Kelwa Beach – A fantastic Weekend Destination

Kelwa beach is a popular weekend getaway for Mumbaikars. Those who haven’t been here, this is a wonderful break from the routine. Laden with natural beauty and a maintained travel spot, hats off to whoever is responsible for its care. They are doing a satisfactory job for the tourists here.

The good part is you can make a weekend plan or a day out in spur of a moment. There are ample resort options if you want to stay and even economical options of lodge accommodations. A day out plan will require nothing more than information on how to get here. From Mumbai, it is a 2 to 2.5 hours drive to the beach. For people coming from northern regions, you can take the bypass from Palghar on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad highway No.8. For those who want to take train from Mumbai, it is much convenient to get here with direct local trains that have recently started from Churchgate to Dahanu. Do look up the timetable in advance to sync accordingly. The Kelwe road railway station is quite a remote station with few transport options, the dumdum(8 seater rikshaw) & bus.

http://www.kelvabeach.in/how-to-reach-kelvabeach.php

The dumdum or bus ride from station to beach is approximately 5 Kilometers and very pleasant one. It starts with somewhat barren landscape and grows greener as you travel inside. On one side of the road you will find salt pans and the other with many oasis spots of green plantation.

As you get closer to the beach the greenery gets thick and resembles Konkan region. Technically, Palghar district is almost a part of Konkan region minus the red soil.

The Sheetala devi temple is an old pilgrim place for devotees and now renovated beautifully. There is carefully cultivated garden around the temple with beautiful flower and other show plants. The premise and the temple is maintained clean.

Various small eateries take care of your hunger pangs with quick snacks like Vadapav, Misal etc. If you are a group of 8 or more people you can order a vegetarian Maharashtrian thali or non-vegetarian Biryani in approx 1-2 hours. There are also full time restaurants in the vicinity. For stays, you can book lodge rooms on the spot at these eateries or book the resorts beforehand. A large travelers group is much economical in the lodging options and can cost you Approx. 800 -1000 for a group of 10. Resorts can be pricier but come along with their conveniences.

You have to pay a Rs. 5 ticket per person for the entrance at the beach but it is worth the cleanliness and hygiene maintained here. The ticket also covers lifeguard cost appointed for our safety. The public toilets are fairly clean. You even have changing rooms there, so a day out plan here is good idea too instead of booking for a stay.

Enough things to amuse you on beach like horse-cart ride, camel ride, four-wheel bike ride, savory chaat – ice candy – coconut water carts, toy sellers and a small playground for kids.