Would you like to consider theMumbai-Daman(177km each way) drive with a couple of nights at Daman? It should suit your timelines better. Naturally,Mumbai–Alibag(147km, and there’s getting out of the city to consider)-Kashid(38km)-Murud(54km) is the first and most coastal drive that comes to my mind—you can split your trip as part of the day plus a night’s stay each in Alibag and Murud. Since you mention Tarkarli and Maachli, I gather you have given serious thought to theMumbai-Chiplun(254km via Pen, so give this stretch a day)—Ratnagiri(88km)-Malvan(182km; Tarkarli is another 7km from here) route. Or you could opt for a shorter stretch on the same route, staying at scenicChiplunorRatnagiriorGanapatipule(about an hour from Ratnagiri).

Maachli(from Rs 3,000; 9637333284;maachli.in), at Manjardewadi (20km from Malvan), is a pleasant, close-to-nature stay with rustically stylish interiors. It’s conveniently on a major state-cum-coastal highway and the Samant family’s hospitality is warm and reliable. You can expect delicious home-style Konkan food, guided nature walks to attractions like the Bhogave beach and Devrai reserve forest, and trips to local markets. The hill-top cottage called Mruga has the best views and privacy but it’s a bit of a climb. There’s no TV or air-conditioning but I dare say the lush environs and other distractions make them unnecessary.

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