Overview
About Alibaug
Alibaug is a coastal town in Raigad district on the Konkan coast, sitting across the harbour from Mumbai. For city dwellers it is the classic weekend escape: a short ferry ride replaces hours of traffic, and on the other side wait casuarina-lined beaches, coconut groves, old wadas and a slower pace of life.
The town and its surroundings have a strong maritime history. In the late 17th and 18th centuries this coast was the stronghold of the Maratha navy under admirals such as Kanhoji Angre, and sea forts like Kolaba, Khanderi and the nearby Murud-Janjira still stand guard over the water. Small fishing villages, temples, churches and a historic Bene Israel Jewish community add to the area's quiet character.
Rather than a single beach, Alibaug is a chain of them strung along the coast: Alibaug beach in town, Varsoli and Akshi close by, Nagaon and Revdanda to the south, and Kihim and Awas to the north. Most visitors base themselves in one of these villages and spend their days hopping between beaches, forts and seafood lunches.
- Beaches near Mumbai
- Kolaba Fort
- Murud-Janjira
- Konkani seafood
- Ferry ride from Mumbai
- Weekend villas
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Alibaug
Beaches
Alibaug Beach
The town beach, with dark sand and a view of Kolaba Fort just offshore. It is lively in the evenings with snack stalls and horse-cart rides.
Nagaon Beach
A long, clean beach about 7 km south of town, popular for water sports in season and lined with homestays and shacks.
Kihim Beach
A quieter beach to the north with casuarina and coconut trees, known for birdlife and butterflies in the surrounding groves.
Varsoli and Akshi Beaches
Two calm beaches close to town that suit families and anyone looking for a peaceful walk at sunset.
Forts
Kolaba Fort
A Maratha sea fort a short distance off Alibaug beach. At low tide you can walk across the sand to it; at high tide it becomes an island, so check tide timings first.
Korlai Fort and Lighthouse
A Portuguese-era fort on a narrow headland near Revdanda, overlooking the mouth of the Kundalika river. The village below is known for its unusual Portuguese-based creole.
Revdanda Fort and Beach
Ruins of a Portuguese fort stand near a long, quiet beach about 17 km south of Alibaug.
Temples
Kanakeshwar Temple
A Shiva temple on a forested hilltop, reached by a long flight of steps. The climb is rewarded with views over the coast.
Nearby Excursions
Kashid Beach
About 30 km south, Kashid has white sand and clear water, and is a popular stop on the way to Murud.
Murud-Janjira Fort
An imposing island fort near Murud, about 50 km from Alibaug, reached by sailboat from Rajapuri jetty. It famously resisted capture for centuries.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Alibaug
- 1
Take the ferry from Mumbai
The boat ride from the Gateway of India to Mandwa jetty, with views of the harbour and the city skyline, is part of the fun of an Alibaug trip.
- 2
Walk to Kolaba Fort at low tide
Time your visit with low tide to cross the sandbar on foot, or take a horse cart, and explore the fort's walls and temple.
- 3
Try water sports at Nagaon
Banana boat rides, jet skis and parasailing operate at Nagaon and nearby beaches in the dry season.
- 4
Eat a Konkani fish thali
Local eateries serve fresh catches such as pomfret, surmai and prawns with rice, bhakri and solkadhi.
- 5
Cycle through the villages
Quiet roads between the beaches pass coconut groves, betel nut plantations and old homes, ideal for slow cycling.
- 6
Go fort-hopping down the coast
Spend a day driving south past Revdanda and Korlai to Kashid and Murud-Janjira.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Alibaug
The best time to visit Alibaug is October to February. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to May
24°C to 35°C
Warm and humid but still popular for weekend breaks. Beaches are best enjoyed early in the day and around sunset.
Monsoon
June to September
23°C to 30°C
Heavy rain makes the countryside lush and dramatic, but the sea is rough. Swimming and water sports stop, and regular passenger ferries are usually suspended, so plan to travel by road.
Winter
October to February
17°C to 32°C
The best time to visit, with pleasant weather, calm seas and all ferries and beach activities running. Weekends and holidays get busy.
Getting there
How to Reach Alibaug
By Air
The nearest major airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. From there you can drive the whole way or head to south Mumbai for a ferry across the harbour.
By Rail
Alibaug has no railway station of its own. Pen, about 30 km away, is the nearest station, while Panvel, further away, has many more long-distance trains. Buses and taxis connect both to Alibaug.
By Road
By road Alibaug is about 95 km from Mumbai via Panvel and Pen, and about 140 km from Pune. The more popular route from Mumbai is by water: passenger ferries run from the Gateway of India to Mandwa, and a roll-on roll-off service carries cars from Mumbai's Ferry Wharf. Mandwa is about 20 km from Alibaug town, and buses meet many ferries.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Alibaug
Konkani fish thali
A complete meal of fried fish, fish curry, rice, bhakri and solkadhi, made with the day's catch.
Bombil fry
Bombay duck, flattened and fried in a crisp semolina and spice coating.
Prawn and crab curries
Rich, coconut-based curries flavoured with kokum and local masalas.
Solkadhi
A pink, cooling drink of kokum and coconut milk, served alongside spicy seafood.
Ukadiche modak
Steamed rice-flour dumplings filled with coconut and jaggery, especially popular around Ganesh Chaturthi.
What to Buy in Alibaug
- Alibaug's famous white onions in season
- Kokum, amsul and other Konkan pantry products
- Dried fish from local markets
- Pickles and homemade masalas
Travel Tips for Alibaug
- Always check tide timings before walking out to Kolaba Fort, as the path floods quickly.
- Check ferry operating status before travelling, especially at the start and end of the monsoon.
- Avoid swimming during the monsoon and follow local warnings about currents at all times.
- Book stays early for long weekends, when Mumbai crowds head across the harbour.
FAQs
Alibaug Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Alibaug?
October to February is the best time to visit Alibaug, with pleasant weather, calm seas and ferries running regularly. The monsoon is beautiful but not suitable for beach activities.
How do I reach Alibaug from Mumbai?
The quickest way is by ferry from the Gateway of India to Mandwa jetty, followed by a short road ride to Alibaug. You can also drive about 95 km via Panvel and Pen.
How many days are enough for Alibaug?
A weekend of two days is enough for Alibaug's beaches and Kolaba Fort. Add a day to include Kashid and Murud-Janjira.
What is Alibaug famous for?
Alibaug is famous for its beaches near Mumbai, Kolaba Fort, Konkani seafood, its white onions and its easy ferry connection to the city.
Do ferries to Alibaug run during the monsoon?
Regular passenger ferries from the Gateway of India are usually suspended during the monsoon because of rough seas, so road travel is the safer option at that time.
Can you walk to Kolaba Fort?
Yes, at low tide you can walk across the sand from Alibaug beach to Kolaba Fort. At high tide the fort is cut off by water.
