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720 km long coastline of Maharashtra, sprawls from Dahani and Bordi in
the north, to Goa proceeding southwards. Exciting water sports, sunbathing
on golden sands, exploring grand fortresses, temples, and churches, discovering
tiny, remote villages, savouring the exotic Konkan cuisine, or just feeling
one with the immense sea - Maharashtra has all this to offer and more.
Marve
- Manori - Gorai
Lying to the north of Mumbai, are three beautiful and serene getaways,
virtual havens, for those sick of the dreary monotony of the big city.
Marve, a quaint little fishing village, is the nearest and the quietest
of the three. Low - lying hills make for a breathtaking canvas, for
the glorious scenes of sunrise and sunset. Gorai and Manori, a little
further away, though a trifle crowded with revellers, are popular for
their wonderful all night beach parties. A 15 minute ferry ride from
Marve or Borivili takes you to Gorai and Manori.
How To Get There
: Malad, a station on the suburban segment of Western Railways, is the
nearest railhead. By road, Marve is 40 kms from Mumbai via Malad.
Bassein
In the early 17th century, Bassein served as an important ship - building
centre. In 1739, this was the site of the Portugeuse defeat at the hands
of the Marathas. The ruins of the Portugeuse Fort still stand solemnly,
amidst dense brushwood and palm groves. To the northwest, about 10 kms
away, lies the Nalasopara village, the erstwhile Konkan capital from
about 1500 BC to 1300 AD. Nalasopara is believed to have been the birthplace
of the Buddha in a previous incarnation. Many Buddhist relics have also
been found here. The Vajreshwari temple, the Akloli hot springs, the
Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir at Ganeshpuri, the Bhimeshwar
temple and other ashrams are at a short distance away from Bassein.
There are quite a few interesting churches, too, in Bassein, poignant
reminders of the Portugeuse past.
How To Get There
: The nearest railhead is Bassein Road, on the Western Railway line.
By road, Bassein is 77 kms, along the Mumbai - Ahmedabad highway.
Murud
- Janjira
The former capital of the Sidis of Janjira, Murud is famous today, for
its enchanting beach, huge stretches of coconut and palmgroves, and
a fascinating fort.The three centuries - old fort of Janjira, once considered
impregnable, is a marvellous piece of architecture. On a hill to the
north, is the Lord Dattatraya shrine, the three - headed image, representing
the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. A few kilometres away
are two alluring, little - known beaches, Nandgaon and Kashid. Nandgaon
is renown for its magnificent Ganpati temple, and the annual fair held
in the god's honour, every February. Other sites of interest in this
area, are the palace of the Nawab and the Janjira caves.
How To Get There
: Panvel is the nearest railhead. Mumbai is 165 kms away by road.
Accomodation : The M T D C Holiday Resort on the beach is the popular
means of accomodation.
Mandwa
- Kihim
Twelve miles north of Alibag, on the north coast, easily accessible
from Mumbai, is the untouched, divine beach of Mandwa. The little Mandwa
village leaves the visitor enchanted, with its neverending coconut palm
groves, and overwhelming tranquillity. For a slightly unusual yet exciting
holiday, the Kihim beach near Mandwa, is the ideal site. Remote and
unspoilt, Kihim is a virtual treasure - trove for the avid nature -
lover : deep woods, wild, and rare flowers, equally uncommon species
of butterflies and a variety of birds, not surprisingly, Kihim was one
of the popular haunts of Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist. The
other places of interest are the Kolaba Fort, near the shore, and Chaul
( 15 kms from Alibagh) which is a site of historical importance, boasting
an assortment of Portugeuse ruins, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana,
a church, a synagogue and a temple.
How To Get There
: The nearest railhead is Panvel ( 85 kms ). By road, Kihim is 120 kms
from Mumbai. Small passenger service boats ply frequently between Mumbai
and Mandwa ( Rewas ).
Accomodation : M T D C has 20 tents at the Kihim beach, with modern
facilities for a pleasant stay.
Dahanu
- Bordi
Thane District is home to the serene seaside town of Dahanu, that is
notable for its vast stretch of unspoilt beach. The coastline, stretching
from Dahanu to Bordi, is 17 kms long. Once the stronghold of Irani settlers,
Dahanu is famous for its 'chickoos', and is teeming with fruit orchards.
Udwada, 'the Mecca of the Zoroastrians' is accessible from Dahanu. The
magnificent temple, which houses the sacred fire of the Zoroastrians,
is the prime attraction of the region. This fire has been kept alive
for almost a thousand years, an incredible, nevertheless, true fact.
How To Get There
: The nearest railhead is Dahanu Road, which is around three hours away
from Mumbai. By road, Mumbai is 145 kms away.
Shriwardhan
- Harihareshwar
The Shriwardhan Bay is the popular haunt, for those craving for
some real sun, sand and sea. For the more adventurous in spirit, small
boats are available to be taken out to the north side of the bay, and
indulge in some exploration, going deep into the land, where the Peshwas,
the prime ministers of the Maratha kingdom, originally dwelt. The 'Peshwa
Smarak' is a local landmark, of much tourist interest. The town of Harihareshwar,
is primarily known for its beautiful beach, and the grand Harihareshwar
temple.
How To Get There
: By road, Mumbai is 230 kms away. The nearest Mumbai - Goa highway
point is about 60 kms, at Goregaon, which is around 170 kms from Mumbai
(via Vashi Creek Bridge).
Velneshwar
To the north of the Shastri river, lies the little village of Velneshwar.
Its tranquil, coconut - fringed beach is perfect for swimming, or just
lolling around. It also boasts of an ancient Shiva temple, which is
an important pilgrimage site. The great Maha Shivratri fair, held in
honour of Lord Shiva, that comes once a year in March, makes Velneshwar
the cynosure of attention, throughout the country.
How To Get There
: Karad is the nearest railhead. By road, Mumbai via Chiplun and Guhagar,
is 370 kms away.
Ganapatipule
Ganapatipule is a popular tourist haunt, not only for its soothing greenery,
and its golden beach, but also for its 400 year old temple, which is
dedicated to Swayambhoo Ganapati. Some places of interest around the
area are Malgund, the birthplace of Keshavsoot, the famous Marathi poet;
Ratnagiri, the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak; and the Thebaw Palace,
where the deposed King of Burma was confined. Jaigad Fort and Swami
Swarupanand's ashram in Pawas, are also worth a visit.
How To Get There
: The nearest railhead is Kolhapur. Mumbai is 375 kms away by road,
while Pune is 331 kms away.
Accomodation : The M T D C resort offers a wide range of facilities
including dormitories and A.C suites. Tents and water sport facilities
are also available.
Vijaydurg
- Sindhudurg
Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg were once naval bases, giving testimony to
the Maratha martial supremacy, under the great Chattrapati Shivaji.
Vijaydurg, or Fort of Victory, was strengthened in the 17th century
by Shivaji, who added impressive features to it like, the triple row
of huge walls, the umpteen towers and the spacious inner buildings.
Sprawled over an area of 48 acres, once seized by the British, and renamed
Fort Augustus, the Sindhudurg or Ocean Fort at the Malvan port, is a
historically vital monument. Within its premises are temples dedicated
to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai, Mahapurush and Shivaji, the last being,
the only shrine of its kind in India. Both these places also boast of
picturesque beaches.
How To Get There
: The nearest railhead is Kolhapur. Sindhudurg by road is 510 kms, and
Vijaydurg is 425 kms from Mumbai via the Goa highway.
Vengurla
- Malvan
Further south down the Maharashtra coastline lies Vengurla, with its
immense stretch of shimmering sands, and thick cashew, coconut, jackfruit
and mango groves. It also has two famous temples, the Shri Devi Sateri
temple and the Rameshwar temple, to its credit. Vengurla was an important
trade settlement in ancient times. Twice razed to the ground, it has
been the target of quite a few attacks and plunders between 1664 and
1812. A short distance away lie the Vengurla Rocks, also known as the
Burnt Islands. The old township of Malvan, houses two old forts : the
Sindhudurg and Padmagad. It is believed that there was once an underground
tunnel joining the two forts. An erstwhile trading centre, Malvan is
now famous for its salt pans, Chinese clay pottery and its mouth - watering
Malvani cuisine, which is quite different from Konkan delicacies.
How To Get There
: Kolhapur is the nearest railhead. By road, Malvan is 514 kms away
from Mumbai, 200 kms from Ratnagiri. Vengurla is 522 kms from Mumbai.
Contact
M T D C Office
and Information Centre
Express Towers, 9th Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021. Tel : 2024482,
2024522, 2024584
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