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  • Weekend Getaway - Maharashtra (1)
Showing posts with label Weekend Getaway - Maharashtra. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Weekend Getaway - Maharashtra. Show all posts

Monday, October 18, 2010

Top 5 Yet Untouched Beaches (Maharashtra,India)

The coast of Maharashtra offers a host of spectacular beaches on its stretch. Although most are overly populated by tourists, there are many small quaint places yet untouched by the bustling tourists. Here are top 5 such places which offer an exotic escape for you.

Bassein Beach
 

Located 77 kms north of Mumbai, Bassein is a replica of the famous beaches of Goa minus the crowd. You can lose yourself to the soothing sound of the water on the shores. This place has a lot of Portugese influence with old forts built by Portuguese inside dense forests of brushwood and palm grooves and quite a few churches. A lot of local eateries today offer Portuguese cuisine.

Other than the beach, you can see Buddhist relics at Nalasopara, which is 10 km from Bassein. Vajreshwari Temple, Akloli hot springs, Bhimeshwar Temple etc also worth to visit.

Murud-Janjira
 
Murud-Janjira, located near Alibagh(Raigad district), is one of the most popular and alluring beaches of Maharashtra. Pristine, clear and emerging favourite destinations to those who want to get-away from the crowd. Weather is warm and humid but the sea breeze cools down the environment making the beach a perfect destination for tranquil holidays.

Other than the beach, you can visit a 300 year old fort – a Nawab’s palace, Janjira caves and a hill top temple of Lord Dattatreya.

Dahanu Bordi

Dahanu is 145 kms north of Mumbai has a pristine 17 km beach stretch that begins at Dahanu and ends at Bordi. Safe, beautiful and absolutely tranquil, this beach stretch is one of the longest in Maharashtra.

Other than the beach, this place is also known as a Mecca for Zoroastrians. Here exists a magnificent temple housing the sacred fire which is believed to have been kept alive for almost a thousand years. The existence of Iranian and Persian culture further makes this place more exotic.

Tarkarli 

Imagine seeing a sea bed filled with shells, coral and shallow fish. Tarkarli is one such destination where you can see the 20ft sea bed. Located 546 kms south of Mumbai and 7 kms south of Malvan (town) on the Konkan coast. Tarkali offers totally serene beach with shuru trees and wide Karli River merging with the Arabian sea at the background. You can lose yourself here.

Other than the beach, 17th centrury Sindhudurg sea fort and Padmagarh fort are a short distance away.

Ganpatipule 

Finally a personal favorite in this list, Ganpatipule is 365 kms south of Mumbai. Clean, clear and pristine waters, fine silver sands, a gentle lapping sea, red soil, roofed houses with clean courtyards, innumerable fruit bearing trees and lush greenery… this is one of the most cherished beaches of Maharashtra.

Other than the beach, 400-year-old temple of Swayambhu Ganpati (naturally formed monolithic Ganesh) is a must visit place.


Frugal-Tip:

Best way to enjoy these beaches is when you drive down (Mumbai & Pune of course). Otherwise, depending on which part of the country you intend traveling, make sure you book a vehicle and drive down to these beaches. Your own vehicle will give you freedom to stay, plan and move as your wish. Also it gives you enough space to carry your own water, as in most places the hygienic conditions are not known. Also don’t forget to take with you thick rugs and blankets for a night over. Although the cottages /inns available do offer the same, they are usually infested with bed-bugs.