I was roaming around in the Raigad district of Maharashtra and was on my way back to Mumbai when I casually asked my auto rickshaw driver if there were any beautiful places to see around. He named a few places, most of which I had already visited and the rest were too far. The last place to pop out of his mouth was Nagaon beach. He called it Mini Goa and when I enquired for the reason, he was quick to mention about the water sport facilities and other activities there. Nagaon beach is also the third most popular beach in Raigad after Alibaug and Kashid. No second thoughts and I headed there.
I was not convinced about the mini Goa tag even as I got out of the rickshaw and walked to the shady trees. That is something I loved at the first sight. Lots of trees where you can sit under and stare at those blue waters. Blue waters? When I had a closer look, the water was not all that blue. It was murky and brown, at least the water that waved into the sandy beach was. This is something that I found in Alibaug beach too. Probably it is because of summers and the water had receded a bit.
It was mid noon and those trees were the apt place to sit, sip a beer and enjoy the vistas (Beer being easily available near the beach could be another reason for the tagline). The clear blue sky, the long and expansive sands, the blue waters in the distance and the odd para-sailor/ camel/ horse cart made for a lovely landscape. The beach is quite long and the waters are quite far off. The sand displayed different shades from white to dark chocolate across the beach. The distinguished colouring made the beach look all the more attractive. The brown sands blended so beautifully with the blue sky. Undoubtedly it is the sands that attracted me more than the waters on this beach. The place also seemed quite free of litter. Sunset on the expansive Nagaon beach would definitely be a mind soothing experience.
As my driver had mentioned, the beach indeed had a lot of activities like para-sailing over the waters, horse carts for the kids, camel rides and water scooters. Surprisingly for a hot and humid day there were quite a few people exploring the beach. The beating sun made me sit under the trees and those activities had to be given a miss. Evenings would be the ideal time to explore those vast sands, the low tides and you can finish off with a camel ride. After enjoying the lovely landscapes for a couple of hours I was back in the rickshaw.
The mini Goa tagline might not be very appropriate for Nagaon beach but the glimpses of it being one very soon is definitely there. Though there are no shacks right on the beach, a few of them are there just before you enter the sands. As far as activities are concerned, they did remind me a bit of Baga and Calangute. Travellers from Mumbai can now think beyond Alibaug and Kashid for their weekend options.
Signing Note- Definitely a mini Goa in the making...!!
Route- Alibaug- Akshi- Nagaon
Distance- 10 Kms
I have been to Nagaon ages back, as part of a college trip.. the only thing i remember from that trip are the rocks, the sand and the sea! it was much cleaner then, though (that was almost 20 years back!) but there were no water sports at all... and it was also empty.. just the 20 of us on this vast, never ending beach!!! thanks for bringing back memories!
ReplyDeleteThe beach would have been very secluded those days. Must have been a great experience. Glad that I could re-kindle your memories.
DeleteGlad you asked the auto driver and ended up at such a scenic place!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, would have missed out otherwise for sure.
DeleteGreat looking beach with trees on the shore.
ReplyDeleteIt indeed is a lovely one.
Deleteit is totally mini Goa!!!...i love the trees area there...and some more facts...that would help anyone goin ther...the sleeping bumper ride is available only here...not even in Goa..and for food the 2nd last shack just near the sea, has total yummy food!!..:D
ReplyDeleteI too loved the trees. Missed out on the food there.
DeleteIn few years it will be ! Just make the alcohol non-taxable :-)
ReplyDeleteHaha. Can't rule that out. :)
DeleteBeautiful! But am in Bangalore :( Will plan this when am in Mumbai.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Deletevery nice photos.. will visit it for para sailing when i go there. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteWonderful places .
ReplyDeleteGlad that you liked it.
DeleteLooks like an Interesting Place.
ReplyDeleteIt indeed is.
DeleteThat is a beach with a character of its own. The sand IS pretty eye-catching. Not quite a Goan Beach (as yet) says the Goa expert, eh? ;)
ReplyDeleteNice to know about Nagaon Beach. Thankoo. :)Great pics too.
Thanks Divya. Yeah, I fell for its sands. Who is the Goan expert? Haha. :) Not me for sure.
DeleteTo me, you are. :)
DeleteThe next time I'm going that side -- I was thinking -- I'd talk to you. Honest. :)
Thanks Divya. Am yet to cover half of Goa, but shall definitely help you out with whatever information I have. :)
Deletenice to know
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure.
Deletewhat better experience then to enjoy calm sea water, peacefully sitting under a tree with some eatable or drink (like in ur case) and may be a good novel. :)
ReplyDeleteloved seeing Nagaon beach thru ur eyes :)
Thanks a lot. Glad that you liked it. To sit like that would make even a hot afternoon a blissful one.
DeleteI am not a beach person but sometimes it is nice to watch the waves crashing the rocks! Good post Niranjan!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kusum.
Deletethe beach looks quite expansive for sure....and in the winters i would love to be here :)
ReplyDeleteWinters would be the apt time of the year to visit this beach.
DeleteGreat shots! A new place to me.
ReplyDeleteThanks Indrani.
DeleteGreat pictures of a wonderful place.......
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteBeautiful place. Would have to visit soon :)
ReplyDeleteGlad tat you liked it. Head there soon.
DeleteBeautiful post! I love those vast expanse of trees, must try and visit this sometime.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Head there soon.
DeleteLovely Post...
ReplyDeletewonderful and a wide beach :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Joshi.
DeleteSo much lovely spot to get a great experience of summer holidays and adventure activities.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely!
DeleteFabulous shots Niranjan!... though it's not really resembling Goa... but we never know the change in coming few years...
ReplyDeleteCheers!!!
Thanks Anunoy.
Delete