Maharashtra’s long Konkan coastline hides some of India’s most underrated seaside escapes. Away from crowded urban shores, you’ll find white-sand beaches, turtle-nesting villages, calm family-friendly stretches, and adventure hubs perfect for winter travel. If you’re building your Maharashtra beach travel bucket list 2026, these destinations represent the best offbeat beaches in Maharashtra for 2026 road trips, blending scenic beauty, safety, and responsible tourism.
7 Beaches In Maharashtra You Must Visit
1. Tarkarli Beach, Sindhudurg
Tarkarli stands out for its unusually pale sand and clear, shallow waters. During winter, the sea often turns turquoise, and the wide shoreline remains largely free of commercial clutter. Its natural lagoon-like appearance makes it feel more like an island destination than a typical Konkan beach.
Why it’s special
- Widely regarded as the cleanest beach in Maharashtra
- Rare white-sand shoreline with high water visibility
- Well-managed tourism under MTDC supervision
Best things to do
- Scuba diving and snorkeling in Malvan (2026 costs): approx. INR 1,200–INR 1,800
- Dolphin-watching boat rides
- Kayaking in Karli backwaters
Best time to visit
- October to March
- Best time to see dolphins in Tarkarli: November to March (early mornings)
Safety & suitability
- Safe swimming zones in winter
- Ideal for families and first-time swimmers
How to reach
- Distance from Mumbai: ~530 km
- 10–11 hours by road or overnight Konkan Railway
2. Velas Beach, Ratnagiri
Velas is raw, windswept, and deeply peaceful. Backed by hills and farms, the beach has coarse sand and strong waves, making it unsuitable for swimming but perfect for quiet walks and nature observation. There are no resorts here – only village homes and conservation-led tourism.
Why it’s special
- Internationally recognised olive ridley turtle nesting site
- Flagship example of responsible tourism in the Konkan coast
Best things to do
- Witness turtle hatchlings under guided supervision
- Explore village life and coastal biodiversity
Best time to visit
- When is the Velas Turtle Festival 2026? February–March (exact dates depend on nesting cycles)
Stay options
- Community-run homestays with limited capacity
- Advance booking essential during festival season
How to reach
- Best included in a 2-day itinerary for a Ratnagiri road trip
3. Anjarle Beach, Dapoli
Anjarle is long, clean, and calm, with fishing boats resting along the shore and coconut palms lining the edges. The beach has a lived-in charm that feels welcoming rather than touristic, making it ideal for slow, restorative travel.
Why it’s special
- Popular for eco-friendly homestays near Anjarle beach
- Quiet alternative to commercial Dapoli beaches
Best things to do
- Visit Anjarle Lighthouse for panoramic sea views
- Explore Suvarnadurg Fort and nearby coastal villages
Best time to visit
- November to February
Safety & suitability
- Gentle slope and calmer waters
- Among the safe family beaches with resorts in Dapoli
How to reach
- Around 5–6 hours by road from Pune or Mumbai
4. Diveagar Beach, Raigad
Diveagar features a wide, flat shoreline with fine sand and open views of the Arabian Sea. Despite its accessibility, the beach feels relaxed and uncluttered, especially on weekdays. Sunsets here are expansive and particularly photogenic.
Why it’s special
- One of the cleanest offbeat beaches near Mumbai and Pune
- Excellent balance of comfort, cleanliness, and authenticity
Best things to do
- Water sports at Diveagar beach: jet skiing, banana rides, ATV biking
- Temple visits and local seafood experiences
Best time to visit
- October to March
Safety & suitability
- Safer currents during winter months
- Suitable for families and group travellers
How to reach
- Approximately 170 km from Mumbai by road
5. Nagaon Beach, Alibaug
Nagaon is lively and expansive, with firm sand that supports water sports and beach cycling. The atmosphere is energetic, driven by adventure activities and beachside food stalls, making it one of the most fun-oriented beaches in the region.
Why it’s special
- One of the most activity-rich beaches close to Mumbai
- Well-regulated water sports infrastructure
Best things to do
- Parasailing at Nagaon beach vs Kashid:
- Nagaon offers calmer waters and is beginner-friendly
- Kashid offers stronger waves and more scenic views
- Jet skiing, bumper rides, beach cycling
Best time to visit
- October to February
Safety & suitability
- Patrolled zones and trained operators
- Ideal for groups and first-time adventure seekers
How to reach
- Direct ferries from Mumbai to Alibaug: Ro-Ro and speed ferries operate daily (seasonal schedules)
6. Kashid Beach, Raigad
Kashid is visually dramatic, with bright white sand framed by casuarina groves and rocky headlands. The waves are stronger and the beach more open, creating a rugged coastal atmosphere that appeals to photographers and nature lovers.
Why it’s special
- One of the rare white sand beaches in Konkan Maharashtra
- Scenic cliffs and long, walkable shoreline
Best things to do
- Swimming in marked safe zones
- Sunset walks and photography
Best time to visit
- November to February
Safety & suitability
- Safe for swimming in winter
- Avoid monsoon season due to strong currents
How to reach
- About 30 km from Alibaug by road
7. Harihareshwar Beach, Raigad
Harihareshwar offers a serene blend of spirituality and coastal beauty. The beach curves gently around rocky cliffs, with temples overlooking the sea. The environment is calm and reflective, making it ideal for travellers seeking peace rather than adventure.
Why it’s special
- Strong spiritual significance
- Gateway to best trekking routes along the Konkan coastline
Best things to do
- Temple visits and coastal cliff walks
- Short forest and seaside treks
Best time to visit
- October to February
Safety & suitability
- Quiet, senior- and family-friendly environment
How to reach
- Driving from Pune to Harihareshwar best route: Pune → Mangaon → Mhasla → Harihareshwar
Summing Up
These seven beaches highlight the top 7 coastal destinations in Maharashtra to visit in winter, offering everything from scuba diving and dolphin sightings to turtle conservation and spiritual retreats. Together, they form a well-rounded, future-ready Maharashtra beach travel bucket list for 2026, ideal for responsible, scenic, and memorable coastal travel.
