When 5 friends decided to go for a weekend break from Mumbai; there was lot of fight regarding places to go. From places like Daman, Bordi, Saputara, Bhandardara, Malshej we finally decided to go Murud Janjira& Kashid.
Things we considered were, Distance from Mumbai by road is leisurely 4 hrs drive(around 150km from Andheri).Places can b visited r Sea fort, Beach, Sanctuary and Birla temple, so basically all types of sights can be visited.Biggest attraction was amazing SeaFood.
So we started around 4 in the eve from Mumbai. Though it was raining heavily, it was very nice feeling as the roads were comparatively empty. Reached Pen in almost 2 hrs, with frequent breaks(tea+bio+snaps). From Pen you need to be careful as at place called Wadkhal need to go straight towards Alibaug and left wil take u to Goa. There is a very good Wadapav wala at the corner(cant remember the name though). Roads there onwards were bit rough as the u r not on highway . It might check suspensions of ur car and endurance of ur back.( Heavy rains might have caused it).Once v reached Fansad sanctuary, scenes were awesome. Driving along the seashore reminds u of gold coast . Awesome drive . It takes almost an hour from Alibaug to reach Murud .
We reached by 8pm. Need to reach there before daylight if u have not booked any place to stay as after dark there will b nobody to guide and u l be on the road without any direction or sign boards.
Our room was for 800 bucks . Neat and clean. No restaurant / kitchen but it was bang opposite sea and view was breathtaking. so no complains. For food Patils Khanawal(hotel)was recommended by many and the place was worth it. Veg and Non Veg was available.
Next day morning Visit to janjira fort was not possible due to bad weather.so went to Kashid beach. Commercialised like any other beach. In the noon went to the local market and fish we bought was given to hotel guy, who got it cooked from his house. Amazing taste.
By 3 we left for Mumbai and everyday struggle.
Things to remember:
Reach in daylight as after 7, there will be no body to guide.
Book the room in advance as there wont be any disappointment .
Try n keep the place clean as I could see, lots of traveller(reveller) throwing bottles out of car.:(
High End resorts r very few. 2-3 in Murud and 1 in Kashid.
cheers
P S: Couple of weeks back, went there with my family .Stayed at Prakruti resort. More about it l8r.