Beaches in Maharashtra

Maharashtra a perfect amalgamation of sun, sand and surf over 720-km along the Arabian Sea extending from Dahanu and Bordi in the north up to Goa proceeding southwards. With a plethora of beaches it provides a coastline for exciting water sports, sun bathing on golden sands, exploring grand fortresses, temples, and churches and discovering tiny, remote villages. The coastal climate of Maharashtra makes travelling pleasant all round the year. Mumbai is blessed with many beaches in its vicinity. Juhu Beach, Arangal Beach, Marve Beach, Madh Island Beach, Manori Beach, Gorai Beach Arnala Beach, Bordi Beach, Alibag Beach, Kihim Beach and Murud-Janjira Beach are some of the popular ones.

:: Bassein Beach	:: Mandwa Kihim	:: Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar
:: Dahanu-Bordi Beach	:: Marine Drive-Chowpatty	:: Tarkarli Beach
:: Ganapatipule Beach	:: Marve-Manori-Gorai	:: Velneshwar Beach
:: Juhu Beach	:: Murud Janjira	:: Vengurla-Malvan Beach

:: Bassein Beach 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. 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. Bassein is famous for the several beautiful churches Portuguese architectural style.

:: Dahanu-Bordi Beach an Endless Stretch Of Sand And Surf Dahanu-Bordi, a 17 kms long with a beautiful seaside is situated in Thane district. Dahanu is famous for fruit orchards and chickoos. Accessible from Dahanu is Udwada - the 'Mecca of the Zoroastrians' - with a large, beautiful temple which houses their sacred fire.

:: Ganapatipule Beach known for its serene sedate beach, Ganapatipule is famous pilgrim centre known for its 400-year-old temple dedicated to Swayambhu Ganpati or 'naturally formed' monolithic Ganesh. The entire stretch is blanketed by fresh greens with a variety of shades.

:: Juhu Beach located 18-km north of the city centre, Juhu is an arresting beach on the shores of Arabian sea and is one of the ritzy localities of Mumbai where one can find luxurious buildings of the famous film personalities. Weekends and weekday afternoons there are horse and donkey rides, dancing monkeys, acrobats, cricket matches, toy sellers and every other type of Indian beach entertainment.

:: Mandwa Kihim Beach this beautiful and clean beach is located north of Alibag on the north coast. Searching for quite surroundings, the nearby Kihim beach with its unspoilt and isolated ambience is a lovely place. 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.

:: Marine Drive-Chopwpatty Beach is situated in the heart of Mumbai and has got rich historical link ups with the freedom movement. Marine Drive located in the central Mumbai, built in the 1920s and 1930s on land reclaimed from the sea, is Mumbai's most famous thoroughfare. It is also referred to as "Queen's Necklace" because of the dramatic line of street lamps lit up at night. In fact, the day here is calm and quiet , but in the evening Chowpatty develops a magical atmosphere and is a favourite meeting place for courting couples, political rallies and families keen to enjoy the fresh air.