At the moment, the recognition of Alibaug lies in its beachside charms, that too, only a hop away from Mumbai. The well-heeled from the metropolis zeroed in on the seashores and inexperienced pastures right here to construct their farmhouses a few a long time in the past. Weekenders adopted go well with and now they repeatedly grace the huge sprawls of sentimental sand on provide right here.
At Alibaug Seaside, you’ll invariably see scores of individuals wading by the incessant waves, because the sandy shore and its cluster of buildings slowly however absolutely recede to the background. Throngs of frolickers stroll precariously in knee-deep water, often getting splashed by excessive, foamy waves, leaving everybody coughing and spluttering. That is really an exciting expertise–strolling throughout the ocean just isn’t one thing most individuals get to do every single day. For each Mumbaiites and trippers from elsewhere within the nation, we let you know the way to do Alibaug proper.
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BEACH WATCH
Seashores in Alibaug are protected for swimming at excessive tide however require warning throughout low tide. It’s advisable to all the time pay attention to one’s environment and to by no means stray too removed from the coast underneath any circumstances. Be warned that there aren’t any lifeguards. Carrying beachwear is okay, however you wouldn’t have the ability to purchase it right here. Earlier than crossing over to Kolaba Fort, enquire about protected timings from distributors and locals. It’s best to begin two hours earlier than the bottom tide units (it happens twice a day) so that you’ve sufficient time to return safely. You’ll be able to go a technique on foot and are available again by the buggy. The time of the bottom ebb shifts by 45 minutes day by day. Don’t attempt to cross the ocean at or close to excessive tide; it’s extremely harmful.
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WHAT TO SEE AND DO
Alibaug affords many seashores in and across the city. Most seashores are protected and clear sufficient to take pleasure in gambolling within the water. Alibaug Seaside is the preferred of the lot and has tons of holiday makers. Mornings are perfect for quiet walks and bird-watching. Solely those that plan to be within the water all through ought to go to the seashores within the afternoons because the sand will get unbearably scorching to stroll on and there’s not a lot shade to flee the solar.
Water sports activities similar to jet-skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides are avilable at Nagaon, Mandwa and Kihim. Evenings imply massive crowds on the seashores – small households, massive teams and lonely souls, all flock right here to hitch the enjoyable. Lots of people come to Alibaug to spend a leisurely weekend, however an extra day or two wouldn’t exhaust its potentialities.
Alibaug Seaside
At excessive tide you would possibly assume there isn’t a seashore in Alibaug. The water rushes towards the concrete embankment that separates the ocean and the various nariyal pani, bhel puri and kulfi kiosks. Because the water begins to recede, the emban-kment reveals its stairs searching to the ocean and the unfold of black sand beneath. Within the night, buggies provide rides from one finish of the seashore to the opposite, and distributors transfer throughout the embank–ment to promote their items to enthusiastic guests.
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Kolaba Fort
The Kolaba Fort is situated simply throughout the Alibaug Seaside on a rock jutting out into the ocean. It dominates the panorama of the seashore and the creativeness of its guests. For many, the fort is the primary cause to go to the Alibaug Seaside, and rightly so. A few hours earlier than low tide, the water turns into shallow sufficient for individuals to wade by the ocean by foot or take horse rides to get to the fort.
The fort’s development was commissioned by Shivaji within the 1680s. The edifice is 900ft lengthy, 350ft broad and has 25-foot partitions with 17 bastions. It has many shrines, an important being the 18th-century temple Ganesh Panchayatan. Subsequent to it’s a candy water nicely.
The fort is situated 700m southwest of Alibaug Seaside. Tip: Go to solely throughout low tide.
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Akshi and Nagaon
Akshi Seaside is situated south of Alibaug, on the street to Revdanda, 3km from the city. A street by inexperienced coconut and betelnut plantations results in Akshi and the seashore itself is lined with suru (casuarina) bushes. Travellers and locals who search tranquility are the primary guests to this seashore, and apart from the solitude, they’re rewarded with recent nimbu pani and different cool drinks.
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Nagaon is additional south on the identical street, 7km from Alibaug. Hold a lookout for the Shivaji statue and switch proper from there to achieve the lengthy and clear seashore. These days, watersports together with parasailing, jet-skiing and banana boating have actually taken off right here.
Versoli and Kihim
Versoli is located on the outskirts of Alibaug, about 2km to the north of Alibaug Seaside. It’s a beautiful stroll by inexperienced lanes to the seashore, from the place you possibly can see the Kolaba Fort and two smaller forts – Khanderi and Underi. These forts have been constructed within the late seventeenth century. Guests should not permitted inside.
Kihim is located 11km from Alibaug to the north; to get right here flip left at Chondhi on the Alibaug-Rewas Highway. The seashore is a stony lengthy stretch with white sand. It’s dotted with farmhouses and thick vegetation. The laid-back village wakes up within the night to host picnicking crowds, who come to benefit from the clear waters.
Awas and Sasavne
Awas and Sasavne seashores are additional north, 18km and 20km respectively, from Alibaug. They’re each large, playground-like seashores, their waters stuffed with fishing boats whose flags flutter joyously within the breeze. Alongside the shore are the bungalows of Mumbai’s elite, who go to the seashores for his or her night retreat, and longingly gaze on the illuminated Mumbai shore-line throughout the water.
WHAT TO BUY
Strive the mangoes, particularly the well-known Alphonsoes or hapus, throughout the season (April to June). Although Alibaug is north of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, the primary centres of Alphonso cultivation, it does get a great crop of mangoes (Rs 400–600 or extra per dozen). Cashew is one other well-known commodity (Rs 500–700 per kilo). A lot of the retailers are centred across the bus stand.
WHERE TO STAY
Alibaug has lots of mid-range and price range lodging, and an providing from Radisson within the high-end. The realm across the Alibaug Seaside has probably the most variety of resorts; different locations to remain are to be present in Versoli, Kihim and en path to Mandwa. Weekends are busy all year long, and it’s advisable to e book prematurely.
WHERE TO EAT
Within the night, the seashore at Alibaug is dotted with meals stalls promoting panipuri, bhelpuri, and the like. There are additionally Chinese language and south-Indian dishes on provide. There isn’t any massive restaurant on the seashore, and the consuming expertise needs to be the roadside variety, however be conscious of COVID-19 protocols always (take a look at our information on travelling throughout the pandemic and our particular story on following COVID-19 protocols on the street). Eating places at Guruji, Meera Madhav and Large Splash dish out the standard Mughlai and Chinese language fare.
For extra native flavours, together with Konkani fish preparations, crab and thalis, you possibly can strive Lodge Sanman. Bohemyan Backyard Café on Alibaug-Mandwa Highway has nice atmosphere and very good coastal delicacies and fusion meals. Additionally they have a present store. Kiki’s Café and Deli serves nice pizzas.
Radisson’s Aparanta Restaurant is a fine-dining institution that serves Mediterranean, Continental, Oriental and Indian delicacies. For usually Indian flavours, Kokum & Spice is your greatest guess.
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AROUND ALIBAUG
Mandwa Jetty (19km)
Mandwa is the primary port of name in Raigad District, throughout the ocean from Mumbai, and thus the primary alternative for Mumbai’s well-heeled to construct their residence away from residence in. From Alibaug, the street to Mandwa turns left earlier than Rewas and winds its means by small hills on the left and the ocean to the proper. The jetty is a small however busy construction with a lovely curving seashore on each side. Boats to and from Mumbai run morning to night and are the favoured mode of transport between Mumbai and Alibaug.
Rewas Jetty (23km)
Rewas is the terminus of the Alibaug-Rewas Highway; the jetty is situated on the fringe of the Rewas-Dharamtar Creek. There are ferry companies to Bhaucha Dhakka in Mumbai through-out the day. From the jetty and the close by remoted seashore, you possibly can see the shore of Uran throughout the ocean. A small marketplace for native fruits, greens, fish and crabs provides native flavour to this previous port.
Getting There
Air Nearest airport: Mumbai (113km/3hrs) linked by flights from everywhere in the nation.
Rail Nearest railhead: Pen (4km/1hr), however Panvel (78km/ 1.5hrs) is healthier linked.
Highway It’s a relaxed drive down NH66 to Vadkhal Naka by way of Karnala and Pen. The place NH166A curves left in the direction of Goa, take the straight street over Dharamtar Creek to Alibaug by way of Poynad and Khandale. Bus There are state transport buses to Alibaug from Mumbai Central and Borivali
Sea Frequent boats and launches for Mandwa Jetty depart from Gateway of India (50mins–1hr) between 6.00am and 6.30pm. Ticket fare typically features a free coach trip from Mandwa Jetty to Alibaug (19km/ 30mins)
P.S. These companies are discontinued within the monsoon.