Dapoli - Mahabaleshwar Of Konkan

Hello everyone,Bypass on NH17)
 ü      Pen
The other day I was at the cafeteria with theü      Mandgaon
Prasad that I had got for colleagues for my visitü      Lonere Phata
to Nathdwara.ü      Goregaon
 ü      Ambet
Everyone loved the Prasad and were asking meü      Purar / Nandavi
about my trip and admiring how we (our family)ü      Mandangad
regularly plan holidays.ü      Harnai road from Dapoli
 ü      Kelaskar Naka
Amidst the ongoing discussion, I learnt from aü      Right towards Saldure at Asud to
colleague about “Dapoli” in Konkan. He wasreach our resort
ga ga over the place and insisted I must visit it. I 
would for sure love it.We reached the beautiful resort by 12:30 –
 13:00 hours. Covered 240kms in 6 hours. We
Co-incidently there was yet time for my resultswere very warmly greeted by the staff who
(for just appeared exams) to be out. My familyadorned smiling faced offering us Kokum Sarbat
called me in office and checked if I was interestedwhich added to a pleasant welcome.
to join in for Daman. 
 We freshened up, went for lunch at the
I said Good idea! But how about exploring anrestaurant, relaxed in the room.
altogether new place which is also close to 
Mumbai. We must have been to Daman 2-3 times.Evening by around 4:30 after sipping special ginger
 tea, we moved to the beach which was just 100
My sweetie pie – family members – a realmetres from the hotel.
sport – quickly jumped with the idea! As usual 
I was given the idea of checking various optionWhile on the beach, we had a blast – rode
for stay in the hotels, comparing prices, get hotelmotor bike which looked like a toy but had actual
confirmation also being crystal clear on the routeclutch, gears, and accelerator. A lovely long 10-15
that we would take. I love this!!!min ride just for Rs 100
  
I went jumping to the same colleague who hadVery happy with our experience driving the bike
told me about visiting the place to check on whichon the beach, we turned to para sailing. This again
is the best place to stay at Dapoli and what routeis a treat well affordable. Rs 300 per person.
should we take. The details later on would be 
definitely jotted down after a long fulfilling googleAmazing experience, I felt as if I was Eagle
searchJ.soaring high touching the sky. Beautiful!!
  
This guy, with his mouth wide open kept lookingThe people here are very warm, honest and
at me, after 10 seconds, regaining his conscious;caring.
he said you even planned a trip this weekend. You 
are just back from a 5 day trip. With a widerThe guy who had the para sailing equipment told
smile and uncontrollable energy, I said, gossipsus about the Dolphin spotting next morning which
later. Quick answer to what am I asking you.started 7am onwards till 10am
  
With few words of wisdom from the Man himself.We got into a lovely horse cart which was driven
I turned to Google for knowing more on theby 2 toddlers aged less than 10 years and
place, what was in and around Dapoli which I cantreached our resort in 5 – 7 mins
miss, checking various other options available, 
checking which hotel had a good ambience, priceHad dinner. Sat by the lovely big balcony admiring
variations, inclusions, so on and so forth.millions of stars listening to the soothing sound of
 waves making the end of day – perfect end!!!
I finalized two hotels – Aryawarth which was 
offering me 2BHK (Bedroom-Hall-Kitchen) miniHad a lovely sound sleep and next morning rushed
bunglow, all meals included for Rs 3,500 for 4to spot the dolphins.
people. 
 I called this guy who informed that the boat just
Another option was Lotus Beach resort, whichleft 15 mins back. A bit disappointed, I inquired
belongs to Vits group of hotels, offered me a seaabout the next boat ride. He asked us to meet
facing room which would cost Rs 2,750 per nighthim at the same place where we had met him
only for stay.yday on the beach but 5-7 mins from our resort.
 I told him about my Mother, who had trouble
I checked the other amenities and after calls andwalking coz of her aching knees. She has arthritis
negotiation, confirmed my stay at the LotusL
Beach Resort. 6th check in, 7th check out. 
 This guy was sweet enough to come rushing on
With the print outs on the routes, about Dapoli,his bike, pick her up and drive to the boat while
places to see around Dapoli, I returned home.we (Dad and I) finished our brisk walking exercise.
  
My Angel Mom had kept Lime juice, CoconutTo my surprise, he asked us to sit in the boat
water filled in bottles for next day’s trip asand signaled his guy to go into the sea. I almost
also tempting snacks to munch on during the trip.felt like jumping!!!! Charter boat!!!! A boat which
 normally has 20 – 30 passengers had just us
Excited about the next 2 days plan, we went– The King (Dad), Queen (Mom) and the Royal
early to bed at 9:30pm.Princess (Ofcourse!!!!! Who else J)
  
6th Feb, Saturday:We spotted almost 8-10 dolphins and after sailing
5:30am – Left home. Reached a Sai Babafor around 25 minutes returned to beach.
Temple since we had offered “Vastra for Sai 
Baba” (new clothes for the idol). Saw theMom and Dad were tempted to try the delicacies
pooja, took darshan, Prasad and started our tripfrom the stall on the beach while I was adamant
 to be in the water.
6:00am – Drove on NH8 covering Kashimira, 
Godhbunder Road. Took Mumbai – Goa route,I enjoyed my walk, jump against the rushing
enroute we passed:waves and after an hour, went to them.
ü      Thane 
ü      KalwaMy Mom was very excited to show me the
ü      Airolishopping she had done for the family –
ü      Rabalecashews, kokum, pineapple syrubs…..
ü      Ghansoli 
ü      KoparkhairneOn a happy note, we waved the so called 2 day
ü      Turbheold relatives and drove back to Amchi Mumbai
ü      Juinagarwith lovely memories captured through photos
ü      Khargharand videos, totally refreshed and motivated to
ü      Kamotheface challenging waves of routine life!!!
ü      Panvel (Remember to take Panvel