Beaches and monsoon—Is there a connection? I’ve noticed that most beaches are typically empty during the rainy season. Towards the end of July, when the monsoon is at its peak in Maharashtra, we headed to Murud, a quaint town in the Raigad district, to enjoy the calmness of the sun, sand, and the wind in our hair. In this Murud Monsoon Travel Guide, I’ll share our experience exploring the town’s beaches, jungles, and hidden waterfalls.
Murud-Janjira Fort stands resilient against the monsoon tides, offering a breathtaking view of the Arabian SeaHaving described it poetically, I do want to add that a weekend getaway to the beaches during the monsoon season is not always ideal. The tide is high, the water is often murky, and there’s literally no sand left for kids to play with. So, yes, the beach may feel deserted, but if you enjoy the rhythmic lull of the waves, it’s still worth a visit. Having explored Alibaug on several occasions, Murud—a coastal town just 50 km ahead of Alibaug and famous for the historic Janjira Fort near Murud Beach—is perfect for a weekend getaway from Mumbai. But can you explore Murud in the monsoon rain? You’ll soon find out!
Best Time to Visit Murud
The best time to visit Murud is between November and February, during the cool and pleasant winter months. This is the peak tourist season when you can experience the town at its vibrant best, with perfect weather to explore its serene beaches. However, we visited during the monsoon season and it too offers a different experience altogether. The region comes alive with lush greenery, and the bonus is the less crowded atmosphere.
Of course, visiting the fort during this time can be a bit challenging, but the beauty of Murud in the monsoon is worth it. During this season, the sea remains calm, making it possible to take a scenic boat ride to Janjira Fort, which lasts for about 20 minutes. It’s best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Where to Stay in Murud?
Murud offers accommodation options for every budget, ranging from affordable stays to luxury resorts. We stayed at a company-owned resort, so I can’t recommend a specific resort by name. However, you will find plenty of stay options in Murud, whether you prefer beachfront cottages, boutique hotels, or luxury resorts with stunning views. You can also decide to stay at Alibaug and plan a day’s trip to explore the fort and beaches.
Murud Monsoon Travel: Places to Visit
Murud-Janjira Fort:
The Murud-Janjira Fort is a historic landmark and one of the main attractions for visitors to Murud. Built as a coastal defense structure, it stands as a symbol of resilience, having never been conquered in a battle. This fort not only offers offers stunning views but also dives deep into the region’s rich past.
That said, when we visited in the first week of August, the Murud-Janjira Fort was not open, locked until 15th August. While we could only admire the fort from afar, the view was still breathtaking, and the surrounding beauty made it worth the visit.
Murud Beach
Imagine a beach where it’s just you and your family. After missing the chance to explore Murud-Janjira Fort, we headed to the nearby Murud Beach. With no crowds in sight, we soaked in the calmness of the waves. We played with our frisbee and ran on the sand till our feet got tired. That’s when an ATV rider approached us and offered a ride at a dirt-cheap price—just Rs. 200 for three people. We enjoyed the thrilling ATV ride on Murud Beach and then left the shore to indulge in fresh fish thalis at a small shack near the beachside.
Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary near Alibaug? I was just as surprised when I discovered an entry gate to Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary near our accommodation. Although that gate was not operational, we took an hour-long drive the next day to reach the main entry point.
The entry fee for Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is ₹60 per adult and ₹30 per child. The moment you enter, you are greeted by village ladies cooking fresh food in the small restaurant. We decided to book a delicious vegetarian thali meal before heading out to explore the trails. The sanctuary is incredibly peaceful—apart from us, there were hardly any other visitors exploring the dense forest in the monsoon, making it an unforgettable experience.
As we carefully walked along the trail, my little one spotted beautiful butterfly and hushed us to hear the songs of birds in the quiet chaos of nature. In the damp monsoon greenery, the birds and butterflies kept us company, and we occasionally spotted snails. Of course, we didn’t spot any leopards or other wild animals, but we had inquired at the front gate before our visit, as there were hardly any explorers in the forest at 1 in the afternoon.
There are great spots in the sanctuary to take pictures, and they’ve put up signs to guide visitors to various points, with the first being a serene lake. After our rejuvenating walk, we enjoyed a scrumptious, homely lunch at the restaurant, where the village ladies prepare the meals with love. Every bite was full of warmth, making it the perfect end to our visit.
Garambi Waterfalls: A Secluded Sunset Dip
As part of our Murud Monsoon Travel adventure, we ended our second day of sightseeing with a visit to Garambi Waterfalls. Tucked away on a secluded road, this beautiful waterfall is just a short 10-minute walk from the main road. It’s best to reach here before sunset, as the area can get quite eerie after dark. The locals even recommended we head back to our car quickly and avoid lingering too long, as the spot has a bit of a notorious reputation.
Despite the warnings, the waterfall and its surrounding landscape were absolutely breathtaking. After a day of trekking through Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, the cool, crystal-clear water was the perfect refreshment. The peaceful setting, surrounded by forested hills and a small dam, made for a truly serene experience—especially in the midst of the monsoon.
Located about 5–10 km from Murud town, Garambi Waterfalls is a hidden gem, ideal for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Murud during the monsoon.
Murud Monsoon Travel: Why Our Trip Felt Special?
It was the perfect Murud Monsoon Travel experience for us because:
- No crowds: The lack of crowds at every location created a peaceful and intimate experience, allowing us to fully connect with the beauty of Murud and with each other.
- Murud Beach: The beach was a dreamscape bathed in golden afternoon light. The spontaneous ATV ride added an adventurous touch to an already serene atmosphere.
- Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary: This hidden sanctuary offered a quiet corner of nature, far removed from the hustle and bustle of commercial tourist spots, providing a truly tranquil wildlife experience.
- Garambi Waterfalls: Visiting Garambi Falls at golden hour was unforgettable—no crowds, just the sound of water flowing over rocks, surrounded by forest and the quiet calm of dusk.
The Unique Charm of Konkan Monsoon in Murud
As someone who loves the Konkan, my Murud monsoon travel trip will always remain a special memory. Soft rain, uncrowded landscapes, raw nature, and simple joys created the perfect escape. The beach felt almost meditative, forest – alive, and the waterfall – a perfect cool finale to a day full of exploration.
Planning your Murud Monsoon Travel? Let us know your favorite spots!
