Lonavala, Khandala, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, some popular weekend getaways from Pune, are passe. So, where do Puneites go for a weekend break? We decided to take the lead and find out for ourselves — my eight friends and I — our very own version of an escape from the city. At 170 km, and under a four-hour drive, with a three-kilometre beachline Kashid sounded like our kind of place under the sun. We packed our bags and left early in the morning to have as much of the never-ending waves of the Arabian Sea and the glorious warmth of the sun. When we reached Kashid, the sky was clear and there was no threat of high tide, and water sports were on in full swing. Apart from just lying down on the sand and enjoying the sun with a chilled drink in your hand, water sports is the main attraction of this place. Kashid isn’t exactly on tourists’ must visit list, so tariffs and cost of water sports seemed surprisingly high to us. But a good bargain never hurt anybody, and we put on our charming best to muscle a good place for ourselves as well as get a bargain on all the three water sports — the water scooter, banana boat ride and the tube for about INR 400 per person.
Kashid is a beautiful amalgamation of some of the most wonderful gifts of nature. From rice fields, blue seas, white sand, green mountains, to flowing streams and lakes, it has got it all. There are several historical and architecturally rich places in Kashid. The Murud-Janjira Fort is situated on an oval-shaped rock off the Arabian Sea coast near the port town of Murud, and is considered one of the strongest marine forts in India. The fort is approached by sailboats from Rajapuri jetty. The Nawab Palace, also known as Ahmedganj Palace, constructed in 1885, depicts Gothic and Mughal architectural styles. It has a beautiful mosque and tombs within its premises. But apart from the shacks on the beach selling bun-omelette, maggi, egg bhurji, and the like, and the restaurant in your hotel, Kashid doesn’t offer any eating joints. Before we knew it, we were on our way back to Pune. But every minute of our time spent in Kashid was beautiful captured by our camera lens, and that is what we shall always cherish.
How to reach:
By air: The nearest airport is at Mumbai, 160 km away, and at Pune, 170 km away.
By rail: The nearest railway station is at Thane, 135 km away.
By road: Online bus bookings are available for Alibaug from Mumbai and Thane, and from Pune. From Alibaug, buses for Murud halt at Kashid village.
Accommodation Available
Some good resorts to stay at include Kashid Beach Resort, Mauli Resort, Sun N Sea Beach Resort, Tropicana Resort, Prakruti Resort, Sand Piper Resort, and Radisson Blu Resort & Spa — Alibaug (30 km from Kashid).
About the Author
Jigyasha is an avid weekend traveller who also loves to read a book or two on her way. Second love: Theatre
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