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 su...