Alibaug, known as the “mini-Goa” of Maharashtra, is a hidden gem that is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. This beautiful coastal town is located just a few hours from Mumbai and is easily accessible by road and ferry.

One of the biggest attractions of Alibaug is its stunning beaches. With its tranquil shorelines and crystal-clear waters, Alibaug is the perfect place for water sports enthusiasts, beach bums, and anyone looking for a relaxing day by the sea. From the black sand beach of Alibaug to the palm-lined Nagaon beach, there is something for everyone. You can indulge in water sports like jet skiing and banana boat rides, take horse rides along the shore, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the picturesque views.

Alibaug is also home to some of the most beautiful forts and historical landmarks in Maharashtra. The Kolaba Fort, which extends out into the Arabian sea, is a major attraction that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The Murud Janjira fort is another must-visit spot that is just a short boat ride away. The fort is famous for its intricate carvings and the stunning view of the Arabian sea.

If you’re a nature lover, then Alibaug won’t disappoint you. The Kanakeshwar forest is a great place to take a break from the city and enjoy a peaceful trek. The forest is home to some of the deadliest species of snakes and panthers, making it a thrilling experience for wildlife enthusiasts.

If you’re looking for a luxurious vacation, Alibaug has plenty of high-end villas and resorts that will cater to your every need. With its lavish accommodations, beautiful beaches, and scenic landscapes, Alibaug is the perfect getaway for those looking to unwind and relax.

Overall, Alibaug is a destination that has something for everyone. Its serene beaches, historical forts, and natural beauty make it a great place to explore and relax. With its proximity to Mumbai, it is the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a long vacation. So pack your bags and head to Alibaug for an unforgettable experience.

Beaches and Water Sports

It’s undeniable that a large part of Alibaug’s charms is its beaches. Doesn’t matter if you want to ride the waves into the horizon or watch the sunset sipping a cold cocktail, they have enough to satisfy your need to unwind and relax.

If you can’t stay away from the beach, we recommend renting a villa at the shore and wake up to the roar of the sea. The villas in Alibaug are top class and lavish and there’s a reason Alibaug is called the Hamptons of Mumbai.

Alibaug Beach

Named after the city itself, Alibaug Beach is a picturesque black sand beach at the coast of the Arabian Sea. You can see the Kolaba fort from its shores while dipping your feet in it’s soft amber sand. The view is amazing and is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Alibaug beach also offers horse rides with professional who walk you through the process, and if you’re with your partner, a romantic ride in the horse cart is a must.

Nagaon Beach

Known for its cleanliness, Nagaon Beach is surrounded by greenery owing to palm, suru and betel trees and offers a bunch of water sports like jet skiing, banana boat ride etc. It is also close to all the other major beaches and is surrounded by Murud, Kashid, Akshi, Alibaug and Kihim beaches. One should definitely try the Bumper ride, a rounded boat where around 4 people can sit while an attached speedboat takes them over the high tides.

A short walk away from the beach is Casa Del Palms Estate. It’s one of the best villas in Alibaug and on the beach too. You can rest in the pool and have drinks to your content from the pool bar or enjoy jetty rides hosted by the establishment, not to mention indoor games like table tennis inside the villa.

Murud Beach

With an extensive historical background due to its proximity to Murud-Zanzira fort. It’s one of the up-and-coming beaches with multiple resorts, stay homes, and guest houses springing up. It’s also got watersports and is the perfect place for a vacation with friends. There are local shops where you can get authentic Konkani spices, handicrafts, dry fish, sea shells, mangoes and other tropical fruits. You can also go on ferry rides and the Murud region is skydivers gold, there’s a lot to see and capture. Camping is also an option, and at night the beach looks surreal and makes for a really memorable experience.

Other beaches like Kashid beach may be the one for you if you like quiet and just wish to walk around the beach or sunbathe while reading.

Forts

Alibaug was founded in the 17th century by someone called Kanhogi Angre, a naval chief with Shivaji Maharaj. Its history can be seen in all the forts in the city. If you’re a history buff and want to explore the city’s culture, not to mention get to see stunning views, the following forts are a must visit.

Kolaba Fort

Commisioned by Shivaji Maharaj in the 1680s, Kolaba fort extends out of the Arabian sea on a solitary rock and makes for one of the most beautiful places you will ever see. It’s even possible to wade through the sea water and reach the fort before the low tide, ride to glory on a horseback, or take a boat. Inside the fort there’s artifacts like canons and carvings of birds and animals on the walls. Inside there’s a temple for Ganesha, built in the year 1759 by Raghoji Angre and is still worshipped by local fisherman.

Murud Janjira

This one’s a little outside Alibaug but is worth the visit, you can take a sailboat and have filmy moments while in the sea breeze. If you’re the one for legends, there’s one for you here, the fort was built by a humble fisherman and the gate of the fort boasts carvings of a lion surrounded by six elephants. Entering this fort will most definitely make you feel like a part of a treasure hunt movie, as the the tall walls stand tall and pristine.

Sagargad Fort

An unexplored fort 20kms from Alibaug, Sagargad fort is a great place to trek in the monsoon season. The route is the most beautiful part of the journey and passes through a village and the greenery is a breath of fresh air in a pollution ridden world. Nearby is also a temple called Siddheshwar Temple, which is a must visit. You can also see a magnificent waterfall on the way.

Kanakeshwar Forest

For all the wildlife junkies, we have Kanakeshwar Forest filled with things beautiful and scary. The forest has some of the deadliest species of snakes and even has panthers in its midst. It’s at an altitude of 300m and there’s also a cute Shiva sanctuary. Being a largely unexplored region, it’s a great place to take a moment and just breathe in nature. In the middle of the climb, one can see “Nagobacha Tappa” which translates as “a place for snakes” and an infamous step called “devachi payari” because God himself set foot there after the sanctuary was made. Situated at the top of a hill, Kanakeshwar Temple requires you to climb around 700 steps and rewards you with a breathtaking view of Mumbai City, Arabian Sea, Under Fort, and Khanderi Fort. The temple houses a silver-coated Maha Shiv Ling and the myth states that the temple has been around since the time of the Pandavas in Mahabharat. There’s even a garden in the temple along with a Nagaar-khana and a Bheem Kunda. Make sure you climb down before the sunset, trekking in the dark is a very difficult task.

Vrindavan Farm (add this in things to do)

This one’s for the nature lovers. Vrindavan Farm is spread over a whopping 28 acres where you can talk long walk under the shadows of mango, chikoo, guava, custard apple trees. You can also buy from a range of products grown naturally honey, spices, bee wax candles, and much more. The farm also is also home to an art and crafts museum where you can buy tribal artifacts too.

Paisley

A one-of-a-kind farm to fork dining, Paisley Experience is the place to fulfill your culinary needs. It’s a must-visit restaurant that gives you the goodness of traditional food with the twist of fine dining in a village setting, creating altogether an experience of a lifetime. Make sure to pre-book as everything is prepared on order and enjoy the sumptuous and homely taste of Pachkalshi cuisine.

Bohemyan Blu Cafe

Serving both Konkani and Lebanese food, Bohemyan Blu Cafe is a great pitstop on your journey into a laid back and luxurious getaway. Latin American music coupled with greenery and fresh food makes for a great ambience. The general consensus is that you’ll get your money’s worth. Be sure to try the heavenly chicken salad and the rich and smoky lebanese style grilled fish.  A craft shop attached to the cafe is worth a look. Not just a cafe, Bohemyan Blu Stay offers rustic luxury tents. There’s a swimming pool and yoga sessions where you can connect to your inner self while having the best food around.

Aparanta

If you’re staying at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug, you don’t need to step out for a quality meal. Aparanta has great lighting and is a perfect spot for a date. You can sit outside and enjoy a great view by the pool or sit at the bar watching the latest cricket match. The breakfast buffet is one of the highlights of Aparanta, with different counters for dosas, eggs, and waffles. You’re sure to gain a kg or two!

Ashirwad Kala Dalan Coconut Shell Art Gallery

As the name suggests, Ashirwad Kala Dalan Coconut Shell Art Gallery, has art made out of coconuts. If you’re lucky, you’ll run into the artists that made these and you can interact with them. It’s a must-visit place, if you’re in Alibaug for more than a few days.

Ferry

The ferry and Ro-Ro service from Mumbai to Alibaug makes it effortless to travel from the city for a chill weekend. This is the fastest way to travel between the two places and is the safest as you can stay inside your car (in case of Ro-Ro) throughout the journey without fear of contracting the virus. The Ro-Ro service has multiple places like the upper deck, lower deck, or air-conditioned seating areas where you can sit and relax for the short ride.

You can book your passage in advance and show up 15 minutes before and pick your parking spot. In one hour, you will reach your destination.

Yachts are big in Alibaug, people even own private boats here and you don’t just come to Alibaug and not climb on a deck. Yachts are an ideal holiday getaway for families, friends, corporate board meetings, and training programs. You can also book a speedboat or a sailboat from Mumbai to Alibaug and spend the night at one of the villas on the beaches.

Speedboats

The most convenient way to reach Alibaug would be to rent a speedboat. They not only allow you to take your time, but they’re also a very stylish way to travel. You can reach Alibaug in under half an hour. Depending on the number of people traveling, you can book your speedboat and leave at a time of your choosing. You just have to let the wind ruffle your hair while a professional handles everything and makes it one of your most memorable experiences.