The first ride of the year 2025 unfolded phenomenally, filled with exhilarating adventures across diverse terrains. We traversed broken tar roads that jolted us in our seats, navigated bumpy trails that tested our control, and meandered through dusty bylanes that led us deeper into the landscape of metamorphic rocks.
Our routine rendezvous point – NMMC headquarters
Covering an impressive distance of approximately 160 kilometers in just 3.5 hours was no small task. This timeframe included our routine pit stops, where we savored steaming cups of coffee and delicious Vada Pav, punctuating our journey with a sumptuous breakfast.
Our adventure began at the crack of dawn, precisely at 5:30 am. The crisp morning air rushed past us, invigorating our spirits and fueling our excitement. Capitalizing on the sparse morning traffic, we zipped through the first 35 kilometers with ease, reaching the welcoming doors of Hotel National in Pen by 6:20 am. The world was still cloaked in darkness, but we found solace in the warmth of a freshly brewed cup of coffee, preparing ourselves for the leg of our journey that lay ahead.
Hotel National near Pen.
About an hour later, we made a delightful stop just ahead of Roha at Hotel Sai Vaibhav. The stretch of road from Karnala to Mangaon boasted an array of eateries, each adorned with neatly stacked bottles of water and soft drinks, ready to quench the thirst of weary travelers. The air was filled with the enticing aroma of breakfast as we took in the sight of plastic tables and painted chairs arranged neatly, with water being sprayed lovingly on the ground to stave off the dust. At Sai Vaibhav, we indulged in a rustic breakfast, each of us delighting in a couple of crispy Vada Pav, their spiced potato filling bursting with flavor. We washed it all down with the fiery goodness of spicy Tarri Misal, a traditional dish that made our taste buds sing.
Misal Pav and Tarri below.
Piping hot Batata Vada
After a 30-minute stop to recharge, we mounted our bikes once again and set our sights on our final destination, Diveagar. Although we encountered minor roadblocks and construction work near Mangaon, the remaining stretch was a sheer joy to navigate. The breathtaking metamorphic rock formations at Mhasla beckoned us to stop for a quick photo opportunity, and as we paused to capture the moment, we felt the allure of nature’s artistry enveloping us. Once our pictures were taken, we revved our engines and rode into Diveagar, arriving by 10 am.
Mhasla is a great stopover for a quick photo-op
Upon reaching our hotel, we were greeted by the inviting sight of a rooftop swimming pool. We couldn’t resist the temptation and quickly donned our swim gear, splashing around and enjoying the refreshing water. After swimming, we treated ourselves to a light lunch, savoring the rich flavors of Kaju Subzi paired with warm chapatis, each bite enhancing our sense of adventure.
Hotel Silka Inn at Diveagar located in close proximity to the Beach
A cozy parking spot for our Mean Machines.
Yummy Chicken 65 starter for Lunch
Smoking hot Paneer Pakoras
The next leg of our journey was a short and scenic ride to Harihareshwar, located only about 40 kilometers from Diveagar. Upon arrival, we found ourselves mesmerized by the untouched beauty of the beach. The golden sand stretched invitingly, and we settled on a cliff that offered a breathtaking view of the majestic ocean stretching out before us. The evening light danced on the water’s surface, creating a serene backdrop as we reveled in the tranquility of this hidden gem.
The vantage point at Harihareshwar Beach. A delight to view sunset.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we made our way back to the hotel to unwind with chilled beer and enticing starters. For dinner, our excitement grew as we considered the culinary delights awaiting us. We chose Nana’s Kitchen, a charming little restaurant renowned for its local seafood and hearty dishes. The meal was a culinary adventure in itself, featuring fresh catches, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables, all bursting with flavor.
Assorted Fish Thali at Nanas Kitchen
Chicken Thali
Vegetarian Thali
Sol Kadhi Shots
After a satisfying dinner, we capped the day with a leisurely stroll along the beach, the cool sand beneath our feet and the soothing sound of waves crashing around us.
The following morning, invigorated by our seaside retreat, we were eager to ride once more. Our first stop was Diveagar Beach, only minutes from the hotel. We embarked on a refreshing early morning walk along the shore, breathing in the salty air and listening to the calls of seagulls above, before returning for check-out.
Early morning at Diveagar Beach
After leaving the hotel, we headed toward home, making our first breakfast stop at Manoranjan Hotel, which welcomed guests promptly at seven. For early risers like myself, this charming eatery is a standout. Nestled just behind the seashore, it served up an array of piping hot dishes, such as Poha, Misal, and delicious Masala Omelettes, each plate steaming and filled with flavor.
Manoranjan Hotel is a great option for an early breakfast from 7 am onwards. They are open for Lunch and Dinner as well.
Once we finished our delightful breakfast, we loaded our bikes and continued our journey homeward. Our next stop was at Pali, where we took a brief respite to sip on refreshing Masala Soda, savoring the warmth of the sun as we recharged for the final leg of our trip.
Goodbye shot at Diveagar
The Diveagar ride proved to be an unforgettable way to kick off the riding season, particularly in the mild winter months. The route offers an array of breathtaking destinations to explore within just two days, including the serene spots of Harihareshwar, the charming town of Dapoli, and the picturesque landscapes of Chiplun. This journey through the diverse Konkan coastline is one that will linger in our memories long after the engines have cooled. Happy Riding!
Our Route Map
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