Outing at Kihim beach , Alibaug

Getting There

By Air
Nearest airport is Mumbai, 136 kms.

By Rail
Nearest railhead is Panvel, 85 kms, on Konkan Railway

By Road
Mumbai - Panvel - Pen - Alibag - Kihim, 136 kms,
Alibag - Kihim, 12 kms, 
Panvel - Kihim, 85 kms.

By Sea

THE VIEW OF OUR COASTLINE

Nearest port is Mandwa, 4 kms. from Kihim. There is a boat service from Gateway of India to Mandwa, every  half hour. The boats available are AC speed boats with personalized cabin facility and normal non a/c ferries. the ferry charges are Rs 95 (one way) which also includes free coach travel upto Kihim (however, this is never told out aloud). Do try and board this free bus provided,else one has to fork out Rs 275 by hailing a rickshaw or Rs 350 by boarding a tum tum to Kihim beach.

     On a cold winter's day I suggest one to take the ferry by 9am from Gateway.It gives a panoramic view of the coastline.One can enjoy the view, breeze, sea gulls and pelican ,watch out for various foreign ships anchored along the coast and if lucky even spot dolphins!!! The journey to Mandwa in itself takes around 50minutes. 

MANDWA PORT

 Mandwa is a beautiful, untrodden beach. On a clear day one can enjoy a long, breathtaking view across the bay, up to the Gateway of India. Mandwa village too, has a charm of its own -- with its beautiful groves of coconut palms




.

From Mandwa the bus takes about half an hour to reach Kihim beach.The roads are well maintained and the journey is comfortable overall.There are plenty of hotels and resorts for overnight stay as well depending on one's budget.

Some DO'S and DON'Ts for Kihim beach.

DO's 

1) Do carry a set of spare clothes to change into ,once your finished. The water sports ensure you get drenched to the bones with a lot of sand deposits in your hair!!!! ( There is a place for cleaning up and changing ;safe even for females; although not quiet clean )

2) Ensure that all belongings(the lesser,the better) are water proofed. 

3) Do carry a stack of newspapers to sit down on the sand and reasonably big covers for all your wet clothes

4) Do indulge in some water sports ! It is really fun,and not at all scary ! 

5) Ensure that you haggle with the locals (in Marathi, obviously) with respect to the cost of these rides. A package is generally cheaper and preferred.

6) Do venture out in a reasonably large group. Say about 5-6 .Enough to even play a game on the beach .

7) Do have coconut water there.It is sweet and reaaaaaally delicious!

8) Do try out the popular SOL KADI dish made of kokam juice.Its yummmmmmmmmmm .

9) For non vegetarians, there is a plethora of options !!! Even the veggie lovers shall love the simple village cuisine.  ( Hotel Prasanna is pretty decent,situated a stone's throw away)

10) Do take some time out, sit down on the sand under the thatch and gaze at the sea!

SO SERENE!

It is so soothing and serene .The scenic beauty of coconut trees ,the rustic charm of the village folk , the unadulterated sea water, the sweet and gentle breeze and soak in the moment!!! It is pretty amazing :) 

DON'T

1) Do not try and be too much of a sport or go overboard with the rides.Of the lot the jet ski is the safest. Provided you wear the life vest and do not accelerate way too much! 
2) Do not panic. The life vest ensures you float.So do not panic and fight .If you fall off you shall go in , but come up pretty soon and float thereafter until the locals pick you up and put you back on the ride. 
3) Even if you are an excellent swimmer,be wary of the high tide as well as the low tide. Do not venture too deep into the ocean. 

JET SKI 

THE THRILL OF RIDING OVER THE  WAVES 

FEEL THE THRILL OF ZOOMING ABOUT!!!

                                                                                                                                 Do ensure you are wearing proper clothes and are seated comfortably on the jet ski as you might fall off otherwise whilst accelerating.

There is always enough time to take a snap or a two!!!! ;) (for posterity!) 

It is an amazing feeling on a breezy day,to be jet sking !! Throwing caution to the wind , i felt free as a bird! 

 2) Do try the wind surfer !! Well that's the name i have given this ride, because you literally fly !!!! 

The initial butterflies !

WIND BENEATH MY WINGS :)

LITERALLY SWEPT OFF MY FEET ;) ;)

3)Lastly do try the BANANA RIDE.Not for the faint hearted though!

AS SEEN , PEOPLE HAVE TO SIT ONE AFTER THE OTHER ON A BANANA SHAPED FLOATER WITH  A HANDLE TO HOLD ONTO ( For dear life ;) ) 

THIS IS TIED ONTO THE JET SKI WHICH PULLS IT INTO THE OCEAN WHICH LATER TIPS OVER IN THE SEA !!THEY DO THIS TWICE -FYI - ( Gave me a new found respect for life ) ;) ;)



4) Else, one can simply float about in the ocean and try and learn some swimming or play some games on the sea shore .The beach in itself is pretty clean ,but the water is extremely salty!!! 
All in all a wonderful place to go for a day or two wherein one can get recharged,revitalised and rejuvenated !!!! Do visit KIHIM :)