There are beaches and beaches and Maharashtra has its fair share of them. Unknown, unsung beaches-fringing the coastline sporadically, places where sand and sea meet with pleasant effect.

While the beaches of Goa and Kerala are sung of and written about and the endless stretch of sand called Marina, that lines the shores of Madras city, has its own share of followers, the coastal sands of Maharashtra remain comparatively undiscovered. And that is their biggest attraction.

Another very pleasant feature of the beaches of Maharashtra - whether it is Alibag or Marve or Bordi - is the fact that they line essentially safe waters. The deep drop of the coastline does not occur dangerously close to the shore. At high tide one can dally in warst deep waters for hours on end, walking for almost half-a-kilometre from the shore without fear of treachery. The sea is serene in most of the beaches, that dot the 720 km. Long coastline of the state. And more often than not, the splendid view of the setting sun is offset by the ramparts of an ancient fort, silhouetted against the horizon.

Closest to Bombay's bustling crowds, are the three tiny beaches that lie north of the city Marve, the closest has a flavour all its own, its villas and the fishing village offering a taste of colonial splendour and a lifestyle untouched by expansion and industrialisation. The sunsets and sunrises that one can see here are enhanced by the hill ranges that frame the beach. Easy to reach, Marve can be approached by road and boat.

Also as close, and as beautiful are the two beaches of Manori and Gorai. Both have become a favourite with picnickers - especially of the moonlit night variety. And the village folk to both beaches have learnt to make the most of this, by letting out their homes and extending their hospitality further with cooked meals and drinks too-all for a price, of course.

Gorai's sparkling waters are safe throughout the year and the village has its own charm - it's bit like stepping out into the untouched countryside.

However, avoid the waters, in the monsoon months. Treacherous under currents can make the otherwise tranquil beaches dangerous. Yet, picnicking in the shade of the palm tringed shacks, while the rain pours outside, has its own charm. Ask anybody who has experienced it.

Seventy-seven kms from Bombay, connected by road and rail (take a Virar local train is Bassien. Very Portuguese, like a bit of Goa brought closer and much quieter too. The added attractions are; the portuguese food served by the locals who also rent out shacks and rooms, and the resplendent Bassein fort, Quite a change from your normal idea of a beach-day picnic, you'll discover.

If history is not your favourite, and you prefer a beach with a religious flavour, then Ganpatipule is the resort for you, Fine sifted, silver sands, a gentle lapping sea, which soothes frayed nerves and a 400-year-old temple that guards a Swayambhu monolith of Lord Ganesha. Wooded hills, yet untouched by man's destructive axe and a secluded township, make it a quiet, peaceful retreat. If you have the inclinatio take the highway from Bombay - Ganpatipule is only 375 kms away. Pune is closer, by 50 kms. Ratnagiri is the nearest airport, 50 kms away, while train travellers must disembark at Kolhapur. Either of which ways is a bonus - you can sample the famous mangoes of the former if they are in season; while the latter is a historic town that has a few attractions of its own to offer. Accommodation at Ganapatipule is ample - MTDC has a holiday resort which offers dormitories as well as ultra-modern suites.

More history awaits the beach-comber at both the Alibag, and Murud-Janjira beaches. Approximately 165 km. By road from Bombay, Murud is a quiet palm fringed coastline. Carry your hammock and books, for the time you spend outside the water. Janjira's semi-ruined fort is a great backdrop for photographs. As for the appetite the sea breeze whips up, the Konkani cuisine that the MTDC holiday resorts provide go a long way in making the trip all the more statisfying.

Fruit picking could be one way of gathering pleasure if you opt for a weekend at Dahanu. It boasts of some of the country's best chickoo orchards. Gliding is one of the newer pleasures. And the Irani and Parsi culture of the place add a touch of the exotic. Approximately 145 kms. from Bombay, the coast town of Dahanu has a brisk air that is a healing salve for pollution choked lungs.

A half-hour's drive down from Dahanu is the even sleepier village of Bordi.

The beach is endless, and very safe. And very beautiful. Quite hot in summer nights though, by day the breeze blows a merry tune.

History comes alive at sindhudurgand Vijaydurg (510 kms and 425 kms. respectively from Bombay) whose quiet waters do not reveal any of the martial turmoil they have witnessed in the past.

Both beaches hold two of the most picturesque of Shivaji's many forts and loads of tourists travel by the State Transport bus for a tele-a-tele with history. Sindhudurg is 164 kms. from Belgaum which is the nearest airport; while Vijaydurg is further away at 239 km. If you make Kolhapur your base - you can visit not just Ganpatipule but both these scenic beaches too! Or stop en route to Goa, for a taste of Maratha glory. Don't miss out on the temple inside the fort at Sindhudurg fort. It is both ancient and beautiful.

And if you are young at heart and a gypsy by spirit, there's a new, novel experience awaiting you at Kihim beach. Just 120 km. From Bombay, almost an extension of Alibag - Kihim can be reached by sea too - it's only an hour-and-a-half from the Gateway. Twenty tents nestled amidst the thick coconut groves give you a taste of nature. To ensure comfort, MTDC has added amenities, like fans, beds, blankets and a well stocked cafeteria. Baths and toilets are close at hand-and a weekend tour, is a good way to rediscover nature and yourselves too !

But booking is heavy, so plan well in advance. The bad news is, that tent holidays are available through Oct. to June the good news is, there are more beaches where they will be made available.

Travelling down the coast, as you approach the Konkan area there are delights that will spike up your expeience of the sand and sea.

There is the rich tang of Konkani food that you can sample at any village home or eatery. For one don't skimp on the prawns, or the pomfret, made in the special Konkani way. For vegetaians, the kokam kadhi will leave you with a taste that will haunt you for days to come. And of course, if you are lucky enough to travel southwards in the summer - you not only get away from the heat of the metropolis and find yourself fanned by casurina and palm but you can savour their replaceable Alphonso mango. And once you have eaten an Alphonso on its native soil - you'll never be able to find any fruit to match its taste again!