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Famed for its fresh air, clean water and sands, Alibaug
is a coastal town in Maharashtra. Situated at the south
of Mumbai, this town is the headquarters of Raigad district.
The captivating mix of tranquil, sleepy fishing villages
and various beaches, that it provides makes it a popular
weekend getaway for Mumbai revelers. The place boasts
of being a well liked center for business conferences
during weekdays.
Weather
This place enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the
year due to the vast number of trees. Monsoon is very
heavy and thus, some times ferries and catamarans are
not operational from mid-June to late September. However,
the downpour and greenery make Alibaug irresistible
during the monsoons.
Best Time to Visit
Throughout the year, especially in the monsoons.
Prime Attractions
The place which was developed in the 17th century
by Shivaji's naval chief Kanhoji Angre houses many forts,
churches, synagogues and the famous Tower of St. Barbara.
Beaches
· Alibaug beach: This is the key beach of the
town. The Kolaba fort becomes visible from here.
· Akshi Beach: It is situated 5 km away from
Alibaug.
· Kihim Beach: Kihim is a private place at a
distance of 12 km from Alibaug. The place is famous
for intense cover of Coconut trees and forests which
house butterflies, birds and flowers.
· Kashid Beach: It is situated on the Alibaug-Murud
highway, about 30 km away from Alibaug.
· Mandawa: Situated 20 km north of Alibaug, many
celebrities own bungalows here. The catamaran/ferry
services are available from Mumbai to the Mandawa jetty.
· Nagaon beach: Located about 7 km away from
Alibaug, this place is famous for coconuts and betel
nuts.
Other Attractions
· Kolaba fort: A prime location, this fort
is situated in the sea at a distance of 1-2 km from
the Alibaug shores. One can walk to the fort in waist-deep
water, at the time of fall. However, during the tide,
boats need to be used.
· Kanakeshwar temple: This religious place is
falls on the way to Mandawa, is on a hill near Mapgaon
village, about 12 km from Alibaug.
· Chaul: This historic town; 15 km from Alibaug
is famous for its Portuguese ruins, an old church, a
synagogue, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana and a temple.
· Vikram Vinayak Temple or Birla Temple, Salav:
The temple falls on the way to Janjira, 20 km from Alibaug.
· Murud-Janjira: Janjira is a celebrated fort
situated not very far from Alibag.
How to get there?
Alibaug is easy to get to in about an hour by the
combination of a catamaran/ferry from Gateway of India
in south Mumbai (three hours) and then by bus from Mandwa
jetty across the bay.
It is also accessible by road via Panvel in about three
hours (124 km).
Accomodation
Being a tourist center, there are many hotels, resorts
and lodges in the town:
- Big Splash
- Hotel Ravikiran
- Kashid Beach resort
- Prakruti resort
- Sand piper resort
- Sunglow resort
- Windmill resort
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