Sorry one more question - I'm thinking if I can drive the coastal route like - Chiplun - Guhagar - Velaneshwar - Take Ferry at Tawsal to Jaigad - Undi - Ganapatipule. Any idea about this route and road condition and must cover places?
Yes absolutely ok to drive...that's true that road construction is on but they are doing it in well planned manner so i don't think you will face any major issue except for some traffic congestion...
Hi Rajesh. The distance from Mahabaleshwar to Ganapatipule by road is roughly 198 km. If you are looking to save time, then you should take the route via NH 66. This is the fastest and most recommended route. It will take you via the town of Chiplun where you can halt for a short break and enjoy the scenic beauty of the place. An alternate route is via NH 48. This route passes by Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary so if you wish to take a detour and stop at the sanctuary, you can. It will pass through the town of Satara. This route will take you roughly 6 hours( without traffic) but it has a lot of tolls, so you may want to factor that into your decision. Happy and safe travels!
Chiplun is best known for its white sand beaches and beautiful mango and cashew groves by the river. Some places to visit in Chiplun are the Swatsada waterfall, Vashishthi river, Guhagar beach, Konya dam etc.
Honestly speaking i have never tried coastal road,,so not sure about it... but yes jetty can take you to jaigad and from there you can take coastal road via malgund to ganpatipule... and in return take arey-warey road ...it gives excellent view.. if you take coastal road via velneshwar... cover velneshwar beach ,guhagarh beach, Jaigad Fort and Light House... skip malgund beach ( it's not clean )
Coastal roads are / must be in good condition except for few patches... Wish you have good time in ganpatipule... don;t book in MTDC resorts ..you can find some better options there....few homestays are also good...and if you have your own car even you can stay Bhakt niwas of Ganpatipule mandir trust...It's good neat and clean for family stay.. Else you can opt for some beach resorts,, Abhishek Beach resort is nicely located....
In Return if you find time visit Ratnagiri Fort, an Light house...