Of all the beaches in Alibaug in Maharashtra, Kihim Beach is my favorite. It is much less crowded, more beautiful, and much cleaner than any other beach in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Located a stone’s throw away from Alibaug Beach (about a 30-minute drive), Kihim Beach is a wonderful picnic destination where you can relax by the seaside, play in the whitish sand, or enjoy watersports. Its proximity to Mumbai and Pune makes it a loved weekend destination for city dwellers.
Here is everything you need to know about visiting Kihim Beach and having a perfect weekend getaway.
How to Reach Kihim Beach
Kihim is located at a distance of about 100 km from Mumbai. You can drive down from Mumbai taking the newly integrated Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Trans Harbour Link. The route will take you via Pen, where there are multiple dhabas and restaurants where you can enjoy local Maharashtrian cuisine like batata wada, misal pav, kande pohe to name a few.
Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Bhau cha Dhakka in Mumbai get off at Mandwa Jetty, and then drive down to Kihim from there. But I recommend taking the trans-harbour link, which is a beautiful man-made wonder.
From Pune, Kihim Beach is at a distance of about 145 km. The route you need to take is via Lonavala, Khalapur and then it would finally also take you via Pen.
Kihim Beach – The experience
Once you reach Kihim Beach, you will find a dedicated parking area that is large enough to accommodate the crowds that throng here. This is in stark contrast to Alibaug Beach, where you are not assured of a parking space. The parking outside Kihim Beach costs Rs.50 per car.
The route to the beach is dotted with shanties and shacks selling various types of wares like bead jewelry, mouth fresheners, palmyra fruits, tender coconuts, and beach clothes. You will also find some shacks selling seafood and affordable prices.
Once you reach down the steps to the beach, the crowd thins down and you will find kids making sand castles, people enjoying various watersports, and playing around on the beach. The best part is that the beach is a long stretch, and you can easily find a spot of your choice. Further ahead there are good seating arrangements under a dense cover of coconut trees where you can enjoy the scenery without the hot sun.
Beach Activities
Kihim Beach offers various types of beach activities. Given the length of the beach, you can enjoy making sand castles or drawing images on the wet sand. You can also try your hand at outdoor cooking provided you carry some wood and utensils.
You can also collect sea shells and small conches on this lovely clean beach. You can enjoy double cycle rides, camel rides, horse rides, and even ATV Rides on this beautiful and pristine beach.
Water Sports
If you are an adventure junkie, and especially if you love water sports, then Kihim is for you. You can experience all kinds of watersports like jetskiing, banana rides, parasailing, or simply swimming. And the best part, you can enjoy all of this at affordable rates. Some of the activities I undertook and the costs are as follows:
- Jet Ski Ride – Rs. 400 per person
- Banana Ride – Rs. 200 per person
- Bumper Ride – Rs. 250 per person
- Fly Fish Ride – Rs. 300 per person
- Kayak Ride – Rs 300 per person
- Parasailing -Rs. 1000 per person, Rs. 1500 for double seating
- Double Jet Ski – Rs. 600 per person
However do note, that the locals increase the prices on special holidays, festive days, and weekends when there is more crowd of people thronging to the beach.
Khanderi Fort Ride
There is another activity to perform on this beach, that is the boat ride to Khanderi Fort. This ride costs Rs. 600 per person. If you want privacy, then the entire boat can be booked for Rs. 5000.
Enjoy Konkan Coastal Cuisine
I have already mentioned this in my other posts on Kashid and Murud, coastal Maharashtra is a seafood lover’s delight and in Kihim Beach you will be able to enjoy this cuisine at affordable rates. I would especially recommend the Chimboli(Crab) and Pomfret thali that are served with solkadi, my personal favorite.
Conclusion
Kihim Beach is a cleaner and much better alternative to Alibaug Beach.
If you are looking to visit other places in Maharashtra check my post on Trimbakeshwar, Kashid, Malshej Ghat, Pirwadi Beach, and Murud.If you love beaches, then check out my post on Radhanagar Beach. If you are looking to just roam in Andaman Islands check out Ross Island.
Alternatively, if you are interested in some Religious tourism, please check my posts on Golden Temple, Kamakhya, Trimbakeshwar, and Kashi Vishwanath. If you are looking for Adventure tours, check my posts on Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Shillong, Meghalaya, Dawki, and Kashmir.
If you are looking for something in Sikkim, check Tsomgo Lake.
If you are looking for some spirituality, you can check out about Ganga Aarti in Dashashwamedh Ghat or Ghats in Varanasi.Check out my posts from South India Sri Venugopala Swamy Temple, Bandipur Safari, and Mandalpatti Peak.
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