Mumbai’s coastline is dotted with beaches. They are untouched and pristine. Marine Drive, Juhu Chowpatty, Marve and Madh beaches are extremely popular among the city people and tourists. The economy of the villages around the beaches runs on tourism, with a strong focus on small family businesses and small scale industries.
There are five relatively unknown beaches that are perfect for a day trip where you can have a picnic with the family or even stay overnight if you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Rajodi Beach
A clean beach with fun water sports, Rajodi Beach is not as famous as the nearby Arnala Beach. Good for a day trip, there are resorts and beach houses nearby if you decide to stay the night. Many adventure groups also host camping trips on the beach that include barbecues and stargazing. If you are fond of photography, do visit this place as you will not leave disappointed. This is one of the places in Mumbai where you can learn and practice surfing.
How to reach: Located in Virar towards the northern part of Mumbai, you can drive to this beach. Alternatively, you can take the Western local train and get down at Virar station. From there, board a rickshaw or take a BEST bus to the nearest bus stop.
Dahanu Beach
Spread over 17 km, this beach is in Palghar taluka and is very clean and safe. It has many sapota plantations and the economy of this seaside town is dependent on tourism. Many small and local businesses selling pickles, papads, traditional spices and honey are found here. Despite being relatively unknown, Dahanu Beach sees a steady flow of tourists and has a fair number of accommodation options that are close to the beach. It is Mecca for the Parsi community and has a grand temple.
How to Travel: The best way to reach Dahanu beach is if you have your own vehicle as it gives you the freedom to stop by the roadside and reach the beach. If you don’t have your own vehicle, fear not, a short local train journey will also take you there. You arrive at a bustling city center where there are many public transportation options like taxis, auto rickshaws and even buses. You can also book a private cab.
Kelva Beach
When you reach this beach, the first thing that welcomes you is a dense forest of palm trees, which opens towards an eight kilometer long beach. The best time to visit this beach is in the morning or on weekdays as it is free for any tourist. Unlike other beaches, which are filled with many huts or eateries, Kelwa Beach is clean and the water flows clear, which is rare in the city.
How to travel: Take a train to Kelve Road station and an auto rickshaw to the beach. Alternatively, you can also get down at Palghar station and board a shared eight-seater rickshaw to the beach. You can also take a bus or travel by private transport.
Uran Beach
Located in Navi Mumbai, this beach is towards the outskirts of the city. It is also known as Pirwari Beach and is one of the best kept secrets of the city. This fishing village is one of the largest rice producing areas. It is a peninsular beach which means it is surrounded by water on three sides. While the beach is the main attraction, there are also several temples in the surrounding area that you can visit. If you stand on the edge of Uran beach you will be able to see what looks like a city, which is the city of Mumbai, from a distance.
How to Travel: You can reach Uran by boat starting from Gateway of India. You can also travel by train to Karjat or Panvel and take a public bus to the beach. Alternatively, you can also drive to the beach.
Murud Beach
This beach is famous for a fort which is built on an island in the middle of the sea. Murud-Janjira Fort can be reached during low tide or by boat. It was built in the 15th century by Emperor Malik Ambar, the ruler of Ahmednagar. The beach itself offers some water sports including paragliding.
How to Travel: To reach Murud Beach in Alibaug, you can use a RO-RO or take a ferry from the Gateway of India. Once you reach Mandwa Ghat, there are many local Kali-Pili available which you can take to your destination at a fixed rate.
