Amazing Places To Visit When You're In Alibaug
Alibaug is a Coastal town in Raigad district of Maharashtra, India.This tourist place is situated in western coast with beautiful beaches spread across its area. Alibaug is located 97 km from Mumbai and 140 km from Pune.There are many famous and most visited beaches like Alibaug Beach, Nagaon beach, Akshi Beach, Varsoli beach, Kashid beach, Revdanda Beach, Kihim Beach, Thal Beach, Mandwa beach etc.If you like beaches, water sports and seafoods then you must come to visit Alibaug. It is one of the best place to relax, unwind and get rejuvenated in the lap of mother nature.The major attractions are Kolaba Fort, Agarkot Fort and Korlai Fort.The popular Birla temple of Salav village is also closer from Alibaug, approximately around 22 kms.
Although Alibaug is best known as a beach destination, the town has an interesting and unexpected history that makes it worth exploring as well. Bene Israeli Jews settled in the area, where their ship landed, about 2,200 years ago while fleeing persecution in Palestine. They adopted the local language and culture but kept their religion. Alibaug (meaning "Ali garden") is said to have been named after one of the Jews - a rich merchant called Ali, who had plantations and orchards.
The Portuguese ruled the region from the early 16th century until they were ousted by the Marathas in the 17th century. Maratha emperor Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj developed Kolaba Fort, near Alibaug, into a naval base. Later, at the beginning of the 18th century, Maratha Navy commander Kanhoji Angre used the fort to launch raids on British merchant ships. The British and Portuguese joined forces to capture the fort but were unsuccessful. It wasn't until the early 19th century that the British finally gained control of the region and fort.
A beach is always an excellent location for a relaxing holiday. Here are some of the Alibaug's most beautiful beaches:
Alibaug beach- Alibaug beach is located very close to Alibaug main bus stand. You can take a auto-rickshaw or take a walk to reach the beach. There are lot of water sports facilities available apart from regular horse and camel rides as well as tonga rides.If you’re feeling hungry, you can have a quick bite at various food stalls available near the beach. Sunset from Alibaug beach looks beautiful as it appears in a background of Kolaba Fort.
Nagaon beach - One of the most recognizable and famous beach in Alibaug.Nagaon beach is famous for water sports ,dense whistling pine trees and pollution-free air, the shoreline of the beach is known for its fascinating greenery.It is a great place for a perfect family holiday in Alibuag.This beautiful Beach is located at a distance of around 8 km from Alibaug town. The beach is clean, Surrounded by lush greenery and mind soothing scenic beauty.You can find many water sports activities at Nagaon beach like Banana boat riding, jet ski, parasailing, horse riding, camel riding, Quad biking etc. its purest and undisturbed place. Private and share Auto rickshaws are easily available from Alibaug town to reach the beach.
Akshi beach- If your idea of a perfect vacation involves a beach to yourself and If you're looking forward to getting lost in a serene place then Akshi Beach is all you need. This beach is located around 5 kilometres away from the Alibaug town.Akshi beach also attracts a lot of different species of birds, making it a famous bird watching spot.
Revadanda beach- Revdanda beach is a an isolated and silent beach. It is a clean beach and less crowded.The place has not yet been explored by a lot of people. If you want to go for beach camping then this place is right for you.Revadanda fort is located close to the Beach which is very old and beautiful.This fort is also popular for it’s scenic beauty and photoshoots.
Kashid beach- Popular for its white sand and blue seas situated in Konkan region of Maharashtra, Kashid is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.Situated between two rocky hillocks on the Alibaug–Murud road, it is one of the finest beaches in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.Kashid beach has a good variety of water sports such as Jet ski, Banana ride, Parasailing etc.
Kihim beach- Kihim is a quaint and beautiful village located to the north of Alibaug. It is a weekend getaway for Mumbaikars and is accessible via Water and Road. Kihim beach is clean and surrounded with greenery which offers a quiet getaway for people looking to relax and rejuvenate. Kihim is famous for scenic sunset and water sports activities.
Mandwa beach- Mandwa is a village in Raigad district, Maharashtra. It is popular as a weekend beach destination from Mumbai city, mainly because of the direct Ferry services available near Mandwa Beach to and from gateway of india ,Mumbai.It is close to Kihim beach. Mandwa beach lies 6 kilometers from Rewas and close to Mandawa village.
Kolaba fort- Kolaba Fort is in amidst of water reachable from Alibaug beach through a boat ride during high tide and during the low tide you can take a walk or hire a tonga to reach the fort. It’s a historic fort built by maratha warrior the Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to protect western coastal area from mughals, british ships and other foreign invaders. There is a beautiful Ganesh temple on the fort.
Agarkot fort- Agarkot Fort (Revdanda Fort) is located at Revdanda Beach which is just 17 kms from Alibaug. The fort was built by Portuguese and later capturedby Marathas. This fort is famous for a lookout tower which was used by Marathas to keep close watch on the enemies. There are also some historic cannons on the ground near the lookout tower. It was interesting to see some bungalows and small houses in the fort area. As per locals, some are very old houses and some newly looking houses are rebuilt ones.
Murud janjira fort- Murud janjira is one of the well maintained Marine Forts of India. This place is situated 165kms south of the city of Mumbai close to a port town known as Murud.Janjira is considered one of the strongest marine forts in India. The fort is approached by sailboats from Rajapuri jetty. You can reach Murud-Janjira by buses, cabs or cars from Alibag . The distance from Alibag bus stand is 52 km.
Location :
Alibaug is located 98 kilometers south of Mumbai, on the Western Coast of Maharashtra.
How to Get
There:
By Ferry/Boat
The quickest way of reaching Alibaug is by boat to Mandwa Jetty from the Gateway of India in South Mumbai's Colaba neighborhood. It takes about an hour to reach Mandawa Jetty by ferry, or 20 minutes by speedboat. From the jetty, the beach is another 30-45 minutes south, by bus or auto rickshaw. The bus is included in the ferry price.Ferries operate from morning until evening (around 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) throughout the year, except during the monsoon season from June to September. Services usually resume again in late August, but it depends on weather conditions.
If budget is not an issue, try Uber's convenient new app-based UberBOAT service. Launched in January 2019, it provides speed boat hire between Mumbai and Alibaug's Mandawa Jetty. The service operates from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. You can expect to pay 5,700 rupees one way for a speed boat that can fit up to eight passengers. The cost of a larger boat for 10 or more passengers is 9,500 rupees one way.
By Road
Alibaug is a weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. If you live in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai or Pune, then you can easily reach Alibaug by driving. Alibaug can be reached by road via the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH-17). The journey takes three to four hours from Mumbai, depending on traffic. The best way to reach Alibaug from Pune is by road, Pune to Alibaug approximate distance is 135 Kms and takes approximately 3.5 hours. Alibaug is very close to Navi Mumbai, you can reach in 1.45 hrs hour by drive. The road to Alibaug is pretty much straight, Earlier the condition of the road to Alibaug was bad but now it is good.
RO- RO Ferry Service Alibaug :
-The 24/7 Ro-Ro ferry service from Bhaucha Dhakka Ferry Wharf (at the dockyards near Mazgaon) to Mandwa can carry up to 500 passengers and 180 vehicles, and will continue to run during the monsoon season. Tickets will be priced at Rs 880/- per four-wheeler and Rs 235/- for passengers. If true, this could mean that a one-way ride from Mumbai to Alibaug for a party of four could cost around Rs2,000.The travel time on the Ro-Ro ferry is likely to be around 60 minutes, Tickets can be purchased at the dock in Mandwa or Mumbai.You can also book tickets online through the M2M cruises website. (Online bookings are not open just yet).In addition, older ferries that carry bikes as well as passengers also depart from Bhaucha Dhakka Ferry Wharf. The ferries go to Revas Jetty and take approx. 1:30 hrs to get.
When to go :
Visit Alibaug from October to February, when the weather is the coolest and dry. From March onward, the temperature starts rising before the monsoon starts in June. Due to its close proximity to Mumbai and Pune, Alibaug has become a popular weekend destination and it often gets crowded then. Other busy times are the summer school holidays in March, April and May, and the festival season over Diwali in October or November. Weekdays are the most peaceful.
Local Cuisine
& Food of Alibaug :
Alibaug is famous for its mouth-watering sea-food. Freshly caught and cooked fish in a konkani style is the speciality and can be relished in most hotels and local food stalls near beaches like Nagaon beach, kashid beach, Kihim beach, Alibaug beach etc.This beautiful coastal town is truly a paradise for seafood lovers.If you're really craving an authentic konkani thali complete with sol kadhi, rice, chapati, rawa fry fish then you must come here and try.The three most Popular seafood thali are Surmai (king fish), pomfret and prawns thali.Konkani style mutton and chicken in alibaug is mouthwatering and very much liked.If you are a vegetarian then you must try veg Thali made in Konkani style which is also very delicious.
Where To Stay :
If you are looking for a safe, hygiene and sanitized hotels in Alibaug near beach then there's a range of ILIF hotels from premium accommodations to economy hotels by the beach. The bungalows and private villa are popular with groups, as the whole property can be fully booked for privacy. Below are the list of some popular ILIF hotels to stay around Nagaon Beach, Alibaug beach and Akshi beach. These are as follows:
ILIF 2749 Royal Paradise
ILIF 2799 Sheetal a Mom's Home
ILIF 2727 Sai Palace
ILIF 2708 Lotus hotel
ILIF 2720 Blue Sea
ILIF 2709 Hrishivan villas
ILIF 2763 kovi inn
ILIF 2761 Chintamani resort
ILIF 2705 Beach small wondervilla
ILIF 2701 Suruchi resort
ILIF 2730 Grace casa 4 bhk villa
ILIF 2722 Soumil's abode 3 bhk bungalow
ILIF 2706 Anant villa
ILIF 2730 Dia's farmhouse, Dreamland resort, leaf exotica and many more.
All the hotels mentioned above have good facilities like Spacious Ac room with balcony, outdoor swimming pool, in-house restaurant, free parking etc. Almost all of them are newly constructed and couple/family friendly.There are also numerous good hotels in Alibaug like Radisson blu, Mapple ivy, Outpost, White house beach resort, Bouganvilla etc. If you like beach camping and adventure then Revadanda beach is the perfect destination. Tent Adda beach camping located at Revadanda beach is ultimate for overnight private Beach Tent stay experience. Every weekend there is live entertainment such as acoustic night, movies on projector and stargazing sessions.
