After almost three years, we finally decided to plan a proper 3–4 day family trip. With Aaravya still very young, most of our outings had been limited to short day trips around Pune and Ahmednagar, where my parents stay. But this time, we wanted something more relaxing and memorable.
After exploring a few options, we naturally gravitated towards the Konkan region—our all-time favorite destination. And with the mango season in full swing, it felt like the perfect excuse to head towards the coast once again.
After a couple of discussions (and as always, mutual agreement 😄), we finalized Dapoli as our destination. To make the trip even more special, we decided to take my in-laws along and celebrate their 39th wedding anniversary, which falls just a day before our own anniversary.
It wasn’t just a vacation anymore, it was going to be a celebration filled with family, love, and unforgettable coastal memories.
With our destination finalized, the next challenge was finding the right accommodation in Dapoli. Since it was peak summer vacation season, most resorts were already fully booked. To make things more difficult, I had started searching for stays just three days before our trip, as my leave approval came through at the last moment. I checked almost every well-known resort in Dapoli, but unfortunately, finding two rooms together seemed impossible. Just when it felt like we might have to rethink our plans, I decided to explore options nearby.
That’s when I came across Pears Beach Resort in Ladghar, located close to Dapoli. Interestingly, we had once planned to visit Ladghar about four years ago, but had to cancel due to unexpected work commitments. It felt like the perfect opportunity to finally make that plan a reality. I quickly got in touch with Mr. Pednekar, and to my relief, they had a few rooms available. Without wasting any time, I booked two AC sea-view cottages, and the excitement instantly kicked in!
Since Kiran had work commitments on Saturday (26th May), we planned our trip from Sunday to Tuesday, aligning with my two days of leave. Traveling with my in-laws made the trip even more special, and everyone was thrilled especially since this was going to be our first proper outdoor trip with Aaravya. What started as a last-minute plan was now shaping up into a beautiful family getaway by the coast.
Pears Beach Resort is a beautiful beachside property near Dapoli, offering a perfect blend of comfort and coastal charm. The resort features well-appointed AC and non-AC rooms, along with cozy cottages, designed to provide a relaxing stay for families and couples alike.
One of the highlights of the resort is its stunning location—most rooms offer breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea, allowing you to wake up to the soothing sound of waves and enjoy mesmerizing sunsets right from your stay.
Date – 27th May 2018
Our much-awaited journey to Dapoli began early in the morning at 6 AM, filled with excitement and carefully packed essentials. We chose the scenic Bhor–Varandha–Mahad route, known for its breathtaking views and peaceful drive through the Western Ghats.
To make the journey even more special, my mother-in-law lovingly prepared Dadpe Pohe for breakfast. Our plan was to enjoy a relaxed roadside picnic amidst nature, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start. Armed with a mat and a variety of snacks like khakra, rajgira wadi, peanut laddoos, sonpapdi, jam, and pickles, we were fully prepared especially since this was our first long road trip with Aaravya, who is just 3 years old. We stopped near Hirdoshi village, where the roadside farms provided the perfect setting for a peaceful breakfast. Surrounded by greenery and fresh air, the experience felt simple yet incredibly refreshing.
After breakfast, we continued our journey and took a short halt at Varandha Ghat for tea and sightseeing. The misty hills, cool breeze, and playful monkeys added a touch of adventure to the drive. Thankfully, there was minimal traffic, and we crossed the ghat comfortably by 10 AM.
Somewhere along the way, we missed a turn near Karanjwadi and accidentally headed towards Khed. While the road conditions here were not very good, the unexpected detour turned into a delightful experience. We came across a small ghat stretch lined with Jamun and mango trees, and of course, we couldn’t resist stopping! Enjoying fresh jamun straight from the roadside trees became one of the most memorable moments of the journey.
From there, we followed the route:
Khed → Furus → Nargoli → Dapoli → Ladghar
We finally reached Pears Beach Resort in Ladghar at around 1 PM. After the long drive, everyone was quite exhausted, so we took some time to relax before heading for lunch. At the resort restaurant, we ordered vegetarian thalis. The food was decent, simple and satisfying, though not exceptional.
With the afternoon heat at its peak, we retreated to our cottage, where we relaxed with some TV time and card games, while Aaravya took a nap. The laid-back vibe was exactly what we needed after the journey.
As the day slowly passed, we were all eagerly looking forward to the evening. The thought of stepping onto the beach, feeling the cool sea breeze, and watching the sunset kept everyone excited.
After all, no Konkan trip is complete without a peaceful walk along the shore.
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| Pears Beach Resort, Ladghar |
Our cottages were perfectly located right in front of the beach, offering stunning sea views and easy access to the shore. The rooms were clean, well-maintained, and designed in traditional Konkani style (kaularu cottages), giving the stay a rustic coastal charm. The hospitality was impressive, with the hotel staff being extremely polite, friendly, and always ready to help making the experience even more comfortable for our family. The resort itself has ample open space, making it ideal for both relaxation and family time. Kids have plenty of room to play and explore, while adults can unwind in the serene surroundings. One of the highlights was the presence of multiple hammocks across the property, along with two swings right by the beach, perfect for soaking in the ocean breeze and enjoying peaceful moments.
The only minor drawback we noticed was that the food prices were slightly on the higher side compared to nearby local restaurants. However, the overall experience more than made up for it. Overall, it was an amazing and memorable stay, and I would highly recommend Pears Beach Resort to families looking for a peaceful beachside getaway near Dapoli.
Around 5:30 PM, we headed to the beach, and to our surprise, it was pleasantly uncrowded, with barely 15–20 people around. The peaceful atmosphere made the experience even more special and relaxing.
For Aaravya, this was his first-ever encounter with the sea, and his excitement was truly priceless. Watching his joy as he explored the beach was one of the most memorable moments of the trip. He especially loved trying out a few fun beach activities like a bike ride and even a camel ride, which added a playful touch to the evening.
Although Ladghar Beach is known for its beauty, we noticed that the water wasn’t as clean as some of the other nearby beaches, possibly due to the seasonal conditions. So, instead of stepping into the water, we chose to simply enjoy the surroundings.
The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the stunning sunset over the Arabian Sea, followed by a calm walk along the shoreline. After sunset, we sat on the beach for a while, chatting and soaking in the serene vibe before heading back to our cottage around 8 PM.
It was a simple yet beautiful evening filled with joy, calmness, and unforgettable family moments.
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| Sunset at Ladghar Beach |
Date – 28th May 2018
We started our day early, waking up around 7 AM, and by 8 AM, everyone was ready and headed straight to the restaurant for a quick breakfast. Our plan was to explore nearby attractions like Tamastirth Beach and Parshuram Bhumi before the sun got too harsh.
Although we were tempted, we decided to skip the dolphin-watching boat ride due to time constraints. This is one of the popular activities in Dapoli, where local fishermen take you into the sea on special boats to witness dolphins jumping and playfully flipping through the waves an experience that’s definitely worth trying if you have the time. With our itinerary in mind, we set off for a day filled with scenic coastal views and spiritual landmarks.
Our breakfast spread was simple yet delicious, featuring local favorites like poha, thalipeeth, and ghavane. Among these, the ghavane paired with chutney stood out—soft, light, and incredibly flavorful. It was one of those authentic Konkani dishes that truly elevates the whole dining experience, and I absolutely loved it!
We then visited Parshuram Bhumi, located around 10 km from Ladghar, one of the most unique attractions near Dapoli. Perched on a scenic hilltop, this place is known for its impressive 21-foot-tall statue of Lord Parshurama, standing majestically atop a globe representing the Earth. The viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramic views of Tamastirth Beach, making it a perfect blend of spirituality and natural beauty.
Inside the globe, there is a meditation chamber, where the calm and peaceful atmosphere creates a deeply positive and refreshing experience. It’s an ideal spot to sit quietly for a few moments and absorb the serenity of the surroundings. From the top, we could also witness the distinct reddish hue of the seawater at Tamastirth, which is quite unique to this region. In hindsight, visiting during the evening would have enhanced the experience even more, as the sunset would cast a beautiful orange-red glow over the sea, making the view truly magical.
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| Parashuram Statue at Tamastirth |
After spending about an hour at Parshuram Bhumi, we began our journey back towards Tamastirth Beach, reaching there within a quick 10–15 minutes. However, upon arrival, we found the beach to be unfortunately quite littered and not well-maintained, which took away from the overall experience.
Without spending much time there, we decided to head straight back to the resort. On the way, we made a lovely stop to pick up a few boxes of fresh, juicy Konkan mangoes—a must-do during the summer season!
Once back at the resort, we took a short, leisurely walk around the property, soaking in the calm surroundings. A delightful surprise awaited Aaravya when he spotted a bullock cart passing by, he couldn’t resist taking a ride, and it turned out to be one of the most fun and memorable moments for him.
After relaxing for a while in our cottage, we stepped out again for lunch, eager to try something different. While returning from Tamastirth towards Ladghar Beach, we came across a restaurant named “The Kitchen”, and decided to give it a try.
After reaching to the restaurant, we ordered 4 veg thali. The thali included okra sabji garnished with grated coconut, black dry peace (kalya vatana) usal, dal rice and rice bhakri. Since bhakri takes time to prepare fresh, we ordered dal–rice and papad for Aaravya first, so he could finish his meal without waiting. The wait for the bhakri was about 20 minutes, but it was absolutely worth it. Once the meal arrived, we were delighted by the freshness and flavors especially the kale vatane usal and soft, warm bhakri, which turned out to be the highlights of the meal. The food was so delicious and satisfying that we all instantly decided to return here for our remaining meals during the trip.
After indulging in such a delicious and fulfilling meal, a short nap was absolutely essential! We took a refreshing two-hour rest, followed by evening tea at the resort’s restaurant. Re-energized, we headed to Karde Beach, located conveniently between Murud and Ladghar. Known for its wide shoreline and calm environment, Karde is one of the best beaches near Dapoli for relaxation and water activities.
The beach had a pleasant, moderate crowd, making it lively yet not overwhelming. The soft sand and open space made it perfect for some fun time, we ended up playing a game of cricket, which turned into one of the most enjoyable moments of the evening. Karde Beach is also an ideal spot to witness stunning sunsets, with the golden hues reflecting beautifully over the Arabian Sea. It’s truly a place to slow down, relax, and detox from daily life.
We couldn’t resist trying some pani puri and bhel, adding a delicious street-food twist to our evening before heading back to the resort.
For dinner, we chose something simple and comforting, kadhi-khichdi, which felt perfect after a long day. Later, we took a calm walk along the beach, enjoying the soothing sound of waves and spending quality time chatting while relaxing on the swings. These quiet moments by the sea made the day even more special. With the next morning planned for our return to Pune, we wrapped up the day and headed back to our rooms by 10 PM, ready to rest after a beautiful and fulfilling day by the coast.
Date – 29th May 2018
On our final day, Kiran and I woke up early and headed out for a peaceful morning walk along the beach. The air was fresh, soothing, and filled with a subtle coastal fragrance that made the experience incredibly refreshing. We spent nearly an hour walking along the shoreline, soaking in the calm and quiet beauty of the morning.
After returning to the cottage, we packed our bags and made our way to the restaurant for breakfast. Meanwhile, Kiran had a thoughtful surprise planned—he informed the resort manager about my in-laws’ wedding anniversary and requested a small celebration. The staff graciously arranged a delicious chocolate cake, making the moment even more special.
We celebrated their 39th anniversary by cutting the cake, and the warm wishes from everyone around made it a truly memorable and heartwarming experience. Adding to the surprise, we happened to meet Aaravya’s friend and his family at the resort! Aaravya and Shourya play together regularly back home, and though I hadn’t met them before, my mother-in-law recognized them. It turned into a delightful moment of connection and cheerful conversations. After checking out @9.30am, out return journey started towards Mahad, because we wanted to buy Aamsul, Mirgund, Pohe, Kadwe Wall, Kokam Agal etc. there. We reached at Mahad around 1 pm and did some shopping and had lunch at Samruddhi Veg. OUr order was Kaju masala, paneer butter masala and at the end sweet & thick lassi. The food was absolutely delicious and served as a perfect ending to our memorable Konkan trip.
We resumed our return journey from Mahad to Pune via Varandha Ghat, enjoying the scenic drive once again. Just before entering the ghat section, we noticed a signboard pointing towards Shivthar Ghal. After a quick discussion and a bit of hesitation, we decided to take a detour—and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of the trip! Also known as “Sundarmath”, Shivthar Ghal is located about 35 km from Mahad and is a beautiful natural cavern nestled amidst dense green forests. Surrounded by the serene landscapes of the Western Ghats, the place offers a perfect blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty.
The peaceful environment, cool breeze, and lush greenery make Shivthar Ghal an ideal stop for travelers seeking a quiet retreat in nature while exploring the Varandha Ghat route.
Shivthar Ghal becomes truly enchanting during the monsoon season. A beautiful waterfall cascades right in front of the cave, creating a mesmerizing view that perfectly complements the lush greenery around. The sound of flowing water and the misty surroundings make it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers. The ghal can be accessed directly from Varandha Ghat, especially for travelers coming via the Pune–Bhor route. A 7–8 km stretch via Parmachi village leads you through dense forest and scenic terrain. While the road condition is not very smooth, the journey through the thick greenery and peaceful jungle landscape adds a sense of adventure and charm to the visit.
Shivthar Ghal is not just a scenic destination but also holds immense religious, spiritual, and cultural importance in Maharashtra. It is believed that Samarth Ramdas Swami dictated the sacred text Dasbodh to his disciple Kalyan Swami at this very place, making it a significant site for devotees and history enthusiasts alike. Inside the cave, you can find beautifully crafted statues of Samarth Ramdas Swami and Kalyan Swami, adding to the spiritual aura. The calm and meditative environment makes it an ideal place for reflection and inner peace. According to local beliefs, this is also the historic meeting place of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Samarth Ramdas Swami, further enhancing its importance in Maratha history.
While Shivthar Ghal is serene throughout the year, the monsoon season transforms it into a breathtaking paradise. The waterfall cascading in front of the cave, combined with lush greenery and mist-covered surroundings, makes it one of the most beautiful waterfall destinations in Maharashtra.
Visiting Shivthar Ghal is a perfect blend of nature, spirituality, and history, offering a peaceful escape as well as a connection to Maharashtra’s rich heritage.
While visiting Shivthar Ghal, one important thing to keep in mind is to beware of monkeys. They are quite active in the area and tend to snatch food or belongings from visitors. It’s best to avoid carrying snacks openly in your hands and strictly do not feed them, as it may encourage aggressive behavior.
After spending a peaceful hour exploring the cave and enjoying the surroundings, we resumed our journey towards Varandha Ghat. We took a short tea break amidst the scenic ghats, enjoying the cool breeze and stunning valley views one last time.
On our way back, we made a brief halt at Necklace Point in Bhor, a popular viewpoint known for its unique shape resembling a necklace. It’s a perfect spot for quick photography and soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding hills and backwaters. After a short 10-minute stop, we continued our drive towards Pune. There was some traffic near the Khed Shivapur Toll Naka, but overall the journey was smooth.
We reached home safely by 8 PM, wrapping up a truly memorable Konkan road trip filled with nature, spirituality, family moments, and unforgettable experiences.
Contacts -
1. Pears beach resort -
Phone number - 8108055579
Website - http://www.pearsbeach.in/
2. The Kitchen Restaurant -
Phone number - 7066884885
