Nestled along the picturesque Konkan coast in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, Murud-Harnai is a charming seaside destination that beautifully combines pristine beaches, ancient temples, rich history, and authentic coastal culture. Often overshadowed by more popular tourist spots, Murud offers a peaceful escape for travelers looking to experience the true essence of Konkan.
Murud is best known for its long sandy beach and the historic Durga Devi Temple, one of the town's most revered landmarks. The centuries-old temple is an architectural gem, featuring intricately carved wooden pillars and walls painted in soothing pastel shades. A massive metal bell, believed to have been brought from Vasai Fort by Chimaji Appa, adds to the temple's historical significance. Murud is also the birthplace of Bharat Ratna Maharshi Dhondo Keshav Karve, the renowned social reformer and champion of women's education.
Just a short drive away are the beautiful beaches of Karde and Harnai. While Karde Beach is known for its tranquil shoreline and spectacular sunsets, Harnai offers a completely different experience. As one of the largest fishing hubs along the Konkan coast, Harnai comes alive every morning with its bustling fish market, where fishermen auction the day's fresh catch. Watching the lively trading activity is an experience in itself and provides a glimpse into the everyday life of the local fishing community.
Off the coast lies the historic Suvarnadurg Fort, standing proudly on a small island in the Arabian Sea. Once an important naval stronghold of the Maratha Empire, the fort remains one of the most prominent historical attractions in the region.
Our visit to Murud came about in a special way. Our friends Shailesh and Shweta were planning a trip to Murud-Dapoli to celebrate their first wedding anniversary and asked if we would like to join them. We happily agreed, excited at the prospect of exploring one of Konkan's most scenic coastal destinations together.
The original plan was to start our journey on 30th November 2012, but work commitments got in the way and none of us could secure leave. As a result, we adjusted our schedule and turned it into a three-day getaway from 1st December to 3rd December 2012. Looking back, it turned out to be the perfect short break, filled with beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, historic landmarks, memorable road trips, and plenty of laughter with friends.
With bags packed and excitement levels high, we set off early on a winter morning, ready to create memories that would stay with us long after the trip was over.
How to reach Murud from Pune by road?
Murud is 200km from Pune via Bhor-Varandha ghat and it is 10km from Dapoli.
Route:
Pune- Kapurhol – Bhor – Varandha Ghat –
Mahad – Karanjwadi – Valote – Palgad – Dapoli – Murud.
1st Dec 2012
We left Pune at around 7:30 AM, excited for a weekend getaway to the Konkan coast. Our route took us through Bhor and the scenic Varandha Ghat, one of the most picturesque routes connecting the Western Ghats to the Konkan region. The pleasant winter weather and the promise of winding mountain roads made the drive enjoyable right from the start.
We had originally planned to take our first break at Varandha Ghat for a cup of tea and, of course, some photography. However, the beauty of the journey got the better of us much earlier than expected. As we drove past the serene backwaters of Nira Dam, we simply couldn't resist stopping. The calm river, surrounding hills, and morning light created a perfect setting for photography, and before we knew it, our quick stop had turned into a mini photo session.
Since we were already there and feeling hungry, we decided to have breakfast at one of the small roadside shacks overlooking the Nira River. There was nothing fancy about the place, but that's often the charm of road trips. Freshly prepared breakfast, hot tea, and beautiful riverside views made for a memorable start to the journey.
After spending some time enjoying the peaceful surroundings and clicking countless photographs, we resumed our drive towards Varandha Ghat. The trip had barely begun, yet the scenic landscapes and relaxed pace had already put us in holiday mode. With the Sahyadri mountains ahead and the Konkan coast waiting for us, the excitement for the rest of the journey only continued to grow.
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| The Sahyadri Moutain Range |
We reached Surabhi Beach Resort, Murud at around 2:00 PM, right on schedule. The resort turned out to be exactly what we were looking for, a peaceful beachfront property with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea. What immediately stood out was its location. The beach was literally just a few steps away; the moment you stepped out of the resort, you found yourself on the sand. For anyone looking for a relaxing beach getaway, the setting couldn't have been better.
We had booked two beachside cottages, and getting rooms so close to the sea made us even more excited about the stay. Each cottage had a small seating area outside, complete with a table and four chairs. It quickly became our favorite spot in the resort. Sitting there with the sea right in front of us, chatting, sipping tea, and listening to the sound of the waves was pure bliss. In fact, some of our best moments during the trip were spent doing absolutely nothing, just enjoying the view and the company.
After lunch, we relaxed in our rooms for a while before heading to the beach at around 5:30 PM. The beach was lively but not crowded, making it ideal for both adventure and relaxation. We decided to try a few water sports and had great fun on the banana ride, along with a couple of other activities. The laughter, splashes, and occasional screams as the ride bounced over the waves added a dose of excitement to our otherwise laid-back day.
And then came the most magical part of the evening... sunset.
As the sun slowly descended towards the horizon, the sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of colors. Shades of pink, orange, gold, and crimson blended seamlessly together, casting beautiful reflections across the water. The entire beach seemed to pause for a few moments as everyone turned their attention towards nature's evening spectacle.
There is something truly special about watching a sunset by the sea. The cool breeze, the rhythmic sound of the waves, and the ever-changing colors of the sky create an experience that photographs can never fully capture. We stood there, soaking in the moment and appreciating the beauty around us.
The first day of our Murud getaway couldn't have ended on a better note. A beautiful beachside resort, fun-filled water sports, good company, and a spectacular Konkan sunset, it was the perfect beginning to a memorable anniversary trip.
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| Sunset at Murud beach |
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| PC - Kuldeep Takalkar |
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| This was the only photograph of four of us together |
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| Happy faces after banana ride :) |
2nd Dec 2012
The next morning, we both woke up early and headed straight to the beach for a peaceful morning walk. The resort and the village were still asleep, and for a long stretch of the shoreline, we had the entire beach to ourselves. There is something magical about a beach just before sunrise, quiet, untouched, and free from the crowds that arrive later in the day.
Murud Beach is known for its soft, fine sand and gentle shoreline, making it a pleasant place for long walks and relatively safe for swimming. The weather was slightly chilly, but the fresh sea breeze carried the distinctive fragrance of the ocean, making the morning feel incredibly refreshing.
As we walked along the shore, the only sounds were the rhythmic waves and the occasional calls of distant birds. The village was slowly beginning to wake up, but at that moment, everything felt calm and unhurried. Watching the first rays of sunlight spread across the horizon and paint the sky with soft shades of gold and orange was a beautiful experience.
After walking for nearly an hour, we found a quiet spot on the sand and simply sat there, taking in the surroundings. There was no rush to be anywhere and nothing specific to do. We watched the waves roll in, observed the changing colours of the morning sky, and enjoyed the rare luxury of complete peace and silence.
Looking back, that simple morning walk remains one of my favourite memories from the trip. It wasn't an adventure activity or a famous tourist attraction, just a quiet hour spent by the sea with a friend. Yet, it perfectly captured what makes the Konkan coast so special: its simplicity, serenity, and ability to help you slow down and appreciate the beauty around you.
After spending some time soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Murud Beach, our newly married travel companions finally woke up and called us back to the resort. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast with hot tea and began planning the rest of our day. Since we had already spent plenty of time enjoying the beach and water activities, we decided to take a short trip to Anjarle, one of the most picturesque villages in the Dapoli region. Our plan was simple: visit the famous Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple, explore the surroundings, and return to the resort before lunch.
Located about 14 km from Murud, Anjarle is known for its pristine beaches, lush greenery, and the revered Kadyavarcha Ganpati, literally meaning "Ganpati on the cliff." The drive itself was scenic, winding through coconut groves, small villages, and the beautiful Konkan countryside.
We left Murud at around 10:15 AM and soon came across a viewpoint that was impossible to ignore. Known as Suvarnadurg Fort Point, it offers spectacular views of Suvarnadurg Fort, Harnai village, and the vast Arabian Sea. Almost every traveler stops here for photographs, and we were no exception. The panoramic coastal views were simply breathtaking, and after capturing a few memorable pictures, we continued our journey towards Anjarle, reaching there around 11:30 AM.
The Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple immediately impressed us with its cleanliness, maintenance, and serene surroundings. Perched atop a hill overlooking the coastline, the temple is one of the most revered Ganpati temples in the Konkan region. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful setting make it a delight not only for devotees but also for nature lovers.
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| Harnai Village |
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| Suvarnadurg Fort |
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| Anjarle Beach |
One place visitors should not miss is "Ganpatiche Paul" (Ganapati's Footprints), located near the main temple complex. The site holds religious significance and is considered an important part of the temple visit.
Another highlight of the temple is the stone staircase on the side that leads to the upper portion near the Kalas. From here, we were rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding landscape. Endless stretches of coconut and betel nut plantations, rolling green hills, the shimmering Arabian Sea, and the distant outline of Suvarnadurg Fort came together to create a truly unforgettable panorama.
In front of the temple lies a large pond where visitors can feed fish and turtles. Watching the fish gather near the water's edge added a charming touch to the experience and drew the attention of both children and adults alike. Adjacent to the Ganpati temple is a small and peaceful Lord Shiva temple, making the entire complex a beautiful blend of spirituality and nature.
What we had planned as a quick temple visit turned into one of the most memorable stops of the trip. The combination of stunning views, well-preserved temple architecture, and the tranquil Konkan landscape made Anjarle much more than just a religious destination. It was the perfect example of how spirituality and natural beauty coexist so effortlessly along the Konkan coast.
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| Anjarle creek - a bridge on the Jog River |
We returned to the resort at around 2:00 PM, carrying not just photographs and memories from Anjarle, but also the lingering taste of the delicious Modaks we had enjoyed for lunch. The meal was so satisfying that it left us with only one thing on our minds, an afternoon nap. After all, good food and a Konkan vacation are best followed by a few hours of uninterrupted rest.
Refreshed after nearly two hours of sleep, we gathered once again in the courtyard of the resort. The relaxed atmosphere encouraged long conversations, and before long, Shailesh and Shweta began sharing stories from their recent trip to Malaysia. From travel experiences to anecdotes about their wedding and life after marriage, the conversation flowed effortlessly. As is often the case on such trips, some of the best moments were not spent sightseeing but simply sitting together, sharing stories over a cup of evening tea.
During our tea break, we noticed a local climbing one of the coconut trees to collect fresh palm fruit. Curious, we struck up a conversation and got the opportunity to taste some ourselves. Freshly harvested and naturally sweet, it was a simple yet memorable experience, one of those small local encounters that often become cherished travel memories.
As evening approached, we made our way back to the beach. What started as a casual stroll soon turned into an impromptu water session. Unable to resist the inviting waves, we found ourselves back in the sea, splashing around and enjoying the carefree moments just like children. Sometimes the most enjoyable experiences are the unplanned ones, and this turned out to be one of them.
We returned to the resort around 8:00 PM, tired but thoroughly happy. After dinner, we took a leisurely walk around the resort premises. The cool sea breeze, the sound of the waves in the distance, and the peaceful surroundings created the perfect atmosphere to wind down after another wonderful day in Murud.
As we sat for a while under the night sky before calling it a day, it struck us how differently this trip had unfolded. There was no rush to cover attractions, no strict itinerary, just good friends, beautiful beaches, delicious food, and plenty of time to relax. It was exactly the kind of break we had hoped for, and the cool Konkan breeze provided the perfect ending to yet another memorable day.
3rd Dec 2012
On our final day, we allowed ourselves a slightly relaxed start. Although we woke up a little later than usual, we got ready quickly since we wanted to leave for Pune soon after breakfast. Before checking out, the resort owner kindly showed us his wadi, filled with lush green coconut and betel nut trees. The peaceful surroundings, swaying palms, and fresh morning air perfectly captured the essence of the Konkan countryside. We couldn't resist spending some time there and, of course, had a small photo session amidst the greenery.
Afterward, we enjoyed one last delicious breakfast at the resort. Good food had been a constant companion throughout our trip, and this meal was no exception. With our bags packed and hearts full of memories, we bid farewell to Murud and started our return journey to Pune at around 11:00 AM.
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| Wadi |
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| Look! I am here... |
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| PC - Shailesh Deosthali |
Following the same scenic route through the Western Ghats, we retraced our way back home. The drive was smooth and uneventful, giving us plenty of time to reminisce about the wonderful moments we had shared over the past three days. We finally reached Pune around 6:00 PM, marking the end of another memorable Konkan road trip.
Though short, this getaway turned out to be exactly what we needed. From peaceful morning walks on Murud Beach and breathtaking sunsets to scenic drives through the Sahyadris, delicious Konkani food, and quality time spent with close friends, every moment added something special to the experience. Celebrating Shailesh and Shweta's first wedding anniversary amidst the natural beauty of the Konkan coast made the trip even more memorable.
Sometimes, the best trips are not the longest or the most adventurous ones. They are the ones that help you slow down, relax, reconnect with friends, and return home feeling refreshed. This Murud trip was exactly that, a perfect blend of beaches, nature, food, and friendship.
Thank you for reading this travel blog. I hope you enjoyed following our journey through Murud, Harnai, and Anjarle. If you're looking for a peaceful Konkan getaway with beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, and authentic coastal charm, Murud-Harnai is definitely worth a visit.
