Monsoon Drive
All Trips
UPCOMING 4.8 ADVENTURE

Monsoon Drive

Dates: 18 Jul, 2026
Duration: 12 Nights / 13 Days
Level: Intermediate
Type: Jeep Tours

Trip Facts

⏱️
Duration
12 Nights / 13 Days
🚗
Type
Jeep Tours
☀️
Season
July - August
🚩
Meeting Point
Pune
🧠
Skill Level
Intermediate
🏠
Accommodation
Hotels / Resorts & guesthouses

Overview

From the pristine Konkan coastline and hidden fishing villages of Maharashtra to the misty Western Ghats, dense forests of Karnataka, and the timeless ruins of Hampi, this expedition showcases some of India’s most spectacular yet lesser-explored landscapes. Expect scenic coastal drives, remote beaches, wildlife encounters, waterfalls, forts, temples, and unforgettable food experiences.

  • Drive Through Raw Landscapes
  • Journey across sal forests, rice fields, rugged hills, and hidden valleys—nature at its purest.
  • Explore Ancient Temples
  • Tea estates & Other Waterfalls
  • Witness India’s widest ghats
  • Immerse in rains
  • Local Art & Craft
  • Wildlife & Forest Escapes
  • Authentic Stays & Flavours
  • Stay in eco-lodges or homestays, enjoy local food, forest stories, and warm hospitality.
  • Uncrowded routes, scenic trails, and spontaneous stops— ideal for slow, soulful travel.
  • Accompanying team for duration of tour.
  • Total drive – 1900 Kms approx

Day 1 | Pune → Ratnagiri. Distance: 300 km | Drive Time: 7–8 Hours
The expedition begins from Pune where we meet at the predecided venue and start our drive as we head south through the picturesque Western Ghats ( Sahyadri Range ). The drive through the winding roads of Kashedi Ghat offers breathtaking views of valleys, forests, and
traditional Konkan villages.

Upon arrival in Ratnagiri, explore the historic Ratnadurg Fort perched dramatically above the Arabian Sea. Later, enjoy sunset at Mandvi Beach and witness local fishermen returning with the day’s catch.

Highlights
Scenic drive through Kashedi Ghat
Ratnadurg Fort
Mandvi Beach Sunset
Fishing Villages & Coastal Cliffs

Food Experiences
Konkani Fish Thali
Surmai Fry

Overnight: Ratnagiri

Day 2 | Ratnagiri Local Exploration
A relaxed day exploring some of the finest coastal landscapes of Maharashtra. Visit the famous Ganpatipule Temple and Beach before driving along the spectacular Aare-Ware coastal road, considered one of the most scenic drives in the Konkan region. Explore hidden beaches, village roads lined with mango orchards, and enjoy the laid-back coastal atmosphere.

Highlights
Ganpatipule Temple
Ganpatipule Beach
Aare-Ware View Point
Coastal Village Exploration

Food Experiences
Traditional Modak
Konkani Chicken Curry

Overnight: Ratnagiri

Day 3 | Ratnagiri → Malvan Distance: 170 km
Today’s drive follows the spectacular Konkan coastline. En route, stop at Devgad Fort and the beautiful Devgad Beach overlooking the Arabian Sea. Continue towards Malvan, a charming coastal town renowned for its seafood and maritime history. End the day with a stunning sunset at Tarkarli Beach.

Highlights
Devgad Beach
Devgad Fort
Tarkarli Beach Sunset
Traditional Fishing Villages
Sindhudurg Fort Preview

Food Experiences
Malvani Chicken
Solkadhi

Overnight: Malvan

Day 4 | Malvan Exploration
A day dedicated to exploring the coastal treasures of Malvan. Visit the legendary Sindhudurg Fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and situated in the middle of the sea. Adventure enthusiasts can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, and water sports at Tarkarli Beach and Tsunami Island.

Highlights
Sindhudurg Sea Fort
Tarkarli Beach
Tsunami Island
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
Mangrove Boat Safari

Food Experiences
Crab Masala
Malvani Seafood Platter

Overnight: Malvan

Day 5 | Malvan → Amboli Distance: 110 km
Leave the coast behind and ascend into the misty Western Ghats. Amboli, one of Maharashtra’s highest hill stations, offers lush forests, waterfalls, and dramatic viewpoints. Explore Amboli Waterfall, Hiranyakeshi Temple, and enjoy sunset over endless valleys. After dark, experience the magical atmosphere of the fog-covered ghat roads.

Highlights
Amboli Waterfall
Hiranyakeshi Temple
Sunset Point
Misty Forest Trails
Night Drive through Amboli Ghats

Food Experiences
Amboli Bhajis
Cutting Chai

Overnight: Forest Retreat / Homestay

Day 6 | Amboli → Dandeli Distance: 130 km
One of the most scenic driving days of the expedition. Drive through beautiful Chorla Ghat, crossing dense forests and winding mountain roads. Stop at Supa Dam before entering the wilderness surrounding the Kali Tiger Reserve.

Highlights
Chorla Ghat Drive
Supa Dam Viewpoint
Kali Tiger Reserve Region

Overnight: Dandeli

Day 7 | Dandeli Wilderness Experience
Spend the day immersed in Karnataka’s wild side. Enjoy white-water rafting on the Kali River, visit the impressive Syntheri Rocks, and explore hidden river spots through coracle rides. The forests around Dandeli are home to hornbills, deer, gaur, and a variety of wildlife.

Highlights
Kali River Rafting
Syntheri Rocks
Coracle Ride
Wildlife Spotting
Riverside Experiences

Food Experiences
Jolada Rotti
Ennegayi
Fresh River Fish

Overnight: Dandeli

Day 8 | Dandeli → Gokarna
Today’s journey blends forests, mythology, and beaches. Explore the fascinating limestone formations of Yana Caves before stopping at
the beautiful Mirjan Fort. Arrive in Gokarna and trek to Kudle Beach and Om Beach for sunset.

Highlights
Yana Caves
Bhairaveshwara Rock Formations
Mirjan Fort
Kudle Beach
Om Beach
Half Moon Beach

Food Experiences
Neer Dosa
Coastal Seafood

Overnight: Gokarna

Day 9 | Gokarna → Murudeshwar ( 77 Kms )
A spectacular coastal drive featuring waterfalls, rivers, beaches, and temples. Visit the magnificent Jog Falls before continuing towards Honnavar’s backwaters. Reach Murudeshwar in time to witness sunset beside the towering Shiva statue overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Highlights
Jog Falls
Honnavar Backwaters
Mangrove Boat Ride
Murudeshwar Temple
Giant Shiva Statue
Beach Sunset

Food Experiences
Kori Rotti
Fish Curry

Overnight: Murudeshwar

Day 10 | Murudeshwar → Udupi ( 102 Kms )
Drive along one of India’s most beautiful coastal highways. Witness the incredible Maravanthe Beach where the sea runs alongside the highway. Visit Kodi Bengre Delta and fishing harbour before arriving in the temple town of Udupi.

Highlights
Maravanthe Beach Drive
Kodi Bengre Delta
Fishing Harbour Visit
Sri Krishna Temple

Food Experiences
Authentic Udupi Thali
Filter Coffee

Overnight: Udupi

Day 11 | Udupi → Hampi Distance: 380 km
Leave the coast and journey inland towards the legendary city of Hampi. Optional stop at the historic Chitradurga Fort en route. Arrive in Hampi and explore the vibrant Hampi Bazaar before sunset from Hemakuta Hill.

Highlights
Chitradurga Fort (Optional)
Tungabhadra River Views
Hampi Bazaar
Hemakuta Hill Sunset

Overnight: Hampi

Day 12 | Hampi – The Lost Kingdom
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire. Explore ancient temples, royal complexes, markets, and monuments scattered amidst surreal boulder landscapes. Begin with sunrise at Matanga Hill and conclude the day with sunset from Anjanadri Hill.

Highlights
Virupaksha Temple
Vittala Temple
Stone Chariot
Elephant Stables
Royal Enclosure
Coracle Ride
Matanga Hill Sunrise
Anjanadri Hill Sunset

Food Experiences
Karnataka Thali
Millet-Based Cuisine

Overnight: Hampi

Day 13 | Hampi – Expedition Concludes
After breakfast, bid farewell to fellow travellers as this unforgettable journey through Coastal Maharashtra and Unseen Karnataka comes to an end. With memories of scenic drives, hidden beaches, misty mountains, wildlife encounters, ancient forts, and timeless ruins, the expedition concludes—but the stories will continue long after the road ends.

Vehicle Eligibility

Our Western Ghats Monsoon Self-Drive Road Trip is designed for passionate travelers who love driving, exploring, and experiencing nature up close — without giving up comfort.

This road trip is open to:
– SUVs (2WD & 4WD)
– Crossovers
– Sedans with good ground clearance

The Western Ghats in July & August are lush, scenic, and dramatic. While roads are largely well-paved highways and state roads, occasional rough patches may appear due to monsoon conditions. Any well-maintained SUV or sedan driven responsibly can comfortably complete the journey.Meals Included

Meals – Breakfast & Dinner are included.
During this tour, you will be served Breakfast & Dinner at the place of stay.Type of Stay

Stay in Hotels, Homestays & Resorts

STARTS AND END POINT OF TOUR
Pune will be the start point of the drive.

END POINT OF THE TRIP 
Hampi in Karnataka will be the end point of the drive.

 

Skill level(s) required for this tour

Intermediate:
*can drive for 4 – 5 hours daily
*average driving experience in mountains.
*little assistance required
*comfortable with extreme curves and leans
*average experience with unsurfaced roads
*steep ascents and descents
*Option of taking driver for tour is also available.Includes

  1. Accommodation on twin share basis for 12 nights.
  2. Daily Breakfast and dinner at place of stay.
  3. Accompanying Back up team.
  4. Lead vehicle with group.
  5. Basic medical backup
  6. Basic mechanical backup.
  7. Walki Talki sets for communication between vehicles.
  8. Local guides where required.
  9. All permits & permissions required for forest area crossing.

 

Exclusions

  1. Stay for extra days if any ( we can make bookings for you )
  2. Flights to the destination.
  3. Vehicles for the tour
  4. Fuel for the vehicle.
  5. Any expenses related to the vehicles.
  6. Any kind of personal expenses or optional tours, extra meals, starters (Alcoholic, Mineral, Soft Drinks, Aerated) etc.
  7. Extra guide fee, Camera & Video fee ,Tips, Insurance, Laundry, Phone
  8. Monument entrance any activity dring the tour like boat ride, etc.
  9. Any cost arising out of unforeseen circumstances like damage accruing from land blocks, bad weather etc.
  10. Any medical expenses incurred during the trip or travel insurance
  11. Anything not mentioned in inclusions
  12. GST 5%
PAX COST
Applicable cost with Own SUV  Starting from Rs 99500 on double share basis of accommodation.
Self Drive Vehicle available Cost  on request
Single Room Supplement Rs 46000
Extra Bed Cost  on request

GST extra on billing ( 5% ) 

Families – Perfect for couples and families with children who want a safe, guided road adventure during the monsoon season.

Couples – A romantic drive through misty mountains, waterfalls, and coastal stretches.

Groups of Friends – Ideal for those who love road trips, photography, and scenic pit stops.

Solo Drivers – Join the convoy and be part of a like-minded driving community.

First-Time Road Trippers – If you’ve never done a convoy-style expedition, this is a great introduction.

Route Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you book a hotel for me?

Yes, sure we can book hotel stay for you for your pre and post tour days.

What is your cancellation policy?

In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/ unavoidable reasons we must be informed in written. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive mail in written and cancellation charges would be as follows: • Once the booking is confirmed – 25% of the tour/service cost. • 15 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost. • 07 days prior to arrival – 75% of the tour/service cost. • Less than 72 hours or no show – NO REFUNDS

Can you send us the final itinerary before we book the tour?

Yes we always send the tour program before you book. Note - as we travel in the Himalayas at time if necessary we have to make changes in the itinerary due to snow fall / road closure or any other natural calamity that is beyond our control.

How do we communicate with other team mates when where is no mobile signal en-route

We provide walki-talki sets for communication to all travelling vehicles, so there we can have uninterrupted communication.

Is basis first aid available with the team

The accompanying team carries with it basis first aid, Oxygen for emergency use