Besides the art and craft, the caves, the forts, the wild life sanctuaries, the hill stations, and the Bollywood, Maharashtra is the home to some of the beautiful and exotic beaches in India. Beach tourism of the state also offers a variety of choices to all kind of tourists like the water sports, sunbathing, watching the captivating beauty of sunset etc.
Bassein or Vasai Beach
- A historical town with Portuguese influence.
- Ideal for a leisurely walk along the shoreline.
- Offers a tranquil escape from city life.
Bassein also called Vasai Beach is a peaceful and less crowded beach. It is about 77 km away from Mumbai. Once it was a Portuguese fortified city and the ruins of the fort can be still seen. The wide beach of Bassein was a ship building centre in the 17th century. The thick forest of brushwood and palm groves makes Bassein much more attractive. Nalasopara, a village 10km northwest to Bassein is believed to be the birthplace of Buddha in a previous life. Many Buddhist relics can also be seen there. Akloli hot springs, Sadguru Nityananda Maharaj Samadhi Mandir, Bhimeshwar temple and the beautiful and magnificent churches which were built by the Portuguese are some other local attractions. Mumbai is the nearest airport and Bassein road railway station is the nearest railway station.
Dahanu Bordi Beach
- Known for its unique and vibrant chikoo orchards.
- An eco-friendly destination with minimal commercialization.
- Perfect for a relaxed beach picnic.
It is a very safe and tidy beach located in the Thane district of Maharashtra. The sea line of Thane extends from Dahanu to Bordi and is 17 km long. One can reach the endless beach of Bordi from Dahanu by a half hour drive. The Dahanu – Bordi beach is a very suitable place for beach walking and beach volleyball. Dahanu is also well renowned for its Chikoo fruit orchards. Once the Dahanu was under the Iranians (Parsis) and Udvada was their sacred town. The temple of Udvada is also called “the Mecca of Zoroastrians “houses the sacred fire which has been kept alive for thousand years. Dahanu – Bordi beach is 145 km away from Mumbai. Gholwad is the nearest railway station. Direct bus services are provided by the transport cooperation regularly.
Harnai Beach
- A popular spot for water sports like parasailing.
- Adjacent to the Harnai fishing port, offering fresh seafood.
- Historical forts like Suvarnadurg and Kanakdurg are nearby.
Harnai beach is a peaceful and calm beach with a greenish lining of palm trees is 200km away from Mumbai. It is the weekend hot spot of people from Pune and Mumbai. The clear white sand and the safe water are very good for walking and other fun filled activities. Harnai fort and Panhale kazhi, a rock cut monument are other magnificent sites near to the beach. Satara is the nearest railway station. State transport buses from Mumbai are also available.
Mandwa Kihim Beach
- Easily accessible by a ferry from Mumbai.
- Birdwatchers can spot a variety of migratory birds.
- Pristine and less crowded compared to other nearby beaches.
The Mandwa beach is a very beautiful and unspoilt beach and a few km away from it is the Kihim beach. These two beaches are very isolated and less crowded. This is a destination for the people who love nature. The dense vegetation of coconut palms gives a serene look to the beach. The fishing village of Mandwa has its own unique charm. The woods of Kihim with its beautiful wild flowers, rare butterflies and birds tranquilizes mind. The Mandwa Kihim beach is located on the north of Alibag, which is a famous hill station and is 120km from Mumbai. So this is a frequent picnic spot. Tourists can also enjoy tent holiday arranged by the MTDC. Kolaba fort, churches, synagogues and tower of St Barbara are some other sites that must be visited. Panvel is the nearest railway station and Rewas is the nearest port. This place is also connected by road.
Madh Island Beach
- A serene and clean beach away from the hustle of Mumbai.
- Ideal for sunset views and photography.
- Visiting the nearby Madh Fort is a historical treat.
This beach is located in the rural area of the north western coast of Mumbai. The posh bungalows of the upper class gives the beach a luxurious look and is a great place for beach parties. Strong and wild currents and shifting sands make the beach treacherous. Beach walking along the fishing village is really enjoyable and one can escape from the busy city life for a moment. Madh island beach is well connected by local trains and city buses.
Murud Janjira Beach
- A horse-cart ride to the Murud-Janjira Fort is a unique experience.
- The fort has 19 towers and is accessible by boat.
- An enchanting beach with golden sands and clear waters.
unexplored palm fringed beach is located 190km away from Pune and 160km south of Mumbai. This place is a getaway from the busy and crowded city. Nearby hills, the golden sandy shores and the water ripples make one to stand still. Near to this beach is the 300yr old Janjira fort, a 16th century capital of the Siddis. Dattatreya temple, Garambi Lake, Nawab’s palace, Janjira caves, Nandagaon and Kashid beaches are other local attractions. Panvel is the nearest rail head.
Shrivardhan – Harihareshwar
- A quiet and unspoiled beach with coconut trees.
- Known for its Konkani cuisine, especially seafood.
- Water sports and boating options are available.
This long sandy unexplored beach is located in the Konkan coastline. The temple of Lord Harihareshwar and Kaal bhairav temple adorn this virgin beach. The sea food of Shrivardhan is also very popular. Adventurous travelers can visit the north side of the bay by boats where the Peshwas, the Prime Ministers of Maratha Kingdom resided. Peshwa Smarak and Bankot fort are other tourist attractions. Kondivli beach is 4 to 5km away from Shrivardhan where people can enjoy a number of water sports. Mangaon is the nearest railway station and is well connected by road.
Tarkarli Beach
- Famous for its pristine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
- Offers an opportunity for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- Sindhudurg Fort, a historical marvel, is close by.
The long and narrow stretch of beach and the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea make Tarkarli different from other beaches. The clear blue water, the sandy beach, the sail boats and the marvelous islands adds to the beauty of the beach. On a sunny day one can even see unto the sea bed. Tarkarli is 546km from Mumbai. Kudal on the Konkan is the nearest railhead. Sindhudurg and Padmagarh fort attracts tourists here. Bus services are available from Malvan which is 6 km from Tarkarli.
Juhu Beach
- Often crowded with locals and tourists enjoying beachside activities.
- A popular spot for film shoots and celebrity residences.
- Street food stalls offer a wide variety of snacks.
Let’s begin with one of the most popular and crowded beaches of Maharashtra. The beach is particularly famous because it is often frequented by the VIPs. Situated in the north of Versova, Juhu Beach is flanked by the luxurious bungalows, apartments, and restaurants which make the beach look like a royal property. Juhu Beach has rendered its charm to many Bollywood movies, so it is certainly a not-to-be-missed place in Maharashtra. The food stalls and street snacks add a different flavor to your quality time in Juhu Beach. Apart from admiring the view of Juhu Beach, horse riding and donkey riding are the must-do activities in here. Juhu Beach is one of the must visit beaches in Maharashtra.
Alibaug Beach
- Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway from Mumbai.
- Water sports and beachside horse riding are common activities.
- Kolaba Fort is accessible during low tide.
Nestled in Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alibaug is arguably the most captivating town in Maharashtra. And one of the things that make this town so charismatic is definitely the Alibaug Beach. Like the Alibaug town, Alibaug Beach is also known for the serenity and tranquility. The calm ambience of Alibaug Beach makes the visitors fall in love with this beach over again. You can visit Alibaug Beach any time of a day but the sunrise and sunset are undeniably the best time to see the real Alibag Beach. The rich history of Alibaug Beach lures the visitors even more. It was built by Maratha king Shivaji Maharaja. Alibaug comes in must visit beaches in Maharashtra.
Ganapatipule Beach
- Known for the 400-year-old Swayambhu Ganpati Temple.
- Offers a spiritual experience along with beachside leisure.
- The shoreline is clean and suitable for a relaxing stroll.
If there is any unexplored and unspoiled place near Mumbai, it is Ganpatipule Beach; one of the must visit beaches in Maharashtra. Unlike most of the beaches of Maharashtra, Gannapatipule Beach is extremely clean and remains calm most of the time. There is no the hubbub of people nor the city life. So, amid the glittery blue water, pristine breeze, and the white sand, you can sit admiring and feeling the nature’s splendor till your heart allows you to leave the beach. Around the beach, there are also some other tourist destinations. You can visit them too.
Velneshwar Beach
- A hidden gem for a peaceful beach experience.
- Ideal for meditation, yoga, and unwinding.
- A few shacks serve fresh seafood and local cuisine.
The simplicity of Velneshwar attracts tourists here. The pleasant atmosphere and the coconut palms around the beach offer a getaway from the busy city life. An old Shiva temple near the beach is a pilgrimage center which is crowded with devotees during the Maha Shivaratri. Most of the tourists visit this beach mainly for swimming, sunbathing and other water sports activities. Velneshwar is 370km from Mumbai. Chiplun is the nearest railway station and is also well connected by road.
Vengurla Malvan Beach
- Offers a mix of sandy beaches and rocky terrain.
- The Sindhudurg Fort is a major attraction for history buffs.
- Water sports, including snorkeling, are popular.
This long stretch of sandy beach is ideal for walking, sun bathing, boating etc. The hills around the beach also called the Vengurla hills or the Burnt Islands is covered with coconut palms, cashew, jack fruit and mango groves. The famous temples like the Shri Devi Sateri and Rameshwar Mandir are in the vicinity. The Malvan beach is well known for its salt pan and Chinese pottery. Both Vengurla and Malvan are old trading centers and the Sindhudurg and Padmagarh forts are near to the Malvan town ship. Malvan is 514km and Vengurla is 552km from Mumbai. Kolhapur is the nearest rail head and is easily accessible by bus.
Vijayadurg / Sindhudurg Beach
- Adjacent to the majestic Sindhudurg Fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji.
- Ideal for a historical and cultural excursion.
- The beach is serene and less crowded, perfect for a relaxed day.
Besides the exotic beaches, these two has important historical sites and temples to visit. By visiting these beaches one can get an excellent view of the Konkan coast line. The Vijayadurg also called Fort Victory was a major naval base of Shivaji. The strong walls, the watch towers and the interior buildings are fabulous. Sindhudurg which was built during the reign of Shivaji is accessible only through a narrow channel between the islands of Dhontara and Padmagadh. Sindhudurg is 510km and Vijayadurg 425km from Mumbai.
In conclusion, the beaches in Maharashtra offer a diverse range of experiences, from the lively urban beaches in Mumbai to the tranquil and unspoiled gems along the Konkan Coast and in districts like Raigad, Ratnagiri, and Sindhudurg. Whether you seek adventure or solitude, these beaches have something for everyone. So, pack your bags and explore the hidden treasures of Maharashtra’s coastline.
8. FAQs
Q1. Can I swim at all of these beaches?
Ans: Yes, most of these beaches are safe for swimming, but it’s advisable to check the local conditions and guidelines before you dive in.
Q2. Are there accommodations available near these beaches?
Ans: Absolutely. You’ll find a range of hotels, resorts, and homestays near these beaches to suit various budgets.
Q3. Which is the best time to visit these beaches in Maharashtra?
Ans: The best time to visit is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Q4. Are there water sports available at all the beaches mentioned in the article?
Ans: Many of the beaches offer water sports, but it’s recommended to confirm with local operators for availability.
Q5. How do I reach these beaches from Mumbai?
Ans: You can reach most of these beaches by road, and some may require a short ferry ride. It’s best to check transportation options beforehand.
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