Nobody's here. Go skinny dipping at this beach, bindaas!

You are lucky if you find a metre to yourself on populated stretches of Marve, Goa and Gorai. The Guide gives you a lowdown on 4 secluded beaches, so isolated, even skinny dipping can figure on your agenda

You are lucky if you find a metre to yourself on populated stretches of Marve, Goa and Gorai. The Guide gives you a lowdown on 4 secluded beaches, so isolated, even skinny dipping can figure on your agenda

Harihareshwar

Harihareshwar beachu00a0Raigad district

Raigad district

Where? Around 230 kms away from Mumbai, you can get to Harihareshwar by rail or road; Mangaon is the nearest station. If you are driving down, go via the Bombay-Panvel-Mangaon-Goregaon Phat on the Bombay-Goa highway.

Why go here? The town, best known for its tranquil and isolated beach, is also famous for Kalbhairavu00a0the Shiva temple. If you are adventurous enough to take a small boat to the north side of the bay, you will see where the Peshwas of the Maratha Kingdom originally resided. The waters can be explored through a boat ride or by sailing. And if you're not a water baby, enrol yourself for a walking tour.

Nearby attractions: Bankot Fort at Bagmandala, about 4 kms away.


Bhogwe beach

Bhogwe beach Sindhudurg district

Sindhudurg district

Where? The beach is located at Tarkarli, 550 kms away from Mumbai by road. It falls on the Konkan Railway, and Kudal is the closest station. Bhogwe beach lies 29 kms away from Kudal. You can opt for a rickshaw ride or a boat ride.

Why go here? This picturesque and fairly secluded beach dubbed the "stopover for seagulls" is where critically acclaimed Marathi film, Shwaas was shot. The unusually blue water is perfect for swimming.

Nearby attractions: Velagar and Nevati beaches.


Guhagar beach

Guhagar beach Ratnagiri district

Ratnagiri district

Where? Located 289 kms from Mumbai, this beach is surrounded by hilly terrain. If you take a taxi from Mumbai, it will cost you about Rs 5,000. An easier option would be to take the Konkan Kanya train to Chiplun, and then cab it.

Why go here? Guhagar (means cave house) is a temple town. Temples dedicated to Vyadeshwar, Talkeshwar, Udaleshwar, Velneshwar, all avatars of Lord Shiva and a temple of Ufrata Ganapati are worth visiting. The unspoiled white sandy beach offers all the quiet you need for sunbathing and swimming.

Nearby attractions: Enron plant at Anjanvel.


Ladghar beach

Ladghar beach Near Dapoli

Near Dapoli

Where? Located 8 kms from the village of Dapoli on the Mumbai-Goa highway, it standsu00a0 240 kms from Mumbai, and can be reached by road via the Maharashtra State Transport buses or private cars.

Why go here? Some parts of the sea appear red in colour, lending it the name Tamas Teertha. The shore is covered with coloured pebbles and boulders, making the sunset a must-watch as the sand, sea and horizon meet in a breathtaking red.

Nearby attractions: Veleshwar Temple and Burondi fishing village.