Location : Maharashtra, west India
Major Beaches : Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, Harnai Beach
Best time to Visit : Throughout the year


About Maharashtra Beaches
The west Indian state of Maharashtra boasts of a 720 km long coastline that extends from Dahanu in the north to Goa in the south. Some of the most enchanting beaches situated along this huge area provides immense opportunities of fun and repose for the tourists. Visitors here are often spoilt for choice from amongst the plethora of opportunities such as exciting water sports, sun bathing on the velvety sands, exploring the wealth of historic monuments, temples, churches and plenty of other magnificent attractions.

Famous Beaches in Maharashtra
Bassein Beach
Bassein is a tiny village steeped in history. An erstwhile Portuguese colony, the city was destroyed by the Marathas in 1739 and since then houses the ruins of an ancient world that speaks of its glorious past. The beautiful beach at Bassein used to be a famous ship building yard during the 17th century and is today an enchanting place for tourists to get away from the bustle of the big cities. Other attractions in the region include the Nalsopara village, which is believed to be Gautama Buddha's birth place in a previous life, and a number of other ancient churches.

Juhu Beach
Situated in Mumbai, Juhu beach is one of the most popular hangout spots in the state of Maharashtra. The beach remains calm during the day and slowly starts to pulsate in the evening with crowds pouring in to participate in the plethora of opportunities on offer such as having a leisurely walk with the cool breeze blowing from across the sea, relishing a spicy snack and just having a good time. Other attractions in the vicinity include the ISKCON temple and the Prithvee theater.

Madh Island Beach
Located in the suburbs of Mumbai, Madh Island is a beautiful place where most of the upper class urbanites of Mumbai reside. The place is dotted with numerous enchanting beaches which become a venue for many a happening beach parties where most of the city's famous people show up. Though there are not many opportunities of swimming or other water sports, the beaches here are excellent to get away from the large crowds of Mumbai.

Chowpatty Beach
Chowpatty Beach is the only beach in central Mumbai. There are plenty of attractions at the beach including fast food stalls selling 'bhelpuri' (a snack made of puffed rice mixed with finely cut vegetables), Kulfi (ice cream) and other local food. The beach becomes the centre of attraction at the time of festivals such as 'Nariel Purnima' and Ganesh Chaturthi'. A nearby attraction is the Nana-Nani park meant for senior citizens.

Harnai Beach
The serene and beautiful Harnai beach is situated at a distance of about 200 km from Mumbai. The beach here is palm fringed and boasts of silvery sands and clear waters, which is safe for swimming and other exciting water sports. Another attraction nearby is an ancient fort built in three different levels.