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Maharashtra

Weekend Getaways from Mumbai for Some Fun

By: Neha Mathur

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Mumbai prides itself on a fast-paced life, a buzzing cosmopolitan spirit and an urban giant attracting many people to live and work in. There are times, however, when one needs to step away from the overwhelming speed at which Mumbai lives move. There are plenty of weekend getaway options for the city's residents, and blessed with the coastal location, many of them are awesome beach destinations, which attracts visitors from the country and the world.

Here are 10 relaxing beach destinations for a quick weekend getaway from Mumbai:

1. Alibaug

A quick getaway from Mumbai, without driving endlessly. Grab your vehicle, and head to this awesome beach destination for a rejuvenating weekend. If you don’t fancy a drive, take a catamaran from The Gateway of India in Mumbai to Mandva, closest jetty from Alibag. This coastal town offers ample beach options, some delectable Maharashtrian cuisine, a thick cover of coconut trees, a tryst with history at Alibag Fort, and much more! Alibaug is a convenient solution for the beach lover!

Distance from Mumbai: 92 km


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2. Dahanu

As you escape the city in search of a good beach destination, head to Dahanu, which surprises you with its ancient history, its idyllic beaches and its earthy Maharashtrian culture. With plenty of homestay options, Dahanu will be easy on your pocket, and offer a wholesome beach experience. Also visit the Chikoo orchards, for which the little town is known for.

Distance from Mumbai: 141 km

3. Bordi

A short scenic drive from Dahanu lies the pristine beachfront of Bordi. Bordi beaches are quiet, serene hamlets, with gusts of winds, and overall calmness in the salty air. Take some time to stroll along the idyllic beaches, stop at food stalls for local food and enjoy a swim in the clean water. A drive along the coast to Dahanu is one of the most beautiful drives you’ll ever embark upon. Mumbaikars looking for a relaxing beach holiday would surely love Bordi!

Distance from Mumbai: 157 km

4. Daman and Diu

Daman and Diu were under Portuguese occupation for more than 450 years and this has left an indelible mark on the two districts. A quick road trip from Mumbai will get you to this pristine beach destination. Daman’s Devka beach is the number one tourist attraction in the area. The beach itself is quite lovely but not safe for swimming. If you fancy a swim, head to Jampore beach 3 kilometres south of Daman. The other attraction in Daman is the 17th-century St. Jerome Fort on the north side of the Daman Ganga River.

Distance from Mumbai: 177 km

5. Ratnagiri

A port city on the Western Coast of India, Ratnagiri prides itself for its historic monuments, ancient places of worship and beautiful beaches. A unique black sand beach, Mandvi, will definitely capture your interest. Home to the Alphonso mangoes, Ratnagiri boasts of local art and culture, and embodies the true spirit of Maharashtra intermingled with influences from the Konkan heritage. Visit the town for an escape from Mumbai’s fast lifestyle, to a simpler way of life.

Distance from Mumbai: 336 km

6. Tarkarli

This serene Maharashtrian village is for the traveller looking for some quiet time away from Mumbai’s busy lifestyle. Sit back, on the quiet sandy beach, and gaze into the deep blue sea. When you’re done with the quiet time, you could indulge in some thrilling water sports, take a boat ride along the narrow tiny hamlets, and spot dolphins as they playfully ride the waves.

Distance from Mumbai: 481 km

7. Gokarna

Gokarna is an increasingly popular destination for beach lover. With many popular and untouched beaches, this destination offers a variety of beach experiences to the traveller. Of these, Om Beach is the most famous. Shaped like a well-rounded ‘W’ looking like the Om symbol, this secluded beach was a hideout first discovered by European tourists. Plenty of iron ore rocks are sprinkled along the magnificent coastline making the Arabian Sea a tad choppy. Bathing in it is a lot of fun as there are many unexpected waves.

Distance from Mumbai: 722 km


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8. Goa

Mumbai’s favourite beach getaway, Goa has well over 25 amazing beaches ranging from the full-of-life party destinations to the serene and peaceful ones. North Goa offers sprightly beaches like Baga, Calangute, Anjuna and Arambol, that necklace the northern coastline with tons of shacks buzzing with life. South Goa is rather mellow, with serene beaches like Colva, Palolem and Galgibaga (famous as a nesting ground for Olive Ridley turtles). Really worth paying a visit if you are looking for some peace and quiet.

Distance from Mumbai: 587 km


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9. Kashid

Kashid is a beach town on the coast of the Arabian Sea, which attracts visitors from Mumbai for some of the best beaches in the Konkan region. Kashid beach gets its share of weekend travellers, due to the proximity to Mumbai and the relaxing quick holidays that it offers. Beaches with high waves, little cottage homestays, and delicious Konkan cuisine to indulge in, make Kashid the ideal destination for a reboot holiday.

Distance from Mumbai: 135 km

10. Murud Harnai

The seaside twin villages of Harnai and Murud fall in the Ratnagiri district. The milky white sea-shore deserves a special mention for its untouched pristine surroundings, its distinctive sea forts of Suvarnadurg, Kanakdurg and the experience of traditional Konkan lifestyle. Anjarle beach is one of the main attractions for weekend travellers, and attracts a regular inflow of visitors from Mumbai. Visit the scenic location of Kelshi, surrounded by hills on three sides and the ocean on one side, and enjoy the tranquillity of the quaint coastal villages.

Distance from Mumbai: 225 km