maharashtra beaches

Maharashtra Beaches

Having a coastline of 330 miles (530 km) along the Arabian Sea, Maharashtra owns variety of beaches. One can find not only crowded and posh beaches like Juhu and Marine Drive Chowpatty beaches but also earthy and sleepy beaches like Harnai and Bassein, which are a bit slow but provide a peaceful and pollution-free environment. There are beaches for adventure lovers as well like Velneshwar and Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar.

In Vijaydurg-Sindhudurg and Dahanu-Bordi beaches, one may went down to the memory lanes of the history. Here, one can discover the remains of ruined forts and even the existence of Portuguese culture in these areas. Murud-Janjira, Dahanu-Bordi and Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar are the beaches, which can enjoy both the sizzles of a typical beach as well as a pilgrimage site.

assein Beach

Bassein is in the peaceful location, which is 77 km away from Mumbai. It is closely similar with the India's sultry beach state of Goa. But here, crowd is a bit less and those who wish to enjoy peaceful environment must visit Basssein.

This is quite of a historic place. One can see ruined forts that were built by the Portuguese inside dense forests of brushwood and palm grooves. Locals serve delicious Portuguese cuisines as well.

One can also see Buddhist relics at Nalasopara, which is 10 km from Bassein. Vajreshwari Temple, Akloli hot springs, Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir at Ganeshpuri, Bhimeshwar Temple and other ashrams are also worth to visit. There are quite a few churches of Portuguese times as well in Bassein.

The nearest airport is in Mumbai, while the nearest railway station is at Bassein Road. It is well connected by road as well.

Dahanu Bordi Beach

Not only for its extensive and tidy beach, Dahanu is also known for its vast chikoo fruit orchids. Dahanu is 145 km away from Mumbai that comes under Thane district of Maharashtra. And Thane district is again known for its 17 km long sea line that stretches from Dahanu to Bordi.

Bordi is half-hours drive away from Dahanu. Here, one can find endless beaches, which are very safe and beautiful. Although, it is quite warm during summer, the gentle breeze cools down the entire beach.

Mecca of the Zoroastrians is a place, which is very popular amongst tourists as there is a magnificent temple, which houses the sacred fire of the Zoroastrians. It is believed that this fire has been kept alive for almost a thousand years. The existence of Iranian and Persian culture further makes this place more exotic.

Nearest airport is at Mumbai, while nearest railway station is on Dahanu Road, which is around a three hours drive from Mumbai. Apart from the private and government hotels, locals also let rooms for accommodation.

Ganpatipule Beach

The waters of Ganapatipule are crystal clear and pristine. The entire stretch of beach is covered with fresh greeneries. The roadside sceneries on the way to Ganapatipule are captivating with narrow roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit bearing trees and casuarinas lining.

Ganapatipule is regarded as one of the most important beaches of Maharashtra. It is 375 km south of Mumbai. Fine, sifted, silver sands, a gentle lapping sea, which soothes frayed nerves, attracts large number of tourists are the features of this beautiful beach. It is regarded as a beautiful seaside resort, especially for families in Maharashtra.

One can see a glimpse of the entire beach, which is covered with white sand and blue waters from the top of the hill. Ganapatipule is also known as a pilgrimage site for its 400-year-old temple of Swayambhu Ganpati (naturally formed monolithic Ganesh). Malgund and Ratnagiri are other attractions, which are worth to be visited near this beach.

Ratnagiri is the nearest airport, while nearest railway station is at Kolhapur. Ganapatipule is well connected by road with all the places in Maharashtra. Government resort offers a wide range of facilities including dormitories and A.C suites. Tents and water sport facilities are also available over here.

Harnai Beach

Harnai is about 200 km away from Mumbai. Despite its quietness, it is emerging fast as a tourist destination as visitors from Pune and Mumbai are frequently visited this place to celebrate the weekends.

Harnai fort is also a main tourist attraction of the area. South of Harnai fort is the palm-fringed beach of Murud, famous for its clean white sands and safe waters. Panhale Kazi, the famous rock-cut monument is 30 km from Murud-Harnai.

Nearest airport is at Mumbai, which is 200 km away from Harnai, while nearest railway station is at Satara, which is 154 km away. Maharashtra government buses run from Mumbai, Pune and Mahad to Murud-Harnai. Accommodation is available at the beach resorts in Harnai.

Juhu Beach

Juhu is one of the most popular and posh beaches of India. This fizzing beach on the shores of Arabian Sea is the place where one can find the bungalows of Bollywood stars. This is also a favourite site for film shootings. Luxury hotels and apartments, which are on the southern end of the Juhu beach are regarded as favourite haunts for movers and shakers of Mumbai.

Juhu beach is not a very good place to swim as it is so crowded. Tourists can enjoy horse and donkey rides, dancing monkeys, acrobats, cricket matches, toy sellers etc. here. Versova, home of Mumbai's largest Koli fishing community is in the north of Juhu.

Mandwa Kihim

Kihim and Mandawa is nearly 10 km away from Mumbai. Kihim has dense coconut trees that give a pollution free green environment. This is a place for the nature lovers who want to spend some time with the beauty of the nature. The jungle of Kihim has varieties of rare flowers, butterflies and birds. One can also enjoy perfect tent stay and a wonderful surfing.

On the other hand, Mandwa captures the visitor's heart with its overwhelming serene atmosphere. Kihim beach is just a few kilometers from Mandawa. It is an ideal place to spend sometime away from the crowd and pollution.

Tourists can also visit Kolaba Fort, which is a few miles away from the shore. One can see Portuguese ruins, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana, a church, a temple and a synagogue.

Marine Drive

Marine Drive is the place where Mumbaites hang out to cool down a while from the steamy hurried and busied life. The cool breeze and the calmness of the sea cool down the exhausted lot. Marine Drive was built in 1920s and 1930s on land reclaimed from the sea. It is located at the heart of Mumbai.

As street lamps orderly line up on the edge of the beach, it is also known as Queen's Necklace. It has recently named Netaji Subhashchandra Bose Road. Chowpatty Beach is at the top end of the Marine Drive. Several Hindu religious ceremonies are taking place at Chowpatty like annual thread-tying ceremony, nariel-purnima and Ganesh Chaturthi immersions. Stalls on the beach, selling Bhelpuri, Kulfi and Paan make the chowpatty zesty. Nana-Nani Park for elderly people has just opened recently near the beach. Mumbai has excellent transport and accommodation facilities.

Marve Manori Gorai

Marve, also known as Borivali is a village very close to Mumbai. Now this place has become quite industrialized, but its beauty remains the same. One can witness the remains of colonial time in Marve. Watching sunsets and sunrises is really appealing here.

Manori is famous for all night beach parties. Visitors prefer to visit the beach on moonlight nights. So, on these days, this beach is very crowded. Village folks serve food and let their houses on rents to tourists.

Gorai is so near to Manori, and this beach offers the countryside feeling to visitors. Although, the waters of Gorai beach are safe for swimming throughout the year, it is advised to avoid during monsoon because of its treacherous currents.

Tourists can reach Marve within an hour, as it is just 40 km from Mumbai. One goes up to Malad railway station (a suburban station on the Western Railway line) and proceed by road. A 15-minute ferry ride from Marve or Borivali will take one to Manori or Gorai. It is approachable by boat as well.

Murud Janjira

Murud-Janjira is located near Alibagh, which is the headquarter of Raigad district. It is one of the most popular and alluring beaches of Maharashtra. The green palm trees add a lot to the beauty and freshness of the beach. Kashid and Nandgaon beaches too are near from Murud.

All these beaches, which were not that popular till some time back are fast emerging as favourite destinations for water enthusiasts and tent holidays. Weather is warm and humid here, but the sea breeze cools down the environment making the beach a perfect destination for tranquil holidays.

There is also a 300-year old fort having marvelous architectural designs. Nawab's palace and Janjira caves are the favourite spots for tourists. There is also a shrine of Lord Dattatreya on the top of the hill.

Nearest airport is at Mumbai, while Roha on the Konkan Railway is the nearest railway station. Government resorts are available for accommodation or one can also opt for the hotels at Mumbai.

Shriwardhan Harihareshwar

Shriwardhan is the place for seafood lovers and adventure buffs. Tourists can enjoy different varieties of seafood in this beach. Adventure lovers can go out with a small boat to explore the place where Peshwas were originally resided. This place is known for its gentle winds, soft sands and inviting waters.

The tranquil and picturesque beach is the speciality, which Harihareshwar is known for. This place has famous Kalbhairav Shiva Temple. Peshwa Smarak and Bankot Fort at Bagmandala is only about 4 km away from here.

Shriwardhan - Harihareshwar is nearly 200 km away from Mumbai. The nearest Mumbai-Goa highway point is about 60 km at Goregaon, which is about 170 km from Mumbai. The nearest airport is at Mumbai, while the nearest railway station is at Mangaon. State road service operates buses regularly to this place. Tourists can stay at the government resorts located near the beach.

Tarkarli Beach

Takarali beach is known for is clearness of water. One can sometimes see the seabed unto a depth of 20 ft. If we look the beach panoramically, one can see the serene beauty with shuru trees and wide Karli River at the background. The beautiful sailboats and the tiny magnificent islands make the beach more delightful.

Tarkarli is situated 6 km south of Malvan and 546 km from Mumbai on the west coast of India. This place has gained prominence because of its long and narrow stretch of beach with pristine waters. Sindhudurg, one of Maharashtra's most popular and important sea fort and Padmagarh fort are near Tarkarli. Sindhudurg fort was built in 17th century.

Nearest railway station is at Kudal on the Konkan Railway, it is easily accessible from Malvan by bus and rickshaw, which is 514 km away from Mumbai. There is an excellent government resort near the beach for accommodation.

Velneshwar Beach

Velneshwar is an ideal beach for swimming and sunbathing. The green coconut palm grooves and rock free seawater make the beach so beautiful and attractive. Despite, Velneshwar is a small village, which is in the north of Shastri River, this beach is quite famous.

Water sports are the frequent activities, which are carried out here. There is also an old Shiva Temple, which is frequently visited by tourists and pilgrims. Nearest railway station is at Chiplun, while tourists can travel by road from Mumbai via Chiplun and Guhagar, which is 370 km. One can stay at the government resort, located near the beach.

Vengurla Malvan Beach

Vengurla is famous for its long stretch of iridescent sand, lined up with thick cashew, coconut, jackfruit and mango groves. Vengurla rocks or Burnt Islands is so near to this beach. Malvan has now become a part of the mainland. This area is thickly covered with palm trees. This place is famous for the temples of Shri Devi Sateri Temple and Rameshwar Temple as well.

Malvan was once an important center for trade, which was twice destroyed by the attacks between 1664-1812. There are two old forts at nearby Sindhudurg and Padmagad in the township of Malvan. It is believed that an underground tunnel links the two forts.

Vengurala is 514 km away from Mumbai and 200 km from Ratnagiri. Kolhapur is the nearest railhead, while tourists can also access this place through Ratnagiri, which is well connected by road. Tourists can stay in government resorts near the beach.

Vijaydurg Sindhudurg

The great Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji used Vijaydurg - Sindhudurg as naval base during his reign. So this place has lots of historical sites to see apart from the picturesque beaches. The most important of all is the Vijayadurg fort built by Shivaji in the 17th century.

Sindhudurg has temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai, Mahapurush and Shivaji spreading over 48 acres. Nearest railway station is Kolhapur, while Sindhudurg is well connected by road as well. It is 510 km, and Vijaydurg is 425 km from Mumbai via the Goa highway.