While the beaches of Goa and Kerala are sung of and written about, the coastal sands of Maharashtra remain comparatively undiscovered. Another pleasant feature of the beaches of Maharashtra - whether it is Alibag or Marve or Bordi, is the fact that they line essentially safe waters. The deep drop of the coastline does not occur dangerously close to the shore.
Closest to Bombay's bustling crowds, are the three tiny beaches that lie north of the 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. Juhu Beach, Mumbai is one of the largest and frequently visited beaches of India.
Juhu Beach :
Juhu is one of the largest and frequently visited tourist beaches of India on the shores of Arabian Sea. Mostly famous as the best hangout zone of Mumbai city this place mainly attracts people to get a taste of the famous Mumbai Bhelpuri and Kulfi.
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Marine Drive, Chowpatty Beach:
Chopwpatty beach is situated in the heart of Mumbai and has got rich historical link ups with the freedom movement. Presently this is the spot where Lord Ganesha's images are immersed after the conclusion of the Ganesha Chaturthi festival.
Madh Island Beach :
Madh Island is a popular picnic spot, dotted with exquisite bungalows and an urban aura. This place has a reputation of being the spot to check out for the most lavish beach parties held outside Mumbai.
Marve-Manori-Gorai :
Lying to the north of Mumbai, are three beautiful and serene getaways, for those who are craving to take a break from the hectic and chaotic city life. Marve is a quaint little fishing village, the nearest and the quietest of the three. Gorai and Manori, a little further away, are more popular for their wonderful all night beach parties.
Ganapatipule Beach :
If one prefers a beach with a religious flavour, then Ganapatipulle is the best resort. Set along the western cost of Maharashtra, this place is one of the 'Ashta Ganapati' pilgrimage sites of India.
Murud - Janjira :
Alibaug is the headquarter town of the Raigad district and a convenient base for the nearby beaches. A former capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, Murud today is popular for its alluring and spacious beach fringed with palm trees. Situated just a few kilometres away from here are two undiscovered beach sites of Kashid and Nandgaon.
Baseein :
Located 77-km away from Mumbai, during the 17th century Bassein served as an important shipbuilding center. In 1739, this was the site of the Portuguese defeat at the hands of the Marathas. Having a similar backdrop to that of Goa, this beach serves one of the best choices to take some time off from the hectic schedule of city life.
Dahanu-Bordi Beaches :
Dahanu-Bordi, with a beautiful seaside are situated in Thane district. A notable vast streach unspoilt beach and the coastline that's 17-km long. The unique feature of Dahanu is the Chickoo (fruit) orchids spread over a large area.
Harnai Beach :
A very secluded beach site of Maharashtra, situated at a distance of about 200-km from Mumbai, Harnai is gaining tourist importance day by day and is usually the most visited hotspot for the people of Mumbai and Pune.
Kihim & Mandwa :
About 20-kms from Alibaug and easily accessible from Mumbai, Mandawa is a beautiful and clean beach. Those searching for quite surroundings, the nearby Kihim beach with its unspoilt and isolated ambience is a lovely place.
Vijaydurg - Sindhudurg :
Once tactes as the naval-bases of the reign of the Great Chattrapati Shivaji, these places gained importance because of their picturesque beaches. Other attractions are the Vijayadurg fort built by Shivaji in the 17th centu
Shriwardhan - Harihareshwar :
Shriwardhan Bay located in Raigad district makes an irresistible beach site as it's blessed with gentle winds, soft sands and inviting waters, which attracts beach lovers in large numbers. It's also a splendid place for seafood lovers where one can relish tempting seafood of numerous varieties.
Tarkarli :
Tarkarli is situated 6-km south of Malvan and 546-km from Mumbai on the west coast of India, at the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea. This place has a secluded golden beach with aquamarine waters.
Velneshwar :
Situated 170-km from Ratnagiri is the village of Velneshwar. It's adjoining beach is clean and natural and is lined with coconut trees. Swimming and other water sports are possible there as the beach is free from rocks.
Vengurla - Malvan :
In the Southern part of the Maharashtra coastline is situated a beach famous for its long stretch of shimmering sand, lined with thick cashew, coconut, jackfruit and mango groves. Near the beach site are the Vengurla rocks, also known as Burnt Islands