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

Watersports of Goa

 

With a lenghty coastline,breezy beaches,blue skies,and amazing party days,Goa provides ample of adventure oppurtunities to every adventure enthuasists.Regardless of whether it's fun, excitement, sunshine, mysticism, or just unwinding, you don't have to look past the transcendent abode of Goa. Goa is a heaven for water sports junkies. The long coastline of Goa offers astounding chances to enjoy in a wide range of Water Sports in Goa.Make sure you try as many as you can out of the best ones to get the best of this exciting land!

Best 6 watersports in Goa:

1.Great Island Goa Scuba diving-Delve deep into the gigantic coral reefs and be enamoured by the scintillating underwater life as you go scuba diving in Goa. .Don't worry about never having done this before, you will be trained by professionals who will help you acclimatize yourself to the world underwater.

2.Kayaking:Operating out of Chicalim, Goa Kayaking specialises in Kayaking and canoeing excursions along the coast, rivers and backwaters in Goa.Enjoy floating in the lazy white waters or wading through the thrilling river rapids.

3.Snorkeling-Snorkeling is a water sport or activity of swimming through water or on the water while having snorkeling equipment.You will be packed with safety equipment and guided by an instructor, you will be taken to the aquatic world.Wherever you try it, you will surely be mesmerized by the colorful corals, fishes and the humpback dolphins.

4.Jet Skiing:Jet Ski ride in Goa is a standout amongst the most energizing and exciting water games to participate in.The average power of a Jet Ski is 100-135 hp and the perk of this machine is that you do not need to be an expert in riding them.All the Jet Skiing enthusiasts can go for a ride on the beaches like Baga, Anjuna, Calangute, Colva, and Candolim.

5.Parasailing In Goa:parasailor will be flying up in the sky with a parachute and the control is in the hands of the speedboat below.Enjoy the breathtaking view of the Majestic Fort Aguada while trying out this sport. Parasailing can be thoroughly enjoyed at various beaches namely, Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Majorda Beach, Dona Paula Beach and Candolim Beach.

6.Banana Tube Boat Ride:The crystal clear waters, blue skies, and high speeds will keep you enthralled and excited in longing for more of the Banana ride in Goa.An inflatable bright yellow boat that resembles the shape of a banana is used and it is linked to a speed boat. 4-6 people are allowed to be seated in a banana boat. It bounces oddly off the playful waves. Then the boat throws off as soon as the speed boat rushes across the sea.You will surely love the speed with which it brushes on the surface of the water.

Images credits-Google.