Travel

A Refreshing Weekend Trip to Kashid

Scenic Drives, Beaches & Coastal Delights

If you're searching for a peaceful beachside retreat away from the chaos of city life, Kashid is one of the best-kept secrets on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. Located about 125 km from Mumbai and roughly 170 km from Pune, Kashid offers a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and relaxation. With its golden sandy shores, clear blue waters, and quiet charm, it’s an ideal weekend getaway for families, couples, or even solo travelers.

Recently, my family and I decided to take a spontaneous weekend trip to Kashid—and what unfolded was a journey filled with scenic drives, mouth-watering coastal cuisine, thrilling beach rides, and unforgettable memories. Whether it was the winding roads of Konkan, the view of the sea hugging the coastline, or the simple joys of spending time with loved ones by the beach, every moment was a reminder of how healing nature can be.

In this blog, I’ll take you through our 2-day adventure to Kashid, sharing highlights of the drive, our experiences on the beach, the delicious food we savored, and the stunning return journey via Tamhini Ghat. If you’re planning a short escape into nature’s lap, this guide will help you know what to expect—and what not to miss.

The Journey Begins: A Cloudy Morning in Summer

Our journey began early on a Saturday morning, just as the city was beginning to stir. It was summer in Maharashtra, and we expected the day to be hot and dry. But to our pleasant surprise, the sky was partly cloudy, and a gentle breeze accompanied us as we packed our car and set out on the road. The slightly overcast weather made for perfect driving conditions—neither too hot nor too bright—setting an optimistic tone for the adventure ahead.

As we drove past the outskirts of the city, the landscape slowly started to change. Concrete buildings gave way to open fields, clusters of trees, and small villages dotted along the highway. The traffic was light, and the smooth stretches of road allowed us to cruise comfortably while enjoying the changing scenery outside the windows.

We had music playing softly in the background—an eclectic mix of retro Bollywood and Marathi folk tunes—which added a cheerful rhythm to the ride. Conversations, laughter, and that buzz of excitement that only comes with travel filled the car. Everyone was in high spirits, eagerly anticipating the coastal breeze and salty air of Kashid.

After covering about 70 kilometers, we stopped at a roadside dhaba for breakfast. The place was rustic but welcoming, with benches under a thatched roof and the smell of fresh tea and poha in the air. We indulged in a simple yet satisfying meal—kanda poha, misal pav, and piping hot chai—served with the warmth and flavor that only highway eateries seem to offer.

Refreshed and recharged, we got back on the road. With bellies full and spirits lifted, we were ready to dive deeper into the heart of Konkan—where the real magic of our journey was waiting to unfold.

Entering the Konkan: Nature at Its Best

As we crossed into the Konkan region, it felt like stepping into a different world altogether. The landscape transformed dramatically—the straight highways gave way to winding roads flanked by dense greenery, swaying coconut palms, and quaint little homes with sloping red-tiled roofs. The air grew fresher, cooler, and filled with the earthy scent of the coast. The hustle of city life faded into the background, replaced by the soothing rhythm of nature.

The drive became more thrilling as the roads turned narrow and serpentine, snaking through hills and valleys. Every twist and turn brought a new perspective—one moment we were surrounded by thick groves, and the next we were greeted with glimpses of vast open fields or a sudden drop revealing distant hills. This stretch, though slower in pace, was full of character and charm.

The scenic beauty of Konkan is hard to put into words. Verdant greenery blankets the land, broken only by the occasional temple dome, sleepy village, or a water buffalo lazily crossing the road. Small roadside stalls selling tender coconuts, kokum sherbet, and local snacks added a vibrant touch of rural life. We stopped briefly at one of these stalls to enjoy some fresh coconut water—the perfect coolant in the summer heat.

What stood out the most was the calm and simplicity of the region. Life here seemed to move at a different pace, unhurried and peaceful. Even the people we passed by greeted us with warm smiles, a hallmark of the Konkan hospitality.

As we got closer to Kashid, the landscape opened up further. And then came that breathtaking moment—the first view of the Arabian Sea, sparkling under the muted sunlight. The road started running alongside the coastline, revealing dramatic views of the sea on one side and forested hills on the other. We slowed down to take it all in, occasionally stopping to click pictures and simply admire the raw, untouched beauty of the region.

Driving through Konkan was not just a route, it was an experience in itself. It prepared us for the serenity that awaited at Kashid Beach, setting the tone for a soulful and scenic weekend.

Arrival in Kashid: Fun, Family, and the Sea

As we approached Kashid, the road began to closely trace the shoreline, offering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Sea shimmering under the soft afternoon light. The gentle sound of waves crashing in the distance grew louder, and the salty sea breeze began to drift in through the open windows. The moment we saw the vast stretch of golden sand and blue water stretching to the horizon, all the fatigue from the journey simply melted away.

Kashid Beach welcomed us with its clean, quiet, and uncrowded shores—a refreshing contrast to the more commercial beach destinations in Maharashtra. Lined with casuarina and palm trees, the beach looked picture-perfect, inviting us to unwind and enjoy the moment. We parked our car and stepped onto the soft, sun-warmed sand, letting our feet sink in as we gazed out at the waves.

The atmosphere was filled with joy and liveliness. Children were running along the water’s edge, couples were walking hand-in-hand, and groups of friends were building sandcastles or posing for selfies. Our family quickly joined the fun, and we marked the moment by organizing a small family function right on the beach. It was informal, heartwarming, and full of laughter-sharing stories, playing beach games, and simply enjoying each other’s company in the open air.

Soon, we turned our attention to the variety of beach activities available. The kids were excited to ride on camels and horses, and their laughter echoed across the shore. We all took turns enjoying: Horse rides, trotting gently along the shoreline, A traditional horse cart ride, which felt like a charming throwback to simpler times, Camel rides, offering a unique view of the beach from a higher perch, And for those seeking a bit of thrill, a bike ride on the beach sand, kicking up a trail of sea mist and excitement. Each ride brought smiles and a sense of childlike joy. These small, spontaneous moments made the beach experience even more vibrant and memorable.

We also made sure to capture the beauty and joy of the day through countless photos, candid group shots, solo poses with the sea in the background, and scenic landscape frames. The golden-hour lighting made everything look magical, with the waves glistening and the sky turning pastel.

As the sun began to lower in the sky, painting the horizon in hues of orange and pink, we all sat down on the sand and simply watched the day wind down. That peaceful moment, surrounded by loved ones and nature’s beauty, felt like the true essence of the trip—simple, serene, and soul-refreshing.

Seafood Delights: The Taste of Konkan

No trip to Kashid is complete without immersing yourself in the authentic flavors of Konkan—and here, seafood reigns supreme. As the sun climbed higher, we followed the irresistible aroma of coastal spices to a charming beachside shack known for its fresh catch of the day.

Fresh Catch, Rustic Ambience: The eatery itself was unpretentious: wooden tables set on a wooden deck overlooking the sea, colorful fishing nets draped overhead, and the gentle sound of waves providing the perfect soundtrack. Local fishermen arrived throughout the morning, unloading their haul—silver pomfrets, plump prawns, bombil (Bombay duck), and crabs that still twitched in their baskets.

Pomfret Perfection (“Poplette” Fry): Our first indulgence was the Pomfret fry, locally called “Poplette.” Marinated in a blend of freshly ground red chilies, turmeric, and a hint of garlic, each fillet was shallow-fried in coconut oil until its edges turned crisp and golden. The flesh remained succulent, with just the right amount of spice to make us reach for another piece.

Bombil and Prawns: Konkan Classics: Next came Bombil fry, a true Konkani staple. Lightly coated in a rice-gram flour batter, the Bombay duck emerged crunchy on the outside yet tender within. Paired with prawn curry, the tartness of kokum and creaminess of coconut milk created a symphony of flavors that danced on our tongues.

Solkadhi: The Cooling Digestif: To balance the heat, we sipped on Solkadhi, a traditional digestive drink made from kokum extract and coconut milk, tempered with green chilies and garlic. Its tangy-pink hue and soothing taste offered perfect relief between spicy bites, cleansing our palates and refreshing our senses.

Local Insights and Culinary Traditions: While we dined, the owner—a second-generation Konkan native-shared stories of ancestral recipes passed down through generations. He explained how each household has its own spice blend, and how the coastal climate influences the catch and cooking methods. This personal touch made our meal not just delicious, but also deeply cultural.

Mouth-Watering Sides and Sweets: Alongside the seafood, we savored bhakri (thick rice or jowar flatbread), crispy sol kadhi pakodas, and a simple green mango salad sprinkled with chili and chaat masala. For dessert, we couldn’t resist a local sweet called Modak, made from rice flour and stuffed with fresh coconut and jaggery, an homage to the region’s devotion to Lord Ganesha.

With our bellies full and hearts content, we reflected on how Kashid’s seafood offerings perfectly capture the essence of Konkan cuisine: fresh, aromatic, and steeped in tradition. Next up: local shopping for mangoes, mewa, and more coastal treasures!

Local Treasures: Raigad Hapus & Konkani Mewa

After a satisfying meal and some much-needed rest, we set off to explore the local markets and roadside stalls around Kashid. One of the most delightful aspects of any trip to Konkan is discovering the region's seasonal produce and traditional delicacies, lovingly sold by local vendors along the way.

Raigad Hapus: The King of Mangoes: Summer in Maharashtra means mango season, and nowhere is it more celebrated than in the Raigad district. Just outside Kashid, we came across several roadside carts loaded with crates of Raigad Hapus, the local variety of Alphonso mangoes. Unlike the overly polished ones seen in city markets, these mangoes had a rustic charm, freshly plucked and wrapped in straw to ripen naturally. We stopped to chat with a friendly farmer who explained the difference between Ratnagiri Hapus and Raigad Hapus, while both are sweet and aromatic, the Raigad Hapus has a slightly tangier profile and a buttery texture that melts in your mouth. After sampling one, we couldn't resist buying a few dozen to take home. The taste was divine, sweet, fragrant, and bursting with the warmth of the Konkan sun.

Konkani Mewa & Traditional Snacks: Our next stop featured an array of Konkani mewa (dried delicacies) and homemade snacks. Small stalls displayed: Jackfruit chips - crispy and golden, made from ripe jackfruit slices fried in coconut oil. Banana wafers - thinly sliced and spiced just right. Dry kokum - used in solkadhi and curries. Mango pulp (amras) in sealed pouches, perfect for desserts back home. Nachni (ragi) laddus and coconut barfi, full of traditional sweetness. Each item felt like a piece of Konkan you could take home, not just food, but stories of coastal kitchens and ancestral recipes wrapped in banana leaves and brown paper.

Supporting Local Communities: What made this experience even more fulfilling was knowing that these purchases directly supported local farmers and artisans. The smiles on their faces, their warmth, and their pride in their offerings reminded us that travel is not only about places, but about people.

With our bags filled with fruity treasures and snacks, and our hearts filled with gratitude, we prepared for our final beach stroll before heading home the next day.

Return via Tamhini Ghat: A Scenic Farewell

As our weekend in Kashid drew to a close, we spent a quiet Sunday morning on the beach, soaking in the last moments of serenity. The sun was mellow, the waves rhythmic, and the breeze gentle—as if nature was bidding us a soft, lingering farewell. After a relaxed breakfast and one final walk along the shore, it was time to begin our journey back home. But we had one last experience awaiting us: the scenic route through Tamhini Ghat.

A Drive Through the Hills and Mist: Instead of retracing the same route, we decided to return via Tamhini Ghat, a picturesque mountain pass that connects the Konkan region to Pune. This decision turned out to be the perfect closing chapter of our trip. As we began the climb, the air grew cooler and the landscape started changing once again, lush green hills, cascading streams, and deep valleys greeted us at every turn. Even in summer, Tamhini Ghat has its own charm. While it’s known for its monsoon beauty, the dry season offers clear skies and sweeping panoramic views of the Western Ghats. We stopped at several lookout points, where the vastness of nature unfolded before us, rolling hills stretching endlessly, dotted with villages and winding rivers in the distance.

Peaceful Roads, Rich Landscapes: The drive was peaceful and meditative. The winding roads, flanked by thick forests, made for an engaging drive, especially for someone who enjoys being behind the wheel. Occasional herds of goats and glimpses of village life added to the rural charm. At one point, we even spotted a group of peacocks crossing the road, pausing just long enough to let us admire them. We paused at a roadside tea stall nestled on a cliffside bend. The view from there was simply breathtaking, a panoramic frame of the valley below, framed by tall trees swaying gently in the breeze. Sipping on hot cutting chai, we reflected on the memories of the past two days—family laughter on the beach, the taste of perfectly spiced fish, the joy of spontaneous roadside shopping, and the ever-changing beauty of nature.

A Perfect Ending to a Soulful Escape: The Tamhini Ghat drive reminded us of the importance of slowing down. It was not just a return route—it was a moment to savor the silence, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and carry home the calm that only nature can offer. By the time we reached the city, our hearts were full, our minds refreshed, and our spirits recharged.

Conclusion

Our weekend getaway to Kashid turned out to be much more than just a short trip—it was a soulful retreat into the heart of Konkan’s natural beauty, flavors, and culture. From the scenic road journey and serene beaches to the delightful seafood, vibrant local markets, and the misty mountain pass of Tamhini Ghat, every moment brought a fresh experience and a deeper connection with Maharashtra’s coastal charm.

Whether you're looking for a quick weekend refresh, a family bonding time, or a peaceful escape from city life, Kashid offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. It’s a place where the road becomes part of the journey, where simplicity is the luxury, and where every wave seems to tell a story.

We returned home with sandy shoes, sun-kissed smiles, full tummies, and hearts overflowing with memories. And somewhere between the winding Konkan roads and the coastal breeze, we found a little piece of ourselves.