Maharashtra with all its diversities is a pandora's box of tourist destinations. Maharashtra's 720 km long affair with the Arabian Sea extends from Dahanu and Bordi in the north up to Goa proceeding southwards. If you've got a penchant for sand, sea and surf, this state has a great many interesting options in store.

North of Mumbai and away from its bustling crowds and pollution, are these 3 gems that have become popular havens for Mumbai's beleaguered fun lovers. Manori is a weekend retreat for the people of Mumbai and the venue of occasional beach parties. Marve, the closest has a flavour all its own, its villas and the fishing village offering a taste of colonial splendour and lifestyle untouched by expansion and industrialisation. Gorai's sparkling waters are safe throughout the year and the village has its own charm. Both have become a favorite with picnickers - especially of the moonlit night variety.

Bassein

Seventy-seven kms from Bombay, connected by road and rail. The added attractions are; the Portuguese food served by the locals who also rent out shacks and rooms, and the resplendent Bassein fort. Quite a change from your normal idea of a beach-day picnic, you'll discover.

One of the largest and frequently visited tourist beaches of India on the shores of Arabian Sea. The beach of beckoning, with its choc-a-bloc Bhelpuri and Kulfi stalls. 

One of the prime and posh localities of Mumbai is also situated along this sea coast. Compared to Beverly Hills, this place houses the bungalows of famous Bollywood personalities. North of Juhu is Versova Beach, home to Mumbai's largest Koli fishing community. Juhu is 18 km north of the city centre, not far from Mumbai's airports.

Ganapatipule

Alibag,Murud,Janjira

It is set along the western coast. The lush soothing greenery and the golden beach of Ganapatipule is a popular beach amongst tourists. It also houses the 400 year old temple dedicated to Swayambhoo Ganpati.

Formerly the capital town of the Sidis of Janjira, Murud is today popular for it's alluring beach, whispering casuarina, coconut and betel palms, and an ancient fort. Just a few kilometers away are beaches of Nandgaon and Kashid.

Yet another town in Ratnagiri with a tranquil and picturesque beach. The landmark at this beach like Ganpatipule is a temple, the Kalbhairav Shiva temple. The route to reach this beach is the famous Mumbai-Goa highway via Panvel-Mangaon-Goregaon Phata 230 km away. One can also visit the Peshwa Smarak and Bankot fort at Bagmandala about 4 km away.

Vengurla on the Southern part of the Maharashtra coastline boasts of a long stretch of shimmering sand. Lined with thick cashew, coconut, jack fruit and mango groves, it also houses the famous Shri Devi Sateri temple and the Rameshwar temple. Along with a virgin beach with clear blue-green waters, one can experience a fell of a typical Konkan coastal village at Vengurla. Nearby are the Vengurla  rocks also known as Burnt Islands.

The whispering casuarinas and the crashing waves lull you to sleep. The dying embers of a bonfire sparkle as you lie on the sand with a bright starry canopy spread above. Just on the outskirts of Ratnagiri, this is one of many beaches in the Konkan which has not yet caught the eye of Mumbaikars. Sunset seen through the casuarinas is a photographers' delight. Also, the view of the setting sun from the hill at the far end of the beach is breathtaking to say the least.

Approximately 145 kms from Mumbai, is the coastal town of Dahanu. It boasts of some of the country's best chickoo orchards. Gliding is one of the new pleasures. And the Irani and Parsi culture of the place add a touch of the exotic. A half-hour's drive down from Dahanu is the village of Bordi. The beach is endless, and very safe and very beautiful.

North of the Shastri River lies the idyllic village of Velneshwar. The quiet, coconut-fringed beach offers the visitor the ideal opportunity for swimming or just relaxing. There is an old Shiva temple in the environs which is often frequented by pilgrims. Velneshwar is the focus of attention once a year in March, when the Maha Shivratri Fair is held in honour of god Shiva.

This beautiful beach is a place where great mythologies have come to life. But this destination with its sylvan surroundings has been a favourite for tourist who seek a quiet holiday. Located on the border of Maharashtra and Gujarat, one gets to experience the cultures of both states.

12 miles north of Alibag on the north coast, and easily accessible from Mumbai, Mandwa is a beautiful, untrodden beach. For an unusual tent holiday, is the nearby Kihim beach. Unspoilt and isolated, this is a beautiful place. Worth visiting is the Kolaba Fort, just a furlong away from the shore. 15 km from Alibag is Chaul, an historic place where one can spot Portugese ruins, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana, a church,a temple and even a synagogue.

Situated at the confluence of the Karli River and the Arabian Sea at Devbag, Tarkarli is ideal for tourists, wishing to get away from the humdrum city life. There are tall Shuru trees in the background, which present a panoramic view. The wide river, the beautiful sail boats and the tiny wonderful islands hamlets situated on the river bank, add to the picturesque beauty of Tarkarli.

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