The Best Beaches in Maharashtra, India
When you think Maharashtra, you think Mumbai and Bollywood. But there is much more to this amazing place, like its 720-kilometre long affair with the Arabian Sea extending from Bordi and Dhanu in the north to Goa towards the south. This means that this coastline has some of the most amazing beaches that offer everything from surfing to snorkelling and even bird watching. Here is a look at some of the best beaches in Maharashtra.
Ganapatipule Beach
Unlike many of Maharashtra’s beaches that are crowded and polluted, Ganapatipule Beach is pristine and regarded as one of the best beaches in the state. This beach is known for its sparkling turquoise waters, white sand, clean, fresh air, swaying palm trees and mangroves. Situated along the Konkan Coast, Ganapatipule is the perfect beach if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy a tranquil time near the open sea.
Dahanu Bordi Beach
Stretching along Thane’s coastline, Dahanu Bordi Beach is a 145-kilometre drive from Mumbai and it is totally worth making the trip. It is well known for a large number of Sapodilla orchards that dot the area. To get to this awesome beach, you will need to travel through a breathtaking route with its flower gardens and orchards. Still relatively untouched by the effects of the modern world, Dahanu Bordi Beach is a great place to go to when you want to get away from the big city.
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Juhu Beach
Juhu is a famous beach in Mumbai, the ‘The City of Dreams.’ It is known to be one of Maharashtra’s poshest beaches as a number of Bollywood stars live near it. Although it is one of the most crowded beaches in the state, Juhu is a popular beach among locals and visitors alike. This is a great place to enjoy snacks, like chaat and bhelpuri, and play cricket matches. You might even spot a celebrity taking a walk on the beach!
Shriwardhan Harihareshwar Beach
Situated along the Konkan border, Shriwardhan Harihareshwar Beach is one of the best beaches in Maharashtra as its atmosphere is serene and quaint. This is a superb beach to visit as you have the small town of Harihareshwar nearby where landmarks of the ancient Maratha Kingdom still remain, adding beauty and historical significance to this area.
Mandwa and Kihim Beach
If you are looking for a calm and quiet place to relax, there is no place better place than Mandwa and Kihim Beach. Located just 10 kilometres away from Mumbai, this beach is the perfect spot for nature lovers as it boasts dense coconut trees, birds, wildflowers and butterflies. Virtually free of pollution, Mandwa and Kihim Beach attracts visitors from far and wide. From here, you can get a fantastic view of the Gateway of India and nearby attractions like the Kolaba Fort, the Hamam Khana and Chaul, a historic place from the days of the Portuguese.
Marve, Manori and Gorai Beaches
When in Mumbai, another set of beaches you simply must visit are Marve, Manori and Gorai Beaches, wich are actually three tiny beaches clustered together to make one spectacular beach. What makes them so special is their breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Marve, Manori and Gorai are renowned for late-night beach parties. If you are looking for a place to have fun on the beach, this is the perfect place.
Madh Island Beach
Madh Island Beach is another top beach in Maharashtra. If you are in Mumbai, you must visit this beach. Madh Island is a rural area with fishing villages and the beach, unlike so many in the city, is one of the cleanest with mangroves adding to its beauty. If you want to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Madh Island Beach is the perfect place to run off to. There are several tourist attractions that you can visit while you are here, including the Madh Fort, Versova Fort, Saint Bonaventure, a church built by the Portuguese, and Erangel, a village that gives you a glimpse of the farming community here.
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Maharashtra has no shortage of beautiful beaches for you to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a beach located in Mumbai or one that provides an escape from city life, you can take your pick from many pristine beaches, each with something unique to offer.