Alibag Travel Guide

Alibag Travel Guide

Alibag (Alibaugh, Alibagh, Alibaugh as it is also spelled) is a coastal town in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Fringed and garlanded with tall coconut trees it looks nothing more than an idyllic town, the lapping waves on the golden sea shore ornately enhancing the beauty of the place. Alibag was developed in the 17^thcentury by the naval chief of Shivaji’s kingdom, Sarkhel Kanhoji Aangre. The 300 year old town today stands as a perfect place for a weekend trip especially for the people residing in Mumbai. The town is bordered with a number of villages which stands as a testimony of the Bene Israeli Jews. Alibag is the headquarters of the Raigad district and also its municipal council. The beautiful garden with eye soothing greeneries, clean water, pleasant ambience and excellent and historically architectural splendour makes it the most frequented tourist halt in the state of Maharashtra.

Scattered here and there are a number of tourist places of attractions in Alibag. Some of them are listed below; Mandwa, Rewas Jetty, Kihim Beach, Alibag Beach, Kolaba Fort, Nagaon Beach, Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple, Undheri Fort, Versoli Beach, Khanderi Fort, Brahma Kund, Akshi Beach etc.

Situated at a distance of 20km north of Alibag, the Mandwa beach is a natural port. The place is particularly famous for the number of bungalows belonging to eminent Bollywood celebrities. The village jewelled by the coconut palms and the alluring beach emanates a magnetic charm of its own.

Another place where you can rewind yourself in the lap of nature is the Kihim Beach. Nature here has uniqueness of its own, the beauty of which is elaborated by the sight of rare and beautiful butterflies, birds, flowers and above all the ever endearing sea beach.

The must see of all the beaches is however, the Alibag Beach. The beach lies unspoiled with the blackest sand of the region. It is the main beach of the town and from its precincts one can get an impressive view of the Kolaba fort.

There is an island fort which is also a great stopover. It lies at a distance of 300 meters from Khanderi. The fort was built by Siddi Qasam in the year 1680.

The credit for the fame and popularity of Alibag goes to the Kolaba fort constructed by Shivaji Maharaj. This 300 year old fort can be visited only during low tides. The fort has within its confines a sweet water well, impressive and eye catching carvings and temples.

The Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple is a must see tourist spot lying at a distance of 13 km from Alibag. It is a Shiva temple which is situated at a height of 900 feet. Only a climb up a flight of 5000 well paved stairs will bring you to the temple. It is comprised of a number of small temples, the Shiva temple being the main. The Lord Shiva statue shoots up to a height of 54 feet.

Alibag is a great place for a weekend hangout. It is located on the Mumbai-Goa road and is well connected with other cities through roads, railways and airways. 

Last Updated: 29/03/2012