| - Megha Chaturvedi
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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