Feb 26, 2004 04:52 PM
22601 Views
(Updated Feb 26, 2004 04:52 PM)
Kashid is one of the best beaches that I have visited, in fact it is my favuorite weekend getaway. I am professional working in Mumbai and like to escape the hustle bustle of Mumbai by visiting place around Mumbai.
Besides Kashid, I have been to a number of places in the vicinity of Mumbai and these include, Murud, Kihim, Harihareshwar, Utan, Ganpatipule, Bhandaradara, Lonavala-Khandala, Saputara, Kolad, Nashik, Deolali, Igatpuri etc.
Of all the places I liked Kashid the best, though Ganpatipule is more beautiful but very far (400 kms as 130 for Kashid). ConsequneltyI have been to Kashid 6 times in the last 3 years. Below I describe some details which will be of use to fellow travellers:
How-to get there
Kashid is very easy to dirve down from Mumbai - just 130 kms. Mumbai - Panvel - Vadkhal - Alibuag - Revdanda-Kashid. In the abve route except for the Alibaug Revdanda stretch ther road is very good and typically a 3-4 hrs of drive gets you to Kashid.
If you like driving then another route is to proceed after Vadkhal on the Goa highway till Kolad and then turn-off to Roha and from Roha take State Highway to Murud and then from Murud proceed to Kashid.
One can also go to Kashid via steamers to Mandwa Jetty and ST Buses but have never used this option and therefore cannot giver further details, but I believe that travelling by your own vehicle is the best option.
Places to Stay:
The first couple of times I stayed in Kashid Beach Resort and PRakruti both of which are good but are very far away from the beach. Also they are a tad expensive and bit on the artificial side.
Suman resorts has the best location but its no liquor policy can be a deterent for many.
Last 4 times I have stayed with locals and for people who like adventure this is a good option. I would recommend Sagar Toursit Resort as a very good option. This is managed by Deepak Khopkar and his wife both of whom are firendly. The arrangement is that they give you the complete house - one hall and 2 small bedrooms and a toilet and bath. This place is less than 1/2 km from the beach around 200 mtrs from Suman resorts. The house is in a plot which is full of coconut and areca nut plants and is really homely. The food served by Mrs Khopkar is traditional but nonetheless very tasty. Also it should be noted that the Khopkars have a separate house in the village where they stay and sot you have complete privacy. However, there is one man friday by the name of Vinod who is there throughout the day and night t help you with anything that you may require.
Another similar place is Seatocuh Cottage. In case you need any details of these places feel free to ask me.
Places of Interest
Besides the beach which is very good and sparsely populated the other places worth a visit are Light house, the Murud Fort and the Birla temple. So what are you waiting for ...
