Chilling out with a beer, sand in your toes, watching the sunset over the ocean. Goa's beach shacks are one of the biggest draws of the state. And it's always been a mystery why Maharashtra, despite having some of the most picturesque beaches, hasn't tapped into this tourist magnet.
Well, better late than never.
The Maharashtra government just passed a legislation earmarking eight beaches along the Konkan coast where Goa-style beach shacks will be built.
According to a statement issued by the Maharashtra Chief Minister's office, 10 shacks each will be set up at Aareware Beach in Ratnagiri, Tarkarli in Sindhudurg, Varsoli and Diveagar in Raigad and Palghar's Kelva and Bordi beaches.
Mumbai and Pune people won't have to drive for hours to get to a Curlies-style shack now. Fingers crossed that the food and drinks will be as good as it is in Goa
The shacks will be allowed only in areas approved by the tourism directorate. And locals will get first dibs at setting them up. Not only that, most people employed at the shacks will be locals. Every beach will have a maximum of 10 shacks, and these will remain open between 7am and 7pm.
So look out Goa, your neighbour is about to give you some serious competition.
