The Ultimate 7-Day Konkan Road Trip Itinerary From Mumbai
The start of the year is an ideal time to plan a Konkan road trip from Mumbai, when winter skies are clear, roads are easier to navigate, and the coastline feels calmer after the festive season. This 7-day Konkan road trip itinerary follows the familiar Mumbai to Konkan route but focuses on slower travel- early morning drives, quiet beaches, historic forts, and local food stops that are best enjoyed without crowds. From coastal towns and sea-facing temples to hidden stretches along NH66, this Mumbai to Konkan road trip brings together some of the most rewarding places to visit in Konkan, making it a refreshing and well-paced way to begin the year on the Konkan coast.
Unlike summers in Maharashtra that can be relentless, Konkan in December and January offer 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 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 winter romance on wheels.
In this Blog
Konkan Road Trip Itinerary From Mumbai
Day 1 – Mumbai to Awas
Mumbai to Awas distance – 110 km.
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 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 winters. Awas offers secluded beaches perfect for watching dramatic sunsets. Don’t miss the fresh seafood specialties at local restaurants like Sea View Resort, where the surmai fry tastes even better in winter.
Picture Credits: loki_88 via Unsplash
Day 2 – Awas to Harihareshwar
Awas to Harihareshwar Distance – 45 km.
The 45 km drive from Awas to Harihareshwar offers spectacular coastal views with rainforest-green hills meeting the sea. Stop at Revdanda Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese structure where history seems more alive when draped in moss and winter mist. Harihareshwar temple in Konkan is known as the “Dakshin Kashi,” housing the ancient Shiva lingam. The temple’s black stone architecture against the skies creates perfect photography opportunities. Spend your evening at Harihareshwar Beach watching massive waves crash against the shore – a mesmerizing display of nature’s power.
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Day 3 – Harihareshwar to Ladghar
Distance from Harihareshwar to Ladghar – 60 km.
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 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. Konkan in September causes 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 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 greenery. Guhagar Beach, with its pristine white sand, remains relatively untouched even during peak seasons. The beach’s casuarina groves provide perfect shelter from direct sunlight. Sample the famous Alphonso mangoes preserved specially or the kokum sherbet at local eateries – perfect refreshments for 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 clouds creates postcard-worthy images. Ganpatipule, home to one of the most important Ganesh temples on the coast, offers spiritual solace amidst winter 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 winter with dramatic skies and fewer tourists. Try the local modak at the temple prasad stalls – they taste even better during the winter 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. Tarkarli Beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and water sports, offers a different kind of beauty. 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 winter, 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 winter with lush orchards and historic sites like Thibaw Palace. The birthplace of freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak becomes even more atmospheric with 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.The 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 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, and authentic Malvani restaurants serving seasonal delicacies perfect for chilly 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 winter 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 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 winter 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 personality with fewer crowds, powerful waves, and the famous white sand seeming even whiter against the dramatic skies. It’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and one of the best places to visit in September.
Kolthare Beach
A lesser-known coastal stretch near Dapoli, Kolthare Beach is ideal for travellers seeking quiet mornings and uninterrupted sea views. The beach is wide, uncrowded, and perfect for long walks, sunrise photography, and relaxed coastal drives—especially appealing for a slow start to the year.
Dapoli & Harne Coast
Often referred to as the ‘Mini Mahabaleshwar’ of Konkan, Dapoli combines pleasant winter weather with scenic coastal spots like Harne Beach and nearby forts. It’s a great midway halt that balances beach time with short heritage walks and local seafood experiences.
Malvan
Extend your drive beyond Tarkarli to include Malvan Beach and the iconic Sindhudurg Fort, built on an island and accessible by boat- ideal for history buffs and maritime architecture enthusiasts.
Devbagh Beach
Located near Malvan, Devbagh is where river backwaters meet the sea, creating a unique landscape ideal for kayaking, birdwatching, and quiet evenings. It’s particularly suited for travellers looking to slow down and spend time close to nature without crowds.
Tips for the Road Trip
- nlike monsoon, winter offers calmer seas, clearer skies, and cooler weather—ideal for exploration, photography, and extended coastal walks.
- Carry cash; many places still don’t accept digital payments.
- Download offline maps before leaving city limits.
- The Mumbai–Goa Highway (NH-66) is generally reliable year-round, but always check local conditions, especially around construction stretches in Raigad and Ratnagiri—delays and detours can occur
- Try local cuisine at homestays and smaller joints.
- Winter is prime for enjoying Konkan’s seafood and seasonal produce—solkadhi, spicy crab curries, and freshly caught fish cooked in Malvani style are highlights.
- Respect local customs, especially around temples and beaches.
- Start your drives early to avoid night travel in unfamiliar areas.
- Places like Aare Ware, Ganeshgule, and Kolthare remain uncrowded in January–February, making them ideal for a relaxed, introspective start to the year.
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 season or it’s end. This gives you enough daylight hours to navigate and reach your destination before it becomes dark.
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 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 misty landscapes, Konkan in winter 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 pit stop at a time!
