Located just below the border of Mumbai, Alibag is a little coastal town in the state of Maharashtra. The name of the town literally means “The Gardens of Ali” and refers to the fruit orchards that were planted by Ali, an Israelite who used to live in the town during its earliest days. Owing to its convenient location by the sea, the town was regarded as an important strategic port during the British reign in India. Being a coastal town, the beauty of Alibaug derives largely from the various beaches here. With its glittering golden black sands and clear blue waves, the clean and sparkling beaches of the town are a sight to behold. The brilliance of the beaches is often complemented by the historical fort ruins and ancient temples that can often be found scattered around the place.
Whether you’re a lover of the sea or a history buff looking for an insightful vacation, Alibaug is just the place for you. The excellent beaches here, such as the Alibaug Beach, Mandwa Beach or Nagaon Beach, among others, offer a happening day out for the entire family. Apart from the regular swimming and sunbathing, some of these beaches offer a marvelous variety of watersports as well.T hose with a penchant for the past can also spend a happening day touring all the historical attractions here, such as the Brahma Kund or the Kolaba Fort. One of the best ways to spend your time while in Alibaug is to try your hand at the watersports offered by the beach here.
Sports like parasailing, jet skiing and banana boating can be done by beginners as well as experts, and promise a fun experience for all. While in Alibaug, you can also try your hand at camping, with the several beachside campsites here offering perfect locations for the activity. Summers in Alibaug are generally hot and humid, winter months tend to be cooler and pleasant. Winter here lasts between November and February, and is generally considered to be the best time to visit. Rainfall in Alibaug generally concentrates between the months of July and September, while the winter months remain dry.
Entry to Alibag is open from all domestic states. However, a negative RT-PCR test report is required to enter the state borders.
The nearest airport to Alibag is Mumbai airport. Flights are functional to Mumbai from Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad and 10+ other destinations.
Local transport is functional including taxis and buses.
Thrillophilia recommends you to follow all guidelines issued by the government and practice good personal hygiene to stay extra safe.
Every incoming tourist is required to bring a negative RT-PCR report to enter the borders of Maharashtra.
Travellers can now travel to different districts of Maharashtra without much restrictions. However, tourists are required to present a negative RT-PCR report on arrival.
Lockdown in Maharashtra has been extended till the 31st of May. Although the newly issued guidelines in Unlock 4.0 has eased some inter-district travel restrictions in the state.
All famous landmarks and tourist attractions closed till further notice to curb the rising cases of covid-19
The arriving passengers will have to fill a self-declaratory form and undergo screening at the Mumbai airport. Passengers who are found to be symptomatic will be taken to the quarantine facility directly.
An extremely popular weekend destination near the busy cities of Mumbai and Pune, Akshi Beach is one of the most remarkable beaches in Alibaug. Known for its rejuvenating atmosphere and fun vibes, the beach is visited by several tourists throughout the year. A great place for swimmers and ocean lovers, Akshi Beach is also considered to be a fisherman’s beach, meaning that it isn’t as crowded or commercialized as some of the other beaches in the region.Dotted with swaying palm and coconut trees, Akshi is supposedly one of the cleanest beaches in India, making it extremely attractive to several local and migratory birds from all around the world. Every year, hundreds of bird lovers visit the beach to get a glimpse of some of the exclusive bird species that inhabit the area, including plovers, seagulls, terns, and bar-tailed Godwit. It is believed that Akshi beach is visited by over 300 different bird species annually. Located approximately 5 kilometers from the more dynamic and famous Alibaug Beach, the shore at Akshi beach is lined with several lavish resorts and cottages and comfy holiday homes. The perfect laid-back ambience of the beach enables visitors to unwind themselves and get in touch with the nature around them.
Guarded by the lush green hills, Alibaug Beach is a serene stretch of black sands edging the playfully rolling waves of the clear blue Arabian Sea. It is considered to be the primary beach of the town and hence one should definitely keep it in the list of attractions they will visit. You can laze in the pristine black sands of the clean beach and relish the spectacular views it has to offer. Witness the sun setting in the gleaming waters of the sea leaving the sky painted in hues of red and pink. Silhouette of the magnificent Colaba Fort could also be seen at a distance against the dusky skies.One can also feed their adventurous souls with all the water and adventure sports the beach has to offer. Consider going for parasailing in the sky or bumping into the sea on a Banana Boat Ride. If you are not a fan of watersports, then trekking and camping near the beach is waiting for you with lit bonfire and smoking barbeque.Do not miss out on the shacks near the beach selling lip-smacking foods for you to experience the local taste of the town. You can expect a plethora of options from the chosen delicacies of Konkani, Maharashtrian, Seafood, North Indian and South Indian cuisines.You should plan your meals on weekdays as weekends are very crowded as compared to weekdays. Moreover, it would be easier to catch a ferry to the fort or a horse-driven buggy to wander around the beach and try fishing without waiting in a long queue.
Located off the coast of the Murud village near the Arabian Sea, Murud-Janjira fort is one of the strongest and beautiful marine forts of India. Around 55 km from the popular town of Alibag in Raigad district, Murud-Janjira fort is a very popular historic fort. With the Arabian Sea on all the four sides, this mighty fort has stood for centuries and is a symbol of the brave Marathas of the region. The fort is around 50 feet in height and is regarded as an ancient architectural marvel.The name Murud-Janjira originates its name from the Arabic word ‘Jazeera’ meaning “Island”. One can take a boat from the Rajapuri Jetty to reach the fort. The fort was originally built by the Sultans and later various modifications were done by the Marathas. The fort was a full-fledged living fort with natural lakes, offices, palaces, religious centers in it. During the times of conflicts, the roof of the fort was used as a watchtower. Now the roof provides a splendid view of the blue, crystal clear water of the Arabian Sea and golden sands of Murud Beach. In the Murud-Janjira Fort, there were around 500 cannons that were used in fights. Now, only a few cannons exist and are very popular among visitors. Other than that, the fort has housed some of the beautiful tombs, water tanks, and a few stone sculptures. The very popular gate of the fort is the entrance gate which is known as “Sher Darwaza” (Tiger’s Door) with a small sculpture of six elephants and a tiger.
Varsoli Beach is one of the most peaceful and serene beaches in the city of Alibaug. Situated at a distance of a few kilometers from the heart of the city, this beach has gained a lot of popularity for its clean shores, pristine waters, calm environment, thrilling water activities, and umpteen beachside cottages and resorts. Serving as Indian army’s naval base, the beach assures its visitors a fun-filled and tranquilizing beach holiday.Varsoli Beach happens to be a stunning surprise to the eyes with its shores packed with glittering white sand and the sea boasting clear blue water. The 2 kilometers long picturesque coastline flaunts a host of casuarina, suru, and palm trees, which forms a truly mesmerizing sight. The shoreline is also lined with rocky stones up to a few meters, which further adds a charm to the virgin beauty of the beach.There are also a number of well-equipped and comfortable cottages and resorts at the beach, offering visitors a splendid stay for a memorable beach vacation. In addition, there are even a plethora of decent and budget-friendly restaurants and cafés close to the beach, offering local as well as international delicacies to tourists. All these elements put together make Varsoli Beach a highly recommended getaway for a perfect beach holiday.
Just 125 kms outside of Mumbai and 33 kms from Alibaug, Kashid Beach is a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra. This remains one of the few beaches in the country that has not lost its beauty even with a high number of visitors. The clear blue water of the Arabian Sea, with white, sandy beach is perfect for a weekend getaway. You can plan a picnic under the shade of the Casuarina trees that line the 3 km stretch or indulge in the many water sport options available at the beach.Whether you are a solo traveller, planning a weekend getaway with your partner or taking your family for a holiday, Kashid Beach has something for everyone. Go for long walks, enjoy horse riding, get an adrenaline rush with all the water sports, plan a night camp under the star-filled sky, or simply spend some quiet time with your significant other.Surrounded by a varied landscape of water, rocks, and cliffs, and due to its proximity to Mumbai, Pune, and Alibaug, the place witnesses a large number of visitors all year round. Weekends may be completely booked so plan your holiday in advance and make the most out of your experience. There are also a number of staying, eating and shopping options close to the beach to cater to your every need.
Brimming with lush coconut trees, green leaves, and wildflowers, Kihim Beach is one of the most alluring tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Situated in the Kihim village of the district of Alibaug, the beach is known for its exquisite beauty, extraordinary backdrops and pollution-free atmosphere. The beach is covered with a pristine blanket of white sands dotted with unique and colourful seashells. The beach is immaculate, and the waters are perfectly safe, which attracts hundreds of tourists towards it every year.Along with having the charisma and charm of a sandy white grounds, the beach is replete with greenery. Insects like wild butterflies and bees come to visit the wildflowers that surround the beach. Even birds revel in the relaxed atmosphere of Kihim as a variety of migratory and native birds are sighted during different seasons. Kihim Beach in recent years has become a very commercially successful junction. Its nearness to the commercial capital of India, Mumbai helps this cause. There are numerous attractions as well as food joints in and around Kihim Beach. Places like the famous Kolaba Fort, Akshi seashore and several religious temples surrounding the beach are incredibly tempting to the tourists.One can sufficiently indulge all of one's senses while visiting this beautiful site. The picturesque scenery, the sound of bustling sea waves, the silent breeze on the skin and the delicious, aromatic dishes from the food joints titillates all the sense organs. The subtropical climate of Kihim makes the beach all the more alluring during the summer and spring season. Kihim Beach offers something for every age group and is the perfect destination to come to with your family, friends or a partner.
Situated along the beautiful Arabian Sea, the popular Nagaon Beach happens to be a clean and unpolluted beach lying cozily in the city of Alibaug. Packed with suru, betel, and palm trees, the shoreline of the beach is known for its mesmerizing greenery. The silky and shimmering golden sand of this beach offers an amazing place for visitors to relax, sunbathe, and enjoy interesting beach games. Tourists can also try various thrilling water activities here such as Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Bumper Ride, Banana Boat Ride, Boating, and Swimming. Nagaon Beach forms the central spot for a number of other surrounding beaches such as Murud Beach, Akshi Beach, Kihim Beach, Mandwa Beach, Alibag Beach, and Kashid Beach. Nagaon Beach features a long shore, stretching up to three kilometers and meeting the Arabian Sea waves. The sunset sights form the best attraction at the beach and propel a host of people to do evening walk here. A number of professional photographers also flock to the beach to take some stunning pictures during this time. The shores of Nagaon Beach are also lined with a plethora of bustling beach shacks that serve lip-smacking seafood to visitors. The beach also offers visitors the soul-stirring opportunity to experience horse riding and camel riding. All these unique elements propel tourists from nearby cities like Pune and Mumbai to visit the beach for a weekend getaway.
Murud Beach in Raigad district of Maharashtra is one of the most prominent tourist attractions of the western Indian region. It is famous for its beautiful sandy coastline adorned with majestic forts and bordered by columns of coconut and palm trees. The calm and serene atmosphere with splendid scenic beauty makes Murud a great place for a family holiday. With multiple options for accommodation, the beachside locale is the place to relax and enjoy a fun-filled holiday.The golden beaches of Murud, sparkling waters of the ocean, adventurous water sports and gorgeous sunsets all these ingredients can make your vacation a memorable one here.Murud Beach is basically a vast swathe of black sand with clear turquoise waters that stretches around 1.7km along the coastline. Murud Beach is not only one of the famous beaches of the entire state of Maharashtra, it is one of the top destinations for tourists to visit in Alibaug. Here, the beach is surrounded by hills on three sides. In the east, you will find Murud town, beyond which there is a range of mountains. With serene and fresh atmosphere round the year, this place is great for a weekend escapade.
1. Dewdrop Retreat Resort:
One of the most picturesque and beautiful resorts of Alibaug that will emit the soothing vibe with its ambiance, the courteous staff, and the lush green beautiful surroundings. Situated at a distance of 200 meters from the Varsoli beach, you will wake up to the views of clear blue skies and ocean waves.
2. Paradise Resort:
Renowned as one of the premium properties in Alibaug, Paradise resort indeed feels like a tropical paradise. With big spacious rooms, separate play area for kids, swimming pool, multi-cuisine restaurants, indoor games, and other recreational facilities, your stay in this stunning Paradise resort will be both relaxed and entertained.
3. U Tropicana Resort:
U Tropicana Resort in Alibaug is a luxury deluxe resort located close to Kihim beach offering beautiful escapades around. The resort beholds lavish rooms, suites, and villas with facilities like restaurants, gym, lounge bar, spa, library, and more. The resort also allows their customers the benefits of 24 hours check in check out service and all-day breakfast facilities.
4. Big Splash Resort:
Situated near the bus depot of Alibaug, Big Splash resort is a very comfortable and centrally located resort. There are tons of spacious rooms in the property with king-size beds, kettle, air-conditioner, and various other toiletries. The tropical vibe, the enormous swimming pool, and the exquisite multi-cuisine restaurants will give you the perfect holiday feels.
1. Sanman Beach Resort:
A serene laid back beach resort with comfortable rooms, family-friendly setting, 24 hours room service, and most importantly the beautiful view of the beach. There are many tourist attractions situated near the resort-like Colaba fort, Alibaug beach, and more. You can also always take a stroll down the beach situated right in front of the resort.
2. Tranquil Coast Resorts:
Situated near the Nagaon beach in Alibaug, Tranquil Coast resort offers you a platter of comfortable accommodation, courteous staff, personalized hospitality, in house restaurant, beach view room, a swimming pool and a huge garden in the vicinity. A perfect place for a rejuvenating getaway with your friends and family.
3. Casa de Kihim:
As the name suggests, Casa de Kihim is a well-maintained property located near the Kihim beach known for its pleasant ambiance and mouth watering food. The beach is easily accessible from the resort and you can also play outdoor games like badminton, volleyball, and more in the property.
4. Radisson Blu:
Radisson blu already has a renowned place in the hospitality and travel industry. The Alibaug beach property matches the standard of the hotel chains. Lavish rooms, fitness center, full-service spa, and a huge library is set up for the guest’s comfortable experience in the property.
1. Beach Camping:
Being one of the most beautiful coastal regions in Maharashtra, Alibaug is known for its beach camping sites and tours. There are many beautiful beaches like Kihim, Alibaug, Murud, and more that provide a separate isolated section for camping and you can pitch your tents by the beach and spend your night amidst the waves and the stars.
2. Trekking:
Sagargad monsoon trek is famous among the tourists in Alibaug. The easy to moderate trek is full of lush green vegetation throughout the trail and you will be able to see the mesmerizing panoramic views of the Arabian Sea from the top as well.
3. Quad Biking:
You can also enjoy the thrills of ATV Quad biking on Mandwa beach. If you are a first-timer you will have a guide sitting behind and helping you out throughout the ride. The ATVs are about 150 CC and powerful enough to challenge your adrenaline rush while you are riding on the beach by the shoreline.
4. Jet Skiing:
Embrace the fresh seawater of the Arabian Sea by riding the Jet Ski and rattle through the waves in the Nagaon beach of Alibaug. You will have your safety jacket on and a professional to help you with the ride if you are a first-timer. The 10 to 15 minutes of Jet Skiing will be an enthralling experience for you.
Alibag can be accessed by Air, Road and Train.
