Manori Island

Overview:

Untouched by urbanization and industrialization parallel existing with the ever-sprawling, overwhelming metropolis of Mumbai, Manori Island is a quaint hamlet that faintly reminds one of Goa with roadside chapels and churches and women in 'frocks'. Manori is famous for its beaches namely the Manori beach and the adjacent Gorai Beach. Manori is a fishing village, stretching for about two kilometers, fringed with palm trees, rows of seafront hotels and an assemblage of white-washed Spanish patterned villas; it serves as a haven for those seeking refuse from the clamorous atmosphere of Mumbai. Separated from the mainland only by a small creek Manori isn’t exactly an island in all its essence. Located a few kilometers from one of the busiest and most crowded cities in the world Mumbai, it has maintained a quaint rustic charm about itself and maintained itself as an island away from the all pervasive urbanization of its neighbor. Linked by a rocky headland and accessed across a small creek both Gorai and Manori are rocky beaches. Although clean and pleasant, yet playful waters of the sea is becoming, swimming is not advised at Manori beaches. Modern day Manori village is dominated by the local fishing community and has high ratios of East Indian population. Chapels along the roadside are a common sight. Uncommon and most famous though is the Manori Bel. The major occupation among the locals is fishing. The offbeat Manori has no bottles, garbage or waste lying around, and the main attraction here is the breath of fresh air, serene atmosphere and the silence, broken only by the sound of the sea waves. Another fun attraction is the ferry ride which transports visitors to Manori from Malad. Visitors with an agenda for the weekend to do nothing more than some sunbathing and imbibing the spirit of a beach or to have fun in the one of the biggest amusement parks in this side of the world, should head to Manori Islands. People fatigued with routine lives can relax their nerves by booking radio taxis online, from within Mumbai to Malad; where regular ferry rides from the beaches of either Malad or Marve will transport them to Manori Island. Located about twenty minutes away from Madh Island, Manori and the nearby Gorai are also accessible by road via Bhayander. Car rentals hired from Mumbai to Manori Island, are a popular choice for travelling as they ensure a comfortable journey and allow people to travel leisurely.

Places to Visit:

Though, the beach of Manori islands is the main attraction. The most popular tourist attraction in Manori is Essel World, an amusement park located at just 25 kilometers from the village. Essel World is the largest amusement park in India and is also known as the ‘Island of Fun’. It houses a botanical garden and the famous Water Kingdom, which is the largest water theme park in Asia.

The Shiva temple – Samudreshwar, near the ferry drop off point, and the ‘math's’ of Gagangiri Maharaj and his desciple Swami Gagananand Maharaj. Manori Rocks, between Manori and Gorai beaches is yet another tourist spot to visit.

Constructed by the Portuguese, Madh Fort is another touristy spot. It was used as a watchtower. Currently it is used by the Indian Armed Forces to train cadets. The Global Vipassana Pagoda, housing relics associated with Gautam Buddha, is also worth a visit.

Things To Do:

Though the local cuisine consists mainly East Indian food and sea food there are a myriad of Chinese food corners serving Indo- Chinese food. Tourists may savor other popular dishes such as the Chicken Raan, Pork Vindaloo and Sorpotel, Stuffed Pomfret, rotis, Prawns chilly fry, Dry Bombay duck chutney and fried bombay duck; as these dishes are traditionally prepared here.

Take a leisurely stroll along the beach of this tiny island and let the cool sea breeze ebb away all worldly tensions.

Tourists can hire cabs from Gorai to Pune, and explore the ‘Queen of Deccan’ or the ‘Oxford of the East’ for its various tourist attractions and delicious cuisine.