The Ultimate 7-Day Monsoon Konkan Road Trip Itinerary From Mumbai
If you missed taking a Konkan road trip in the summer, worry not—monsoon in Maharashtra is actually the time to hit the coast! In fact, this rain-soaked season transforms the Konkan belt into a lush green spectacle straight out of a postcard. Picture this: misty cliffs, waterfalls tumbling onto roads, rain-kissed beaches, and winding drives that make you want to roll the windows down and let the breeze in. There’s something magical about driving through coconut groves while a light drizzle taps your windshield and the scent of petrichor fills the air.
Unlike summers in Maharashtra that can be relentless, monsoon in Konkan offers a cooler, cosier vibe for long drives and beach-hopping. Plus, the tourist crowd thins out, giving you more space to explore hidden beaches in Ratnagiri or walk barefoot on rain-washed shores like Aare Ware and Shrivardhan. It’s the best time to visit and chase clouds, eat hot vada pavs from roadside stalls, and discover the untouched beauty of the Konkan coast. So grab your playlist, load the trunk, and let this Konkan road trip be your monsoon romance on wheels.
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Konkan Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Mumbai to Awas
Begin your road trip to Konkan from Mumbai by driving approximately 110 km from Mumbai to Awas. Take the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH-66) for a smooth journey with breathtaking views of the rain-soaked Sahyadri mountains. Stop at Pali’s famous vada pav joints for a quick breakfast. Explore Kashid Beach en route, known for its white sand and clear waters even during monsoon. Awas offers secluded beaches perfect for watching dramatic monsoon sunsets. Don’t miss the fresh seafood specialties at local restaurants like Sea View Resort, where the surmai fry tastes even better with the soundtrack of falling rain.
Picture Credits: loki_88 via Unsplash
Day 2 – Awas to Harihareshwar
The 45 km drive from Awas to Harihareshwar offers spectacular coastal views with rainforest-green hills meeting the angry monsoon sea. Stop at Revdanda Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese structure where history seems more alive when draped in moss and monsoon mist. Harihareshwar temple in Konkan is known as the “Dakshin Kashi,” housing the ancient Shiva lingam. The temple’s black stone architecture against the stormy skies creates perfect photography opportunities. Spend your evening at Harihareshwar Beach watching massive monsoon waves crash against the shore – a mesmerizing display of nature’s power.
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Day 3 – Harihareshwar to Ladghar
The third day’s 60 km journey takes you through the heart of the Konkan belt road trip experience. This Konkan road trip itinerary now heads south to Ladghar, a lesser-known beach near Dapoli. Stop at Diveagar in Konkan, where the normally crowded shores become peaceful monsoon retreats. Visit the famous Suvarna Ganesh Temple, housing a gold Ganesh idol. The Ladghar Beach, an offbeat place to visit in Maharashtra, is known as the “Mini Goa” of Maharashtra. During monsoon in Konkan region, the parasailing activities pause, but the beach’s rock formations and tidal pools become even more fascinating. Nicknamed “Tamas Teertha” because of its coppery-red sands, Ladghar is perfect for quiet sunsets, dolphin spotting, and exploring hidden coves. Don’t miss the Parsi Point viewpoint near Ladghar for panoramic views of the coastline draped in monsoon clouds.
Day 4 – Ladghar to Guhagar
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Drive down to Guhagar, a clean, crowd-free gem that’s often hailed as the best beach in Konkan for family getaways. The 80 km drive to Guhagar offers the most dramatic landscapes of your Konkan trip by car. The road hugs the coastline with hairpin bends, offering glimpses of the stormy Arabian Sea. Stop at Dapoli to visit the Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple, especially beautiful surrounded by monsoon greenery. Guhagar Beach, with its pristine white sand, remains relatively untouched even during peak seasons. The beach’s casuarina groves provide perfect shelter during light monsoon showers. Sample the famous Alphonso mangoes preserved specially or the kokum sherbet at local eateries – perfect refreshments for monsoon travelers.
Day 5 – Guhagar to Ganpatipule
Your Mumbai to Ganpatipule road trip continues with this 52 km coastal drive. Visit Velneshwar beach and temple en route – the temple’s red-tiled roof against monsoon clouds creates postcard-worthy images. Ganpatipule, home to one of the most important Ganesh temples on the coast, offers spiritual solace amidst monsoon beauty. The 400-year-old temple sits directly on the beach, creating a unique spiritual experience. Nearby Malgund Beach becomes a photographer’s paradise during monsoon with dramatic skies and fewer tourists. Try the local modak at the temple prasad stalls – they taste even better during the rainy season!
Day 6 – Ganpatipule to Ganeshgule
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Although just 35 km apart, this stretch of your Konkan road trip itinerary is packed with hidden treasures. Take a short detour to Ganeshgule, a peaceful stretch of coast that’s one of the best hidden beaches in Ratnagiri. The Ganeshgule beach remains one of the best beaches near Ganpatipule that even many Maharashtrians don’t know about. This offbeat stop is ideal for travelers looking to escape the crowd and experience Konkan’s raw charm.
Day 7 – Ganeshgule to Tarkarli
The final 120 km stretch of your Konkan road trip brings you to Tarkarli, the southernmost point of your journey. Stop at Vijaydurg Fort, Maharashtra’s oldest marine fort, where rainwater creates magical reflections of the ancient structure. Tarkarli Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and water sports, offers a different kind of beauty during monsoon. The normally busy scuba diving spots in Tarkarli take a break, but the dramatic skies and powerful waves create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Don’t miss the Karli backwaters where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea. During monsoon, this confluence becomes even more dramatic.
Places To Visit While On The Road Trip to Konkan from Mumbai
Ratnagiri
The coastal district famous for Alphonso mangoes transforms during monsoon with lush orchards and historic sites like Thibaw Palace. The birthplace of freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak becomes even more atmospheric with rain-washed streets and misty mornings. Don’t miss the hidden beach in Ratnagiri called Ganapatipule Math during your visit.
Ganpatipule
Beyond its famous temple, Ganpatipule offers pristine beaches, nature trails, and viewpoints that showcase the dramatic meeting of the Western Ghats and Arabian Sea – a sight magnified by monsoon’s intensity. The monsoon camping spots near the beaches here offer unique stays.
Anjarle
Home to one of the best beaches in Konkan for family visits, Anjarle also houses the famous Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple perched dramatically on a cliff – a sight made more magical by monsoon clouds and greenery. The turtle nesting beaches here are an ecological highlight.
Chiplun
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
This riverside town serves as a perfect stop with its ancient Parshuram Temple, surrounded by misty hills during monsoon, and authentic Malvani restaurants serving seasonal delicacies perfect for rainy day comfort along the Konkan coastal highway.
Murud
Not to be confused with Murud-Janjira, this Konkan Murud offers one of the best beaches in Konkan, flanked by cashew and coconut plantations that turn incredibly verdant during the monsoon tourism season in Maharashtra.
Aare Ware Beach
This hidden beach in Ratnagiri features unique black sand and dramatic rock formations that become natural water fountains during high monsoon tides – a spectacle worth witnessing on your Maharashtra coastal drive.
Shrivardhan
The historical capital of the Peshwas offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty with its beaches, temples, and colonial structures appearing even more charming against gray monsoon skies. Visit the nearby Kokan Kinara Shiroda for beautiful coastal views.
Tarkarli Beach
Picture Credits: Ankur Panchbud via Flickr
The “Queen of Konkan” beaches offer a unique monsoon personality with fewer crowds, powerful waves, and the famous white sand seeming even whiter against the dramatic monsoon skies. It’s a perfect spot for monsoon photography enthusiasts.
Tips for the Road Trip
- Always check the weather forecast—Konkan in monsoon can surprise you.
- Carry cash; many places still don’t accept digital payments.
- Download offline maps before leaving city limits.
- Travel light but carry rain protection.
- Try local cuisine at homestays and smaller joints.
- Respect local customs, especially around temples and beaches.
- Start your drives early to avoid night travel in unfamiliar areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but drive carefully and keep track of weather updates. Some roads may be slippery or blocked due to landslides.
Guhagar Beach is often rated as the best beach in Konkan for family getaways due to its cleanliness and peaceful vibe.
Absolutely! A Konkan road trip from Mumbai is one of the best ways to explore the coast.
Early morning starts (around 6-7 AM) are ideal during the monsoon season. This gives you enough daylight hours to navigate and reach your destination before potential evening downpours become heavier. Many locals consider traveling after the first two weeks of monsoon, when roads stabilize.
Most beaches in Maharashtra remain accessible, though swimming is restricted at many locations due to rough seas. The beaches actually look more dramatic and photogenic during monsoon with fewer crowds. They offer unique experiences not available in other seasons.
A 7-day trip is ideal to explore the main attractions and hidden gems.
A Konkan road trip is more than just a journey—it’s an experience. With winding roads, secret beaches, and rain-drenched landscapes, Konkan in monsoon is a slice of paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a beach bum, a foodie, or just someone chasing clouds, this road trip promises memories wrapped in coastal charm. So buckle up and let the Konkan coast steal your heart—one rainy pit stop at a time!
