10 April,2014 08:50 AM IST | | Ruchika Kher
It's raining holidays. Next week, as another long weekend beckons, the guide decided to offer a bunch of options for you to squeeze in a budget-friendly, beach-bumming escape. Take your pick
Tarkarli
From Mumbai 540.1 km
Overview: Situated 6 km south of Malvan, Tarkarli is a coastal town in Sindhudurg district, and is most famous for its long, narrow stretches the of beach. It makes for the ideal getaway to kick back and soak up the sun. Sighting dolphins is an attraction here.
Illustration/Amit Bandre
Don't miss: The Sindhudurg Fort (which is one of Maharashtra's most famous naval forts), watersports, Sangam (the point where the Karli river drains into the Arabian Sea) and the Tsunami Island (30 minutes from Tarkarli)
Tarkarli offers a range of beach activities
Stay:
Fantasea, H No 173, Tarkarli Devbag Road, Devbag.
Cost: Rs 3,200 onwards per night
Call: 09404344272
Email: fantaseabeach@yahoo.com
Blue Sea Resort, near Tarkarli Sai Mandir, Tarkarli, Malvan.
Cost: Rs 1,500 onwards per night
Call: 09922419287
Email: info@bluesearesort.com
Checklist
>> Keep the beach clean
>> Don't venture out alone after sunset
>> Check safety precautions thoroughly during water sports
>> Preferably, book accommodation in advance
Goa
From Mumbai 609.3 km
Overview: This small state on India's west coast is popular among tourists with diverse interests, since it offers an eclectic mix, owing to a varied landscape. It's dotted with forested Western Ghats, forts, rivers and of course beaches. Spread over approximately 3,700 sq km, Goa attracts a steady flow of visitors throughout the year.
Don't miss: Saturday night market at Arpora, water sports at Baga and Candolim, churches in South Goa, the shacks, and seafood.
Stay:
Aphonso Guesthouse, H No 173, near Sebastian Chapel Fontainhas, Altinho, Goa.
Cost: Rs 2,200 per night
Call: 08322222359
Email: afonsoguesthouse@gmail.com
Prison Hostel, 970/1, Anjuna Flea Market Road, Anjuna, Goa.
Cost: Rs 700 per night
Call: 08322273745
Log on to: www.facebook.com/prisonhostel/info
Checklist
>> Don't litter
>> Carry sunscreen (SPF 30 is advised)
>> Beach slippers are ideal footwear
>> Carry a map for easy navigation
>> Rent bikes. Taxis can be expensive so be warned
>> Maintain silence while visiting churches
Harihareshwar
From Mumbai 193.7 km
Overview: The town of Harihareshwar, situated in Raigad district, is surrounded by four hills - Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri and Pushpadri - and is known for its picturesque beach and the temple of Harihareshwar. It, along with Shrivardhan and Diveagar Beach, forms a popular weekend beach destination.
Don't miss: The beach with its clean sand and soothing breeze, Ganesh Gully (a culvert of about three feet wide, in between two rocky mountains), turtle hatching at Velas (30 minutes via ferry) and Bankot Fort.
Stay:
MTDC Resort, Harihareshwar.
Cost: Rs 900 to Rs 1,300 per night (depending on when you book)
Call: 02147226036
Email: reservation@maharashtratourism.gov.in
Harihareshwar Beach Resort, Taluka Shrivardhan, near Shiva Temple.
Cost: Rs 2,500 onwards per night
Call: 8983346632
Email: support@harihareshwar.com
Checklist
>> Keep the beach clean
>> Take the help of locals when needed
>> Try coastal fare
>> Apply caution near the waves
