A coastal town to the south of Mumbai, Alibag is a fantastic place to escape the crowds and soak up the sunshine. Unlike the city centre, Alibag boasts beautiful beaches, clean water and plenty of space. The coastal region is peppered with cafes and curry houses, as well as plenty of hotels and homestays for those wanting to stay the night.
The action is centred around Alibag Beach, just one kilometre from the main town. For a more tranquil atmosphere, Nagaon Beach is a great option. It’s fringed by swaying palm trees and offers a fantastic line-up of water sports. When it comes to relaxation, reclining on a deck chair with a Kingfisher in hand is an Alibag rite of passage.
The easiest way to access Alibag is a water and land combination. Ferries and catamarans run from Mumbai’s Gateway of India, with the journey to Rewas taking around one hour. From here, it’s an additional one-hour bus ride to Alibag. For those wanting to travel their way around Alibag, renting a car or private driver for the day is the best option. From Mumbai, the drive takes around 2.5 hours.
While today Alibag is a holiday hotspot for both locals and tourists alike, as its roots are ancient. It was founded in the 17th century by Sarkhel Kanhoji Aangre, the naval chief of King Shivaji's Kingdom. Today, beautifully preserved marine forts like Kolaba, Revdanda and Korlai offer a fascinating glimpse at its military history.