Although our next destination was not very far away from Pune, trip toh trip hoti hai and as the saying goes “What matters is the Journey not the destination”.
My daughter already turned 3 and she had not been to any beach yet, so we decided on taking her on road trip to one. The destination was one I had been to 14years ago, Karde beach.
About Karde beach
It's located next to Murud beach and less explored in Dapoli Ratnagiri , so one can expect less crowds even during the Holiday season. Like most of Konkan topography, Karde also has its own charm where hills meet the beach.
How to reach Karde from Pune
There are two options to reach Karde - Tamhini Ghat and Bhor-Warandh Ghat.
Pune to Dapoli distance via bhor is approx. 130km and Karde from there is 80-90km.
Total distance from Pune to Karde is approx. 220km from either way.
Places to Visit around Karde:
Keshavraj Temple
Kadyvaril Ganpati and Anjarle beach
Murud Beach, Kelshi beach - Kelshi beach is another less explored beach and a clean beach.
Suvarnadurg Fort and Harne Beach - Harne is more of a major sea fish market/port in Dapoli.
Panhalkaji Caves - Buddhist caves dating back to the 3rd century.
Parshuram Bhumi, Ladghar beach, Tamasteerth beach
Day 1:
We started from Wagholi, Pune at 6.45am, we were 2 families travelling together and 2 small kids, so we had to take many stops.
We had planned to take Bhor-Warandh Ghat route to Karde,Dapoli as reviews were much better compared to Tamhini Ghat route and we hadn’t explored it yet.
It was a good decision to take this route, as not only the roads were smooth and good, you feel like taking multiple halts with all the scenic beauty throughout the way.
It’s 2-2.5hrs hours travel through the Ghat, we had stopped for snacks (tasty Kanda bhaji and Tapri ki chai with Dam Backwater view). Even though we had kids with us, the extended travel didn't matter to them as they were engaged in watching the view around and the curvy route.
Ideally it takes 4-5 hours to reach through this route to Karde, because we took many stops, we reached at 1.30pm to our resort (Teertharaj Beach resort).
Resort cottages
It's a beach facing resort with 4 cottages and a few rooms. We had all the cottages booked for us 2 months prior as it was Year end holidays, dint want to take last moment chances. The Beach was just 50mtr from the resort, so one can enjoy a pleasant walk anytime even during night.
We didn't have much on our itinerary for the day, so we just took a quick dip in the evening and rested as it was a long trip and decided to start afresh the next day.
Day 2:
Breakfast was at the resort itself, so we nabbed quick bites and headed straight to the beach. It’s a clean and serene beach, not completely white sand but mix of black and white sand. Karde is one of the many beaches in Dapoli and luckily not much explored by the public.
Coming to Konkan and not having authentic konkan style Fish is not something one would want to do. The fish was well prepared, although I subconsciously compared it with the one I had in Tarkarli which was awesome.
In the evening we went to Parshuram Bhumi (Land of Parshuram) which was approx. 8km from the resort. It’s in Burondi village near Ladghar beach, perched on hilltop, on a private land having one view of sea and other side of the mountains. It's basically a monument built in respect of Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Bhagwan Vishnu.
On-route to Parshuram Bhoomi, you also get to see Tamasteerth beach, Ladghar beach. One can stop at Tamasteerth to watch the seagulls in evening. It starts getting dense dark after 6.30pm, so plan accordingly.
Karde’s main attraction are the dolphins. There are boat rides available, starting early morning from 7-7.30 am, no prior booking is needed. They take you for a ride in the sea to show dolphins. It’s a great view watching these amazing sea creatures jumping and diving in the sea happily.
Boat ride to watch the Dolphins
Post that we went for water sports on Karde beach itself and spent the first half on beach. Sports activities are limited on this beach, you can visit nearby Murud beach, which is more commercialized if you want to enjoy parasailing etc.
We had reserved evening to visit two temples, one a 5000-year-old Keshavraj temple and other Kadyawaril Ganpati.
Keshavraj Temple:
This has to be one the best spots I have visited so far. The route to the temple is through a small village settlement with areca and spice plantations all along.
Areca plantations converted into food forest
Temple entrance
A beautiful bridge with the stream flowing underneath falls on the route to the shrine. A trip to this temple can offer an absolutely revitalizing experience amid a profoundly tranquil atmosphere.
Small bridge below which flows the stream
The temple is said to have been built by Pandavas overnight and might have been reconstructed during Peshwa period.
There is also a natural water stream which flows from hill through gowmukh inside the temple.
Place where the natural source of water stream comes
The Keshavraj temple is pretty much simple, yet you feel so spirituality connected with the charm of nature and the deity. It is a must-visit place if your soul is seeking composure.
It’s a 15-min trek to the temple which came as a surprise event for us but eventually you forget the trek as you enter the temple’s vicinity.
Kadyawaril Ganpati:
This is also one of the popular temples in Dapoli, which is situated on hill near Anjarle. According to history of temple, Ganpati is said to have placed his foot on the hill.
Apart from its spiritual importance, the location is mesmerizing. On the way to the temple, one can watch the horizon and you can get a glimpse of earth curving at edge, it feels as if the sea is being poured.
Note: Again, make sure these Kadywaril Ganpati is visited before sunset. We were late at this location but fortunate to have reached at time of evening aarti.
Day 3:
It was day to get back to routine and hustle city life, but we had one more place to visit before that. We had planned to visit Shivthar ghal as it was enroute near Warandh Ghat, just an additional 15km away from usual route.
Shivthar Ghal
It’s a cave amidst the Warandh Ghat hills with adjoining waterfall and this is the place where Samarth Ramdas Swami wrote Dasbodh. It’s a beautiful location and paradise for trekkers/tourists during rainy season.
View on the way to Shivthar
Caves where Samarth Ramdas Swami lived
Entrance to the caves
Ramdas Swami, not only was spiritual guru but also a great patriot. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj considered him as his guru and followed many instructions which were beneficial for public welfare and national integrity.
Beautiful description of Shivthar Ghal by Samarth Ramdas Swami
The return journey was same route, and we expected it to be smooth and fun driving as we enjoyed while coming to Karde and of course it was awesome.
We left from Shivthar Ghal at 4pm and were able to cover the Ghat in 1 and half hour and reached Pune Bengaluru highway at 5.45pm.
Expenses during Trip :
Tea and snacks in Warandh Ghat – 450/- (8 ppl)
Lunch near Shivthar Ghal (Pithali Bhakri, Kanda bhaji) – 800/-(9 ppl)
Petrol – 3k with Swift Dzire.
Stay – 3.5k per night per cottages, plus 20k for complete meals of 10 ppl.
Activities on beach – 4-5k
Starting new year with the hope you would like this blog and the details and share it with your friends as well. Let me know your thoughts or any detail you would like me to include in upcoming blogs.
You can visit my original post on my blog at
https://www.travelblogsindia.in/2023/01/konkan-trails-karde-beach-dapoli.html
Wish you all a very Happy New Year!
" Everything in nature invites us constantly to be what we are"
