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9 Virgin Beaches of Goa, perfect for some “Me Time”

India’s favorite holiday destination, Goa, is well known for its beaches, beach shacks and water activities at these beaches. While Baga, Calangute, Anjuna and Candolim are extremely popular among the tourists, these are a few beaches that are hiding in plain sight where you can spend your quality “me time” in the most serene and peaceful Goan environment.

Virgin Beaches of Goa – Vlog

Keri Beach

Right at the tip of Goa, Keri beach is the first beach you will come across while coming from Maharashtra. This little known gem of a place is situated right on the point where River Tiracol meets with the Arabian sea, which is a spectacle in itself.

It is accessible from Tiracol by a 5-minute ferry ride, which operates every 15 minutes between Tiracol and Keri from 7.00 AM to 8.00 PM.

Soft sands and clear waters makes it just the perfect place to rest, relax and rejuvenate while watching the most marvelous of sunsets over the never ending Arabian Sea.

Beach shacks and changing rooms are available at the beach. All in all, it is a perfect place for those who want a calm and peaceful beach time in Goa.

Galgibaga Beach

Located in the southern part of Goa, Galgibaga is one of the cleanest beaches of India and we do not have any doubts to that.

This secluded beach is a nesting sight for the endangered Olive Ridley Turtles and hence no commercial activities are allowed here, making this beach a haven for all those seeking a perfect time, aloof from the entire world.

The beach itself is a pristine stretch of golden brown sand, fringed with coconut palms. The seas can get rough at times, however the beach has lifeguard on duty, so you can swim in the designated areas.

We totally totally fell in love with this beach and till date this remains our favorite beach in Goa. We will not say much about this place, just let its photos convey our words to you.

Cola Beach

Well, some beautiful things are pretty difficult to find. Some pristine places are even difficult to reach. Cola beach is pristine and beautiful, hence it both difficult to find and even difficult to reach. But it is totally worth the efforts you put in to reach here.

Cola beach, though it is slowly gaining popularity, is still a lesser known beach in Goa. However its USP beats all the beaches of Goa. You stand on the beach, you have the gorgeous Arabian Sea roaring on one side while a serene lagoon sits quietly on its other side.

The beach also houses a couple of resorts, where you can unwind and get mesmerized by this one of a kind beach that offers you an experience you can cherish for a very long time.

Cabo de Rama Beach

For us, Cabo de Rama was a kind of show stopper for it offered a setting similar to a Bollywood Song Location. The remains of a 17th century fort that overlooks the ocean and a rocky plateau that opens up to the beautiful Arabian sea.

Legend has its say that Lord Rama along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman took refuge during their exile and hence the place has got its name. The remnants of the place do tell a tale of the history of this fort that would have been a bastion during the Portuguese reign.

One of the best beaches for those looking for some quiet time, Cabo de Rama too offers marvelous sunsets that keep you stare at the horizon in sheer amusement and joy.

Butterfly Beach

When the only way to reach a beach is through a boat ride, how can we not include this in list of virgin beaches of Goa.

For everyone looking for a peaceful time on the beach where you just sit on the sands and let the cool waters of the sea wash your feet, Butterfly beach is your place to be. Just 10-minutes boat ride from Palolem, it is one place you should not miss out on when you are looking to be away from the crowds in Goa.

The best part, you also get to see dolphins surfacing for air en route to this beach. Two great things in one go, amazing isn’t it!

Betul Beach

For the ones looking for an experience of Goan heritage, Betul Beach is a gem that is often overlooked by tourists. A quintessential Goan town, Betul is nestled upon the convergence of Sal river into the Arabian Sea.

Betul Lighthouse provides some lovely panoramic views of the surrounding villages lined up with coconut palms and other trees. Unmarred by tourist influx, with a calm beach and mesmerizing views Betul is perhaps one of Goa’s best kept secret.

Rajbaga Beach

Another Goan beach that is nestled upon the convergence of river meeting the sea. The Rajbaga sea coastline is covered with high palm trees and heavy pine trees which stretching from the cape, that separate the beach from the neighboring Patnem Beach, up to the Talpona River mouth.

The long coastline makes it ideal for a perfect evening walk with your someone special as the cool breeze and soft sands makes the atmosphere pleasant and tranquil at sundown.

Xandrem Beach

Away from all the hustle and party vibes of Goa, lies this little beach in the southern part of Goa that will surely give some of the international beach locations a run for its money.

A small beach area that emerges out from a lush green coverage of foliage, the color of its water and the softness of its sands will definitely not make you feel sorry about not being able to visit Maldives. A totally secluded beach, suited for some exquisite “do not disturb” moments.

Polem Beach

The southernmost beach of Goa, a secluded mesmerizing, 700 m long stretch of glittering sand by the side of vast blue expanse of water, this beach is the place from where the coastline of Karnataka starts and that of Goa ends.

It is a perfect place for swimming and sunbathing and just the ideal place to spend some time with oneself The beach also has rocky cliffs adding on to its startling natural beauty.

So, if you really want to detox from the world and enjoy the beach time in Goa with no one around to disturb you, these are the beaches you should be heading to on your next trip to Goa.

Fontainhas – A walk through the colorful streets

Residing in the heart of the capital city of Panjim, overlooking the calm waters of river Mandovi is this ancient Latin Quarters that exhibits the forgotten history of Old Goa that is strikingly alive in the colorful houses of this pretty area known as Fontainhas.

A Brief History

The Portuguese came to India at the end of 15th century for establishing trade. They established their head quarters in Old Goa, after defeating Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur and taking total control over the sea route for trade.
Between 15th and 17th Century, Goa flourished and so did its people. However, the plague outbreak in late 17th century wiped off almost half the population of Goa and the Portuguese government had to shift bases in order to keep the trade going.

Travelling down stream along the river Mandovi, they arrived on the Marshy lands of Panjim, filled it with rocks and sand by drilling the mountain of Altinho and assigned the lands for the people for building their houses. That is how Fontainhas came into existence.

All about Fontainhas

Fontainhas, literal translation means Little Fountain, derives its name from the spring water that flows down from the hills adjacent to it. It maintains its Portuguese influence, particularly through its architecture, which includes narrow and picturesque winding streets like those found in many European cities. In words of William Dalrymple, “Fontainhas is a small chunk of Portugal washed up on the shores of Indian Ocean.”

The architecture in entire Fontainhas is a fine blend of Indo-Portuguese styles which one can identify quite distinctly in the houses here. The red colored tiles adorn the roof tops of the old villas and the buildings having projected balconies with the walls painted in the tones of yellow, green, red or blue.

Some of the elements of the houses are extremely amusing and you won’t find it anywhere else. Glass tiles in roof for sunlight and ventilation, oyster shells as window panes, emblem on top of the house and balcaos are some of the most striking elements that clearly stand out and make the houses extremely pleasing and definitely photogenic.

Rooster Emblem – Signifies Trust and Loyalty

The colorful steps at Rua de Natal, where Christmas celebrations are a spectacle and the hypnotizing aroma of freshly baked confectionaries from the 31 de Janeiro Bakery are a couple of pitstops one must make during the visit at Fontainhas. If you have a sweet tooth, you must try the Doce and Dodacol at the bakery along with some assorted cookies straight out of the wood fired oven.

An abode for photographers and story lovers, Fontainhas is declared as a UNESCO heritage zone in 1984, it is a place one should definitely visit if you are looking for a Goa experience beyond the beaches. Special credits to Make It Happen for taking us through this amazing journey which is otherwise lost in history books.

Figueiredo House – A stay experience at this 430 year old villa

430 years ago, circa 1590, to get an idea of the timeline, take a look at the what India and world was like at that time.

1. Shakespeare had just started writing his plays
2. India was still under Mughal Emperor Akbar’s rule.
3. Galileo had not yet argued that Earth revolves around the sun
4. It is 40 years before the Taj Mahal was built.
5. Let alone Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan, the emperor who built Taj, was not even born.
6. The British East India Company were still 10 years away from making landfall in India.

Basically, before all the path breaking events of 16th and 17th century, in the village of Loutulim in Goa, this magnificent house was erected which is standing proudly standing the test of times. The Figueiredo House, offers its guests an experience that is as interesting and unique as its history.

The property is divided into two parts, one is the home stay and other is the museum. The part of the house behind the museum is the private residence of the Figueiredo family, who still live there. The property houses 5 rooms, which are altered just a wee-bit to accommodate the modern day amenities. Rest of it is just raw and unaltered.

The moment you step inside the house, the aura embraces you with all its warmth. The common areas of house adorned with jars and vases of yesteryears grab your attention as you make your way towards the open air courtyards. The walls of the house are decked up with Mario de Miranda’s illustrations and cartoons, which is an absolute treat in itself.

The Figueiredo Museum tour is an experience in itself that will take you centuries back down the memory lane. Figueiredos have contributed immensely to Goa, with the family members who were judges, advocates, diplomats and members of Portuguese Parliament and legislature of Goa. This influence is starkly visible in the displays at the musuem.

The museum houses lovely rose wood carved furniture that will definitely make you feel that you have teleported to another era, the cupboards and the lockers with ivory inlays, the crystal chandeliers that illuminate the ceilings, an elaborate dining area with exquisite furniture and some of the unique porcelain crockery you will ever see. Mr. Gomez, caretaker and manager of the property, takes you on a wonderful journey, full of stories about every little detail you see in the museum.

While the entire place is treat to eyes, the food served here is treat for eyes, nose and taste buds. Personally supervised by the owners, Fatima and Pedro, the food is not only tasty, but also makes you feel content after having it. We had the finest prawns with lemon rice during our stay there while having some lovely conversations with the owners, who made us felt extremely at home.

Overlooking the lush green paddy fields surrounded by tall coconut trees, the views from the mansion are a treat for sore eyes. In the quiet of Loutolim, you can be fooled into thinking that Goa is still that verdant paradise it once was. Full marks to the Figueiredos for opening up their home to all where one can enjoy the grandeur and stories of this truly historical home.

Taj Corbett Resort & Spa – Hospitality in Hallowed Woods

At the base of the mighty Himalayas, along side the mild gushing of river Kosi, covered in tropical foliage inside India’s oldest wildlife conservation park, stands a resort that leaves you awestruck with aura. Welcome to Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand.

Photo of Taj Corbett Resort & Spa, Uttarakhand, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand, India by Mastane Musafir

Located 10 km from the base town of Ramnagar, the resort stays put at village Garjia along the buffer zone in Corbett National Park. Once you enter the gates of the property, you are in a completely different zone altogether. After all, where else in India would you find yourself welcome to the tunes of a Bagpipe?

The reception area just gets you awed with its decor and design. The frames that adorn the wall and the artefacts that beautify the surroundings just swipes you off your feet in a dream world. The charm of such places, just cannot ignore the smallest details that are taken care of to make the stay as comfortable as possible, even if it is for just 10 minutes.

In & Around the Property

Shadowed under the coniferous vegetation of Deodar & Sal trees, the resort boasts 60 rooms and cottages, 2 restaurants, 1 bar, banquet hall, a swimming pool, fitness centre and spa. The look and feel of the place is kept simple, yet elegant and gives the vibes of a classic Pahadi atmosphere.

The rooms have everything that is just perfect, from the cosy beds to comfortable baths. Walls are adorned with pictures of wildlife from the region, which just adds the feel to the feel of staying put in the jungle. And to add to it, the housekeeping staff are extra sweet, as they left us a self-pampering kit for doing a foot spa with a lovely message. No one can beat Taj Properties when it comes to hospitality.

Photo of Taj Corbett Resort & Spa - Hospitality in Hallowed Woods by Mastane Musafir

The ambience of the property itself rejuvenates you with little things here and there that catches your attention. For those who want to know more about the history of the forest, the library contains some really interesting books from renowned authors and photographers, including the famous works of Jim Corbett himself.

Dining Experience

In our travels, we have experienced that comfortable stays and elegant ambience attracts only one part of the mind. A hotel or resort’s make-or-break USP is the food and the dining experience it provides to its guests. And again, Taj Hotels just do not let you down on your expectations. Equipped with 2 lovely restaurants, the flavour of the food in each of these is just impeccable. Here’s a brief about the restaurants

1) Tree-Top Restaurant

The all-day dining multi cuisine restaurant literally takes your fine dining experience to great heights. Outside seating comprises of two decks where you can just get hoisted up amidst the flora of the forests. The mild gushes from the river Kosi creates a beautiful symphony accompanied by the chirping of birds. Just the perfect kind of music you would wish while indulging in the culinary treat.

We had a lavish lunch in the form of the Kumaon Thali, and the taste from each and every dish served is still afresh in some corners of our dentures.

2) Jim’s Grill
If scrumptious grilled delicacies laced with local flavours in the company of some soulful live music is your idea for dinner, then you need to head straight to Jim’s Grill without any 2nd thoughts. The menu of the restaurant is meticulously crafted as all the dishes in it are inspired by the local cuisine or have a touch of the local flavours. Best time to enjoy these are in winter months, when the temperatures are have dipped and you have your private fireplace for the warmth as you indulge in these delicacies.

We tried the Thukpa & Pahadi Tikka, totally worth it. Full marks to the pomegranate chutney that was served with the tikkas.

Activities that keep you indulged

Our past experience with Taj Properties made us acquainted with one fact that the staff does treat the guests like God, and leave nothing unturned to provide them delightful experience and a pleasant stay. Same is the case here.

Mornings are for wildlife. And nothing beats exploring the jungle, spotting some wildlife and indulging in a heavenly breakfast from a hill top with amazing views of the forests and snow capped mountain peaks. The staff also arranges for heritage walks in nearby village and showcase the lost history and heritage of these places.

If you are travelling with kids, then your kids are going to have an amazing time in the resort. The resort arranges for dedicated activities directed at the entertainment of children. These include survival training, cooking lessons, archery etc to name a few. These make today’s kids forget the technological supports and embrace the outdoors.

As you assemble around for evening tea and snacks, the naturalists start an interactive session regarding the flora and fauna of the forest. The foliage along the banks of river Kosi attracts the indigenous Himalayan Goral towards it, and its a test of the eyesight in spotting this beautiful fawn in the camouflaged surroundings.

Gautamsnaps : Himalayan Brown Goral . Photostory on Himalayan ... — Source: Gautam Dey

A stage play narrating the life and times of Jim Corbett and other stories from the Kumaon region brightens up your evening as your flaps of wisdom open up to new culture and glorified past. As the stars take the charge of the night sky, the views are totally mesmerising as you head towards your room in reminiscing a wonderful day you just experienced.

Hospitality in the Hallowed woods, if it were to be given one name, Taj Corbett Resort & Spa would definitely be the chosen one.

Sagargadh Fort – A trek through the lesser known gem

The land of the brave Maratha warriors, the land that scaled its zenith under the Maratha rulers. The Marathas were known for using guerrilla tactics in war to surprise their enemy and the hilly terrain of Sahyadri ranges played a perfect aide to them and hence one can find many hill forts in Maharashtra. Did you know there are around 300 hill forts in Maharashtra?

One of the them is a lesser known, strategically built fort overlooking the mighty Arabian Sea called Sagargadh. Very little is known about the origins of the fort or who built it but it has all the elements which makes the trekking experience last a lifetime.

Sagargadh is located just 6 km before Alibaug, a popular weekend getaway in proximity of Mumbai. Yet it is relatively unheard of as compared to other popular hill forts of Maharashtra. It falls on the road leading up to Alibaug. If one is travelling by road, the vehicle can be taken up to the base village Khandale. The trek starts here.

What follows is a journey that will make this trek a memorable one for years to come. Embark from Khandale village amidst lush green surroundings and chirping of insects, on a flat terrain with gradual inclination till you reach a small stream. A gentle dip of feet in these waters and you are all charged up for the ascent that lies ahead. We highly recommend dipping feet in this stream, so that you can enjoy a fish spa totally free of cost.

The ascent is relatively easier in the beginning with a proper staircase showing you the way. Around 20 mins of a hike on this route and you will reach the base of Dhondhane Falls. These falls are love at first sight. A double-layered fall with a massive drop in the middle of lush green makes these falls a visual treat. And the best part about them is you can actually go behind the falls, something you don’t find often in India.

The trail to the top has proper markings in blue, indicating the directions towards the fort. Passing through a village in between; you can flex your muscles a bit, splash fresh spring water on your face and gear up for the final stretch of the trek. Once you cross the village, it is more of a ridge – walking in a single file with a gorgeous valley on one of your sides and tall trees on your another. The final stretch is a bit tricky if you are a beginner. For an experienced trekker, it won’t make a difference. However, caution must be exercised.

Photo of Sagargadh - Built with Strategy, Erased in History #maharashtratreks By Mastane Musafir

You will be standing in front of a 4 m tall wall on the summit and there’s literal wall climbing to be done to move further. Trust us, it is an experience one must have in their life. The summit has a vast plateau and it is so green, we wish we could just replicate this all over our planet. On the top, the winds are strong, like very, very strong. But you feel awesome as you brave these winds to inch ahead and explore the plateau.

From one corner, you witness the dense forest valley and a punishment point known by the name of Varnatok Peak. From the other corner, if the skies are clear, you can sea the mighty Arabian Sea. The summit serves as a perfect vantage point, overlooking both the sea and the land.

The winds are so strong, if you are lucky, you can witness reverse waterfalls on the summit. Right next to these reverse falls, is a water tank that is fed by fresh spring water through a snout that is in the shape of a cow. That water was the best I have ever had after the spring water of Manali.

We stayed on the peak for a long time, taking in the beauty of nature around us. We kept on wondering, how a strategically built fort, overlooking land and sea, is lost in the magnanimous history of our country. However, with all the offerings which Sagargadh Trek provided, it easily qualifies as the most memorable trek of the monsoon.

Best Beaches of India

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the word Beach? Sand, surf and sun are the most common words that people spell out when they hear the word beach. And it is true also. But beaches have more to offer than these. To us, the beach signifies magnanimity, poise and grandiose. There are many shades of the beach. Some are calm, some are verbose. But the beauty remains the same no matter what.

For a person who just loves the beaches, it is great to be born in the country that boasts a coastline of 7516 km, stretching from Gujarat all the way to West Bengal, covering 9 states altogether. And when the coastline is this vast, there’s bound to be beautiful beaches all along. Here are the best beaches of India, in no particular order.

1. Ganeshgule, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra

If you love to sink in your feet in soft sands, if you wish to see through the ocean floor, if you love to breathe in fresh oxygen and if you enjoy solitude in nature, Ganeshgule is place to be.

Absolutely marvellous, this hidden gem will remain on our all time favourite places list. Its simplicity and pristine beauty will definitely hit the right chord on your heart. To know more about the beach, read here.

How to reach:
By Road: 350 km from Mumbai
By Rail: 30 km from nearest Station, Ratnagiri.
By Air: 350 km from Mumbai Airport

2. Kapu Beach, Manipal, Karnataka

There are some places with which you have millions of memories associated with. Kapu beach is that place for us. It is the charisma of the beaches with lighthouses. For the ship lost at sea, a lighthouse gives it hope. When a person sees a beach with lighthouse, the tranquillity of the scene has similar effect on his mind.

Mere sitting on the rocks at the base of the lighthouse facing the mighty ocean with cool breeze ruffling your hair is quite an experience in itself. And from the top of the light house, all you feel is “Alive & Awesome”

How to Reach
By Road: 10 km from Udupi
By Train: 15 km from Udupi railway station
By Air: 50 km from Mangalore Airport

3. Cola Beach, Goa

Ever heard the phrase ‘Stealth Mode On?’ If not, drop a visit to this glorious beach to know exactly what it means. A bumpy road from Cola village leads you to the point when you are facing a wall of coconut trees. But once through it, Voila! a beautiful beach is at your perusal.

Add to that, just on the next end, a pool formed by the backwaters of the ocean gives you a personal lagoon kind of experience, something not many beaches in India offer it to you. It is an absolutely instagrammable spot. Read more about lesser known Goa

How to Reach:
By Train: 32 km from Margao railway station
By Air: 55 km from Goa International Airport

4. Radhanagar Beach, Havelock Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

When a beach is given the accolade as one of the best beaches of Asia, no question arises regarding the magic it weaves on your mind. The turquoise blue waters and white sands add to the astounding beauty of the place. A serene and impeccable ambience that it provides continues to attract travellers from across the globe to its shores.

How to Reach:
Port Blair airport is connected to all major cities of India. From Port Blair, frequent ferry boat services shuttle passengers to Havelock Island.

5. Kudle Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka

The charm of hidden beaches is just exquisite. It ignites a little spark in your mind as you make inroads through the ferns and foliage only to be at the receiving end of unaltered beauty of the ocean.

Perhaps, one of the best sunsets we have witnessed ever was at this beach What attracts you is the calmness in the surroundings, as if you are left with the ocean to have a tête-à-tête.

How to Reach:
By Road: 485 km from Bangalore
By Train: 5 km from Gokarna railway station
By Air: 230 km from Mangalore Airport

6. Tithal Beach, Valsad, Gujarat

First experiences of anything is very special and dear to heart. Tithal was my first experience of the sea, sand and everything related to it. The black sand and beef wood trees on the shore add to the sheer elegance of the beach.

And the sea, oh the sea, shows all its avatars, from a peacefully calm to roaring violent as you enjoy them with refreshing coconut water and a plate of hot pakodas.

How to Reach:
By Road: 100 km from Surat, 250 km from Mumbai
By Train: 5 km from Valsad railway station
By Air: 250 km from Mumbai Airport

7. Lakshmanpur Beach, Neil Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands

A trail that passes through area with huge, literally huge (read: gigantic) trees and leads to a rocky beach formed out of volcanic craters. And that is just the tip of the iceberg. As you proceed further towards the sea, you find yourself looking at a natural rock cut bridge on the far end, standing still giving picturesque scenes for the visitors.

How to Reach:
Port Blair airport is connected to all major cities of India. From Port Blair, frequent ferry boat services shuttle passengers to Neil Island.

8. Ottinene Beach, Byndoor, Karnataka

How do you feel when you discover a secret beach? Excited, elevated, contented or delighted? We felt a little of all these emotions when we unearthed this gem. A completely off the course and secretly hidden will just give you good and positive vibes as the beach welcomes you with open arms.

But the secrecy is not its USP. There’s an estuary which leads up to the beach, where river Suvarna meets with the ocean. The view is worth the most precious gem on earth, perhaps even more than that. And one of the best sunset views ever.

How To Reach:
By Road: 440 km from Bangalore, 5 km Byndoor town
By Train: 85 km from Udupi Railway Station, 20 km from Bhatkal railway station, 5 km from Mookambika Road Station
By Air: 130 km from Mangalore Airport

9. Cabo de Rama, Goa

Secluded beaches in Goa are a reality. Yes you have read it correctly. Cabo de Rama strikes straight to your heart by its beauty and exclusivity. This one was a kind of show stopper for it offered a setting similar to a Bollywood Song Location. A rocky plateau that opens up to the beautiful Arabian sea.

Nothing better than sipping on a chilled beer with a view like this, isn’t it?

How To Reach:
By Train: 26 km from Margao railway station
By Air: 50 km from Goa International Airport

10. Murudeshwar Beach, Murudeshwar, Karnataka

Ever thought of experiencing fun and spirituality together? A weird combination, isn’t it? A divine feeling sets in as you approach the premises of Murudeshwar temple. Standing in between the 20-storeyed Gopura and huge Shiva idol, the heads go from right to left and back, in amazement and awe.

The view from the Gopuram is even more fascinating. 20-storeys above the ground, a realization occurs that the shrine is surrounded by water from 3 sides. 3 windows, 3 directions, 3 jaw-dropping views. And all three views are unique in their own aspect.

How to Reach:
By Road: 490 km from Bangalore
By Train: 118 km from Margao railway station, 111 km from Udupi railway station, 70 km from Gokarna railway station
By Air: 210 km from Goa International Airport, 158 km from Mangalore Airport

11. Marvanthe Beach, Karnataka

Sometimes, you find happiness at places you least expect to find. A beach, from out of nowhere, running parallel to the National Highway. We’ve always dreamt driving parallel to the sea on The Great Ocean Road in Australia. Well, Marvanthe gets you similar feels.

And there’s something better, river Suvarna runs parallel to the sea on the other side of the road, so you just absorb on the beauty nature has to offer.

How to Reach:
Best way to reach is by road. Marvanthe beach is right on the highway connecting Mangalore and Murudeshwar.

Special Mention: Marine Drive, Mumbai

As iconic as it gets, this two-and-half kilometre stretch right next to coast, is one of our favourite beach experiences.

Time and over, we have visited this place and it gives us the same amount of joy watching the sun go down behind Malabar Hills as it gave for the first time we saw it.

Some of you would have visited these beaches, some of you would have visited even prettier ones., as mentioned earlier, India has 7516 km coastline. But one thing is for sure. Beaches, they are pretty. They are so similar in nature, yet so different from one another. Each beach has its own story. And as sun sets over the beach, it conveys a very beautiful message, “Sometimes, endings are beautiful!”

Kaas Pathar

A UNESCO heritage site, a pure natural bliss stands a mere 7 hours drive from Mumbai. In the hills of Satara, Kaas Plateau boasts a huge variety of flowers that bloom in the period just after the monsoon bid adieu in the region.

Morning is the best time to view the flowers as they are have bloomed fresh in the cooler atmosphere. The dew drops on the petals give a soothing feeling to the eyes and definitely wears off your tire from the journey. And it is also the best time as not many tourists would have reached to the place.

Now, we are not much into botany and bio life, so we do not know the names of the flowers. But their beauty is par excellence. Especially when you see an ocean of the flowers all around you. Below given are a few photos that testifies the above statement.

A bed of Yellow flowers, followed by a bed of Pink ones, the green shades of trees & blues of the skies.

Icing on the Cake: A Pond full of Water Lilies

Kaas Pathar – Entry Fees & Related Details

The entry fees for the visiting the park is Rs. 300 per person and is open from 7.00 AM in the morning to 5.00 PM in the evening. We got our tickets from the entry gate itself, however it is advisable to book your tickets online on their official website as sometimes they limit the number of footfalls if the tourists increase in number.

There is a short hike of around 1-1.5 km from the parking area and the entry gate of the plateau. You can either walk or use their transport facility. They have a few Tempo Travelers to ferry the passengers to the main gate, and charge a minimal of 10-20 bucks for the same. However, you must reach early, because once the crowd starts gathering, it takes a lot of time waiting in the queue and heat will tire you up.

Snacks & Refreshment Options

There are no restaurants or tea counters within the park. However, the locals there sell some authentic local snack items like Pithala-Bhakri, Buttermilk, Lemon Juice and Cucumber salad. We tried the Pithala-Bhakri, it was heaven early in the morning and gulped it down with a glass of lemon juice.

Pithala-Bhakri with the spicy Peanut Chutney

Best Time to Visit

The flowers bloom during September-October only and you will have to rely on your luck to see the bloom we saw. But it is worth taking a shot, although it is advisable to confirm with locals or the officials at the plateau.

That being said, it is a wonderful place to witness the beauty of nature.