27 May,2010 06:56 AM IST | | Fiona Fernandez
On the border of Maharashtra and Gujarat lies a very sleepy, secluded seaside getaway. Bordi is as rustic as it gets The Shri Ganesh Tree is a landmark en route to Asawali Dam
As you watch re-runs of Baywatch Hawaii and an overcast sky threatens to bring in the rains earlier than expected, it's a sign to get cracking on basking in the sunshine before the rain gods oblige.
Located off the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway, Bordi is a sleepy town, uncluttered at least until now, so don't drive down expecting beachside cafes, cheap booze or sea-facing, lagoon-shaped swimming pools.
Clean Beach ufffd What's That?
Having heard accounts of a 17-km long, casuarina tree-lined beach, we were intrigued but not exactly convinced of Bordi's credentials. Though the odds were against us, we braved the heat and set out.
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About 3.5 hours later, we sensed an inviting sea breeze despite it being close to 10 in the morning; coconut and casuarina trees lined the road, running parallel to the Arabian Sea.
An expanse of sand greeted us as we drove into the MTDC Resort. It's the most popular accommodation in this small town, with eight rooms and seven tents. We suggest you book in advance.
The location was tailor-made. Bang on the seafront, the back exit of this property opens onto the beach. With a few exceptions, most of the hotel rooms and tents are sea-facing.
As we took a recee of the beach, we realised there wasn't a single resort in sight.
Just sparse crowds, no food stalls, no horse carriages and no plastic waste. It felt like a members-only beach party, minus the heels and hype.
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Delighted that we landed our now-bronzed selves with a fantastic find, we celebrated over lunch. Fresh catch from the Arabian Sea awaited us at the nondescript open-air restaurant within the resort.
Chock-a-bloc with picnickers and hotel guests, it made us feel, just for a while as if a slice of Juhu Chowpatty had been transported here.
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Apart from the fish preparations, the rest of the meal had the desi Manchurian trademark.
The only bummer: it's not a swimmer's beach. You get your chance at high tide or else it's quite a walk for a dip. A few hours in the sun and the tan surfaces.
If you are driving down, carry lightweight beach chairs or waterproof sheets to laze on the sand. You won't find any paraphernalia at the hotel.
Your Time Stops Now
Post lunch, it was time to explore the town. Bordi, like Dahanu (17 kms away) reflects a strong Parsi-Irani influence.
Going by the dates etched on many palatial mansions and bungalows (over 100 years old) that we spotted on our late afternoon stroll, this community's influence is evident.
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There's a sanatorium, a technical school set up by the Tata's, and smaller business concerns that dot the area.
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A fascinating potpourri of languages are spoken here Gujarati, Persian, Marathi, Hindi and of course, English, if the tourist had to be impressed upon.
Here, time stands still, cows bravely graze by the roadside, Yezdi motorbikes lie lazily in outhouses as the evening air resonates with the sound of crickets.
Beach Bumming Until Nightfall
After lazing around indoors for a while, our chai session was a relaxed affair in the resort's lawns. By now the calmness of the place had taken over our city slickered souls. Sunset beckoned.
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There we were, at our private beach, suitably positioned to catch the glorious rays of the evening sun as it took its final bow for the day against the tame waters of the Arabian Sea. A picture-postcard moment minus aggressive hawkers.
Sunrise was another charming spectacle followed by a rejuvenating walk on a near-empty shoreline. Perhaps this is how the rich and famous must feel on Verona Bay.
After a three-hour beach session, we packed in a protein-filled breakfast of scrambled eggs on toast before driving back to a work-loaded week back home.
At: MTDC Resort, Bordi, Post Mukkham, District Thane. CALL: 02528-254243. Casuarina-lined trees dot the Bordi-Dahanu beachfront
Check out time: 9 am.
Log On To: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
Bring back chikoos
Gholvad (2.5 km) is famous for its chikoo orchards (locally called wadis), mostly owned by Irani and Parsi agriculturalists, and a few locals. The soil and climate, the proximity to the sea and mountains, favour the growth of chikoos here.
The Asawali Dam (2 km) and the expansive water body created from it make for a convenient detour. Situated at a slight incline, the thick foliage and shaded path is a pleasant trek uphill; park your vehicle at the base since the approach is an uneven, pebble-hewn route.u00a0
How to get there
By Road: From the Bandra Flyover, the distance is about 160 kms. Take National Highway 8 from Bandra, and proceed towards Dahisar. Pass Manor to reach the Charoti intersection. Turn left and proceed to Dahanu. Cross the railway flyover at Dahanu, turn left to reach Par Naka, turn right and take the sea front road that leads you straight to Bordi via Gholvad.
BY Rail: The nearest railway station is Gholvad. Board a train from Mumbai Central or Borivli. From Gholvad, Bordi is 2.5 kms.u00a0
