Kelwa Beach (also known as Kelva Beach) is a beautiful and serene beach near Palghar in Maharashtra, India. It is a popular weekend getaway for people from Mumbai and nearby cities, offering a peaceful environment with its expansive shoreline, clean sand, and scenic views. The beach stretches over 8 kilometers and is less crowded than other beaches in the region, making it an ideal spot for relaxation.
A day trip to Kelwa Beach is a great idea if you’re looking to escape the hustle of the city and relax by the coast. Here’s a simple itinerary for a day trip to Kelwa Beach but before that, let us understand more about the location & how to reach Kelwa Beach.
How to Reach Kelwa Beach
You can reach from Mumbai to Kelwa Beach through Virar. From Mumbai take the Western Express Highway or the Eastern Expressway and Ghodbunder Road to cross the Vasai Creek and then move onto NH48. The correct route to reach the beach is to take the left from Varai Naka to Saphale Road on NH 48.
A BIG word of Caution: The route via NH 48 is a toll road where you need to pay Rs. 75 for one way. However, under no circumstances try to avoid the toll & take the alternate route shown by Google Maps. No such road exists and the route shown by Maps is a terrible road that ends in a dead end in a village a short distance away from the national highway.
The Experience at Kelwa Beach
Once you reach the beach via Saphale Road & Kelwa Road and arrive at the beach, you will find a parking area. Here they charge Rs. 20 per car as parking charges. Further, there is an entry fee of Rs. 5 per person.
Once you enter, a narrow sandy road will lead you to the beach. This road is lined by shacks and stalls selling everything from green coconuts to seafood to straw hats & toys. To the left, there are paid washrooms & changing rooms. To the right, there is a good cover of Palm trees and sandy ground, which is used by locals to spread out mats and enjoy a picnic.
The actual beach is about 8 to 10 km long and is quite clean. There are no watersports here on this beach, but you will find some horse rides and ATV rides to enjoy. The best thing about the beach is that it helps you enjoy a calm & serene seaview without the usual rush of tourists.
Day Trip to Kelwa Beach
1. Early Morning Start
- Departure from Mumbai: Start early, around 6:00 AM, to make the most of your day. The drive to Kelwa Beach from Mumbai is about 2.5 to 3 hours (roughly 100 km).
- Breakfast Stop: If you leave early, stop for breakfast at a local eatery along the way. You can try out some of the Kathiawadi joints in Vasai.
2. Arrive at Kelwa Beach (9:00 AM)
- Exploration & Relaxation: Once you arrive, stroll along the shoreline. The beach is vast and peaceful, so you can unwind, breathe in the fresh sea air, and enjoy the view. The beach is relatively uncrowded in the mornings, perfect for a calm start.
3. Visit the Shitladevi Temple (10:30 AM)
- After spending some time at the beach, head to Shitladevi Temple, which is close to the beach. It’s a serene spot, often visited by locals for prayers. You will find this temple right next to the gate of the beach.
4. Kelwa Fort (12:00 PM)
- If you’re interested in a bit of history, take a short visit to Kelwa Fort, which is near the beach. It offers a glimpse into the region’s past and adds an interesting element to your trip.
5. Lunch (1:00 PM)
- Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby beach shacks or local eateries. Many places serve fresh seafood, so this is a great opportunity to try local delicacies like fish thalis or prawns. You will also get coconut water, vada pav, and some pakoras (vegetable fritters fried in chickpea batter) as options.
6. Afternoon at the Beach (2:00 PM)
- After lunch, spend some more time at the beach. You can swim, relax, or even have a fun game of beach volleyball if you’re with friends or family. You can try the horsecart or ATV Rides on the beach.
7. Walk in the Palm Groves (4:00 PM)
- Take a leisurely walk around the coconut and palm groves surrounding the beach. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the beautiful environment.
8. Sunset at Kelwa Beach (5:30 PM)
- Kelwa Beach is known for its stunning sunsets. Find a nice spot on the beach to relax and watch the sun dip below the horizon. It’s a perfect way to end your day trip.
9. Departure (6:30 PM)
- After sunset, you can start heading back. If you wish, you can stop for dinner on your way back home at a highway restaurant.
Things to Carry:
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat (as it can get sunny)
- Beachwear and a towel (if you plan to swim)
- Some snacks and water for the journey
- Camera or phone for capturing the views
- An extra set of clothes in case you get wet
Travel Tips:
- If you’re visiting on a weekend or holiday, try to leave early to avoid traffic.
- There aren’t many water sports, so plan your activities accordingly.
- If you’re interested in photography, the beach is perfect for landscape shots.
A day trip to Kelwa Beach is perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature!
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