Places to Visit in Alibaug - Maharashtra

 Places to Visit in Alibaug

Alibaug being one of the most popular tourist towns in Maharashtra has everything that one might need to unwind, relax, have fun and replenish the mind with vigour and excitement for many days to come.

It has natural beauty in the form of many beaches along the Arabian Sea coast for the sun and sand lovers, peace and quiet for the ones looking for a break from the routine hectic city life,  historical heritage forts to explore for the history and architectural buffs, innumerable number of adventure sports activities for the adrenaline junkie, quite a few temples for the religious tourist, nature treks, camping  and bird-watching for the nature enthusiasts, and varied cuisine ranging from the North Indian to the South with authentic local Konkani and Malwani fare along with the freshest of sea-food on offer. 

Kihim Beach

Here is a list of some of the major attractions not to be missed on a visit to Alibaug :-

1. Alibaug Fort

2. Alibaug Magnetic Observatory

3. Akshi Beach*

4. Kihim Beach**

5. Nagaon beach***

6. Varsoli beach

7. Kolaba Fort

8. Murud-Janjira fort

9. Mandwa Beach

10. Birla Mandir

11. Temple of Kanakeshwar

12. Angre Samadhi

13. Jerusalem Gate

14. Kanakeshwar temple

15. Karmarkar Museum

16. Kalbhairav Mandir

17. Chamunda Temple

18. Bhileshwar Temple

19. Raiwadi beach

20. Hirakot lake

21. Khanderi Island

22. Kulswami Temple

23. Shankar Temple

24. Korlai Fort

25. Sagargad Fort

26. Hanuman Mandir

27. Khubladha Fort

28. Underi Fort

*Akshi Beach is popular for One-day wander and Nature trails.

**Kihim Beach

• It's a bird-watchers paradise with beautiful migratory and resident birds, butterflies and flowers.

• Photography of Khanderi and Underi forts is an important feature.

• Mysterious appearance of Shiv Ling in the month of Shravan that attracts thousands of Shiv devotees for darshan.

The Shiv Ling ( Swyambhu ) vanishes in a few days just as mysteriously as it appeared. 

• Swimming not allowed due to rough sea and many rocky patches

***Nagaon Beach 

• Popular for innumerable water and adventure sports.

• Super tasty seafood shacks.

• Central to many of the other beaches.

Apart from the tourist places to visit, Alibaug offers opportunity to participate in a few important festivals comprising of -

• Nariyal Paani Musical festival in the month of January

• Pola Maharashtrian festival in the first week of August

• Nag Panchmi in the second week of August.

Picture source - wikipedia 

Alibaug ( Alibag ) Maharashtra

 Alibaug is a coastal town in the district of  Ratnagiri, Konkan region of Maharashtra, West India. It lies to the South of Mumbai &

 is one of the most preferred weekend getaway as also one-day picnics for schools, colleges, youngsters in Maharashtra, specially for the people of Mumbai, Pune & nearby towns.

Popular for its natural beauty, fresh & invigorating climate, lush greenery, authentic konkani cuisine that includes fresh sea-food, clean beaches, historical forts, it's a traveler's paradise.

Those looking for a change of scenery, a weekend of fun have ample opportunity to do a number of touristy things here.

It is also called the Hamptons of Mumbai in comparison to the Hamptons, New York, USA, a weekend getaway for the super - rich class of the American society. 

Similarly, many of Mumbai's rich class of Industrialists, Movie actors, high-profile politicians etc. have their second homes in the affluent localities of Alibag. Huge palatial bungalows & villas replete with swimming pools, along with farmhouses that grow Konkan special Alphonso mangoes, coconuts, organic vegetables etc.dot the Alibag coast. It is a place for them to unwind after their hectic work weeks. 

Mumbai-Mandwa jetty

Right from visiting the historical forts of the brave Marathas &  the colonial Portuguese, frolicking on its many beaches; be it just enjoying nature & lazing on its pristine sand, watching the spectacular sunsets over the Arabian Sea,  participating in the thrill of innumerable adventure water-sports, sunbathing, swimming, being part of a calm, serene surroundings or plain lazing in its many luxurious villas, resorts, hotels, bungalows, it is an ideal tourist destination.

Distance from Mumbai - 96 km

Distance from Pune - 150 km

Nearest Railway station - Pen

Nearest Airport - Mumbai 

Languages spoken - Marathi, Hindi & English.

How to reach :- 

By road - NH-66, Mumbai - Goa highway, via Pen.

By waterways - Speedboats, Ferries start from the Gateway of India to Mandwa

From Mandwa jetty, cabs, buses & auto rickshaws are easily accessible.

Months to Visit  - October to February

What to do - 

1. Nature treks 

2. Bird watching treks

3. Explore the ancient sea-forts built by the Portuguese & the Marathas.

4. Nature photography of the spectacular Sunset, the Coconut-lined Sea coasts.

5. Have a unwinding weekend with all the modern amenities at your fingertips.

6. Enjoy thrilling adventure sports like

• Swimming

• Paragliding

• Para sliding

• Speed boat rides

• Quad biking

• Horse riding 

• Banana boat rides

• Scuba Diving

• Snorkelling

• Kayakaying

• Jet skiing 

• Boarding 

• Camel riding

• Dolphin sight-seeing

Where to Stay - Lodging & boarding, Bed & Breakfast ( Regulated by MTDC ), budget hotels, Luxurious resorts and spas, 5 star hotels, Cottages and Villas, Beautiful bungalows available on rent, 

What to Eat - Since it's a coastal town, it goes without saying that it has a rich & varied variety of fresh seafood.

Along with the local Marathi, Malwani & Konkani  cuisine, Pan Indian cuisine consisting of everything from North Indian Punjabi fare to the South Indian Dosas & Idlis, is also available. It can rightly be called a Foodies paradise as well, with something for every palate.

It has a number of high end restaurants and eateries to choose from. 

Recommend reading - Top attractions of Alibag

Pictures, courtesy - wikipedia