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BEACHES
OF MAHARASHTRA |
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Ganapatipule
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Ganapatipule is set along the western coast of
Maharashtra. It is located 375 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, the temperature
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/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.
Accommodation
: 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 honor 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 splendor 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 heaven, 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 favorite 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 shooting at Juhu. Luxury hotels and
apartments line the southern end of Juhu Beach, a favorite 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 center, 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 center. 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 marvelous 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 kms 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 accommodation.
Dahanu
Approximately 145 kms from Mumbai, is the coastal town of Dahanu.
It boasts ofsome of the country's best 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 Alibaug 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 Alibaug 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 Alibaug, 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 never-ending
coconut palm groves, and overwhelming tranquility. 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 Alibaug) 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 ).
Accommodation : 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.
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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 center, Malvan is now famous
for its salt pans, Chinese clay pottery and its mouth - watering
Malvani cuisine, which is quite different from Konkan delicacies.
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