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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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