Konkan, also known as the Konkan Coast, is a rugged section of the western coastline of India. It is bounded by the Western Ghats mountain range (also known as Sahyadri) in the east, the Arabian Sea in the west, the Daman Ganga River in the north and the Gangavalli River in the south. Kokan division of Maharashtra contains 4 major districts:
Raigad
Ratnagiri (Blog coming soon)
Sindhudurg (Blog coming soon)
Kokan is all about its coastline and beaches. The sandy golden beaches with crystal clear ocean are the main attractions for all the travelers. Konkan beaches are not typical beaches which are most crowded. You will find peace and relaxation on many of the Konkan beaches. Let's explore the Kokan region within the Raigad district in this blog.
Mode of Travel:
Personal vehicle (two-wheeler or four-wheeler) is the best option to explore the Raigad. Public transport is not reliable in terms of frequency, comfort and timings. You will end up loosing more time waiting for ride and also for most of the places you need to hire a private rickshaw which will cost you more. The total distance covered during the the trip will be around 400-450 km in the course of 4 days.
Best Time to Visit:
Winter (October to February): This is the best time for visit Raigad beaches since the weather stays pleasant. This allows the visitors to indulge in water sports and ample availability of food and stay options.
Monsoon (July to September): Since Maharashtra’s coastal regions experience heavy rainfall in the monsoon season, visiting beaches might not be a good idea.
Summer (March to June): Summers are harsh in and around Kokan region. Hence, it is not a advised time to visit.
Budget:
Considering 5 people are travelling by car, per head budget required will be around Rs. 7,500
Transportation (Petrol for 500 KM) - Rs. 750
Parking, Toll and Ferry Charges - Rs. 250
Revdanda Camping Charges - Rs. 1000
2 Day Accommodation Charges - Minimum Rs. 1500
Food and Drinks for 4 Days (Rs. 750 per day) - Rs. 3000
Water Sports Combo Package - Rs. 1000
Summary of 4 Day Itinerary:
Day 1 : Mumbai - Harihareshwar Beach - Diveagar Beach Hotel Check-in
Day 2 : Murud Janjira Fort - Kashid Beach Stroll- Revdanda Beach Camping
Day 3 : Nagaon Beach Sport - Kihim Beach Hotel Check-in
Day 4 : Boardwalk by Flamboyante / Sunbath at Beach - Back to Mumbai
Day 1:
Harihareshwar Beach is the last beach of Raigad District and we will start our tour from this beach towards Alibaug (first beach of Raigad from Mumbai). It is about 170 km from Mumbai (Vashi Plaza). The road is under construction and rough so it will take you close to 6 hours including the stops for food and photoshoots. You should start early from Mumbai at around 6 am. You must take a stop before and on Mandad Bridge for below photogenic location.
You will reach Harihareshwar at around 1 pm. You can have lunch before visiting the temple or after depends on your preference. The Kalbhairav - Yogeshwari Temple, interesting thing about this temple is you can do a long parikrama which goes throguh a a narrow (just 3 feet) passage - between two rocky mountains. This is also know as Ganesh Gully. At the end of the gully, there is an idol of Lord Ganesh atop the revered niche which is usually submerged 30 feet in water. When the tide is low, it is said that tourists can catch a glimpse of the idol. Also, this gully later goes closest to the sea and a beautiful location for some outstanding clicks. Be aware of rocks as they are very slippery.
Harihareshwar, Srivardhan and Diveagar beaches are in close proximity. Harihareshwar is famous for the temple which we have covered, Srivardhan is uncrowded and with limited activities, Diveagar is the happening one which is our next stop and stay for the day. Diveagar is 40 km away from the temple and will take 1 hour to reach. Lots of options for stay from budget to leisure, all are opposite to adjacent road to beach. All the resorts are more like 'wadi' form and Kokan environment. Covered under supari or coconut trees. Many resorts or hotels are not beach front properties, but walking distance from beach. Check-in to your hotel and head directly to beach for sunset. Spend the night with bonfire and authentic kokani food (specially sea food dishes). If you prefer to drink, I suggest you carry the same from Mumbai as here you need to pay extra and not everything is available.
Day 2:
Early morning wake up call. You need to reach nearby Dighi Port (15 km) to catch ferry to Janjira. The first ferry leaves Dighi from morning 7:30 a.m. and the service is continuous and you can reach Murud - Janjira Fort from the drop location in around 20 min. The ride is safe and the also carries two-wheeler and four wheeler at a reasonable price.
The majestic Murud Janjira fort is a wonderful depiction of the royal past. It is situated on an oval-shaped rock off the Arabian Sea coast and completely surrounded by sea water. Visitors can gain access to the Janjira fort from Rajapuri, a small village on the coast. You need to buy the ticket from the counter and there is always a huge queue (specially on holidays / weekends). Car Parking is available near to counter. This is the reason you need to catch first ferry to beat the crowd.
Next stop is Kashid Beach (20 km). The beach is stretched across 3 km and famous for its beautiful white colour sand. It is one of the cleanest beaches in north Konkan. You need not go in water. Just take a stroll on the beach and enjoy your food and drinks at the shacks. Though alcohol is not allowed on the beach, but there are ways to manage.
After sunset, move on to your night stay at Revdand Beach. This beach hosts the only night camping in Raigad district on the beach. You can find out about the booking and more details on Liveb4youdie Beach Camping website. Live Acoustics, Movie Screening by the beach, Beach-side Camping Under The Stars, BBQ, Bonfire, Stargazing and Night Walk on the beach. This will be one of the night to remember.
Day 3:
After morning refreshment at the campsite, you move to the Nagoan Beach (10 km). This is the first full amenity beach from Mumbai for all kinds of water sports (parasailing, banana ride, bumpy ride, jet ski, etc). And this is the reason it is always crowded. You can enjoy the water sports early morning before the sun heating up. Nagaon beach is also famous for photo-shoots amidst the trees and fog. After water sports, you can have a lunch at nearby local food joints and move towards Alibaug City for finding your stay for the day.
Alibaug has three beaches, Alibaug, Versoli and Kihim. Alibaug is the beach close to the city center and you can guess it is definitely not going to be clean. Versoli (4 km), still close the the city and limited options for stay. Last is Kihim (12 km), famous for dense coconut trees and incredible white sand with distinct types of shells scattered all over. Kihim also has some leisure stay options. You can spend the last sunset of the trip at Kihim beach.
Day 4:
After check-out you have two options. First option, go the the Mandhwa Port (13 km) where you can have a lavish brunch at Boardwalk by Flamboyante. This is the 0ne of the top rated beach-side restaurant. Brodwalk is the place where an all-white charming restaurant set against the Arabian Sea beckons you. You can spend your afternoon here with their mouthwatering food and drinks. You need to book this place before a week and will cost you around Rs. 2000 per head. Now, if you are from Town / Bandra / Andheri there is a good news for you. Mumbai-Mandwa Ro-Ro service has started from Feb 2020 and you can just dock here at Mandhwa and be at Gateway of India within an hour. (Photo Source: Boardwalk By Flamboyante)
Second option is head back to Alibaug City. Visit the Alibaug Fort at the beach. Taste one last time an authentic Kokani style sea-food (which you don't get in Mumbai) at Mejvani or Fulora restaurant. Ice cream thali at Kiga with marathi flavors of puranpoli, modak, til-gudh, etc and different flavors of Paan at Mast Banarasi Paan shop. If you are from Navi Mumbai / Thane, then roadway is the best way to reach Mumbai before sunset.
#beach #sunbath #kokan #mumbai #kokanbeach #raigad #alibaug #kashid #murudjanjira #harihareshwar #beachcamping #beachwalk #kokanistyle #seafood