Dahanu is a coastal town and a municipal council in Palghar district of Maharashtra that can be included in your list of weekend getaways near Mumbai. Here is why
Sea Crest resort, Dahanu beach. Picture courtesy/Rati Surolia
Before you get irritated with Mumbai’s narrow roads, chaotic traffic and over-crowded local trains and start building your own story about the city, pause for a while to discover its other side. Though the term ‘peaceful environment’ is turning extinct, yet Maharashtra does not suffer from ‘tranquil locale’ deficiency. Mumbai is bordered by beaches and hillocks, which not only add to its beauty, but also open up to doors for weekend getaways. Once such destination is Dahanu, a coastal town and a municipal council in Palghar district of Maharashtra.
Dahanu beach. Picture courtesy/Rati Surolia
ADVERTISEMENT
Located nearly 142 km away from Mumbai, Dahanu is known for lush coconut grooves and spectacular stretch of unspoilt, pollution free, less crowded and tranquil golden sand beach. In fact, the beauty of Dahanu beach is its unpopularity. If you wish to soothe your nerves, plan a short trip to this scenic locale at a pocket friendly cost. Take a smooth drive, sit by the ocean for hours, walk aimlessly along the shore, and relieve the moment enamoured by serenity and beauty. We drafted a quick guide on Dahanu beach to help you plan your travel:
How to reach Dahanu from Mumbai? Dahanu beach is connected to Mumbai via National Highway 48. It can be reached by both road and rail. It takes around 4 hours to cover a distance of nearly 142 km. There are many private buses that run to Dahanu from Thane, Virar and Mumbai. You can either hire a cab or drive yourself to reach the beach. The nearest railhead is Dahanu Road. Road to Dahanu is smooth and devoid of hiccups. In fact, it is the road to the destination, which makes the drive as well as the trip more comfortable, enjoyable, and rejuvenating.
Where to stay in Dahanu? There are many private hotels and resorts around the beach. Sea Crest resort, Seashell resorts, Pearline Beach Resort, Sea Woods Beach Hotel and Hill Zill Resort are some recommended places to stay while holidaying in Dahanu.
What to eat in Dahanu? While thinking about food and beach at the same time, the first thing that strikes our mind is seafood and Dahanu is not an exception too. There are many restaurants that serve seafood delicacies. Crab masala, seafood platter, lobster masala and Chinese Sizzler are must try items here. Apart from fish and meat delicacies, many tasty vegetarian dishes are also available here. Crazy Crab is the most popular restaurant in Dahanu that serves lip-smacking vegetarian and non-vegetarian items.
How many days are required for the trip? 2nights/3days or simply 1night/2days are well enough for a weekend getaway to Dahanu Beach. If you wish to enjoy the silence and the beauty of the Arabian Ocean, you can add one more day to their itinerary.
What is the approximate cost for a trip to Dahanu? An approximate amount of Rs. 7000 to Rs. 10,000 (all-inclusive) is required for a couple if you stay in a 3 star or 4 star resort.
Are there any adventure or water sports? Adventure sports like snorkelling and scuba diving are not available in Dahanu Beach. There is only horse ride for kids.
For what kind of travellers is the beach recommended? Couples, elderly people or college goers- everybody can plan a trip to Dahanu. However, if you are looking for adventure sports and water games, then the beach will not fit your choice.
Picture courtesy/Rati Surolia
Bordered by green dense coconut grooves and meandering azure Arabian Sea, Dahanu Beach is a fantabulous weekend getaway that heal your tired foot like never before.
(As told to Debatree Saha by Rati Surolia)