What’s life without a stroll on a beach? You bet! Yes, we all love mountains but aren’t we somewhere a beach person too?
With proximity to Mumbai and Pune, Kashid beach has emerged as a perfect weekend gateway to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. This beach is a one-stop spot for everyone looking out for adventure, serenity and peace. The Konkan coastline stretch offers an amazing view of cliffs, rocks, seashells and golden shimmering sand.
How to Reach
Nearest Airport
Chattarpati Shivaji International airport (140 kms)
Mumbai
Nearest Railway Station
The Roha Railway Station (46 kms)
Panvel (64 kms)
AC and non AC ferries from Mumbai Gateway of India to Mandava jetty and then take bus till Alibag (cost included in ferry ticket) From Alibag you can easily get shared tempo or mini bus till kashid. |
Regular buses by MTDC and MSRTC between Mumbai Central and Murud, halt at Kashid and takes around 5 hours to reach.
From Mumbai (125kms)
Vashi – Panvel – Pen – Alibaug – Kashid
From Pune (183kms)
Mumbai Express way – Lonavala – Pen – Alibaug – Kashid
By Ferry
AC and non AC ferries from Mumbai Gateway of India to Mandava jetty and then take bus till Alibag (cost included in ferry ticket) From Alibag you can easily get shared tempo or mini bus till kashid.
By Bus
Regular buses by MTDC and MSRTC between Mumbai Central and Murud, halt at Kashid and takes around 5 hours to reach.
By Cab
From Mumbai (125kms)
Vashi – Panvel – Pen – Alibaug – Kashid
From Pune (183kms)
Mumbai Express way – Lonavala – Pen – Alibaug – Kashid
Best Time To Visit
Winters (Oct to Feb) are the best season to visit Kashid beach. Early mornings and nights can be chilly, don’t forget to pack some warm clothes. Stargazing at winter nights and late evening strolls are best experienced in this season.
Monsoon (July to Aug) – The weather is pleasant and rainy, still a better time to visit than summer seasons. However, the water is highly unstable and you cannot swim. All water sports remain closed too.
Summer (Mar to June) – It’s really hot and humid during the day but evenings are quite pleasant due to the sea breeze. The beaches are less crowded and water sports are cheaper too. If you are planning to visit in summer, please make sure to keep sunglasses and a good sunscreen to protect yourself.
Where to Stay
You can find plenty of homestays and cottages here offering homely cooked Maharashtrian food. Furthermore, there are few luxury resorts as well and apart from that a lot of local people let out their makeshift shacks and rooms.
Well, I was looking for a quiet place near the beach and luckily found this European style newly constructed wooden cabins resort. Guys, it is actually into the woods and so rustic. I really liked this property and all the arrangements are beyond expectation. Above all, their hospitality was amazing!
Click here to Book this Beautiful Property.
Things to do in Kashid
Beach Hopping
Isn’t it all about the beach when you are at a beach destination? Honestly, we can spend hours looking at the waves and relaxing on the shacks.
To begin with, there are various entry points to the coastline, the most popular one is Kashid beach. As you drive south, you can explore the other untouched hidden beaches.
For all water sports activities
Head straight to Kashid beach. The charge is usually 1000 INR for all water sports but you can bargain and try to get a decent deal. It’s much cheaper during the summers.
For some serene experience
Let’s admit it, during weekends Kashid beach can get too crowded, you can skip this beach and explore the peaceful Chikani beach which is just 3km south to Kashid.
Since my stay offered me a less famous entry to the beach, I used to visit Chikani Beach early mornings and late evenings. It almost felt like some private beach. I strolled on the glittering sand beds till the Kashid beach and it was an experience of a lifetime. Honestly I was little afraid because there was literally no one as far as I could look (no picture here since it was dark) , just the enormous beach stretch and the sky.
As of now in Jan 2020 this really comes under the isolated beaches category. Remember the name – Chikani Beach, you can ask any local and they would be kind enough to tell you the way.
Okay and we have another secret beach (or less known) called Nandgaon Beach. Completely untouched and clean. To tell you the fact, this wasn’t in my plan, I was heading to Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary and caught a glimpse of the way to Nandgaon beach and couldn’t help myself stopping here for a while. This secluded beach is around 8 km south of Kashid Beach.
Korlai Fort Beach and Lighthouse
Korlai fort demonstrates the rich history and dates back to 1521. No wonder, this is a Portuguese fortification surrounded by the lush green forest in the town of Korlai around 12 km from Kashid. There are total three entrance in this fort and the one from the western side is the easiest.
The path along the beach is just breath-taking in the evening however too narrow, so just be careful. You can park your vehicle near the lighthouse and enjoy a small trek towards the fort. It is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Moreover, the Korlai Lighthouse adds beauty to the overall experience of sea, sand and serenity. There is a nominal charge to enter the Lighthouse. Be careful while climbing through the narrow stairs to the top. You will be amazed by the stunning 360-degree view of the western ghats from the viewing balcony.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Roha is located at 13kms south from Kashid. You can easily club your beach holiday along with this wildlife sanctuary. Did you know there are 164 species of birds, 27 species of snakes and 710 species of plants (to name a few) here? Undoubtedly, Phansad is rich in flora and fauna.
Although a day trip is sufficient to get the forest feel however, if you would like to explore more, try staying at the dorm camps at this wildlife Sanctuary starting at 500 Rs. They have a restaurant as well with nominal rates for snacks and local meals. The staff at the Sanctuary was kind enough to show me around.
Relax and Unwind
Since we are talking about the leisure holiday, what’s better than simply doing nothing and appreciating nature and birds chirping. And guess what there are no wifi signals and mobile networks are weak too. You can very well feel the tranquillity and sound of nature!
- Murud Janjira Fort – 21.4 km
- Murud Beach – 16.5 km
- Nagaon Beach – 26 km
- Alibag Beach – 32.4 km
- Raigad Fort – 106 km
Things To Know Before You Go
- Weak mobile network/no wifi since you are near the shores of the Arabian Sea.
- Limited vegetarian options and no ‘a la carte’ service in the coastal area. The restaurants and food stalls can only offer local delicacies and thalis, and Maggie with tea/coffee. For seafood lovers this place is a paradise.
- Kashid and Chikani beaches have snacks and tea stalls whereas Nandgaon beach have none.
- Needless to say, you are at Kashid to unwind and relax but please please do not litter around. It breaks my heart to see plastic bottles, chips packets, beer bottles and what not just scattered and lying around the seashores.
I hope you have a great holiday at the Kashid and nearby beaches. Write to me in case you need any other detail. And if you liked my article or have any suggestions and feedback do leave a comment in the comment box.
Fascinating. Loved the way you shared the experience. I am yet to explore the beach I am more a hill-boy.
Thanks for a marvelous posting! I really enjoyed reading it. Very nicee!
Nice article beautiful photos and lovely bungalows. How can I book this?
I have been to Kashid so many times but never heard about Chikani or Nandgaon beaches and about food part, yes there are no proper restaurants, completely agree with you. Seems like you have done complete research. Very nice Deepika.
Lovely site for trip lovers…..nice work done here…
Such a detailed blog about Kashid,Just now read all your blogs.Amazing work Deepika (Thepeppygirl) and impressive interface too.
Great info… I can plan my trip better using your tips, and explore the places which we generally miss…