Alibaug - Weekend Getaway from Mumbai

Mumbai is becoming warmer day by day and monsoon seems to be far away. I was looking for a place to chill out near Mumbai. While discussing the potential places around Mumbai, my friend suggested Alibaug which is approachable either by road or by a ferry from the Gateway of India.

We started  our journey from Gateway of India at around 11 AM. Took a Apollo catamaran ticket for Rs.110/- from booking stalls opposite to Gateway of India.  It took one hour to reach Madwa Jetty from where we had to take a bus that was arranged by the ferry transporter themselves. The area was packed with families and group of friends on a weekend getaway.

It took another 30 minutes from Mandwa to Alibaug.  Alibaug Beach is walkable distance from Alibaug Bus Stop.  So we decided to walk. The town reminded me so much of my hometown Kerala with amazing tall Coconut trees, Mango trees etc. etc.

We reached Alibaug beach by evening and the good thing was that it was low tide. So we could go to the Kolaba Fort by walk.  Among all the beaches, this one has the blackest sands.

Walking across the dry sea

During high tide, one can prefer Horse- carts, that is available for hire.

EXPLORING KOLABA FORT

History says that Mr.Kanhoji Angre, the most notable admiral of the Maratha navy,  was in charge of the offshore 17th-century Kolaba Fort.  It was from here that Angre launched several attacks on approaching British and Portuguese ships.

And we climbed to the top of the fort to witness the glory. We walked on the fort walls, and the view from there was breathtaking.

Reservoir of fresh water 

                             

 Another entrance to Kolaba Fort

Another attraction in the Fort is a functioning Siddhivinayak Temple, apparently dating back to Angre’s time.

Beautiful temple of Shri Ganesh

We were lucky to witness some special moments in Kolaba Fort. We found one shooting going on inside the Fort. It was really a bonus to our trip.

LEISURE TIME

We left the Fort at around 6 PM and this is  the time for a bath before leaving the place. It was an absolute treat diving in the sea with crystal clear water.

There are also many water sports activities available. A range of activities such as banana boat rides, stand up paddle boarding, and bumper boat rides are on offer.  Those who likes water sports activities, this place means heaven for them.

What else near Alibaug Beach:

1) Sagargad is another hill fort not too far from here, which is in ruins but worth visiting.

2)  Religious locations in Alibaug include Kanakeshwar Devasthan temple and Vikram Vinayak temple.

3) Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is less than 30 kms away from Alibag .
4) Alibag has many beaches in its vicinity that include the Versoli Beach, Nagaon Beach, Akshi Beach and Kashid Beach.