himalyan rally me drive kar rahe hain— but with no trophy in the end!”
Heart-in-mouth moments, random animal crossings, and cousin-fuelled ghost stories later, we made it back—exhausted but euphoric.
“If you haven’t yet experienced the thrill of our journey from the very beginning, don’t miss out! Click the link given below to relive the excitement of our first day’s adventures and immerse yourself in every unforgettable moment.”
Goodnight, Dapoli – Ready for More?
With salt in our hair, pool water in our ears, and 100 new memories in our hearts, we retired to our hotel rooms, ready to dream of forts, beaches, and one more day of Konkan magic.
“Kal phir niklenge naye safar par… kyonki picture abhi bhi baaki hai!” Stay tuned lovely people
