Located in the western region of India but the southern part of Mumbai, Alibag is also known as mini Goa in Maharashtra. You will find everything to keep you entertained and busy. Right from sandy beaches, temples, and forts, you also have various activities for that perfect weekend getaway with friends and family. The icing on the cake is the unpolluted and fresh air unlike other parts of India. Are you planning to go to a place that promises cleanliness and activity for that perfect holiday? Alibag or Alibaug is the city you must visit. The pleasant weather and surroundings of the city will make you fall in love with the place. You might even want to extend your stay there when on a family trip. You have to be there to believe it.
The best part about considering Alibag as your weekend getaway or a trip with friends is that the beaches are close to each other. You need not spend much time in travelling. Your adventure trip will remain an adventure without any waste of time.
Things to do in Alibag
1. Kolaba Fort
This fort had been built by Shivaji almost 300 years ago. Hence, it is a fort that people love to pay a visit to and capture their experience there. The fort is also known as Kulaba or Alibag Fort. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea from all sides, this fort is a protected site. During low tides, one can reach the fort by walking, but as the high tides start coming, a boat becomes a necessity to reach Kolaba Fort. It was the chief Naval Station of the Shivaji Maharaj and visitors can see carvings of animals, birds on the walls along with cannons and some temples where Shivaji Maharaj worshiped.
2. Alibaug Beach
When in Alibaug, how can you miss this beautiful and mesmerizing beach? The picturesque view of the city from this beach is just something that will remain in your mind forever. It won’t be wrong to call even your family trip an adventure trip.
3. Mandwa
If you are a keen observer, Mandwa is the spot where most Bollywood movies have been shot. Now you know why this spot is a popular one. You need to reach this place by ferries. Something that will catch your attention is the view of the Gateway of India in Mumbai from here.
4. Vrindavan farm
Most families like to visit this place for the area it has been spread across. It is spread over an area of 28 acres and offers a mind-blowing view to the travelers. You will also find over 70,000 plants and trees in this farm. The farm offers a package for Rs. 750 (Price may vary or increase without any prior intimation) per person which includes a tour, breakfast, tea, and lunch at Vrindavan Farm.
5. Murud-Janjira Beach
This beach is a beauty that one can’t miss. The beach has water that is turquoise in color making it a unique attraction. Your weekend getaway with friends become more exciting when you are here.
6. Kanakeshwar Forest
Do you like to explore the nature in its natural form? Visit this forest in Alibaug that promises peace and tranquility with species of birds and animals to see. The rich flora and fauna will keep you very close to Nirvana.
7. Kihim Beach
Another beach that is just 12 kilometers from Alibaug city is Kihim Beach. A virgin beach with palm trees in the backdrop and birds and butterflies all around, honeymoon couples can visit this place and make some memories that will last forever.
8. Raigadi Bazaar
No matter what trip you are in, solo trip, adventure trip, a holiday is incomplete unless you do some shopping. Raigadi bazaar is just around the corner and has everything for a shopper to choose from. You can buy handicraft items, daily usable and more.
9. Korlai Beach
This beach is known for yellow weeds, pink colored oxalis and grassy meadows. A hidden gem that is not known by many, a small village built around the beach with narrow streets and small houses gives you an old world charm. Trek to Korali Fort and lose yourself to the view.
10. Adventure Pleasure
People on an adventure trip will definitely want to explore the adventure activities. Some of the activities that can keep you and your companions busy are parasailing, scuba diving and speeding boat rides.
Budget?
Alibag will cost you Rs 6500 if you are on a two days trip.
How to Reach There?
The distance of Alibaug from Mumbai is 100 kilometers which can be covered at approximately 2 hours. You can travel by your car or hire one commercial vehicle if you have planned one trip.
A bus ride is possible if you are around Maharashtra as there are many bus services from different cities of the state to Alibag.
Families and friends travelling from different part of India prefer travelling by train. It may not be a weekend trip but a proper vacation. The nearest railway station is Mumbai and from there, one can take a commercial cab.
If you are travelling by air, the airport of course is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai. From there, you can hire a taxi and reach Alibaug to explore the unexplored.
The place is so enchanting that one will have the feeling of a holistic tour that will cleanse the mind and soul. As it is close to places such as Mumbai, Pune, Khandala, Lonavala and more, you will have an opportunity to plan a proper trip to these places too. It is advisable to get quotes from travel agents so that you have everything crystal clear.
Best Time to Visit
People like to visit this place any time of the year. It makes for an extremely affordable holiday destination. It is meant for people of all age group. The best time to visit is from October to March in Winter, from July to September during Monsoon and from March to June in Summer.
Which season suits you the best? As the place as several beaches and they might be on your mind too, don’t forget to get extra clothes to avoid buying new ones. Have th