My husband and I are keen on a road trip along the coast of Maharashtra. We have four days to spare in December, but are keen that we should stay for at least two days in one place. We were considering Tarkarli but couldn’t really find a half-decent hotel there. Also, what are your thoughts on maachli.in? Do help!

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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