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Beaches      
Alibaug-Kihim beach
Murud-Janjira
Hari Hareshwar
Alibag, Dist. Raigad Top

Mandwa and Kihim Beach Tal. Alibaug, Dist. Raigad

You will find these two beach fronts 12 miles north of Alibag on the north coast and easily accessible from Mumbai. Mandwa is a beautiful, untrodden beach. On a clear day one can enjoy a long, breathtaking view across the bay, up to the Gateway of India. Mandwa village too, has a charm of its own -- with its beautiful groves of coconut palms.

Plan an unusual tent holiday nearby at Kihim. Unspoilt and isolated, this beautiful place has a soothing effect on all city dwellers. For the nature lover, Kihim has a lot to offer: woods brimming with wild flowers and rare butterflies and birds.

Worth visiting is the Kolaba Fort, just a furlong away from the shore. 15 kms from Alibag is Chaul, an historic place with Portuguese ruins, Buddhist Caves, the Hamam Khana, a church, a temple and even a synagogue.

  Getting there   

By Air : Nearest Air Port Mumbai 
By Sea : NIt is accessible by boats and road. There is regular ferry service between the Gateway of India and Mandwa Jetty. For Kihim, one can take an auto-rickshaw or bus further onwards. 
By road : Kihim is 136 kms from Mumbai.

Murud - Janjira Fort

MURUD - JANJIRA

Formerly the capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, Murud is today popular for its alluring beach, whispering casurina, coconut and betel palms and an ancient fort. On a hillock to the north is the shrine of Lord Dattatreya, the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.

Battered on all four sides by sea waves, its strong walls yet standing intact and 40 feet high even at full tide is the majestic island fortress of the Siddis -- Murud-Janjira. Never conquered by an enemy for over 350 years since its construction by the Ahmednagar rulers under the supervision of their regent Malik Ambar in the 15th century, Murud-Janjira is probably the only impregnable fort on the 720 km Maharashtra coastline.
Neither the Portuguese nor the British could subjugate the fort. And the Marathas, despite their repeated attempts failed to subjugate the Siddi power.

The palace of the Nawab and the Janjira Caves are also a must for the tourist. And just a few kilometres away are two undiscovered beaches: Nandgaon and Kashid. Nandgaon is famous for its Ganapati temple and the annual fair held in honour of ths elephant-headed god every February.

Here you shall discover the charms of an island fortress. The beach is clear and spacious, fringed with palm trees. The fortress is 300 years old, an architectural marvel-in fact, once upon a time considered to be impregnable.

Hotels: The MTDC Resort on the beach offers comfortable accommodation and wonderful cuisine.

Accommodation - Hotels

  Getting there   

By Air : Nearest airport is Mumbai, 165 kms.
By Rail : Nearest railhead is Panvel, 122 kms.
By Road : Mumbai - Murud via Revdanda, 165 kms. Pune - Murud via Mahad, 230 kms. Alibag - Murud, 52 kms.

State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Pune to Murud.
Hari-Harihareshwar Beach
Hari-Harihareshwar Dist. Raigad.

Gentle winds, soft sands and inviting waters make Shriwardhan Bay irresistible to beach lovers. And if one relishes sea-food, there is no dearth of delicacies to sample here. The adventuerers can even take a small boat to the north side of the bay and explore a land where the "Peshwas" or prime ministers of the Maratha Kingdom, Originally resides. The "Peshwas Smarak" is of interest to most people who visit Shriwardhan.

The town of Harihareshwar, known for its tranquil and picturesque beach is also landmarked by Kalbhairav - the Shiva temple. 
  Getting there   

By Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai 215 kms.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Mangaon on Konkan Railway.
By Road: Mumbai-Harihareshwar 230 kms. via Mumbai-Panvel-Mangaon-Gregaon phata on Mumbai-Goa highway. Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar 20 kms. Bagmandala-Harihareswar 4 kms.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Nearest airport is Mumbai.
Road: 20 kms from Alibag by road