subject: Beach Holiday In Murud Jhanjira,maharashtra [print this page] Murud-Janjira is a quiet little beach getaway that basks in the Konkan sunshine. Murud''s lovely beach is edged with swaying betel palms, coconut
fronds and groves of casuarinas. A temple dedicated to Dattatreya occupies prime position on a hillock in Murud, from where you can get a commanding view of the entire bay. A holiday and honeymoon destination with a difference, the beach town of Murud will definitely sweep you off your feet.
Historically Speaking
Murud was the 15th-16th century capital of the Siddis of Janjira. This indomitable fortress inspired the Maratha chieftain Shivaji to launch several attacks, but the fort remained unconquerable to the last. The fort built 2 kms into the sea, is one of the most important sea-forts in Maharashtra.
The ancient fort still retains its strength and grandeur.
Shopping
Be sure to buy some Barfi and cocounut chikki from Vijaylakshmi''s or Hanuman hotel.
Night Out
The beaches and village have a number of informal restaurants and shacks where you can sample Konkan cuisine and relish its flavour. Fish dried, pickled or in curry is famous and Patil Khanaval, run by five brothers, along the sea front, serves the best fish in Murud. If you are looking for other
cuisines like Chinese and continental try the restaurants at the Sandpiper Resort. The best biryani in town is available at Hotel Paresh and for vegans try the batata vadas served with chutney like none other you have ever tasted at Hotel Patils.
Sights
Get a dose of local history in Murud. Visit the palace of the Siddhi Nawabs , the Janjira fort and the Janjira caves . The Arabian Sea crashes relentlessly all around the fort, which lies 2 km into the ocean at Murud. Built in the mid-16th century, the Janjira fort was originally
a wooden fortress built by the Murud fishermen to protect their village from pirates. Burankhan, the minister of the ruler of Ahmednagar, Nizamshah, later demolished the fortress and built an impregnable stone fort in its place. Janjira fort had a number of towers and turrets where huge guns and cannons were kept in perpetual readiness to ward off enemies. Shivaji, Sambhaji and the Peshwas tried, in turn, to take over the fort, but the Marathas, British or Portuguese could never capture Janjira. Padmadurg Fort or Kasa Fort as it is called today is now in decay. The fort built by Sambhaji, Shivajis successor was meant to be a response to the Janjira Fort. The fort spreads across 8 acres but is inaccessible for a major part of the year due to weather conditions. Special permission can be obtained in winter to visit this monument. The Ahmedganj Palace , the estate of the Siddi Nawab of Murud is also out of bounds to the tourist. Laid across 45 acres, the present Nawab Siddi Mehmood Khan resides here. The Palace grounds have a mosque on the premises and the remains of the two previous rulers. And after the historical adventures, Murud Beach offers you 1.75 km of pure white firm sand to relax on. For more fun and frolic visit the Garambi Falls . Get drenched or enjoy splashing under the 100 ft high waterfall. The water here is supposed to be the purest in Maharashtra.
How to get there by Air
Mumbai is the closest airport 165kms away. From here hire a taxi to get to Murud-Janjira, a 5 hour drive away.
How to get there by Rail
Trains will get you as far as Roha and Panvel from where you can take a bus to Murud.
How to get there by Bus
Murud is 165 km from Mumbai by road, a journey of about 5 hours. State Transport buses operate from Mumbai Central to Murud''s Durbar Road. The most convenient way to get to Murud-Janjira is by ferry or by catamaran.
Best time to Visit
Murud has a coastal climate and can be visited at any time of the year, avoiding the monsoons.
MTDC has simple cottages and rooms near the beach. You can also stay with residents who have rooms and shacks on rent. Budget hotels like Sea Face and the Sahil Lodge or the Golden Swan Beach Resort and Sandpiper Resort are options available to the traveler.
Nearby Places
Nandgaon is located about 9 kms away from Murud. The quiet, virgin beach here is relatively unknown to the normal tourist so if its solitutude and peace you are looking for, this is the place. It is quite easy to miss this beach as the approach road is not that great - the dirt track leading
to it is dusty and muddy, but once you stumble out onto the beach, it is well worth it you will see! Kashid beach 17 kms away is another little getaway from Murud. This unspoilt beach is also beautiful and serene - little frequented by the normal tourist.
For more information for this Destination please check india Travel Guide
