Alibagh which is 35 kms south of Mumbai is a great beach destination. It is well known for its clean beaches lined with palm groves. Alibagh has a pollution fee atmosphere with mango orchards, paddy fields and big bungalows around. The town and its surrounding villages are the historic hinterland of Bene Israeli Jews. Most residents of Mumbai frequent this place as a one day trip or as a weekend getaway due to its proximity to Mumbai. If one is planning a visit to Mumbai, Alibagh should not be missed out. Shivaji’s naval chief-Kanhoji Angre developed Alibagh and the Kulaba fort here was Shivaji’s last construction before his death.
Best For:
• Pristine beaches lined with palm trees. • Historic Kulaba fort built by Shivaji just before his death. • Mango orchards and coconut groves which line the roads.
Alibagh has a humid climate with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 35°C. the temperatures may soar upto 40°C during peak summer. This place can be visited any time during the year but rainy season is the best time to enjoy the beaches. During the monsoon, the ferries connecting Mumbai are closed but Alibagh can be accessed by road anytime of the year.
Only a few good hotels in Alibagh accept international credit cards. There are no ATMs nearby. Only State Bank of India has an ATM here. So it is best to carry cash for convenience.
No permits are required to travel to Alibagh. Just a visa to India is all what is needed.
Alibag is a 300 year old city. It was developed in the 17th century by Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre, the Naval chief of King Shivaji's kingdom and was declared as a Taluka place in 1852. Four more Talukas were added and Kulaba district was formed in 1869. Many people used to call Alibag as Shribag. Now 'Shribag' is a part of Alibag. Some people called Alibaug as 'Kulaba' The population of Alibag was said to have been around 5000 in 1881 although there is no authentication to this effect. Alibag was not directly connected to Mumbai at that time. People used to travel by sea from Revas, Dharmtar or Mankule. The scenario changed in 1964. The bridge of Dharamtar Creek was built and Alibag got attached to cities like Mumbai.
By Sea: A ferry service from Gateway of India in Mumbai to Alibagh is the fastest way to get there. The journey takes only 45 minutes by a catamaran and 90 minutes by a launch. If you wish to go . The distance is 35 km by sea. The sea route is closed during the rainy season from June to September.
By Road: It takes about 3 hours from Mumbai. The distance is 108 km by road.
Major Airports: Mumbai is the closest airport to Alibagh. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport connects Mumbai to the world. Mumbai airport is the busiest airport in India. International flights operated by Air India connect Mumbai to major cities of the world. Jet airways offers services to London, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, etc. All major international airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates Air, Cathay Pacific, etc fly to Mumbai.
Beaches and more beaches is what you can see in Alibagh. Each one is different from the other and has its own charm. Listed below are a few worth seeing beaches and sights.
• Alibagh Beach: It is the central sea front of Alibagh town. The Kulaba fort seen from here can be walked upto during low tide (precautions should be taken to return before the high tide sets in). • Akshi Beach: It is situated 5 km away from Alibagh. • Nagaon beach: It is a nice beach 7 km away from Alibagh and is famous for coconuts and betel nuts. • Kihim Beach: It is 12 km from Alibagh. It has a dense coconut forest lining the beach. It is well known for forests which have rare species of butterflies, birds and flowers.
Nearby excursion from Alibagh include
• Murud Janjira - The town of Murud is famous for its impregnable fort of Janjira built by the Siddhis of Aurangabad. It is 52 km away from Alibagh. • Raigad Ropeway – It is around 100 km from Alibagh. It is a nice journey upto Fort Raigad with a museum and souvenir shop on the way. The historical film shown in the museum is worth a watch.
Alibagh is known for its seafood. Cooked in Konkani style, one can have prawns, fish, crabs and lobsters. The small roadside eateries serve authentic food better than what you would get in the resorts. Sanmaan and Flora are restaurant which serve good non vegetarian food. For vegetarians, Kokam Kadhi or Solkadhi is a delicacy. You can also try the rice chapattis (bhakris), kokam sherbet and jackfruit vegetable. If you happen be here in the summer you can relish fresh mangoes also. Coconut water is available everywhere on the beaches.
Where To Stay :
Alibagh has fine resorts like Radisson Resorts and Spa, Sunglow Resort and Kamat Residency. Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) which has a resort at Kihim which is 12 km from Alibagh also offers tents. Bookings should be made in advance during peak season.
