[Epic]

Hello everyone,

I am planning a trip from Mumbai to Ratnagiri in the end of June. We are a family of three including my 02 year old daughter. The plan is to visit Dapoli/Ganapatipule and then drive down to Ratnagiri.

My confusion here is that between Dapoli and Ganapatipule, which would be the better option? I have been to Ganapatipule before sometime in 2012-2013 and found it to be quaint with virgin beaches and nothing else really. However, now with my toddler daughter, I need to visit a place which can keep her entertained. So which one would that be - Dapoli or Ganapatipule?

In terms of stay; at Dapoli, the Fern Samali Resort is a no brainer. I still have to decide on the accommodation if Ganapatipule is recommended. But I don't think there are any star hotels there.
At Ratnagiri, I have decided to stay at the Farm of Happiness. I am sure we would enjoy that experience.

Please help me decided between Dapoli and Ganapatipule and things to do there.

[libranof1987]

If you're going towards the end of June, monsoon would have most likely entered Konkan. And it tends to pour heavily, very regularly. So, you might not get to do outdoor activities.

Dapoli would be a ~5 hour drive from Mumbai; Ratnagiri about 4 hours more (considering road condition and monsoon). Ratnagiri - Ganpatipule are at the most an hour away so you can always do a day drive/stop enroute.

I've gone to Kashid twice in the monsoon, and the coastal/town roads are in terrible shape once the rains pick up.

Also, there are quite a few threads on Konkan, look those up.

[ruzbehxyz]

Originally Posted by Epic

Please help me decided between Dapoli and Ganapatipule and things to do there.

As you are already aware Dapoli and Ganpatipule are different places. Since Ganpatipule is very close to Ratnagiri, it's better to visit Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri. While driving down from NH17, it will be faster to reach Ganpatipule. If you go from Dapoli to Ganpatipule, there will be one crossing by boat (coastal route) which is not recommended in monsoons and would be probably closed.
You can also add Jaigad fort to your itinerary (from Ganpatipule).

[honeybee]

Originally Posted by Epic

...
In terms of stay; at Dapoli, the Fern Samali Resort is a no brainer. I still have to decide on the accommodation if Ganapatipule is recommended. But I don't think there are any star hotels there.
...

No idea about Dapoli.

At Ganapatipule, the MTDC resort is probably the best bet for accommodation. Nice, clean rooms and closer to the temple.

If it's raining, be prepared for a heavy downpour. Together with its proximity to the sea, the Ganapati temple will have its compound under water. Heavy rains are blinding here, so take appropriate precautions for stay as well as drive.

Ganapatipule is approximately 40kms from the main highway and you need to drive back to the main highway to reach anywhere else, ao it's about 80kms of a detour.

At Ganapatipule, try the pradakshina if you can, around the small hill. The view in the last quarter of the route is breathtaking.

[neofromcapone]

Weather shows to be Sunny with some showers( surprising, for June end)
Link

I was gonna suggest The Riverview Resort in Chiplun,
Advantages -
On the NH66,
Huge Property
Superb Views
Will be pleasant in June end

Cons
Cant walk to any beach

Better stay at Ganpatiphule to enjoy the beach, since that will not be available in your Farm of Happiness. I love the location of Krishnali Beach Resort, dunno the current status on food and stay, although latest review on tripadvisor is positive - Link
If you get MTDC, that's good too.

If you wanna do the best of all
Halt at Ganpatiphule on your journey to your drive to Ratnagiri
And do a night halt at Riverview Chiplun on your return to Bombay


Have a safe and great trip

[Epic]

Originally Posted by libranof1987

If you're going towards the end of June, monsoon would have most likely entered Konkan. And it tends to pour heavily, very regularly. So, you might not get to do outdoor activities.

Originally Posted by honeybee

If it's raining, be prepared for a heavy downpour. Together with its proximity to the sea, the Ganapati temple will have its compound under water. Heavy rains are blinding here, so take appropriate precautions for stay as well as drive.

Originally Posted by neofromcapone

Weather shows to be Sunny with some showers( surprising, for June end)
Link

You'll have all mentioned about the heavy rains which may play spoil sport on the trip. However, online recommendations say that June to September is the best time to explore Ratnagiri. Should I even consider Ratnagiri in the first place during this time of the year?

Originally Posted by libranof1987

Dapoli would be a ~5 hour drive from Mumbai; Ratnagiri about 4 hours more (considering road condition and monsoon). Ratnagiri - Ganpatipule are at the most an hour away so you can always do a day drive/stop enroute.

Originally Posted by ruzbehxyz

Since Ganpatipule is very close to Ratnagiri, it's better to visit Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri. While driving down from NH17, it will be faster to reach Ganpatipule. If you go from Dapoli to Ganpatipule, there will be one crossing by boat (coastal route) which is not recommended in monsoons and would be probably closed.

Originally Posted by honeybee

Ganapatipule is approximately 40kms from the main highway and you need to drive back to the main highway to reach anywhere else, ao it's about 80kms of a detour.

Dapoli is around a 06 hours drive from Mumbai.
Ganpatipule is around a 04 hour drive from Dapoli
Farm of Happiness is around 4 hours from Dapoli and around 45 minutes from Ganpatipule

I however have to keep in mind that I am traveling with my toddler daughter and so her comfort is the utmost priority, especially in terms of accommodation and food.

Originally Posted by honeybee

At Ganapatipule, the MTDC resort is probably the best bet for accommodation. Nice, clean rooms and closer to the temple.

Originally Posted by neofromcapone

I was gonna suggest The Riverview Resort in Chiplun,
Advantages -
On the NH66,
Huge Property
Superb Views
Will be pleasant in June end

Cons
Cant walk to any beach

Better stay at Ganpatiphule to enjoy the beach, since that will not be available in your Farm of Happiness. I love the location of Krishnali Beach Resort, dunno the current status on food and stay, although latest review on tripadvisor is positive - Link
If you get MTDC, that's good too.

If you wanna do the best of all
Halt at Ganpatiphule on your journey to your drive to Ratnagiri
And do a night halt at Riverview Chiplun on your return to Bombay

As mentioned earlier, at Dapoli, The Fern Samali Resort is the best bet. The Fern hotels are fantastic all over India so I am sorted in terms of quality accommodation and food.

At Ganpatipule, I am not sure of the hotels there. There was a Fern Hotel there but it is now a Mahindra. The MTDC is something I am not sure of in terms of quality accommodation and food. Maybe you guys can let me know.

At Ratnagiri, the Farm of Happiness has only positive reviews and so no doubts there too.

[surjaonwheelz]

Mods: Please merge this thread to the original thread: (Pune to Ganpatipule : Route Queries)

At Ganpatipule you can check out this resort Blue Ocean Resort

As others have warned Ganpatipule is not a place to have the beach fun due to the rough sea. Have all the beach fun in Dapoli. When I visited Ganpatipule I stayed at Kohinoor Samudra Beach Resort. It's on top of a hillock with no access to the sea. But it's a huge property!

--

[honeybee]

Originally Posted by Epic

You'll have all mentioned about the heavy rains which may play spoil sport on the trip. However, online recommendations say that June to September is the best time to explore Ratnagiri. Should I even consider Ratnagiri in the first place during this time of the year?
...
At Ganpatipule, I am not sure of the hotels there. There was a Fern Hotel there but it is now a Mahindra. The MTDC is something I am not sure of in terms of quality accommodation and food. Maybe you guys can let me know.

MTDC at Ganpatipule is one of the best options. Stayed there last year. Nice, cosy, clean rooms.

Only hitch is all food is ordered from outside, so you need to order in advance. Don't expect an express delivery.

Parking at MTDC is at a centralised place near the entrance, ao in rains it might be cumbersome to drop the passengers at the doorstep, park the car and then return.

Goes without saying but the seashore at Ganapatipule may not be safe for a casual dip. So please please check with the locals before entering the sea anywhere.

For lunch or dinner in Ganapatipule, will try and share hotel where we had dined.

[browneyes]

Originally Posted by Epic

Please help me decided between Dapoli and Ganapatipule and things to do there.

We went to Ganpatipule in December 2016 and my son was 2 years old that time. Please see below blog for details, I hope it will give you idea on things to do.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...hwar-more.html (Exploring the Konkan coast - Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri, Velneshwar & more)

Ratnagiri is very accessible from Ganpatipule.

Incidentally we also made quick long weekend trip to Dapoli recently (April 19th 2019) and stayed in Fern Resort. Resort is very nice.

We visited Keshavraj Temple and few beaches. Some spots on coastal road are very scenic.

Out of both places I would recommend staying in Ganpatipule as there are more places to explore around that area.

[Dodge_Viper]

Originally Posted by Epic

You'll have all mentioned about the heavy rains which may play spoil sport on the trip. However, online recommendations say that June to September is the best time to explore Ratnagiri. Should I even consider Ratnagiri in the first place during this time of the year?

Best time to explore Konkan is after August. Peak rainy season, apart from bad roads there are possibilities of rivers overflowing and cutting off access. There are plenty of streams which turn into massive rivers and water starts flowing over the bridges.

Both Ganapatipule and Dapoli are off shoots from main highway. Ganapatipule is your typical religious place, sea is dangerous there. There is one Nakshatra beach resort which is further away from Ganapatipule, perched on a hill with fantastic views. Reaching there takes you via the famous Arey-Warey beach road which is one of the best sections of coastal road.

[honeybee]

@epic,

Swad dining at Ganapatipule is a personal recommendation for vegetarian food.

Mehandale's Swad Dining
Arrey Warrey Rd, Malgund, Ganpatipule, Maharashtra 415615
094224 32776
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YxYryzVD96j8t8W17


And from Ganapatipule to Ratnagiri (or the other way round) if you are taking the highway, this place is a must-have halt for snacks (vegetarian again)

Ruchipalat Snaks
SH106, Tarval, Mayangadewadi, Maharashtra 415620
077985 08877
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XNabkBQ8daNf7jPSA


We had stopped here for a brief halt to have tea and light snacks which ended up being a mini lunch halt. Kothimbir vadi, thalipith and sabudana khichdi were awesome.

[Epic]

Originally Posted by surjaonwheelz

At Ganpatipule you can check out this resort Blue Ocean Resort

Originally Posted by surjaonwheelz

As others have warned Ganpatipule is not a place to have the beach fun due to the rough sea. Have all the beach fun in Dapoli. When I visited Ganpatipule I stayed at Kohinoor Samudra Beach Resort. It's on top of a hillock with no access to the sea. But it's a huge property!

I checked out both their websites and I think these are good options. Their reviews on Triadvisor are pretty good too. Kohinoor though is a better brand but Blue ocean has the best location. Thank you for recommending

Originally Posted by honeybee

MTDC at Ganpatipule is one of the best options. Stayed there last year. Nice, cosy, clean rooms.

Only hitch is all food is ordered from outside, so you need to order in advance. Don't expect an express delivery.

Parking at MTDC is at a centralised place near the entrance, ao in rains it might be cumbersome to drop the passengers at the doorstep, park the car and then return.

Goes without saying but the seashore at Ganapatipule may not be safe for a casual dip. So please please check with the locals before entering the sea anywhere.

For lunch or dinner in Ganapatipule, will try and share hotel where we had dined.

I checked out the rooms online and this is definitely not where I would want to stay with a toddler. Maybe if it was just my wife and myself, I would consider it.

Originally Posted by browneyes

We went to Ganpatipule in December 2016 and my son was 2 years old that time. Please see below blog for details, I hope it will give you idea on things to do.

https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/trave...hwar-more.html (Exploring the Konkan coast - Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri, Velneshwar & more)

Ratnagiri is very accessible from Ganpatipule.

Incidentally we also made quick long weekend trip to Dapoli recently (April 19th 2019) and stayed in Fern Resort. Resort is very nice.

We visited Keshavraj Temple and few beaches. Some spots on coastal road are very scenic.

Out of both places I would recommend staying in Ganpatipule as there are more places to explore around that area.

The thing is that I would prefer only one long travel stint. So it is either Mumbai-Dapoli-Ganpatipule OR Mumbai-Ganpatipule-Ratnagiri where the long stint would be Mumbai-Dapoli and Mumbai-Ganpatipule respectively.

If I do a Mumbai-Dapoli-Ratnagiri, I will have two long stints. I can visit Ganpatipule on the way but it would then be a longer duration of days spent.

Originally Posted by Dodge_Viper

Best time to explore Konkan is after August. Peak rainy season, apart from bad roads there are possibilities of rivers overflowing and cutting off access. There are plenty of streams which turn into massive rivers and water starts flowing over the bridges.

Both Ganapatipule and Dapoli are off shoots from main highway. Ganapatipule is your typical religious place, sea is dangerous there. There is one Nakshatra beach resort which is further away from Ganapatipule, perched on a hill with fantastic views. Reaching there takes you via the famous Arey-Warey beach road which is one of the best sections of coastal road.

Yes, the fact that everyone has cautioned me in traveling to Ratnagiri during the monsoons have made me think twice on traveling during the months of June and July. I think, I will postpone it to August 2nd week maybe.

Originally Posted by honeybee

@epic,

Swad dining at Ganapatipule is a personal recommendation for vegetarian food.

Mehandale's Swad Dining
Arrey Warrey Rd, Malgund, Ganpatipule, Maharashtra 415615
094224 32776
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YxYryzVD96j8t8W17


And from Ganapatipule to Ratnagiri (or the other way round) if you are taking the highway, this place is a must-have halt for snacks (vegetarian again)

Ruchipalat Snaks
SH106, Tarval, Mayangadewadi, Maharashtra 415620
077985 08877
https://maps.app.goo.gl/XNabkBQ8daNf7jPSA


We had stopped here for a brief halt to have tea and light snacks which ended up being a mini lunch halt. Kothimbir vadi, thalipith and sabudana khichdi were awesome.

Will definitely check out these places.

[honeybee]

We stayed in MTDC with four kids of varying ages, from 10 to 3, and had four families. But then it was for one night only and we were happy with the accommodation. Anyways do let us know your experience wherever you stay.

[rudrah]

While i am currently searching for good beach close by stays in Dapoli, I came across this thread

Usually in first 2 weeks of June, the monsoon rains enter India, if it starts early in Kerala, assume in a week or 2, konkan will face it then. And visiting Konkan during rains is not a happy time. Avoid if rains start in Konkan before you plan the trip.

If things work as per your plan, then i can suggest you one good resort - SeaSun Resort at Kajirbatti beach enroute Aarey Warey road which is slightly ahead of Ganpatipule but right facing the beach. Your rooms will usually be facing the beach. I've stayed there for 3 nights with my daughter. The resort is maintained by a Maharashtrian family and very neatly maintained. Clean rooms, toilets. Food is also good. Its a good secluded place to stay away from the chaos of Ganapatipule.

This is a place from where Ratnagiri is also reachable.

Incase you plan here, let me know.

Hope this helps

Okay now i'm back to searching for good resorts close to beach at Dapoli Cheers~

[susheelwadke]

Hi roadies,

Planning to drive to Ganpatipule from Mumbai. How are the road conditions from Gaganbawda to Ganpatipule ? I am planning to take the expressway and then the above mentioned route. Any inputs would be helpful.