Travel is in itself therapeutic. But when it involves a top Places to Visit in Alibag with scenic settings and picturesque views where beaches are at a stone throw’s away from each other and the place is lined with forts, temples, forests, and so many other natural landscapes, travel becomes a beautiful escapade.
Alibag is one such place that offers a blissful paradise for all who go there to unwind, relax and indulge in historical and cultural tours. With easy connectivity from both Mumbai and Pune, it’s almost an indulgence to sunbathe in the sun-soaked white sand beaches and enjoy the lavish, beautiful, and expansive resorts, hotels, villas, and more when you wish to take a welcome break from the city’s humdrum.
Whether you plan on visiting the locally-known Alichi Bagh for a weekend getaway or a longer trip, here’s a list of wonderful places to visit in Alibag to inspire you on that long-awaited trip to a place you’d never forget!
Kolaba Fort
Also known as Alibag Fort, this 300-year-old fort nestled right in the middle of the Arabian Sea is known to have been built by Veer Chhatrapati Shivaji who ruled Maharashtra in 1652. It has been popular as the chief naval station of that time because of its strategic setting.
This enthralling ancient fort is one to fascinate with its historical significance with its artifacts such as cannons, and sculptures of animals on the fort walls, and holds a vital position in Alibag’s culture and as the country’s one of the most valued and well-preserved monuments. Exploring the many chambers at the fort is a real marvel especially as the fort is on a small island and can be reached via boat.
The panoramic view of the sea from atop the watchtower at the fort is especially a sight to behold during sunset!
Kankeshwar Temple
Perched atop a small hill near Mapgaon village at a height of about 1200 feet, the Kanakeshwar Devasthan temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is surrounded by lighting and has a tank called Pushkarni that gets replenished with water constantly. To get to this temple, there’s a flight of 5000 stairs that need to be climbed and once you reach the gate of the temple, it stuns you with a majestic lion sculpture.
The trail to the temple is laden with the lush green Kanakeshwar forest rich in vegetation, flora, and fauna, where monkeys, deer, panthers, leopards, and fascinating birds like the mynah, wild crow, and wild boars can all be spotted. This place also offers some wonderful hiking, camping, picnicking and trekking experiences.
Alibag Beach
Want to be mesmerized by the stunning coastline of the Arabian Sea? Then Alibag beach is your calling! Known for water sports, its dark and coarse sand, and its proximity to the Kolaba Fort, the Alibag beach is lined with street food joints to satiate those hunger pangs after you enjoy some jet skiing or other water sports activity in the crystal clear waters of the Arabian Sea.
Also a popular picnic spot, this black sand beach is one of the notable places to visit in Alibag if you love the sea and want to enjoy the panoramic views of the Kolaba Fort while basking in the glow of the spectacular sunrise or sunset. Visit the 400-year-old Ganesha temple while staying at this beach and have servings of the vegetarian dishes one of the resorts at this beach offers.
Kihim Beach
Surrounded by lush green foliage, luscious wildflowers, and tall coconut palms, the Kihim beach is famous for its coconut groves, clear blue waters, pristine white sand, shells sprinkled across, and its range of flora. The exquisite beach resorts give you the best beachfront views complete with butterflies and migratory birds and all the modern amenities so you can enjoy seafood delights while enjoying the majestic scenic spot. This is also one of those beaches where you can enjoy water sports, camel riding, ATV, and more.
Nagaon Beach
If the coral reefs have always fascinated you and you want to spend some time with the reefs in the crystal clear blues of the sea, you’ve arrived. This three-kilometer-long beach offers tourists the right environment for Jetski, parasailing, banana rides, water scooters, private boat rides, and some other water sports in alibag. This beach is great for water sports too. Not only the crystal clear waters of the beach but also the surroundings of lined coconut and palm trees, Suru, and Cypress groves are what make this a great place for some quiet evening strolls.
Murud-Janjira Fort
Nestled right in between the turquoise-colored waters of the Arabian Sea, this 15th-century monument was built under the rule of Emperor Malik Amber. The entrance to the fort is as enchanting as its surroundings as the sculpture of a tiger trapped by six elephants welcomes you. Experience the sunshine from atop the fort that’s strategically located on a small island in the coastal Murud. Great for couples to enjoy some romantic time while watching the picturesque views.
These are just a few mentions of the numerous breathtaking beauties that you can enjoy in Alibag.
From the shops, restaurants, and boat rides to nearby islands that Rewas Jetty offers, the vibrant and lively markets in Raigad Bazaar, Marathi architecture in Revdanda Fort, or the self-sustaining, healthy food forest at the Vrindavan Farm where you can also purchase some highly organic products from the museum and fresh produce from the farm, the places to visit in Alibag are rich with scenic spots that would leave you with everlasting memories.
The Karmakar Museum, Sagargad Fort, Kashid beach, Murud Beach, Akshi Beach, and the Magnetic Observatory are some other interesting tourist places in Alibag.
Time to pack your bags and go for that long-awaited short trip as November to July is considered the best time to visit this beautiful coastal city. Happy Vacay!