Aravi beach, Shrivardhan


December, the grand finale of the year, always seems to be packed with excitement and fresh hopes. My friend dropped by with his daughter, and we decided to make the most of the weekend by heading to the beach. Our initial plan to visit Alibaug was quickly swapped for the quieter Aravi Beach near Shrivardhan.

We hit the road bright and early at 5:40 AM on Saturday. The 162 km drive took us about six hours, including a leisurely breakfast break and a couple of pit stops along the way. We passed through Mann Village in Hinjewadi and Tamhini Ghat, with mostly smooth roads—though there were a few bumpy spots to keep us on our toes. By 11:30 AM, we arrived at the peaceful Aravi Beach.

This hidden gem was a serene escape, untouched by heavy crowds or commercialization. A handful of modest stalls offered snacks and refreshing juices, but the real charm was in the spacious parking and the unspoiled stretch of sand. After parking, we slipped into our swimwear and lathered up with sunscreen under the blazing sun.

The beach itself was a picture of tranquility, with soft white sand and the rhythmic flow of the waves, especially since it was almost a full moon. We built sandcastles, snapped photos, wandered along the shoreline, and kicked back in the cool water. It was the perfect blend of relaxation and fun for both parents and kids. Three hours flew by before we decided it was time to head back.

Before leaving, we sipped on some refreshing coconut water. Then, one by one, we took turns showering off the sand in the basic, yet functional, beach bathrooms. By 3:50 PM, we hit the road again, hoping to beat the traffic. Though we avoided stops, the drive was still slowed down by heavy traffic in Hinjewadi, even on a Saturday. We finally reached home by 8:20 PM, our hearts full of the memories of a perfect beach day!


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