The 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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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).

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.

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.