Weekend getaway from Mumbai · #8 of 10
Kashid & Murud-Janjira
White-sand Kashid beach plus the unconquered island fort of Murud-Janjira, reached by sailboat from Rajapuri jetty. Add the Phansad bird sanctuary for a quieter Konkan weekend than Alibaug.
Ditch Alibaug's chaotic crowds for a quieter, sun-kissed stretch of the Konkan coast. Think sparkling white-sand swims in Kashid, sailing out to the legendary unconquered island fort of Janjira, and drifting into the serene hush of Phansad. It is two days of slow-paced bliss, mostly on foot or by boat, with just a drive at each end.
Getting there
This runs all year and takes your car, helping you bypass the dreaded Panvel-Alibaug traffic. Just brace yourself for an extra 30 to 45 minutes if you hit the Friday evening rush at the docks.
Your best bet if you do not want to stress about ferry schedules. Just watch out for the weekend bottleneck crawl when passing through Alibaug town.
Day 1 - Forts on the way in, Kashid beach by afternoon
Uncover crumbly Portuguese ruins along the coast road before sinking into Kashid's pristine white sands- 17:00 AMDrive
Drive south along the Konkan coast road
Beat the weekend rush by hitting the road early. The scenic drive past Panvel and Alibaug winds along shimmering creeks and vast salt pans for most of the journey down.
📍 Panvel, Maharashtra
Tip · Roll out of Mumbai by 7 AM sharp to glide right past the notorious Panvel bottleneck.
- 210:30 AMSight
Korlai Fort and lighthouse
Perched on a dramatic headland with waves crashing on three sides, this old Portuguese fort features a cool working lighthouse and stunning, endless coastal views.
📍 Korlai Fort, Revdanda
Tip · There is zero shade on the quick walk up, so try to reach before the midday sun gets too intense.
- 311:30 AMSight
Revdanda Beach and fort ruins
Wild, overgrown Portuguese ruins sit right on a quiet beach. Look closely at the crumbling sea walls tucked under green plantations and you will still spot ancient cannon holes.
📍 Revdanda Beach, Revdanda
- 41:00 PMFood
Check in and seafood lunch in Kashid
Drop your bags and head to the shacks on the beach approach road. Order the local classic: crispy fried fish, steaming rice, and tangy, refreshing sol kadhi.
📍 Kashid, Maharashtra
Tip · Lock in your Kashid stay early. Those coveted spots right on the beach get snatched up fast for weekends.
- 53:00 PMActivity
Kashid Beach afternoon
This is easily one of Maharashtra's cleanest white-sand beaches. With swaying casuarina trees behind you and gentle waves, it is perfect for a lazy, long swim.
📍 Kashid Beach, Kashid
Tip · The undercurrent gets strong beyond the shallows, so play it safe and stay near the lifeguards.
- 66:00 PMSight
Sunset walk on Kashid Beach
As the crowds thin, the Arabian Sea gets painted in liquid gold. Take off your shoes and stroll barefoot as the cool evening breeze kicks in.
📍 Kashid Beach, Kashid
- 78:00 PMFood
Beach-shack dinner
Dig into more glorious Konkani seafood with the sound of crashing waves. Ask for the freshest daily catch, usually crispy bombil fry or tender surmai.
📍 Kashid, Maharashtra
Day 2 - Murud-Janjira and a quiet forest detour
Sail to a legendary, undefeated island fortress, then decompress in Phansad's wild forest before driving home- 87:30 AMDrive
Drive to Murud and Rajapuri jetty
Murud lies roughly 21 km south of Kashid. Cruise straight down to Rajapuri jetty to beat the crowds waiting for the island fort boats.
📍 Rajapuri Jetty, Murud
- 98:30 AMActivity
Sailboat to Murud-Janjira Fort
Hop onto a wooden sailboat across bright turquoise waters. The island fort was cleverly designed so only a single hidden entrance allows boats to dock.
📍 Janjira Fort, Murud
Tip · Sailings depend entirely on the tides and weather. Skip rigid planning and just ask the local boatmen at the jetty when the next boat leaves.
- 1010:30 AMSight
Explore Janjira Fort's ruins
Built in the 15th century, this legendary fort defied the Portuguese, British, and Marathas. Spot the striking gate carving of a tiger tackling six elephants.
📍 Janjira Fort, Murud
Tip · It is a total sun-trap inside the ruins. Pack plenty of water and wear a good hat.
- 1112:00 PMSight
Ahmedganj Palace and Murud town
On dry land, check out this 1885 royal palace. While you can only view the Nawab's private estate from outside, the grand facade and surrounding old town are lovely to wander.
📍 Ahmedganj Palace, Murud
- 121:00 PMFood
Fish thali lunch at a local khanawal
Murud's cozy, family-run eateries serve up legendary fish thalis. Expect no-frills perfection: fried fish, rich curry, rice, and a raw chili for a kick.
📍 Murud, Maharashtra
- 132:30 PMActivity
Murud Beach
A wide, relaxed stretch of sand that is perfect for a quick dip or a game of beach cricket. It is far quieter and less commercialized than Kashid.
📍 Murud Beach, Murud
- 144:00 PMSight
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary detour
Swap the beaches for a quiet forest sanctuary alive with birds, frogs, and small mammals. A gentle stroll along the marked trails is the ultimate way to unwind.
📍 Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Murud
Tip · Sign in at the entrance gate and make sure to stay on the trails. Keep an eye on the time, as they close up before the sun goes down.
- 156:00 PMDrive
Drive back to Mumbai
Head back up the coast road. If you time it right, the evening sun hitting Revdanda's quiet backwaters is absolutely breathtaking.
📍 Kashid, Maharashtra
Tip · Sunday evening traffic near Alibaug and Panvel is brutal after 6 PM, so hitting the road before then will save your sanity.
Where to eat
Whether it is a beach shack in Kashid or a cozy home-style spot in Murud, order the fried surmai or pomfret alongside rice, spicy curry, and sol kadhi.
Look for the tiny stalls tucked under the shade of casuarina trees on Kashid Beach for ice-cold, cheap coconuts all day long.
Do not leave without trying the golden-fried Bombay duck (bombil) and crunchy prawns. They are absolute staples at every coastal shack you will pass.
When to go
The sweet spot: peaceful seas mean sailboats to Janjira actually run on time, and Kashid's shores are absolutely perfect for sunbathing.
The rains turn Phansad into a spectacular green jungle, but the Arabian Sea gets wild. Ferries to Janjira usually shut down, and swimming in Kashid is a big no-no.
It gets super sticky and hot. Your best bet is to plan the Janjira crossing and beach strolls for early morning or closer to sunset.
Good to know
- Double-check those sailboat times and high-tide charts before you leave Kashid. Rough waves can pause crossings, and they pack up completely by sunset.
- Kashid's undercurrent is no joke once you go deep. Stick strictly to the zones watched over by lifeguards.
- The year-round RoRo ferry from Ferry Wharf is a lifesaver. You can drive your car right onboard and skip the painful weekend highway traffic entirely.
- Remember, Phansad is a raw, working sanctuary, not a manicured park with toilets. Make sure to sign in at the gate and stick to the marked paths.
