The Konkan coast is stretching south from Mumbai, relatively unspoilt. Empty beaches, backed by casuarinas, areca trees and coconut plantations, regularly slip in and out of view, framed by the distant Ghats, while the little fortified towns preserve a distinct coastal culture, with its own dialect of Marathi and fiery cuisines. The number of rivers and estuaries slicing the coast meant that for years this little explored area was difficult to navigate, but the Konkan railway, which winds inland between Mumbai and Kerala via Goa, now renders it easily accessible.

The little explored fringe of beaches, green paddy fields, heaped up hills and decrepit clifftop forts are some of the facets of Konkan that well suit those travelers who desperately want to beat the regular tracks. Though the place is not much easy way to paved on. The biggest problem is accommodation, which is scarce, the food is monotonous, transport is painfully slow and locals are not habituated with foreign travelers.

There are ferry service from the Gateway Of India in Mumbai to Rewas from where you have to a get a local bus that trundles through the coastal villages from Alibag to Murud. Most direct buses from Mumbai Central take five hours. The town has handful of restaurants and few hotels. Also, there is always have an option to stay in some of the villager’s house.

Sights And Activities

The first interesting place to break the journey south is the quiet port of Murad – Janjira 165 km south of Mumbai. The place holds plenty of attractive wood built houses, some brightly painted and fronted by pillared verandas. The gently shelving beach is wide and safe for swimming, though the sand is cleaner and softer 3 km north in Kashid.

A couple of Kilometers south, an imposing sis tenth century fort, built on an island in the river, was one of the few the Marathas failed to penetrate. You can reach it by local hodka boat from the jetty at the southern end of town – an excellent excursion. Fine views of the bay and surrounding countryside are to be had from the hilltop Dattatreya Temple, sporting an Islamic style tower but dedicated to the triple headed comprising Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

The only way to reach Janjira is by local boat from Rajpuri Port about 5 km south of Murad. Boats depart in the early morning to 6 pm daily. There are other option as well such as either you can take an auto rickshaw or hire a bicycle from the small shop opposite the mid road shrine on Darbar Rd, Murud main beach road. There is nothing much in Murud except plenty of time to laid back in white sand or to peer through the gates of the off limits Amedganj Palace, estate of the Siddhi Nawab of Murud. There are also a clear and quiet beach just 2 km from Murud, always a great place to avoid crowd and clamor.