Places
nearby
Caves,
Forts & Pilgrimage
Hill
Stations
Beaches
Wildlife Parks
MTDC
Resorts
Beaches
Maharashtra
has a coastline that runs almost 720 kms long. The Arabian Sea laps a
stretch of beaches that are scenic and, to a large extent, rarely visited.
Those frequented by tourists include Marve, Manori, Gorai and Madh Island
Closest to Mumbai's bustling crowds are these four beaches that have
become popular havens for Mumbai's populace. Marve, the closest to the
city and the quietest, is a lovely little fishing village, with its villas
offering a taste of Colonial splendour. Gorai and Manori, a little further
away, are more crowded and popular destinations for Mumbaikars. Gorai is
also home to Esselworld, Mumbai's first amusement park, with roller
coasters and bumping car rides.
Kihim :
If
you want to escape from the mundane and head for the magical, Kihim beach
is the ideal choice. Situated 120 kms away from Mumbai, the beach is
camouflaged by dense
coconut trees, perhaps the reason for its being so serene and unspoilt. A tent holiday at Kihim is perfect, with stretches of soft, white sand and sparkling surf. Take a refreshing swim in the cool waters or simply laze under a beach-shed. Sightseeing in the vicinity is possible at the marvellous Murud beach, Chaul, historic forts, synagogues or the fascinating tower of St Barbara
How to get there
By
Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai, 136 kms.
By
Rail: Nearest railhead is Panvel, 85 kms on the Diva-Panvel section of the
Konkan Railway.
By
Road: Mumbai-Kihim, 136 kms. Panvel-Kihim, 85 kms. Alibaug-Kihim, 12 kms.
State Transport buses ply from Mumbai to Alibag, and from Alibag and Rewas
to Kihim. There is a launch service to Revas, 8 kms. from Kihim.
Best
time to visit
Throughout
the year, except during the monsoon.
Accommodation
MTDC
tent resorts - fully furnished tents (except during monsoon).
Harihareshwar
The
name is long, as is the beach, with its soft sands, clean waters and
brilliant sunshine. Harihareshwar has both religious and historic
significance. The Kalabhairav temple (Lord Shiva) is considered very holy
by Maharashtrians. The Peshwa Smarak - memorial of the Peshwas, the prime
ministers of the Maratha kingdom who originally resided here - holds a
historic importance. There is also the Bankot fort at Bagmandala, four kms
away from the town.
How
to get there
By
Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai, 215 kms.
By
Rail: Nearest railhead is Mangaon on the Konkan Railway.
By
Road: Mumbai-Harihareshwar, 230 kms via Mumbai-Panvel-Mangaon-Goregaon
Phata on the Mumbai-Goa highway; Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar, 20 kms;
Bagmandala-Harihareshwar, four kms.
Best
time to visit
Throughout
the year, except during the monsoon.
Accommodation
MTDC
Resort / tent resort with modern facilities. Economy lodges,
self-contained blocks (four, 2 beds each), tents to accommodate 80, plus a
single family tent with sleeping bags for 30.
Ganapatipule :
An
ancient pilgrim centre, Ganapatipule is famous for its Ganesh temple,with
its self-incarnated idol of the Lord. The white sand beach is washed by
crystal clear water and is particularly beautiful after moonrise. A holy
dip in the sea rejuvenates the body and the soul. Day trips to Jaigad
fort, Velneshwar beach temple and the nearby village of Pawas offer
interesting sightseeing options. The delectable delicacy of modak - a concoction of rice flour, coconut, sugar and elaichi -
ensures that visitors leave with sweet memories.
How
to get there
By
Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai
By
Rail: Nearest railhead is Ratnagiri, 45 kms on the Konkan Railway.
By
Road: Mumbai-Ganapatipule, 375 kms via Mahad. Pune-Ganapatipule, 331 kms
via Satara. Kolhapur-Ganapatipule, 144 kms. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Ratnagiri.
Best
time to visit
Throughout
the year, except during the monsoon.
Accommodation
Family
suites (36 blocks), dormitories (19 blocks) and tents, MTDC Resort or
tents with modern facilities, economy lodges and luxury hotels.