Murud - Mesmerising and Magnetic!

Apart from it being Chatrapati Shivaji’s ‘Waterloo’ and it’s mouth-watering seafood, Murud (derived from the combination of a Konkani and Arabic word Morod meaning island) has many other aspects to it, that make it a must see destination. Be it the pristine and beckoning beaches, the very hospitable and warm natured locals or the urge to photograph just about everything that moves and is stagnant, going to Murud is like asking a fish whether it likes water! Just about a 4 ½ hour road journey by road from Mumbai (193km) via Alibag, or alternatively a 2 hour ferry ride from Ferry Wharf in Mumbai to Revas and a further 2 hour (73km), the drive is nothing short of a scenic potpourri of smells, tastes and sights.


Once you arrive there, a lot of things seem much more than you had actually gambled for. Start with the Murud Beach, clean, mocha coloured sand, clear, virgin waters lapping up the coast and the Casa Fort looming high, that brings back memories of the famous (or infamous) Alcatraz prison in San Francisco. It isn’t open to general public and requires special permission from the Navy to visit. Casa is the anglicized version of the Marathi world ‘Casav” which means tortoise. Apparently under a moonlit sky, it looks like one. Not that it did to me, but who am I to question a bygone legend? The star attraction is the Janjira Fort (derived from the Arabic word Jazeera meaning ) built by Siddhi Johar, which is a 20 minute boat ride from a small wharf located at Rajapuri village. The ride itself is an eventful one, what with the boatsman doubling up as the guide once you enter the fort. The ride is priced at Rs. 20 per person while the guide fees are Rs. 30 per person. Soak in the 45 minute fact filled tour, while your boat ‘holds fort’ outside it’s ramparts. You can actually feel the surreality and feel the spirits of the dead keep a close watch over you, while you go about exploring the fort….well atleast I did! The guide very confidently talks us through the Magic 5 (actually Magic 6) factor that swirls around the number 22. It seems the fort took 22 years to build, 22 pillars supporting the fort, 22 rings around the 22 tonne cannon called Khalabangdi, 22 acres ares on which the fort is spread out and the highest point in the fort which is reached by 22 steps.

Meals are dominated by a slew of freshly caught seafood in total home-made style, complete in natural surroundings under coconut trees with their fan like fronds and the silky sand caressing the soles of your feet. The ‘Datta Cha Dongar’ or simply put Datta’s Mountain, is located about 3km away from Murud Beach on actually a flat hill also known as Sunset Point for obvious reasons. The road leading to this place is reminiscent of a Formula One track complete with hairpin bends and chicanes, which would make Lewis Hamilton seriously consider a trip here! Incase you wish to reconnect with the Almighty, you may visit the sole temple here dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, Hanuman and Ganpati. It also makes for good photography as this is the highest point in Murud, where you can get a panoramic view of the entire city and the breath-taking sunset!

The fish market is another colourful riot of events which was like a ghost town when I reached there with the odd fisherwoman scurrying around, however within a matter of minutes, expect to be accosted with a cacophony of sounds and motley crew! At 5PM every evening, the local Koli fisher folk lumber up from the seashore with their fresh wares. The fish is so fresh, you can actually see it breathe, crawl and anything else that comes close to a motor movement. The resorts are comfortable, clean and very liveable, with much to choose from within their premises itself. Choose from swimming, a game of carrom, taking a bicycle for ride (Rs. 100 per person per hour), a round of parasailing (Rs. 300 per person) at Murud Beach or a 15 minute speedboat ride close to Casa Fort (Rs. 100 per person). Alternatively, you could also prop your legs up at the courtyards outside each resort room, gazing into the distance as the sun gets engulfed by the raging sea, sipping slowly on a bottle of beer.

The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary spread over 52 sq. km, is best done on your way back to Mumbai, considering it’s 19km from Kashid by road. The entry fee to the sanctuary is Rs. 20 per person, Rs. 10 for children below the age of 12, Rs. 15 for two wheelers and Rs. 50 for four wheelers. The mornings and nights are the suggested times of the day for photography as that’s when you can spot the locals of the area i.e. leopards, the barking deer, sambhar, porcupines, vultures, herons, 25 species of snakes and the rare but beautiful Giant Indian squirrel. There are 71 species of butterflies found here and Mango, Teak, Kinjal and Hirda are the main species of trees that can be found. There are four huge watch-towers peppered throughout the sanctuary and if you wish to go there, it is suggested to be accompanied by a guide because of the dense vegetation and the possibility of getting lost in it. It opens at 6AM and shuts at 3PM, and they have tented accommodation at the entrance which can also be erected anywhere around the sanctuary, except the actual game viewing area and can house a maximum of 8 people in it.

Whatever your fancy, Murud is a sure fire formula for a relaxing getaway after a long week at the office!!