Planning Your Coastal Escape
The drive from Mumbai to Murud is approximately 160-170 kilometres and can take four to five hours, depending on the route and traffic. The best time for this road trip is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
Monsoon season offers lush green landscapes but be wary of rough seas and potentially challenging road conditions. For the journey, ensure your car is in good condition. Pack light, but include essentials like a first-aid kit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a power bank. While there are eateries along the way, carrying snacks and water is always a good idea.
Choosing Your Route: Ferry or Freeway?
You have two main options for the first leg of your journey. The traditional all-road route involves driving from Mumbai via Panvel and Pen to Alibaug along NH-66. While scenic, this can be time-consuming. A faster and more novel alternative is the M2M Ro-Ro ferry from Mumbai's Bhaucha Dhakka (Mazgaon) to Mandwa Jetty. This service allows you to take your car on the ferry, cutting travel time to Alibaug to about an hour of sailing. It operates year-round and is a great way to bypass city traffic and begin your coastal adventure with a sea voyage. From Mandwa, Murud is another 50 km drive.
The Scenic Stretch: Alibaug to Kashid
Once you're past Alibaug, the true coastal drive begins. The road winds through charming villages like Revdanda, with its Portuguese fort ruins, offering glimpses of the Arabian Sea. This stretch is where the journey becomes the destination. The drive from Alibaug to Kashid is particularly picturesque. Kashid Beach, located about 30 km from Alibaug, is your first major stop. Known for its pristine white sand and clear blue waters, it's often hailed as one of the best beaches in the North Konkan region. It’s an ideal spot to stretch your legs, take some photos, and maybe indulge in some beachside snacks.
Kashid Beach: A Perfect Mid-Journey Break
Kashid isn't just a pretty beach; it's a hub of activity. You can relax on the 3-kilometer stretch of white sand, take a dip in the waters, or try some of the water sports on offer, which often include jet-skiing and banana boat rides. Numerous shacks line the beach, offering fresh coconut water and local Maharashtrian snacks. It's the perfect place for a lunch break before you head towards your final destination. Spending an hour or two here is enough to recharge you for the last leg of your drive to Murud.
Final Leg to Murud and its Crowning Glory
The drive from Kashid to Murud is short, around 20-25 km, and the roads continue to offer beautiful coastal views. Murud is a quiet coastal town, perfect for those looking to escape crowded tourist spots. The main attraction here is the formidable Murud-Janjira Fort, an imposing marine fortress that stands on an oval-shaped rock off the coast. Considered one of the strongest marine forts in India, it remained unconquered throughout its history. Its 19 intact bastions and historical cannons are a testament to its formidable past.
Visiting the Unconquered Janjira Fort
To reach the fort, you need to take a sailboat from the Rajapuri jetty, a short distance from Murud town. The boat ride itself is part of the experience. Once you arrive, you'll be greeted by the grand main entrance. Inside the 22-acre fort, you can explore the ruins of palaces, a mosque, and even two natural freshwater lakes. The boatmen usually give you about an hour to explore before the return journey, which is ample time to walk the ramparts, admire the massive cannons, and soak in the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The fort is generally open from morning until evening, but boat services may stop before closing time.
