Bordered by the Arabian Sea on its west, Maharashtra has as many beaches as the colours of the ocean. Here, the translucent waters of the Konkan gently lap onto pristine white sands. There, the azure blue-green of the Shreevardhan belt encourage the adventurous to plunge in. While Mumbai’s plush waters dictate real estate prices even as they turn an angry grey and lash the city with salt waves during the monsoon. The state’s 700 km stretch along the Arabian Sea, makes you experience love at first sight.
If you respect your peace but, need doses of energy, Vasai, Dahanu and Bordi are perfect weekend getaways. Lined with chickoo orchards and buzzing with the energy of coastal commerce. The Konkan which is picturesquely cradled between the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri range, offers the best beaches. Harnai, for example, is calm yet busy with its famous loud fish auctions every evening.
If you wish to completely escape the chaos, Maharashtra’s beaches will soothe city-weary souls. Kihim, Marve and Madh are just an hour’s drive from big-city Mumbai but, they transform the landscape. Breathe in fresh, pollution-free oxygen. Take a de-stressing languid stroll amongst dense coconut trees on Vengurla’s fine white sands with cashew, jackfruit and mango orchards. Indulge in village banter over crisp, fried fish at Shivaji’s Sindhudurg or Murud-Janjira.
The adventurous could water-scooter or snorkel in the clear waters of Tarkarli to watch sea creatures. Or swim in the sandy, calm Velneshwar’s picturesque beach for hydro-therapy.
For those who find spirituality in the rhythmic movements of the ocean, Maharashtra offers pilgrim-centric beaches: lush green Ganapatipule and Shreevardhan’s divine presence.
If it’s glamour you desire, Mumbai’s beaches befit. The star-spangled sands of Juhu shimmer. The glitterati at Marine Drive make the Queen’s necklace come alive. Don’t miss the young buzz of Bandra taking in the cool ocean breeze.
Whether you enjoy bustling promenades or the serenity of secluded alcoves, Maharashtra has them all.
A wide range of beautiful and serene beaches is what makes the twin villages of Harnai and Murud in the Dapoli taluka of Ratnagiri district such a big favourite of tourists all year round. Also, not only have they been blessed with natural attractions but they also occupy a significant place in the history of the state. The white silky seashore at Harnai-Murud is adorned with a chain of sea forts such as Suvarnadurg, Kanakdurg and Goa. Murud is also famous for being the birthplace of two prominent personalities who have been awarded the Bharat Ratna.
On Maharashtra’s long coastline, the Bordi-Dahanu stretch offers some of the most pristine beaches while providing a window into typical village culture where growing the fruit Sapodilla, known in India as chickoo, dominates over other activities. These places are also home to Zorastrians and Warlis who lend to the region their own unique flavour of culture and customs.
Just 200 kilometers from Mumbai is one of the most heavenly places you are likely to find. That’s Harihareshwar for you – a coastal region that is home to a great beach, not to forget that it is also known as ‘Kashi of the South’ for the ancient temple of Lord Shiva. Harihareshwar therefore offers a great combination of natural beauty with spiritual enhancement.
Have you always wanted to get away from chaotic city life, even if just for a few days or maybe a weekend? How would it be to relax in the lap of nature, listen to the soothing rhythm of the ocean’s waves lapping at the beach, watch the birds lazily soar in the clear blue skies, tuck into a truly Konkani cuisine and gaze at the hills majestically guard Maharashtra’s long coastline? All this comes to life at Shiroda.
A remote village called Velas would have remained unknown had it not achieved international attention for the turtles that come here to lay their eggs. The sight of turtle hatchlings just out of their nests and making their laborious way to the Arabian Sea can be an exhilarating sight indeed and rather than watch it in a wildlife film, you can now go to Velas and witness this phenomenon for real.
For those who cannot resist the intermittent lull and fury of the sea waves while spreading out on fine sand, there can be nothing better than a visit to Diveagar with its silvery sands that stretch for nearly 5 kilometers flanked by orchards. Diveagar is one of Konkan’s finest beaches and also provides a window into Konkani lifestyle and culture.
A picturesque town in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra just north of Goa, Vengurla defines a typical Konkani ambience and culture with the Arabian Sea located on its west and the land surrounded by a semi-circular range of hills. There is lush green foliage here, mainly of cashew, mango, coconut, and different kinds of berry trees. The hills of Dabholi, Tulas, and Mochemad lie to its north, east, and south, protecting as it were a traditional way of life that has not yet been corrupted by urban pressures.
Serene, sedate and unspoiled – these are the words often used to describe Ganapatipule, a place that not only beckons the faithful to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh but also provides for a perfect holiday because of its beach with an almost endless stretch of silver sand and the sparkling blue waters of the ocean. In addition to that, the town itself has lots to offer by way of its typical Konkani culture and cuisine
Almost all the places on the coast line of Maharashtra are indeed very beautiful, calm, and serene in nature. Guhagar, a part of this region, has it all. In fact, it is the gem of Ratnagiri district. Located between the river Vasishthi and the Jaygad creek, Guhagar is a tiny town on the Konkan coast with a beautiful secluded beach, making it a perfect getaway destination.
Kihim beach is a famous tourist destination near Alibaug, and offers a complete break from urban pressures. Spend time at this long and wide beach and let the sight of an ocean and the soft rhythm of the waves lapping at the shore soothe your nerves
Famous for its betel nut ‘Shrivardhan Rotha’, the beautiful town of Shrivardhan was once the home town of the Peshwas, the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire. The plantation of betel nut at almost every courtyard called ‘wadi’ gives it a wonderful green canopy that soothes and refreshes. A beautiful curved road shaded by the overarching branches of banyan trees takes us to Shrivardhan, adding to the overall experience.
A beach that has not yet been transformed into a commercial hot spot and one that offers tourists excitement and adventure with all the comforts of urban living, is Velneshwar in Konkan. Far from the maddening crowds of the metropolis, yet fairly accessible to a number of major cities of Maharashtra, Velneshwar is an ideal place to spend a quiet weekend.
Warm white sands, a pristine beach and waters you can see through. That’s Tarkarli, the heart of Malvan hospitality. This undiscovered little alcove of sun, surf and sand is an idyllic getaway for every season. Whether you want to let the waves wash over your stress or get an adrenalin-rush with water-sports, Tarkarli, the lullaby of the ocean is the perfect vacation. A cool ocean breeze blowing through lush-green palm fronds and wet sand from gigantic waves, makes this a serene, secluded, seductive paradise.