If you think about Alibag and its sun-kissed beaches are all that come to your mind, then this is a must-read for you. Alibag’s experience includes but is not limited only to its beaches. Though quite the picturesque hamlet that Alibag has been, this beautiful and once underexplored greenscape was quite the escapade from the city humdrum.
But this small town sanctuary has now come to be the second home for many people living and working in nearby big cities like Mumbai and Pune. Now, many resorts in Alibag come with infinity pools, while luxury villas and beach bungalows there are as idyllic as they come.
Here are 7 unique facts about Alibag that will leave you spellbound:
Forts – Taking you back into the historic lanes
The natural cover and pristine beaches cannot take away the fact that Alibag has always been known for its forts and beautiful ruins that showcase the astounding Portuguese ruins. One such fort is the Kolaba fort that surrounds the Alibag beach. A horse-pulled cart, a boat or simply walking towards the fort during a low tide are all great ways to reach there. Housing an 18th-century shrine, this 900 feet long fort with 25-foot-high walls, this fort is a wonder just waiting to be explored.
The Murud Janjira Fort was initially a wooden structure, however, it has now been renovated to look fascinating.
The great outdoors – Enjoy serene nature walks
Cycle around the bylanes of Alibag or get outdoorsy by trekking to forts. Explore the Hirakot lake, watch birds at the Kihim beach or revel in the majestic view of the Hirakot fort. While at Hirakot lake, don’t miss a stroll on the crystalline sand on its banks, a boat ride on clear blue waters, and gorging on some of the irresistible seafood there!
Culture Cove – Know more about the heritage of the small town
From several art galleries such as the Guild sprawling across 3500 square feet, and the Magnetic Observatory standing tall since 1904 to the museums such as the Dashrath Patel Museum where celebrated photographs of Indian festivals and portraits of the tribals are beautifully showcased, there are a lot of architectural marvels to marvel at.
The nature-biodiversity garden along the Mumbai-Alibag road divided into 17 themed sections further offers knowledge on spices, medicinal herbs, and butterflies, among other things. The Magnetic Observatory made using Porbandar sandstone was first set up at Colaba in Mumbai and later shifted to Alibag. The two buildings in this observatory provide data for geomagnetic changes.
Pious Places – An Eclectic Religious Mix
If climbing hundreds of steps to reach a mountain peak and a famous religious monument seems like a challenge you’d love to take, then Kankeshwar temple situated on a 900-foot hill is the place for you. The view from up top is a riveting reward but the journey is as magnificent with tombs of Mohangiri, Balgiri, Nagoba Rest, Jambhali plateau, God’s stair, Gaymandi, and more lining the path towards the temple. The major attraction here is an ancient sweet water tank enclosed in black stone. Several small temples, a garden of flowers along with Ram Ganesh temple, Gomukha, Nagaar-khana, and Bheem-Kunda are also a part of this temple’s premises.
Meanwhile, the Siddeshwar Mandir is a Shiva temple that witnesses hundreds of worshippers during Shrawani Somwars (Pious Mondays during the Hindu festival of Shrawan).
Being a multicultural sanctuary, Alibag also houses the Maven Avot Synagogue or Bet El Synagogue built a little over 100 years ago that has been a place of worship for the Jewish community. This heritage property has also been the place where the community centre, Konkan development programmes, and village meetings were held. Surrounded by coconut trees, this two-story limestone structure represents a beautiful heritage and history.
Diverse Seafood – A taste you will never forget!
The unique seafood tastes in the hotels, resorts, and eateries by the shorelines is enough to tantalize your taste buds. But enjoying these local delicacies, the likes of pomfret, surmai, prawns, and lobsters, and gulping them down with some sol kadhi while relishing the ocean view is a memorable experience in itself.
Festivals and tradition – Marking the beauty of Alibag’s rich culture
Alibag’s lively culture is replete in its many festivals, fairs, and Yatras. During one of the main festivals, Pola, the villagers worship cattle and agricultural equipment, while people dance, eat together, and participate in other fun-filled activities. One of the main dishes that are also a part of the culture here is the Puran Poli for which women from different households compete among themselves to get the title of the best Puran Poli maker. New clothes are worn during this festival that takes place in the first week of August every year.
The Nageshwar Yatra during Nag Panchami and Dattachi Yatra are some other religious fair celebrations that are popular in this coastal town. Not to forget the grand celebrations around Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Holi.
Fairs during Kartik Poornima in the Hindu calendar also take place at the Kankeshwar temple.
Fun water sports activities – Meet your Adventure Spirit
From banana boat rides, jet-skiing, speed boating, paragliding, and parasailing to Horse sliders, Alibag offers a host of activities for adrenaline junkies.
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Alibag is not only home to coconut groves and sandy beaches but offers spectacular views of sunrise and sunset from the top of forts, fascinating boat rides, and a chance to engage in the history, heritage, and culture of the place with a visit to religious monuments, fairs, and festivals, and maybe even a chance to spot a movie shooting!
Share the Interesting facts about Alibag you have experienced or know. Come visit this photographer’s paradise anytime between November and February and devour some of the local seafood delicacies and eclectic selection of gourmet dishes, as some of the restaurant chains here revel in their traditional culinary secrets handed down since generations.