Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Back in Murud you can waste away the days on the beach, joining in with karate prac-
tice or playing cricket with locals. Alternately, you could peer through the gates of the off-
limits Ahmedganj Palace, estate of the Siddi Nawab of Murud, or scramble around the de-
caying mosque and tombs on the south side of town.
THE LEGEND OF 'BABA' AMTE
The legend of Murlidhar Devidas 'Baba' Amte (1914-2008) is oft-repeated in humanitarian circles around the
world. Hailing from an upper-class Brahmin family in Wardha, Amte was snugly ensconced in material riches
and on his way to becoming a successful lawyer, when he witnessed a leper die unattended in the streets one
night. It was an incident that changed him forever.
Soon after, Amte renounced worldly comforts, embracing an austere life through which he actively worked for
the benefit of leprosy patients and those belonging to marginalised communities. In the primitive forested back-
yards of eastern Maharashtra, he set up his ashram called
Anandwan
(Forest of Joy;
anandwan@gmail.com
). A
true Gandhian, Amte believed in self-sufficiency, and his lifelong efforts saw several awards being conferred
upon him, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985.
Amte's work has been continued by his sons Vikas and Prakash and their wives - the latter couple also won the
Magsaysay Award in 2008. The family now runs three ashrams in these remote parts to care for the needy, both
humans and animals. Volunteering opportunities are available.
Sleeping & Eating
HOTEL
$$
Golden Swan Beach Resort
( 274078;
www.goldenswan.com
;
Darbar Rd; d incl full board from ?4700; )
With only waving palms
separating it from the beach, this upscale hotel offers accommodation in cosy rooms and
cottages looking out to the sea, with views of the Ahmedganj Palace and Kasa Fort. There
are also rooms in a charming old bungalow located five minutes away from the main
property. Rates increase by 25% on weekends.
Sea Shell Resort
( 274306;
www.seashellmurud.com
;
Darbar Rd; d without/with AC ?2280/2500; )
A cheery place
with breezy sea-facing rooms and a multicuisine restaurant, this understated hotel scores
quite well with Mumbai's weekend travellers. The swimming pool at the entrance is a
welcome addition, and dolphin safaris can be arranged.
HOTEL
$$
New Sea Rock Restaurant
(Rajpuri; mains ?50-160; 7am-8pm)
Perched on a cliff overlooking the beach at Rajpuri, this
joint has an awesome view of Janjira. A perfect place to steal a million-dollar sunset for
INDIAN
$
