Alibag

A Konkan beach getaway reached by ferry from Mumbai: walk to Kolaba Fort at low tide, or head south to the white sands of Kashid and sail out to the island fortress of Murud-Janjira.

Alibag lies in Raigad district, Maharashtra, India, facing Mumbai across Mumbai Harbour just 30 km away as the crow flies. It is Mumbaikars' favourite weekend beach escape, often called 'Mumbai's backyard'. The area is part of the Konkan Coast, a string of palm-fringed beaches and fishing villages scattered with sea forts left by the Marathas, the Portuguese and the Siddis. The climate is hot and humid, and October to March is the best time to visit; the June–September monsoon brings very heavy rain, when ferries stop running and water activities close. Sightseeing falls into three areas: Alibag Beach in town and Kolaba Fort in the intertidal zone (check the tides and walk across); the quiet beaches and villa enclaves of Varsoli, Kihim, Awas and Mandwa to the north; and the southern coastal road, which runs past Akshi, Nagaon, the two Portuguese forts of Revdanda and Korlai, and the white sands of Kashid, all the way to the island fortress of Murud-Janjira, about 50 km away and reached by sailboat. Getting there: speedboats from the Gateway of India in Mumbai take about 1 hour to Mandwa Jetty (tickets include a shuttle bus), or take a ro-ro ferry with your car from Ferry Wharf; by road it is about 3 hours from Mumbai. Locally, hired cars and auto-rickshaws are the main ways to get around. Allow 2 days: one around town, and one for the southern forts and beaches. Weekends and holidays bring big crowds from Mumbai, so book homestays in advance; rip currents are strong, so only swim where lifeguards are present.

Top sights

• Kolaba Fort – A tidal sea fort off Alibag Beach, built as a base by the Maratha naval commander Kanhoji Angre. You can walk to it at low tide and take a…
• Kashid Beach – One of the most popular white-sand beaches near Mumbai, with relatively clear water. It is packed with visitors and water-sports stalls at…
• Murud-Janjira Fort – A Siddi sea fort built on an island reef, which was never captured in centuries. You can take a sailing boat out to see its giant cannons a…
• Alibag Beach – The black-sand beach in the center of Alibag town, facing Kolaba Fort. It's liveliest in the evening, with horse carts, snack stalls and su…
• Nagaon Beach – The liveliest water-sports beach south of Alibag, with a wide, clean stretch of sand and Konkan-style guesthouses behind the coconut palms.
• Kihim Beach – A quiet, tree-lined beach north of Alibag with few visitors and beautiful scenery. The surrounding woodland is a good spot for birdwatching…
• Revdanda Fort – A coastal fortress built by the Portuguese in the 16th century at the mouth of the Kundalika River, its walls and church ruins half-hidden…
• Korlai Fort – A long, narrow Portuguese fort built along a headland ridge, overlooking the river mouth and the Arabian Sea. The villagers below still spe…
• Kanakeshwar Temple – A Shiva temple on a hilltop near Alibag, reached by climbing about 700 steps through dense forest. From the summit you can see the coastlin…
• Varsoli Beach – A quieter, cleaner beach just north of Alibag town, lined with resorts and guesthouses. It's a good place to stay and to stroll.
• Akshi Beach – A secluded beach between Alibag and Nagaon, surrounded by casuarina woods. In winter the estuary mudflats attract migrating waterbirds.
• Awas Beach – A tranquil fishing-village beach between Mandwa and Kihim, framed by trees and guesthouses, suited to a slow-paced getaway away from the cr…
• Mandwa Jetty & Beach – The gateway jetty where ferries from Mumbai land at Alibag. The beach beside it offers views across to the Mumbai skyline and toward the Ga…
• Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary – A coastal forest reserve near Murud, good for birdwatching on foot. It is home to giant squirrels, Indian gaur and other wildlife.
• Birla Vikram Vinayak Temple – A Ganesha temple of white marble on a small hill at Salav, overlooking the Kundalika River mouth. It's a regular stop on the southern route…

Where to eat

• Sanman Restaurant – A seafood institution in the town centre, open since 1981. Its pomfret, prawn and clam thalis are Alibag's top recommen…
• Shalimar Seafood Restaurant – An affordable seafood eatery in Chendhare, popular for its fish thali and pan-fried seer fish, and consistently near th…
• Hotel Guruprasad – A no-frills seafood eatery with no printed menu, cooking whatever fish was caught that day. Loved by locals and visitor…

Itineraries

• Mumbai to Goa Konkan Coast – Drive south along the Konkan Coast, connecting sea forts, ferries, fishing harbors, and quiet beaches, ending in Goa.