Maharashtra's long coastline along the Arabian Sea has many serene, pristine and secluded beaches. Popular getaways from the city life, these beautiful places will help you rejuvenate, recharge, and are also perfect destinations for those wanting adventure and fun. Here are some of the options to get a fill of the sun, sand and sea.
A favourite place for second homes of Mumbai's elite, Alibaug does not need any introduction. The coastal stretch between Alibaug and Murud-Janjira is dotted with many smaller beaches --- Revdanda, Aksi, Kashid, Kihim, among others. From the Alibaug beach, you can spot the Kolaba Fort on an island in the Arabian Sea. During low tide, the water recedes so far that you can either walk or take a horse-cart ride to the fort. A huge fair is held in the fort on the day of Maghi Ganesh Chaturthi (usually in February).
Mumbai is around 100 kms by road from Alibaug. Many prefer taking the ferry from Mumbai's Gateway of India to Mandwa jetty. You will get buses and auto from the jetty to reach Alibaug.
The twin villages, near the Gujarat border, are known for their secluded beaches, old Parsi homes and a flourishing chikoo cultivation. There is not much by way of activities. But there are places to try authentic Parsi cuisine. Usually, a Chikoo Festival is organised when the fruits are ready for harvesting. The place can be combined with a trip to Daman and Silvassa.
By road, Dahanu is 140 kms from Mumbai. Save Farm (https://savefarm.in) runs the Tarpa Agri Eco-tourism complex near Bordi (3 kms away) you can stay at their eco-friendly cottages and take a farm tour, learn to climb coconut trees, zip-line across the pond, learn Warli painting and other skills.
The white sand beach of Diveagar remains fairly uncrowded. The town landmark is the 12th century Roopnarayan Temple dedicated to Vishnu. You can visit place by including Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan in your itinerary. The nearby Devkhol, known for its temples, is an ideal place to go birdwatching.
Mumbai is 180 kms away by road. Driving is the most convenient option to reach Diveagar.
The twin attractions of the Ganapati Temple and the beach make the place rather crowded during holidays. So, if you are looking for some tranquil moments, look for a beach resort away from town (but you need a personal vehicle for smooth commuting). Beachside shacks, camel and pony rides, water sports are some of the attractions along the stretch nearest to the famous temple.
But you cannot approach the temple from the beach directly any more. The nearby Malgund beach is also becoming a popular attraction. Ganapatipule can be part of a circuit covering Ratnagiri, Malgund and Jaigad. Know about the region's traditional lifestyle and history at the open-air Prachin Konkan museum. Be prepared for a trudge uphill during the guided walk.
Mumbai is around 300 kms by road. Ratnagiri, 45 kms away, is the nearest railway station. The MTDC runs a sprawling resort -- bordered by the sea on one side --- right opposite the temple gate.
This once sleepy town is discovering its commercial potential. Pilgrims flock to town for the old temples, especially the Vyadheswar Shiva Temple. The beach remains fairly empty of tourists. You can combine a trip to Guhagar with trips to Velneshwar beach (15 kms away), the Dashabhuja Ganesh Temple of Hedavi, or a boat ride to Jaigad (from where you can continue towards Ratnagiri and Ganapatipule).
Mumbai is 280 kms away by road. The privately-run Nisarg Resort (https://www.nisargresortguhagar.in), located some distance away from Guhagar town, is a nice place to stay but it is about 2km away from the beach.
Pilgrims flock to the old temple complex consisting of shrines dedicated to Kalbhairav, Shiva and other deities. The coast near the temple (and the town's bus station) sweeps out in a wide curve with the deep blue Arabian Sea lapping up the beach. Behind the temple, a long flight of stairs go uphill and you can catch a glimpse of the sweeping beach and the sea from the top.
Another steep flight of stairs descend to a rocky edge overlooking the sea on the other side. The waves strike against the rocks and rise in towering angry sprays --- a perfect place for selfie lovers. During low-tide, you can walk across the rocky outcrop to reach the temple courtyard on the other end. Be careful when you walk, the rocks can be slippery.
Mumbai is 200 kms by road. MTDC's tourist lodge and cottages dot the sloping verdant hill side that drops to the sea. The lodge can arrange for boat rides. There are a couple of homes near the temple that double up as restaurants where you can order in advance for some hearty Konkani seafood dishes.
If tranquillity on the beach is your kind of holiday, then Murud-Harnai is the place for you. The white sand beach perfectly complements the turquoise blue Arabian Sea. Gateway to the sea forts, Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg, the Durga Devi temple in Murud village (not to be confused with Murud Janjira near Alibaug) is known for its architecture. Take a boat from Harnai village, cross the Paaj Creek, to visit the Kadyavarcha Ganapati temple.
Mumbai is 225 kms away by road. Khed, on Konkan Railway is the nearest station. Dapoli, 14 kms away and connected with Mumbai, Pune and Kolhapur, is also a convenient gateway.
The beach, lonely for the greater part of the year, can be a tad crowded during long weekends. The abundance of betel nut trees give the town a green look. You can pair thiSs visit with Diveagar and Harihareshwar.
Mumbai is 185 kms away by road. Autorickshaws ply to and from Harihareshwar, 20 kms away.
Located near Sawantwadi, near the Maharashtra-Goa border, Shiroda is still off the tourist circuit. It does not have much by the way of amenities such as places to stay or local restaurants. But you can always have a picnic with your family or friends on the serene beach.
Mumbai is around 500 kms away by road. The nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa.
Another famous beachfront along the Maharashtra coast, Tarkarli is a paradise for adventure seekers. You can stay at the MTDC resort on the beach, go on a cruise in a houseboat or go snorkelling in the Arabian Sea (near the Sindhudurg fort). Tarkarli and its neighbouring towns, including Malvan, are dotted with homestays, most of which have the sea as their backyard. The eateries in Malvan serve delicious coastal cuisine. Those with a sweet tooth, can try chocolate cashews sold in the local market.
The nearest airport is Dabolim in Goa. Mumbai is nearly 500 kms by road. Kudal, on the Konkan railway route, is 45 kms by road.
Save your trip to this lonely stretch of sand and sea, tucked behind a hilly range, for a visit during the Velas Turtle Festival, usually held in February/ March. See the wee little Olive Ridley turtles take their baby steps after hatching. Early in the morning and just before sunset, the turtles begin their journey to their pelagic home from the Velas beach. The natural phenomenon is a beautiful sight. Visit the website of Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (https://www.snmcpn.org/) as they monitor the hatching of eggs and list the tentative days when you can see the baby turtles.
Velas is 215 kms from Mumbai. Most homes in the village open their doors to visitors for night stays for a nominal charge.
One of the most picturesque of Maharashtra's beaches and yet, thankfully, is not invaded by the holiday crowd. The town is known for its Shiva temple. You can also plan a visit to Guhagar and Hedavi from here.
Mumbai is about 300 kms away by road. Chiplun, 50 kms away, is the nearest railway station. The MTDC resort is perched on a forest-clad hillock that overlooks the sea.
Note: Do not venture out to the sea alone. Consult the local people before taking a dip in the sea. Not all areas are suitable for bathing and the local people know best. Do not litter the beaches.