Saphale & Kelva Beach

Saphale and Kelva offer what Alibaug does not — genuine solitude on a beautiful, uncrowded coast. The 4 km Kelva Beach is backed by dense Casuarina groves with almost no commercialisation. A 16th-century Portuguese fort lies half-hidden in the trees at the beach's southern end. The Nav Devi circuit of nine ancient goddess temples adds spiritual depth to a coastal escape that is only 90 km from Mumbai and reachable by Western Railway. Best October–March; monsoon makes access muddy.