Bassein used to be a place for ship-building in the beginning of the seventeenth century . it was here that the Marathas besieged the Portuguese in 1739.

The ruins of the Portuguese Fort still stand almost hidden by brushwood and palm groves. About 10 kms. to the north-west lies Nalasopara village, the capital of the Konkan from about 1500 B. C. - 1300 A. D.

Many Buddhist relics were discovered here. Nalasopara is believed to have been Gautama Buddha's birthplace in a previous life.

To the north of Nalasopara is the Agar of Agashi and to the south the Agar of Bassein.

About an hour by bus from Bassein station are the Vajreshwari temple and Akloli hot springs.

Also easily accessible is Ganeshpuri with the Sadguru Nityanand Maharaj Samadhi Mandir, the Bhimeshwar temple and the other ashrams.

There are several beautiful churches in Bassein, a reminder of the Portuguese presence.

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Apart from Juhu in the suburbs, Chowpatty is Mumbai's most famous beach. During the day, it is the hangout of the happily unemployed who snooze under the shade of its stunted trees. But in the evening the atmosphere is more like a carnival: kids screaming on Ferris wheels or taking pony rides, wayside astrologers making a quick buck, monkey shows, and even the odd self -styled gymnast who will demonstrate amazing yogic postures for a small fee. At one end is a row of bhelpuri shops hawking Mumbai's most popular snack: crisp puffed rice and semolina doused in pungent chutneys, all scooped up with a flat, fried puri. You might even catch a film shoot or a street play. In short, for most tourists Chowpatty is where the action is.

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Thane District is home to the serene seaside town of Dahanu, that is notable for its vast stretch of unspoilt beach. The coastline, stretching from Dahanu to Bordi, is 17 kms long. Once the stronghold of Irani settlers, Dahanu is famous for its 'chickoos', and is teeming with fruit orchards. Udwada, 'the Mecca of the Zoroastrians' is accessible from Dahanu. The magnificent temple, which houses the sacred fire of the Zoroastrians, is the prime attraction of the region. This fire has been kept alive for almost a thousand years, an incredible, nevertheless, true fact.

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The lush soothing greenery and the golden beach of Ganapatiphule is a popular beach amongst tourists. It also houses the 400 year old temple dedicated to Swayambhoo Ganpati. Nearby is Malgund the birthplace of the famous Marathi poet Keshavsoot. Lokmanya Tilak's birthplace Ratnagiri also lies  in its vicinity. Thebaw Palace where the deposed King of Burma was confined, Jaigad Fort and Swami Swarupanand's ashram in Pawas are also worth visiting.

Travelling to Ganapatipule by road is a vacation in itself. The entire 'konkan' region is picture-perfect: narrow roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit bearing trees and casuarinas lining the coast are a common sight. Besides the beach, Ganapatipule is an important pilgrimage centre. The temple of the 'Swayambhu Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati and its magnificent 400-years-old temple.

A longish drive takes you to this beach. The road seems to travel on and on and you cannot even get a glimpse of seawater until, from top of a hill you suddenly can see the entire beach with white sand and blue waters - a sight for sore eyes. The beach has rocky stretches - avoid swimming in these parts. However, there is a lagoon where one can paddle a boat. The more adventurous can try balancing a kayak. The beach ends at the base of a small cliff and the view from the top, is breathtaking. There are many trails along the beach, lined with cashew and the mango trees and you can spot some exotic birds. The small green bee-eater has made this place its home -- don't miss its antics.

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About 40km from Mumbai, this sleepy beach near the Portuguese- favored fishing village of Manori is a weekend retreat for the people of Mumbai and the venue of occasional beach parties. It offers a refreshing change from the bustle of India's most busy metropolis.

If your agenda for the weekend calls for nothing more energy-consuming than some sunbathing at a beach, Manori, located about 20 minutes away from Madh Island, is the place to hit. Manori and the nearby Gorai are quaint hamlets that faintly remind one of Goa. The population of East Indians -- a particular group of Catholics native to the Mumbai area -- is high in these villages and hence high visibility of roadside chapels and churches and women in 'frocks'.

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The virgin, pristine beach of Mandwa, is easily accessible from Mumbai and is just 120 kms away. The village of Mandwa captures your heart with its overwhelming serene atmosphere and endless coconut palm groves. Just near Mandwa is another unspoilt and isolated beach, Kihim . This slightly unusual beach is a treat for a nature-lover, housing deep woods a variety of rare butterflies, wild and uncommon flowers and many species of birds. It was a popular haunt of Dr. Salim Ali, the famous ornithologist. Other interesting places are Kolaba Fort, near the shore, and Chaul (15 kms from Alibagh) which is a site of historical importance, boasting an assortment of Portugeuse ruins, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana, a church, a synagogue and a temple.

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The former capital of the Sidis of Janjira, Murud is famous today, for its enchanting beach, huge stretches of coconut and palm groves, and a fascinating fort. The three centuries - old fort of Janjira, once considered impregnable, is a marvellous piece of architecture. On a hill to the north, is the Lord Dattatraya shrine, the three - headed image, representing the holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. A few kilometres away are two alluring, little - known beaches, Nandgaon and Kashid. Nandgaon is renown for its magnificent Ganpati temple, and the annual fair held in the god's honour, every February. Other sites of interest in this area, are the palace of the Nawab and the Janjira caves.

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The sun kissed sands of this spectacular beach opening up to an endless span of sea of Shriwardhan Bay is a popular spot. For some adventure you can hire small boats which take you to the North to indulge in the exploration of the land where the Prime Ministers of the Maratha Kingdom, the Peshwas originally dwelt. The 'Peshwa Smarak' is a local landmark, of much tourist interest. The town of Harihareshwar, is primarily known for its splendid beach, and the magnificent Harihareshwar temple.

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Once-upon-a-time naval bases, Vijaydurg and Sindhudurg were a mark of martial supremacy, under the great Chattrapati Shivaji. In the 17th century Shivaji strengthened Vijaydurg (Fort of Victory) by adding impressive features to it like, the triple row of huge walls, the umpteen towers and the spacious inner buildings. The Sindhudurg or Ocean fort spans over 48 acres. It was once seized by the British and renamed Augustus. This fort set at the Malvan port is a significant monument of the historic times. Within its premises are temples dedicated to Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai, Mahapurush and Shivaji, the last being the only shrine of its kind in India. Both these places also boast of picturesque beaches. Both these places house splendid beaches displaying panoramic beauty.

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Vengurla on the Southern part of the Maharashtra coastline boasts of a long stretch of shimmering sand. Lined with thick cashew, coconut, jack fruit and mango groves, it also houses the famous Shri Devi Sateri temple and the Rameshwar temple. This important trade centre of ancient times was twice destroyed by the many attacks to this place between 1664-1812. Nearby are the Vengurla  rocks also known as Burnt Islands. The Sindhudurg and Padamgad forts are housed in the old township of Malvan. An underground tunnel was believed to have joined the 2 forts. Malwan was a former trading centre. Now it houses salt pans and is famous for the China clay pottery and mouth-watering Malvan recipes distinct from the Konkan cuisine.

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