Karachi can boast of only a few things but its golden beaches are surely something to be proud of. We, Karachiittes, can preen about our beaches right from the sandy turf of Hawksbay to the adorable turtles of Sandspit to the rocky coastline of Paradise Point and even the silvery grey sand at Sea View.

The coastline of Pakistan stretches from Balochistan to the Runn of Kutch, which borders India. However, perhaps the most stunning beaches one can find along this area are those that border the urban metropolis of Karachi.

If one is at a loss regarding where to take a visiting tourist or where to spend a boring weekend, then pack a picnic basket and set off for any of the multitude of sunny beaches of diverse landscapes which Karachi has to offer. You don`t have to wait for it to be summer; even in the approaching winter, the crisp coastal air is ideal to refresh one`s senses and break the monotony of our urban lifestyle.

The most reachable of these sandy havens are Sandspit, Hawks Bay and Paradise Point. These beaches lie within a radius of 10 to 20 km from the city and you can reach them at a leisurely 30 minute drive. Villas, many of which are palatial and others falling to ruin, edge these beaches. Most of these villas are privately owned, some by companies which rent them out to their employees. However, one can rent quite a few of these huts to spend a comfortable day at the shore line.

Sandspit is renowned for its nocturnal turtle visits especially in the months of September and October. It is a unique sight to see these lethargic turtles undergo the agony of laying huge eggs and then trudging back into the waves. The turtles are under the protection of the Wild Life Management Board. Hawksbay is a popular family picnic spot as it offers an uninterrupted sandy shoreline and a breathtaking view. Paradise Point situated at the end of the province of Sindh, and its rocky landscape is not the best place to swim. However, the crystal clear water with a view of its depths and the tall waves crashing against the massive sculptures of rock on the shore is an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

French Beach is a private beach reserved for an elite few. Sprawled mid-way between Hawks Bay and Paradise Point, it is in fact a small fishing village called Haji Abdullah Goth. If you have a remote relative or friend who agrees to give you one of the few villas on French beach on rent, then this would be an ideal retreat which allows you to bask in complete privacy.

However, if one is in the mood for a trip to a beach which is relatively unknown, then the Russian beach and the beach along the island of Pir Shams might be something to try out. A unique feature of the isolated Russian beach is a hill with a Mazaar perched on its summit which provides a spectacular view.

The white sand beach of Gadani, which is a two hour drive from Karachi, is also worth viewing. Yet the brackish water here and at Manora make it a not-too-popular site.

All said and done, the beach that receives the most visitors is undoubtedly Sea View. It is thronged despite the fact that the water is sorrowfully polluted and doesn`t allow for swimming or diving. Yet, weekends will find Sea View at Clifton to be the happening place, swarming with people belonging to a multitude of social strata. It is a favourite hangout point and even the early mornings will find it peppered with joggers.

Unfortunately, not a lot is being done to protect and improve our striking golden beaches. A boat ride along the coastline will tell a sorry tale of raw sewage and industrial waste being dumped straight into the sea. So, next time you plan a picnic under the sun, along the surf and sand, do think of how you can play a role in saving our precious beaches!