Pune has long been famed as a city for adventure lovers and nature enthusiasts. Truth be told, it is because of its proximity to the coast and Western Ghats. In fact, the state of Maharashtra itself has a long coastline with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. You can escape the city and be on a beach in just about 150 kilometres, and the choices are many. The best thing about the beaches near Pune is the variation in their vistas. Some are lined by tall coconut trees, while others offer a rugged, rocky seascape to behold. The white sands and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea invite both romancers and adrenaline freaks. So if you are planning a weekend getaway near Pune, these are some of the beaches you can head to.
1. Kihim Beach (143 km)
Lined by dense vegetation, Kihim Beach is unlike most Indian seafronts. Just 3.5 hours from the city, Kihim has become a popular destination among the youth. The water is clean and the beach is surprisingly well maintained. It gives you the perfect beach experience if you are just looking to chill, take a stroll on the sand and see the sunset. You can even indulge in some serious bird watching if you are up for it. Also, don’t miss out on sampling the tasty regional seafood in Chondhi.
2. Alibaug Beach (143 km)
Among the most visited beaches on the West Indian coast, Alibaug Beach is a perfect mix of sun, sand and blue waters. The landscape is particularly unique for its black sand. Again, about 3.5 hours from Pune, it won’t take a lot of time to reach. Apart from gazing at the mesmerising Arabian Sea, you can also take a boat ride to Kolaba Fort for the perfect view of the sunset.
3. Mandwa Beach (151 km)
A bit further than the previous destination, Mandwa is a paradise for adrenaline junkies and peace seekers alike. About 150 kilometres from Pune, it boasts extremely scenic realms, a comfortable climate and calm waters. Mandwa offers adventure sports like bumper boat rides, kayaking and jet skiing. Another reason to head to Mandwa is it being much less crowded than other alternatives around. The ride to Mandwa from Pune takes you through the lush Western Ghats, which is the perfect drive to end a boring weekend!
4. Murud Beach (158 km)
Not much happens in Murud, and this alone makes it a great spot for a quiet weekend trip from Pune. The landscape is dominated by glittering white sand and coconut trees breaking the monotony of the horizon. It’s as peaceful as it can get. If you are traveling with your partner, this would be an advisable getaway, away from the crowd. It would take about 4 hours to reach Murud Beach. A must-visit attraction near Murud Beach is the magnificent Murud-Janjira Fort, which can be reached via boat.
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