Why You Need to Visit This Beautiful Indian Beach
For many travellers visiting Asia – Thailand, Vietnam or the Philippines are the usual places to travel to when searching for a paradise beach. But what if you’re planning to holiday in India and don’t have time to explore further east? If you’re looking for a beautiful beach experience away from the tourist crowd, take a trip to India’s Kashid beach.
Kashid beach is located 130 kilometres (81 miles) away from Mumbai and considered to be the best replacement option for Southeast Asia’s beaches. It’s a beautiful, uncrowded three kilometre (two mile) stretch of white sand and clear blue water, situated near to Alibaug on the coast of Arabian sea.
Activities
Nestled between mountains, this alluring beach is surrounded by casuarina trees swaying in the sea breeze and offers a range of activities both relaxing and thrill-seeking.
Water sports like jet scooters, banana boats and tubes are all available here at a cheaper price to those you will find in Goa. At just Rs 1000 (UK£12) you’ll be able to enjoy three to four different rides, where as in Goa you might get just one or two.
Horse riding is also available – galloping horses along a stretch of beach, waves reaching your horse’s hooves is an amazing experience. If you want to swap clothes after, there is a changing room available which charges just Rs 5 per visit.
For those looking for something a little less heart-racing, there are hammocks for lazing in and enjoying the sun, shacks for a little shade and food stalls where you can grab a quick snack, tea, or a cold drink.
If you want something a little more substantial, Kashid Village is just a kilometre away and here you will find restaurants serving cheap lunch and dinner, where food will be prepared on the spot.
How to reach Kashid beach
The only way to reach this beach is by car, as the nearest railway station is too far away, but this means you can enjoy the sand without too many people around you. Also, the drive from Alibaug to Kashid beach is gorgeous – you’ll find bungalows and mountains on one side of the road and the sea on the other. And don’t worry, you’ll find plenty of space to park your vehicle when you arrive.
Where to stay
If you are looking to stay overnight then you’ll find rooms to rent at Kashid village, as local people rent their rooms at cheap prices. But if you are looking for something more luxurious, then book a stay in Alibaug, only 25–30kms (16–19 mi.) away.
This untapped beach is surely worth a visit, whether you want to enjoy water sports or just peacefully relax. If you want to have a Southeast Asian experience in India, then Kashid beach is a must-visit for you.