Maharashtra Beaches
The 720 km long coastline of Maharashtra, sprawls from Dahani and Bordi
in the north, to Goa proceeding southwards. Exciting water sports, sunbathing
on golden sands, exploring grand fortresses, temples, and churches, discovering
tiny, remote villages, savouring the exotic Konkan cuisine, or just feeling
one with the immense sea - Maharashtra has all this to offer and more.
Ganapatipule
Ganapatipule is set along the western coast of Maharashtra. It
is located375 km south of Mumbai, along the Konkan coast. Ganapatipule
is one of the `Ashta Ganapatis' (eight Ganpatis) of India and called the
`Paschim Dwar-Dewata' (Western Sentinel God). Climate is moist and humid
but healthy. From March, thetemperature starts rising and May is the
hottest month. The winter season is most pleasant with temperatures dropping
at nights. Suggested clothing include loose cottons, although warm clothing
during winter nights is recommended. Don't forget to carry your swimming
costumes. Recommended for those in search of something different are MTDC's
Beach Tents,just next to clear blue waters of the Arabian sea. Rates vary
from Rs 125 to Rs 250 per day. MTDC also has a resort on the slope of
a green hillock, facing the sea, which offers low cost, high comfort accommodation.
Besides MTDC accommodation, private hotels-in-india/resorts are also available.
Travelling to Ganapatipule by road is a vacation in itself. The entire
`Konkan' region is paradise - for miles.
Ganapatipule is a popular tourist haunt,
not only for its soothing greenery, and its golden beach, but also for
its 400 year old temple, which is dedicated to Swayambhoo Ganapati. Some
places of interest around the area are Malgund, the birthplace of Keshavsoot,
the famous Marathi poet; Ratnagiri, the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak;
and the Thebaw Palace, where the deposed King of Burma was confined. Jaigad
Fort and Swami Swarupanand's ashram in Pawas, are also worth a visit.
How To Get There : The nearest railhead is Kolhapur.
Mumbai is 375 kms away by road, while Pune is 331 kms away.
Accomodation : The M T D C resort offers a wide range
of facilities including dormitories and A.C suites. Tents and water sport
facilities are also available
Velneshwar
170 km from Ratnagiri is the village of Velneshwar. It's adjoining
beach is clean and natural and is lined with coconut trees. Swimming and
other water sports are possible there as the beach is free from rocks.
There is an old Shiva temple near Velneshwar which is frequently visited
by pilgrims.
Mumbai is Maharashtra's capital and India's most dynamic, prosperous and
westernized city. Mumbai has, in less than five hundred years since its
"discovery" by the Portuguese, metamorphosed from an aboriginal
fishing settlement into a sprawling megalopolis of thirteen million people.
Mumbai alone generates 35% of GNP, its port handles half of the country's
foreign trade, and its movie industry is the biggest in the world. In
reality, it is a gateway to India. Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi and English
languages are most commonly used. Between November and March is the best
time to visit Mumbai.
To the north of the Shastri river, lies the little village
of Velneshwar. Its tranquil, coconut - fringed beach is perfect for swimming,
or just lolling around. It also boasts of an ancient Shiva temple, which
is an important pilgrimage site. The great Maha Shivratri fair, held in
honour of Lord Shiva, that comes once a year in March, makes Velneshwar
the cynosure of attention, throughout the country.
How To Get There : Karad is the nearest railhead. By
road, Mumbai via Chiplun and Guhagar, is 370 kms away.
Marve
Closest to Mumbai's bustling crowds is the Marve beach, lying
north of the city. Its villas and the fishing village offers a taste of
colonial splendour and a lifestyle untouched by expansion and industrialization.
The sunsets and sunrises that one can see here are enhanced by the hill
ranges that frame the beach. Easy to reach, Marve can be approached by
road and boat.
Lying to the north of Mumbai, are three beautiful and
serene getaways, virtual havens, for those sick of the dreary monotony
of the big city. Marve, a quaint little fishing village, is the nearest
and the quietest of the three. Low - lying hills make for a breathtaking
canvas, for the glorious scenes of sunrise and sunset. Gorai and Manori,
a little further away, though a trifle crowded with revellers, are popular
for their wonderful all night beach parties. A 15 minute ferry ride from
Marve or Borivili takes you to Gorai and Manori.
How To Get There : Malad, a station on the suburban segment
of Western Railways, is the nearest railhead. By road, Marve is 40 kms
from Mumbai via Malad.
Manori & Gorai
These both beaches have become favourite with the picnickers
and are situated close to the city of Mumbai. The village folk here let
out their homes and extend hospitality with cooked meals and drinks, but
at a price. Gorai's sparkling waters are safe throughout the year and
the village has its own charm. However, it is advisable to avoid waters
in the monsoon months.
Chowpatty Beach
Chowpatty beach is in the heart of Mumbai. Chowpatty has rich historical
links to the freedom movement; several important meetings were organized
here during the freedom struggle. At present, this is where images of
Ganesha are immersed after the ten days of Ganesh Chaturthi. Though the
beaches remain empty throughout the day, it is a hub of activity in the
evenings. On this beach the most famous are the Kiosks. These stalls sell
all kinds of Chatt & Tikki and who can forget the famous Bhelpuri
of Chowpatty. Apart from the food, this place is full of life with people
from all walks of life taking a stroll on the beach. On the beach itself
is a small colony of the original inhabitants of Mumbai, The Koli fishermen
who can be seen drying their catch or mending their nets. Statues of Lokmanya
Tilak and Sardar Patel, two of the most outstanding Maharashtrian freedom
fighters, stand on the beach.
Juhu Beach
One of the largest and frequently visited tourist beaches of
India on the shores of Arabian Sea. The beach of beckoning , with its
choc-a-bloc Bhelpuri and Kulfi stalls. One of the prime and posh localities
of Mumbai is also situated along this sea coast. This place houses the
bungalows of famous Bollywood personalities. Almost all Hindi films have
a day of shooti
ng at Juhu. Luxury hotels and apartments line the southern
end of Juhu Beach, a favourite haunt of Mumbai's movers and shakers. It's
no place for a swim or a sunbathe, but on weekends and weekday afternoons
there are horse and donkey rides, dancing monkeys, acrobats, cricket matches,
toy sellers and every other type of Indian beach entertainment. North
of Juhu is Versova Beach, home to Mumbai's largest Koli fishing community.
Juhu is 18 km north of the city centre, not far from Mumbai's airports.
Bassien
77 km from Mumbai, connected by road and rail (take a Virar local
train) is Bassien, very Portuguese and much quieter too. Portuguese food
is served by the locals who also rent out shacks and rooms, and the resplendent
Bassien Fort.
In the early 17th century, Bassein served as an important
ship - building centre. In 1739, this was the site of the Portugeuse defeat
at the hands of the Marathas. The ruins of the Portugeuse Fort still stand
solemnly, amidst dense brushwood and palm groves. To the northwest, about
10 kms away, lies the Nalasopara village, the erstwhile Konkan capital
from about 1500 BC to 1300 AD. Nalasopara is believed to have been the
birthplace of the Buddha in a previous incarnation. Many Buddhist relics
have also been found here. The Vajreshwari temple, the Akloli hot springs,
the Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir at Ganeshpuri, the Bhimeshwar
temple and other ashrams are at a short distance away from Bassein. There
are quite a few interesting churches, too, in Bassein, poignant reminders
of the Portugeuse past.
How To Get There : The nearest railhead
is Bassein Road, on the Western Railway line. By road, Bassein is 77 kms,
along the Mumbai - Ahmedabad highway.
Alibag Murud Janjira
Formerly the capital town of the Sidis of Janjira, Murud is today
popular for it's alluring beach, whispering casuarina, coconut and betel
palms, and an ancient fort. On a hillock to the north is the shrine of
Lord Dattatraya, the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.
The 300 year old fort was once upon time considered to be impregnable.
The palace of the Nawab and the Janjira caves are also a must for the
tourist. Just a few kilometers away are beaches of Nandgaon and Kashid.
Panvel is the nearest railhead and Mumbai is 165 km by road.
The three centuries - old fort of Janjira, once considered
impregnable, is a marvellous piece of architecture. On a hill to the north,
is the Lord Dattatraya shrine, the three - headed image, representing
the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. A few kilometres away are
two alluring, little - known beaches, Nandgaon and Kashid. Nandgaon is
renown for its magnificent Ganpati temple, and the annual fair held in
the god's honour, every February. Other sites of interest in this area,
are the palace of the Nawab and the Janjira caves.
How To Get There : Panvel is the nearest railhead. Mumbai
is 165 kms away by road.
Accomodation : The M T D C Holiday Resort on the beach
is the popular means of accomodation.
Dahanu
Approximately 145 kms from Mumbai, is the coastal town of Dahanu.
It boasts ofsome of the
country'sbest chickoo orchards. Gliding is one
of the new pleasures. And the Irani and Parsi culture of the place add
a touch of the exotic. A half-hour's drive down from Dahanu is the village
of Bordi. The beach is endless, and very safe and very beautiful.
Mandwa-Kihim Beach
12 miles north of Alibag on the north coast, and easily accessible
from Mumbai, Mandwa is a beautiful, untrodden beach. For an unusual tent
holiday,is the nearby Kihim beach. Unspoilt and isolated, this is a beautiful
place. Worth visiting is the Kolaba Fort, just a furlong away from the
shore. 15 km from Alibag is Chaul, an historic place where one can spot
Portugese ruins, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana, a church,a temple and
even a synagogue.
Twelve miles north of Alibag, on the north coast, easily
accessible from Mumbai, is the untouched, divine beach of Mandwa. The
little Mandwa village leaves the visitor enchanted, with its neverending
coconut palm groves, and overwhelming tranquillity. For a slightly unusual
yet exciting holiday, the Kihim beach near Mandwa, is the ideal site.
Remote and unspoilt, Kihim is a virtual treasure - trove for the avid
nature - lover : deep woods, wild, and rare flowers, equally uncommon
species of butterflies and a variety of birds, not surprisingly, Kihim
was one of the popular haunts of Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist.
The other places of interest are the Kolaba Fort, near the shore, and
Chaul ( 15 kms from Alibagh) which is a site of historical importance,
boasting an assortment of Portugeuse ruins, Buddhist caves, the Hamam
Khana, a church, a synagogue and a temple.
How To Get There : The nearest railhead
is Panvel ( 85 kms ). By road, Kihim is 120 kms from Mumbai. Small passenger
service boats ply frequently between Mumbai and Mandwa ( Rewas ).
Accomodation : M T D C has 20 tents at the Kihim beach,
with modern facilities for a pleasant stay.
Shriwardhan - Harihareshwar
The Shriwardhan Bay is the popular haunt for people who love
real sun, sand and sea. For the more adventurous in spirit, small boats
are available to be taken out to the north side of the bay, and indulge
in some exploration, going deep into the land, where the Peshwas, the
prime ministers of the Maratha kingdom, originally dwelt. The 'Peshwa
Smarak' is a local landmark, of much tourist interest. The town of Harihareshwar,
is primarily known for its beautiful beach, and the grand Harihareshwar
temple.
How To Get There : By road, Mumbai is
230 kms away. The nearest Mumbai - Goa highway point is about 60 kms,
at Goregaon, which is around 170 kms from Mumbai (via Vashi Creek Bridge).
Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg
Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg were once naval bases, giving testimony
to the Maratha martial supremacy, under the great Chattrapati Shivaji.
Vijaydurg, or Fort of Victory, was strengthened in the 17th century by
Shivaji, who added impressive features to it like, the triple row of huge
walls, the umpteen towers and the spacious inner buildings. Sprawled over
an area of 48 acres, once seized by the British, and renamed Fort Augustus,
the Sindhudurg or Ocean Fort at the Malvan port, is a historically vital
monument. Within its premises are temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo,
Jarimai, Mahapurush and Shivaji, the last being, the only shrine of its
kind in India. Both these places also boast of picturesque beaches.
How To Get There : The nearest railhead
is Kolhapur. Sindhudurg by road is 510 kms, and Vijaydurg is 425 kms from
Mumbai via the Goa highway.
Vengurla - Malvan
Vengurla lies towards south down the Maharashtra coastline. With
its immense stretch of shimmering sands, and thick cashew, coconut, jackfruit
and mango groves. It also has two famous temples, the Shri Devi Sateri
temple and the Rameshwar temple, to its credit. Vengurla
was an important
trade settlement in ancient times. Twice razed to the ground, it has been
the target of quite a few attacks and plunders between 1664 and 1812.
A short distance away lie the Vengurla Rocks, also known as the Burnt
Islands. The old township of Malvan, houses two old forts : the Sindhudurg
and Padmagad. It is believed that there was once an underground tunnel
joining the two forts. An erstwhile trading centre, Malvan is now famous
for its salt pans, Chinese clay pottery and its mouth - watering Malvani
cuisine, which is quite different from Konkan delicacies.
