Home India - Home
Central India - Tourism Southasia - India
HomeAbout IndiaSouth IndiaEast IndiaWest IndiaNorth IndiaCentral IndiaTour PackagesPicture Gallery
Spacer
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.

Bassein BeachBassein 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

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.

GanapatipuleGanapatipule
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

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 BeachJuhu 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.

Kihim and Mandwa

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.

Madh Island Beach

Even though Madh Island is quite a rural sort, but it is quite enjoyable to walk down along the villages of fishermen. This can at least give some peace of mind to the hurried and exhausted life. It is known as the place where one can throw parties for the friends. Despite the sea current are treacherous for swimming and unpicturesque beaches, tourists come here to enjoy the adventurous way of life.

As it is located so near to Mumbai, there is no problem for transport and accommodation.

<<Previous Beaches         More Beaches >>