| Both these
are excellent, safe suburban beaches, linked by a rocky
headland and accessed across a small creek from mainland
Mumbai. The Gorai creek barge looks like a jalopy but is
sturdy and serviceable. On the other side, Manori beach
is a ten minute rickshaw ride away, fringed with swaying
palm trees and a row of beachside cottage hotels. The
most famous of these is Manori Bel, a cluster of white
washed spanish-style villas with clean bright rooms and
charming wicker furniture. Some of the houses in Manori
village also double as hotels where you can dump your
belongings and order lunch before heading for the beach.
Nearby Gorai is more downmarket but less expensive. The
shacks for rent here are usually occupied by illicit
couples or rowdy picnic groups and the beach is full of
dodging balls and flying frisbees. Still, the sand is
relatively clean and the water inviting. |
