Alibag - Gateway to the Konkans

 

 

Oceans are amazingly friendly travel partners. When you stand on the coastline, sea waves greets you with extreme cheers. They play touch n go with you and even if you get tired, waves are always active and approachable. If you are sad, just sit by the sea and the smooth sounds will take away your stress. If you are alone, the sea will sends its children in the form of shrimps and crabs to play peek-a-boo with you. Isn't that amazing !

 

So, this is the story of such a visit ... 

Alibag or Alibaug, which literally "Ali chi Baag" or Garden of Ali. This is very famous tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and oceanic forts. It popularity got escalated due to its vicinity to the commercial capital of India, i.e. Mumbai. Weekends get heavy influx of visitors who come here to prepare their minds for another week of stressful work life. The local governing body should be appreciated for maintaining the cleanliness of the beaches even in such heavy tourist flows. 

 

Places to Visit

 

Lets start with the beaches:  

 

 Kulaba Fort during Non-Tidal condition

Versoli Beach: Lying on the norther stretch of Alibag, it is one of the better stretch of beaches in Alibag. Well developed and clean. All beach activities available during weekend.

Alibag Beach: Lying at the central position close to city headquarter, it is the more commercially developed beach of Alibag with lots of stay options and well developed area. The Kulaba fort can be reached on foot or horse cart from here.

Nagaon Beach: Few km south of Alibag town, it is another large sized beach spot preferred by many as its more peaceful and has a good stretch of trees near the beach, increasing the beauty.

 

Kashid Beach: If you go further south, Kashid is a pristine isolated stretch of beach with very beautiful landscape.  

Varsoli Beach (left)   Nagaon Beach (right)

Now, lets have a sight of the famous off-shore Forts:

Kulaba or Kolaba Fort: A beautifully constructed fort which was one of the important naval station under Maratha Dynasty. It is said that even a joint attack of both British and Portuguese forces could not capture the fort, which was commanded by Kanoji Angre, Naval commander of Maratha Naval forces which was based at this fort. When tide recedes, you can walk to the fort which is 1-2km from Alibag beach. 

Korlai Fort: The fort was built by Portuguese invaders who controlled this area, later it was taken over by Maratha dynasty. The fort is basically in ruins. It good for a slight visit and photography.

Korlai Fort (left)(source: Tribune) and Padmadurg Fort (right) (source: Unkown)

Padmadurg or Kasa Fort:  This sea fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj of Maratha Dynasty in 1676. Reaching the fort may be an issue. Private boats can be arranged from villages like Rajapuri or Murud-Koliwada.

Murud Janjira Fort: A beautiful, well maintained fort of the Siddis, which can reached from Rajapuri ferry point. This is one of the most visited fort in this area. This fort is known as one of the unconquered fort, which evaded all the attacks because of it amazing design and military arrangements. It is a recommended place to visit.

 

Murud Janjira Fort

 

How to Reach here

From wherever you are reach Mumbai. From Mumbai, I can give you two options.

 

1. The Road Trip from Mumbai to Alibag takes you through beautiful Panvel highway. If you are avid photographer, this is the route i suggest as it will have lots of scope to showcase your talent.The roads are very good, so you can have comfortable journey. From mumbai, journey time is around 2-3 hours.

 

2. The Jetty Ride: During non-monsoon times, regular boats are available from Gateway of India, or Apollo bunder, which takes you to Mandwa Jetty. ( Kancha chiina .. remember !). The charges are approximately Rs 110 - 150 which includes a 30min bus ride from Mandwa jetty to Alibag. 

 

Mandwa Jetty Bunder

 

Where to Stay

 

Alibag has ample number of resorts and hotels in all budget categories. Weekends are costlier. Prefer a close to beach resort for more fun. The rates at Alibag town are bit less compared to that in Varsoli or Nagaon. During my stay, i opted for Dewdrop Retreat, a beautiful property near Varsoli. A nearby Sanman Beach Resort is also a sought after stay option. 

 

Hotel Dewdrop Retreat, Versoli

 

Who should Visit

 

Anyone who can spend their days entirely with beach and some architectural historical ruins. Party options are available depending on resort you select. 

 

No. of Days:  1 Night, 2 days minimum

 

Expected Expense:  Rs 2500-3000/- person minimum for comfortable stay

Don't Miss:

Make your time to have a feast of sumptuous delicious Fish Thali (skip if you don't eat fish) at Sanman Restaurant and do try the taste a multiple flavors of Ice creams at Kiga Ice creams like Golgappa flavor.

 

Kiga Ice Cream (Left) and Fish Thali at Sanman (Right)

 

Personal Experience 

 

We have taken a guide (our captain of the boat himself) while visiting the historical Murud Janjira fort. A negotiation for best price was settled around at 400/-. But the way he explained the happening of the fort, that gave me the feel of a movie director explaining the next shot to the actors. The "josh" of his speech was mind blowing. Many highly educated guys will also fail in front of his confidence. I may have forgot many designs of the fort, but the face and words of the guide, its still audible in my ears. These are the moments that give motivation to travel next in search of the next memorable moment.

 

Boat Driver plus Our Guide for the visit

 

 

Travel not just to live the destination, but it becomes more beautiful when you can connect with the culture and people. 

Cheers to our Indian multi-cultural prosperity !