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Beyond Beaches: Exploring Alibag’s Culture, Cuisine & Coastal Calm

Beyond Beaches: Exploring Alibag’s Culture, Cuisine & Coastal Calm – Alibag, a small coastal town in Maharashtra, India, offers a serene escape from the bustling life of Pune and Mumbai. It is usually referred to as starting point of the Konkan belt of Maharashtra which stretches till Goa, Gokarna and beyond. Known for its beautiful beaches, forts, and delectable seafood, Alibag has become a popular weekend destination for city dwellers looking to relax. Here is a detailed blog of our recent extended weekend trip to this charming place, where the sand, sea, and historical sites create an enchanting blend of experiences. If you want to look for other places in Maharashtra or Goa to plan a trip, read out blog sections to know more.

How to reach

  • From Mumbai – If you’re coming from Mumbai, you’ve got multiple options to choose. The road route via NH66 takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic. Buses are also available quite frequently, usually costing ₹300 to ₹600. But if you’re looking for the best shortcut, ferries from Gateway of India or Bhaucha Dhakka will get you to Mandwa Jetty in about 50 minutes, and then a bus ride or auto ride takes you to Alibag directly. Basic ferry fares start around ₹135 and go up to ₹300. Few ferries have their own shuttle bus service to lead you to Alibag directly
  • From Pune or other parts of Maharastra : From Pune, the road journey to Alibag is about 3 to 5 hours if you’re driving directly, covering roughly 137 km depending on traffic.. For those using public transport, you can take a bus via Swargate or other locations in Pune with fares between ₹470 and ₹1,200. Another fun option is to hop a train from Pune to Mumbai, head to the ferry terminal at Bhaucha Dhakka, and then cruise over to Mandwa with M2M Ferries or any other ferry services. We chose a bus leaving around 5:30 am in the morning which took us directly to Alibag. We booked this one from MSRTC website.

M2M Ferries – Now, let me tell you about M2M Ferries—they’re the star of this route. Their vessels carry both passengers and vehicles, making it super convenient. Their route connects Bhaucha Dhakka in Mumbai directly to Mandwa Jetty in an hour, and they operate even during monsoons! Tickets for passengers start at ₹420, while taking along your car or bike will cost between ₹210 and ₹1,200 depending on the vehicle.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Alibag is between October and March. During these months, the weather is comfortably cool and dry, making it perfect for long walks on the shore, water sports, and soaking up the sun without melting into a puddle. The sea breeze is gentle, the skies are clear, and the sunsets are downright cinematic. But off late whenever you go, you would see crowd in Alibag. Specially during the weekends and holidays.

Places to Stay

There are plenty of accommodation to choose in Alibag or in Nagaon or Varsoli or in Kashid. But if you are coming over the weekend, book your accommodation well in advance. There are plenty of decent homestays also available to choose from, so would suggest to choose wisely depending on your budget and experience. Hotels near Varsoli or Nagaon are quite decent and quieter compared to the ones in Alibag, that’s what we noticed.

Getting around

Once you arrive Alibag, you’ll find plenty of autorickshaws or tuktuk’s waiting near the jetty and bus stands—they’re your go-to for short rides around town or hopping between beaches. If you’re a little more adventurous or want the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a scooty or bike is a popular choice. But note, bike rentals are limited and costly compared to other coastal places in India. If you are coming over the weekend, book early or talk to the hotel manager for hiring one.

Day 1: Beaches, Forts, and Flavours

Our journey began from Pune via bus, which smoothly transported us to Alibag. It took around 5 hours for the entire journey with one stop in the middle.

We booked for ourselves a hotel cum homestay called Gulmohar Cottage which was close to the main highway. The cottage offers various amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, including well-appointed rooms with modern conveniences. Each room is designed to maximize comfort while offering picturesque views of the surrounding gardens of the homestay owner. They even offered us garden plucked mangoes from their own trees.

Upon arrival, the first thing we did was hire a scooty which costed us around Rs 600 per day with petrol excluding.

Upon getting freshen up, we set out to explore some of the beaches that typify the tranquil beauty of this coastal town.

Varsoli Beach: A short distance of only 5 km from Alibag town, Varsoli Beach is renowned for its clear waters and white sandy shores. Tall coconut trees and scattered beach resorts dot the landscape, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and leisurely strolls. The gentle sound of waves and soft sea breeze create a rejuvenating environment where visitors can soak up the sun or enjoy a picnic with family and friends. Its calm vibe and less crowded ambiance are perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the simple pleasures of the sea. We spent some quality time here sipping through fresh coconut water and enjoying every bit of the beach vibe. The beach is comparatively lot cleaner than the Alibag main beach.

Nagaon Beach: From Varsoli beach we travelled around 13 km to head towards the pristine Nagaon Beach. Known for its serenity and less crowded shores, Nagaon Beach offers the perfect ambiance for relaxation. The lush coconut and betel trees lining the shore add to the tropical vibe, making it an ideal spot for beachgoers seeking privacy and tranquillity. Compared to Alibag, this beach is also more beautiful with decent crowd around. Its a perfect holiday destination for friends and families.

Mangrove Multi Cuisines Restaurant – Need a special mention for this restaurant near Nagaon beach. The food and ambience is absolutely fantastic. Definitely worthy of having their superb spread of breakfasts and dinner. The interiors are stunning — a perfect blend of coastal charm and classy vibes. We had their evening snacks, dinner and breakfast in subsequent days and all were superb.

Alibag/Kolaba Fort: During sunset we came back towards Alibag Beach to head towards Alibag Fort. Nestled on the shores of the Arabian Sea, Alibag Fort stands as a testament to Maratha architectural prowess. The fort, built in the late 17th century by Shivaji’s naval commander, has historically served as a defensive stronghold against invaders. Surrounded by water, the fort becomes accessible only during low tide, offering adventurous access routes for visitors.  The front entrance arch has tigers, peacocks, animals sculpted on it. Beyond that their is another additional gate. Next to that gate are the shrines of Mahishasura and Padmavathi, Sri Ganesh and the fort-deity. The Archaeological Survey of India charges a token entry Fee for the visitor to visit the fort. You can easily walk in low tide, and would urge everyone not to use carts dragged by horses and that is in simple term can be referred as Animal cruelty.

Alibag Beach – Spent the rest of the evening at leisure in Alibag Beach. Now to be brutally honest, the beach is packed with tourists and its not neat and clean also. The Govt should really put an all out effort to clean the beach. To start with, it should immediately stop all the water activities and beach side stalls.

Dinner – Our evening culminated in a delightful dining experience at ‘Fullora‘, a seafood hotel celebrated for its authentic coastal cuisine. Indulging in fresh catch-of-the-day dishes enriched our journey, with culinary delights such as prawns, fish curry, and the local specialty – crab and clams masala.

Day 2: Historical Ruins and Scenic Splendour

Our exploration continued with visits to several historical and scenic landmarks on Day 2, each offering its unique slice of history and beauty. After having a heavy breakfast we set out for our adventure for next day.

Korlai Fort & Lighthouse: Located at a distance of close to 23 km from Alibag you would get the beautiful view of Korlai fort. The road towards the fort is absolutely splendid with the ocean on one side and green vegetation on the other.

Built in 1521 with permission from the Ahmednagar Sultanate, the fort once served as a military outpost guarding the Revdanda Creek. It was later seized by the Portuguese in 1594 and briefly held before being partly demolished. Later on, it passed through Maratha and British hands, each leaving behind traces of their legacy and reign. It stretches nearly 2,828 feet, with 305 battlements, 11 huge gates, and a 17th-century church which still whispers stories of old era.

The climb to the fort requires some skills and not advisable for elderly people to make it. The view of the Arabian Sea from the top is intriguing. Just below the fort you can witness the Korlai Lighthouse. You can climb to the top of it as well. Its radar images are transmitted directly to the Indian Coast Guard via satellite, ensuring continuous surveillance and safety for passing vessels.

Revdanda Fort: Built by Portuguese Captain Soj in 1524, the fort once served as a strategic and unique naval outpost and trade hub, later passing through the hands of the Marathas in 1740 and the British in 1818.

The fort offers captivating panoramic views and stories etched into its ancient walls, narrating a past filled with strategic battles and maritime significance. Tents are there for accommodation right on Revdanda Beach, offering a front-row seat to the Arabian Sea and an escape from city life that’s both adventurous and peaceful. But we saw those are mostly college goers or young people staying in them. You cannot expect 5 start accommodation facilities there, so choose wisely depending on your crew.

There is a nice restaurant called Ocean Grill located near the fort. You should definitely have lunch there.

Shri Rameshwar Temple

Nestled in the historic village of Chaul near Alibag, Shri Rameshwar Temple is an ancient Shiva shrine surrounded by lush coconut groves. Known as the village deity of Chaul, this temple stands out for its serene ambiance and traditional coastal architecture. You should definitely visit this temple during going to Korlai Fort or returning from there. The temple complex also features beautifully carved wooden structures and old stone pillars that speak of its rich heritage. Visiting Shri Rameshwar Temple is not just a spiritual experience but also a glimpse into the cultural history of Konkan.

Kashid Beach:

Considered as one of the cleanest beaches along the Konkan coastline, Kashid Beach is famous for its turquoise waters and white sands. Covered with Casuarina trees, the beach offers ample opportunities for water sports and leisurely picnics, making it a favorite among families and adventure enthusiasts alike. There are plenty of shacks available nearby to have some fresh sea food and coconut waters.

Day 3 – Returning back to the base

With minds enriched and cameras filled with memories, we returned to Mumbai from Mandwa Beach using the Maldar Catamaran ferry. The ferry ride, a refreshing conclusion to our tour, allowed us to savour the gentle sea breeze while reflecting on the enchanting experiences of Alibag. Then we took a train back to Pune to conclude the journey

Conclusion

Reflecting on our recent visit to Alibag, it’s clear that this charming coastal town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. From exploring forts like Kolaba and Revdanda, to enjoying the natural beauty and prisine beaches of Varsoli and Kashid, every moment was filled with enjoyment and discovery. The warm hospitality and delicious seafood added a delightful touch to the trip, making each meal a memorable experience. Whether it was strolling along the serene beaches or feeling the refreshing sea breeze during the ferry ride back to Mumbai, Alibag provided a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s a place where history meets nature, offering a rejuvenating break that we would gladly seek out again.

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