The Complete Travel Guide to Beaches, Undiscovered Treasures, Cafes, and More from Pune to Goa
Overview
Set out on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure from Pune to Goa, the land of sea, beach, and sunshine. This book includes everything you need to know, whether you’re searching for gorgeous beaches, a bustling nightlife, hidden jewels, or mouthwatering Goan cuisine. Discover the top cafes, hotels, and activities in Goa, as well as well-known landmarks and unusual spots that make it a traveler’s dream.
How to Get to Goa from Pune
1. By Road
Traveling 450 kilometers by car from Pune to Goa in 8–10 hours is an exciting experience. The most effective routes consist of:
The NH48 (Pune, Satara, Kolhapur, Belgaum, and Goa) features smooth highways and picturesque views of the Western Ghats.
The NH66 is a coastal route that passes through breathtaking Konkan scenery from Pune to Mahad, Khed, Sawantwadi, and Goa.
2. By Train
It takes roughly ten to twelve hours to go by train from Pune to Goa. Popular choices include of:
Vasco do Gama to Pune via the Goa Express
Express Konkan Kanya (Pune to Madgaon)
Mandovi Express (from Madgaon to Pune)
3. Through the Air
It takes around an hour to fly from Pune to Goa. There are direct flights to Manohar International Airport (GOX) and Dabolim Airport (GOI).
Goa’s Greatest Beaches and Their Specialties
Beaches in North Goa
Baga Beach is well-known for its water sports, nightlife, and Tito’s Lane.
Because of its vibrant ambiance, Calangute Beach is referred to as the “Queen of Beaches.”
Anjuna Beach: Perfect for the Wednesday Flea Market and trance parties.
Vagator Beach: breathtaking views of the sunset and red rocks.
Olive Ridley turtles can be seen in Morjim Beach, a calm location.
Ashwem Beach is less congested and ideal for unwinding.
Arambol Beach: A bohemian haven featuring healing retreats and drum circles.
Beaches in South Goa
Colva Beach: Water sports, shacks, and white sand.
The crescent-shaped Palolem Beach is well-known for its quiet discos.
Calm and perfect for yoga and retreats is Agonda Beach.
Butterfly Beach: A remote haven that can be reached by boat.
Hollant Beach: A quiet beach perfect for sunrise views.
Galgibaga Beach: One of Goa’s cleanest beaches and a turtle nesting site.
Hidden Gems of Goa
Fontainhas (Latin Quarter, Panaji): Colorful Portuguese-style houses and charming streets.
Parra Road: The iconic palm-lined road from Dil Chahta Hai.
Cabo de Rama Fort: A historic cliffside fort with breathtaking views.
Chorla Ghat: A misty, green paradise for nature lovers.
Cumbarjua Canal: Mangrove-lined backwaters famous for crocodile spotting.
Tambdi Surla Temple: A 12th-century temple nestled in dense forests.
Netravali Bubbling Lake: A mysterious lake that bubbles naturally.
Famous Cafes & Restaurants in Goa
Best Cafes in Goa
Baba Au Rhum (Anjuna): Famous for its artisanal pizzas and croissants.
Prana Cafe (Ashwem): Healthy smoothies and organic meals.
Lila Cafe (Baga): A riverside café known for European breakfasts.
Cafe Chocolatti (Candolim): Cozy spot for coffee and handmade chocolates.
Top Restaurants in Goa
Martin’s Corner (Betalbatim): Iconic for Goan seafood.
Zeebop by the Sea (Utorda Beach): Beachfront dining with fresh seafood.
Ritz Classic (Panaji): Known for the best Goan fish curry.
Thalassa (Siolim): Greek restaurant with stunning sunset views.
Best Hotels & Resorts in Goa
Luxury Stays
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa (Benaulim)
W Goa (Vagator)
The Leela Goa (Mobor Beach)
Budget & Boutique Hotels
La Maison Fontainhas (Panaji)
Palm Grove Beach Resort (Ashwem)
Pousada By The Beach (Calangute)
Beach Huts & Homestays
Dreamcatcher Resort (Palolem)
Elsewhere (Mandrem Beach)
Ciarans (Colva Beach
Must-Visit Attractions in Panaji
Immaculate Conception Church: A famous landmark with a stunning facade.
Dona Paula Viewpoint: A scenic spot with ocean views.
Reis Magos Fort: A beautifully restored Portuguese fort.
Miramar Beach: A calm and less crowded beach.
Goa State Museum: Showcasing Goa’s rich heritage.
Small Islands Near Goa
Divar Island: A quiet village with old Portuguese homes.
Chorao Island: Home to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
Grand Island: Best for snorkeling and dolphin spotting.
Butterfly Island: A hidden paradise near Palolem Beach.
Top Activities in Goa
Water Sports: Parasailing, jet skiing, scuba diving at Baga and Candolim.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls Trek: A breathtaking trek to one of India’s tallest waterfalls.
Spice Plantation Tours: Visit Sahakari Spice Farm.
Casino Cruises: Try your luck at floating casinos in Panaji.
Nightlife: Party at Tito’s, Mambo’s, and Curlies.
Island Hopping: Explore Grand Island and Chorao Island.
Tour Packages from Pune to Goa
1. Weekend Getaway Package (2N/3D)
Travel by train/bus.
Budget hotel stay.
Beach tours and local sightseeing.
2. Luxury Beach Escape (4N/5D)
Stay at 5-star resorts.
Private beach tours.
Water sports and island hopping.
3. Adventure & Party Package (5N/6D)
Trekking, scuba diving, and adventure sports.
Nightclub access and sunset cruises.
4. Family Vacation Package (6N/7D)
Kid-friendly resorts.
Sightseeing in Old Goa, spice plantations, and wildlife sanctuaries.
Conclusion
From hidden beaches to cultural experiences, vibrant nightlife to serene getaways, Goa has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or an epic road trip, this guide ensures an unforgettable journey from Pune to Goa.
The Best Restaurants, Homestays, and Hidden Treasures in Pune’s Ultimate Konkan Tour Guide
Overview
From Maharashtra to Goa, the Konkan Coast is an uncharted paradise with immaculate beaches, verdant vegetation, ancient forts, and delectable seafood. Konkan offers everything, whether you’re searching for a tranquil getaway, an exciting vacation, or a gastronomic adventure.
For a comprehensive and engaging experience, this guide covers travel routes, must-see locations, hidden gems, well-known eateries, top homestays, and travel packages from Pune to Konkan.
1. How to Travel by Road to Konkan from Pune (Optimal for Stunning Views)
With its winding ghats, coastal roads, and stunning views, a road trip to the Konkan is an experience that will never be forgotten.
The most efficient routes are Pune to Tamhini Ghat, Mangaon, Diveagar, Harihareshwar, and Dapoli (about six hours).
Approximately eight hours from Pune to Mahad, Chiplun, Ratnagiri, Ganpatipule, and Sindhudurg
Pune to Satara, Kolhapur, Gaganbawda, Malvan, and Tarkarli (approximately nine hours)
By Train (Affordable)
Trains provide a relaxing travel experience with captivating views of the coast. Konkan’s main railway stations:
Netravati Express and Mandovi Express from Pune to Ratnagiri (about 6 hours)
Matsyagandha Express from Pune to Sindhudurg/Malvan (approximately 8 hours)
Konkan Kanya Express from Pune to Sawantwadi (near Goa) (about 10 hours)
By Air (Fastest Option)
The nearest airport to Konkan is in Goa (Dabolim & Mopa Airport) or Ratnagiri Airport (limited flights). From there, you can hire a taxi or take a train to explore Konkan.
2. Must-Visit Hidden Gems in Konkan
Beaches & Coastal Villages
Diveagar Beach – White sand, Survarna Ganesh Temple, and water sports.
Karde Beach (Dapoli) — A dolphin-spotting paradise.
Velas Beach — Known for its yearly turtle hatching celebration.
Vengurla Beach — A less crowded option to Tarkarli.
Bhogwe Beach – A secret, untouched stretch of sand near Sindhudurg.
Natural Wonders & Hill Stations
Amboli Ghat – The “Cherrapunji of Maharashtra,” famous for waterfalls.
Seasonal wildflowers adorn the Kaas Plateau, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Gagangiri Hills – A quiet hill station with temples and walking paths.
Historic Forts & Temples
Sindhudurg Fort — Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji, located in the Arabian Sea.
Once a significant naval base, Vijaydurg Fort is a magnificent sea fort.
The Jaigad Fort provides a view of the Arabian Sea and the Shastri River’s meeting point.
Kunkeshwar shrine – A Shiva shrine located on a beach near Devgad.
3. Best Restaurants in Konkan
Famous Seafood Restaurants Atithi Bamboo (Malvan) – Best spot for traditional Malvani thali and fish fry.
Hotel Kinara (Dapoli) – Famous for pomfret fry and kombdi vade.
Local specialties like modak and jackfruit curry can be found at Mithila Restaurant (Ratnagiri).
Konkani-style beachside eating is available at the MTDC Resort Restaurant (Ganpatipule).
Vegetarian Delights: Traditional Maharashtrian thali at Hotel Amantran (Sawantwadi).
The Annapurna Restaurant in Chiplun is well-known for their mouthwatering Puran Poli and Misal Pav.
Rustic Restaurants & Beach Cafés
Fresh fish grills and an ocean view may be found at Dolphin Beach Café (Tarkarli).
Breeze Café (Diveagar): Konkani food in a cozy setting.
4. Konkan’s Greatest Homestays
Beachside Homestays
A comfortable place to stay close to the beach amid coconut groves is the Coconut Lagoon Homestay in Dapoli.
Rooms with a view of the sea are reasonably priced at Sagar Sawali Beach Resort (Karde Beach).
Genuine village lodging with home-cooked Konkani cuisine is offered by Gokul Homestay (Ganpatipule).
Sustainable Farm Stays: Maachli Farmstay (Sindhudurg) offers organic food and a sustainable farmstay.
Mango orchards encircle the rustic getaway known as Atithi Parinay (Ratnagiri).
Visitors to the turtle festival will love Velas Agro Tourism (Velas Beach).
Historic Homestays
Swantwadi’s Swasti Heritage Home Go inside a traditional Konkan home and feel its charm.
Chiplun’s Dewdrop Retreat offers a colonial-style lodging with views of the river.
5. Konkan Activities & Experiences
Water sports include parasailing (Ganpatipule), jet skiing (Dapoli), and scuba diving (Tarkarli).
Dolphin spotting at Malvan, Tarkarli, and Karde Beach.
Trekking: Vasota Fort, Yana Caves, and Amboli Ghat treks.
Mango farm visits and Konkani folk music concerts are examples of cultural experiences.
Island exploration: Tsunami Island (Karli River), Nivati Beach & Lighthouse.
6. Pune to Konkan Travel Packages
Konkan Beach Getaway for the Weekend (3N/4D)
Take the train or an AC sleeper bus.
Remain at a Beach Resort (1N Ratnagiri, 2N Dapoli)
Local sightseeing, water sports, and dolphin watching
Every meal and private transportation
The price per person is ₹7,999.
Private Car Tour of the Konkan Cultural and Heritage (5N/6D) from Pune, seeing Ratnagiri, Ganpatipule, and Sindhudurg
Stay at Eco-Resorts & Homestays
See the Velas Turtle Festival, Jaigad Fort, and Sindhudurg Fort.
Taste of Konkani Cuisine and Village Tour
The price per person is ₹12,000.
Self-Drive Rental Car from Pune for a Konkan Road Trip (6N/7D) (Self-Drive)
Travel itinerary: Pune to Diveagar, Harihareshwar, Ratnagiri, Tarkarli, and Goa
Stay at Beach Resorts & Homestays
Fort Hopping, Dolphin Safari, and Adventure Activities
Price per person: ₹15,000 (fuel not included).
7. The Greatest Time to Go to Konkan
The best season for beach vacations, hiking, and sightseeing is winter (October to March). The monsoon season (June to September) is ideal for road excursions, waterfalls, and lush foliage. Summer (April to May) is the best time to tour mango farms and unwind by the sea.
In conclusion
Traveling from Pune to the Konkan combines culture, history, adventure, and environment. This coastal area will captivate you whether you’re an adventurer, foodie, or beach lover.
Savali Holidays is the top choice for unforgettable Goa and Konkan tours from Pune. Known for their seamless planning and personalized service, Savali Holidays offers curated tour packages that cover the best beaches, forts, temples, and hidden gems across the coastal belt. Whether it’s a relaxing beach getaway or a cultural Konkan trail, they handle everything from hotel bookings to sightseeing.
Their reliable car rental services with well-maintained vehicles and professional drivers ensure a smooth and scenic road trip experience. With Savali Holidays, your journey to Goa and Konkan becomes stress-free, enjoyable, and filled with beautiful memories from start to finish.
