Renowned for its dark sand beaches and centuries-old forts, Alibag is a laid-back coastal town south of Mumbai. It was historically home to Bene Israelites and takes its name from a wealthy Jewish resident who once owned mango and coconut plantations in the area.
Things to do in Alibag
For a day on the sand, head to Alibag Beach, which is a popular destination for swimming and water sports. Watching over the beach is a T-55 tank that dates back to the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. Further north lies Varsoli Beach, a tree-lined stretch of sand backed by family-friendly restaurants.
Perched on an island just offshore from Alibag is the Kolaba Fort, a 17th-century fortification designed as a naval station for Shivaji. It’s accessible by foot at low tide and is magnificently decorated with carvings of tigers and elephants. Learn about its use as a base to launch raids on British ships and see the antique cannons that stand on its northern wall.
A short drive south of Alibag is another significant fort, which was built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century to defend what was then known as Chaul. Constructed atop a rocky ridge, the ruined walls and turrets of Korlai Fort offer magnificent views across the surrounding coastline. Take note of the Portuguese inscriptions and explore the crumbling chapel where the residing army once attended Sunday services.
Getting around Alibag
Alibag is around two hours’ drive from Mumbai and 2.5 hours from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Buses connect from towns and cities across Maharashtra to Alibag and ferries travel from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. Auto rickshaws are readily available for getting around Alibag