A small part of Konkan, which felt like a different world all together.
Live your dreams, because tomorrow is unknown
All though it was the first time for me visiting Konkan, but it surely wasn’t the last. The vibe of Konkan is very different, the connection to Sea and spicy blend of culture is something that I don’t see much in my city. Pune is more of Brahmin capital with the history of Peshwas and subtle consciousness for spice however in Konkan this was the first change that I experienced.
Day 1
This time I was not alone, I was travelling with my sweet daughter and wife. We went by road in my Nexon, which was bit exciting for me as we went via the Tamhini Ghat. Driving a manual car in Western Ghat is equally adventurous as driving in snow. My friend had already warned me that while driving you might anticipate the after a left turn there will be right turn but actually it would be another left turn. Bit of thinker but was true. Every turn was a puzzle in itself and with this guessing game we relied on the Google maps and drove through the gigantic ghats. With very little experience of driving with a Baby we started our journey at 7:00AM. As this route was new for us, we didn’t know any good place to take rest. Before getting on the ghats we had breakfast at Jogeshwari Misal, Mulshi and had special Misal. There was nothing special about this Misal. Unwanted blend of spices and ingredients it was the worst misal after Thorat’s Barbeques misal. After having breakfast we resumed our journey and we found that there were better options but with our tummy full had no option than to continue our journey.
As we scaled up, my daughter Avira fell asleep.
After this adventurous and fun filled journey we reached Dapoli and decided to feed ourselves with seafood. Still our resort was around 11Kms away but the gravitational force of our hungery stomach had anchored to Swaad Hotel where we ordered Surmai Thali and Pomfret Thali.
Reaching the resort was very overwhelming as the cacophony of city bustle was suddenly blended with the sound of waves hitting the shore. As it was almost 3:30PM, the reflection of sea water was too much and hence we decided to take rest. We woke up at 5:00PM after lying on the bed, mostly stretching our body and getting ready to dip ourselves in water.
After stepping foot on the Palande Beach, we quickly clicked a lot of pictures and got into the water. Avira was a bit afraid of the water as this was first time in her lifetime and anyhow she is bit hesitant to try things in new environment. With a lot of convincing and support she got into water sitting besides us and splashing the water. It was almost getting dark and the waves were getting higher so we thought we will wind up. With tired body we came back to the hotel for a shower and ordered food.
After having the food, in no time we slept trying to regain our energies for the next day.
Day 2
With the excitement of morning view, I woke up as usual around 6:00 AM in and made coffee for myself. Then went on the beach for morning walk. The strong waves of the ocean were breaking the silence on the beach but still it was calming and relaxing. It felt like leaving my worries behind and gave the opportunity to think about the future. It is always such places that brings a different side of yours.
We strolled around for a while and then rushed to our room anticipating that Avira might be awake but she was sleeping, so we made tea and sat outside. While having this tea, the cold wind and the noise of waves was perfect combination as the best ingredient for a perfect tea.
After a while Avira woke up around 8 and then we fed her cereals and went for breakfast. On the first day the menu was Misal and Bread Omelette. There was cornflakes along with bread, butter and jam, but our focus was on the Misal. It was different, something you will not get in Pune for sure. As Konkan is blessed with vast variety of spices, their food also brings a different touch to your taste buds. But after Pranjal Misal(Old Mumbai Pune highway), I have enjoyed this Misal only. Might be that I am exaggerating, you have to try this whenever you visit this place.
After this we went to beach again to digest the Misal and get ourselves ready for seafood lunch. We clicked a lot of photos on the DSLR. This was a moment I wanted to take advantage of clicking photos of Avira and I can proudly say that the task was completed successfully. With the tripod and camera setup we started clicking photos and didn’t realize that 2 hours were already spent. Here are the photos
After this we had lunch and went straight to bed. Wanted to regain our energies for the evening. After taking a nap we order tea and got ready for the beach. Me and Avira had the same fear of water so we kept our safe distance and Aditi was enjoying going ahead in the sea and taking the waves on herself. We cherished in the shallow water and played our little delighted games. Frankly speaking I don’t know swimming and have phobia of water. With my half body drenched in water it was the maximum of sea shore fun that I can enjoy, beyond that I am a little kid.
As usual it was time for clicking photos and enjoying the sunset. We decided to take a evening walk on the beach. Around 7:30PM we went to take bath, and ordered food. This time along with fish fry we ordered chicken biryani. This was a good decision as the biryani was flavorful. We wanted to pack our bags but were so tiered that we went to bed.
Next day was the last day, and we had lot on the list to pack.
Day 3
As it was the last day on the beach, wanted to capture some nice shots, so I went at 6:00AM on the beach after having coffee. Early morning the moon was setting and from the other end sun was rising. You can surely imagine the blissful moment it was.
Then we went to the Harnai Beach for the fish market. Everyday market opens with a fresh stock of catch from the sea. With things on our list we started looking for the best deals as you need to bargain in such a way that both parties stay happy. At times we arguing with other customers as whoever tells the best price can take the basket. Yes you have to purchase the basket, as they don’t sell it in small quantity. As we were virgins in this Fish Market, we still managed to get best deals. We purchased Surmai, Pomfret and Prawns. There are people who get this all cleaned, then there are other stalls were you can get them packed in box with ice to keep it fresh till you reach home.
We came back to hotel and had breakfast. Avira was having fun with other kids in the hall. We had Idly Meduwada and bread omelette. Then I went to take shower and we packed our luggage. We went to the beach to say our Good Bye’s and committing to each other that soon we will be back. Then we cleared our bills and left for home.
Before leaving Dapoli we went to Dhabol village were we visited a Cashew Factory. We witnessed how Cashew is extracted from the fruit and purchased some for our relatives. You can check the reel on Instagram(ID: ravirajshitole)
We reached around 11:00PM at our home and slept like baby.
Summary
It was an awesome trip. I personally liked the route, hotel, beach and food, probably everything that you wish on a trip. My wife and Avira also enjoyed it a lot. For Avira it was a new experience as she saw beach for the first time in her life.
Expenses
- Stay: Thalasso Beach Reesort
- Cost: Rs 4000/Per Night
- Food: Rs 5000 2 Lunch and 2 Dinner (Including 15 water bottles)
- Distance Travelled: 480 KM
PIXEL WANDERER 
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