To do justice to Alibaug, it is important to get your priorities and planning right. And make sure that you have time on your hands. Alibag is a serene town with lovely beaches with ruins of historic forts and temples.Alibag is surrounded by number of villages. Every village has its own beauty,beach and temples.
If you travel by ferry from Gate way of India to Alibag you land at Mandwa jetty which is a beach by itself.This is the most prime location and Mumbai can be seen from the jetty when clear sky. The most affluent folks of Mumbai have there Farm house alongside the beach. Mandwa is 18 kms away from Alibag.
Rewas jetty is 23 kms. from Main Alibag City. Revas jetty is mostly for fishing boats. The fishing boats land at this jetty from all over. There is ferry service from Bhoucha Dhakka at Mumbai to Rewas Jetty.
This is the main beach of the town and the Kolaba Fort can be seen from here.It is nice sandy beach and certainly attracts lot of tourists.
Varsoli is a village with its own beach about one km. away from the main beach.There are lot of farm houses and the local residents.
Varsoli is a village with its own beach about one km. away from the main beach.There are lot of farm houses and the local residents.
Akshi beach is 5 kms. from Alibag on the road towards Murud Jajira.The beach is beautiful with white sand and lot of suru trees along side the coast.The water is very clean and safe for swimming. This beach is perfect for the birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Nagaon beach is unique, beautiful situated 7 kilometers from Alibag. It is a tourist paradise and ideal for week end holidays and picnic spot with lot of cottages, bungalows, farmhouses, holiday homes and lot of road side food stalls. The place is very popular among the youngsters for the one day picnic. It is famous for coconuts and betel nuts. Visitors are attracted by the loving area of the tiding Arabian sea. The beach is charming with breathtaking view. The tourists enjoy the clam water and the beautiful suru trees. In summer time the beach offers water sports also. The beach is ideal for film shooting also. Famous song ‘Sagar Kinare Dil Ye Pukare’ from the film Sagar was shot on this beach.
The famous Kashid beach is located 30 kms from Alibag on the road towards Murud Janjira. The beach is beautiful with breathtaking view with dazzling silvery white sand and blue sea in arch shape and lot of greenery on the other side of the road. While traveling from Alibag to Murud at the U- turn of the ghat while descending, view of the beach is amazingly welcoming .The Kashid beach is the right destination for the rich and famous of Mumbaiites and corporate holiday homes. The beach is very popular for film shootings and TV serials. The area offers both high-end Resorts and low budget rooms with lot of food stall on the beach. While in Alibag visit to this beach is must.
Murud is a beautiful place in Raigad district in Maharashtra state located at 60 kms. from Alibag.After passing through Akshi, Nagaon,Choul, Revdanda, kashid,Nandgoan a small village on a hill top is Murud Janjira.The area is historic with monuments and the alluring beautiful beaches, coconut and beetle nut plantations and casurina trees is a great tourist delight. The water here is clear blue and the sand is slivery white. The sunset from this beach is mesmerizing.
Murud-Janjira offers local food specialising in fresh seafood and fruits like coconut, mangoes, watermelons, jackfruit, Kokum, spices and nuts. There is a very beautiful fort “The Fort of Janjira”. The fort is build in the sea about two kms inside the water. It is one of the very important sea forts in Maharashtra as well as in India.
About 28 kms. from Murud is Kude. There are 2000 years old 26 Buddist caves dating back to 1ST Centuary .These caves are on the top of 250 feet high hills.There are 22 lenis(living caves) have doors and varanda for monk to sleep.Surprisingly even though 2000 years old monuments there are still Sanskrit inscriptions and a few of them even have Buddhist stupas while some have basic figurines and carvings.Amazing!
The area provides varity of private Bungalow accommodations, Guest houses, Holiday homes, Beach side cottages and Hotels to suit every budget.
The fort of Murud-Janjira is one of the the most historic sea fort in the country. It is situated nearly 2 kms inside the Arabian sea. You have to reach the fort by boat which leaves from the jetty Rajpuri , 5 kms from Murud.The ride is very fun filled and you will enjoy the sail.
The Janjira Fort was initially a wooden structure, constructed by the fishermen of Murud, to serve as their protection from the pirates of the sea. Later, the wooden structure was demolished under the orders of Buran Khan, the minister of Nizamshah. In its place was laid down the foundation of Janjira Fort. The fort was made for the military purpose with towers and turrets to place huge cannons.
The Janjira fort “Jal-Durg” (sea fort) was built nearly 500 years ago and is dated back to 15th century .It was built by the ruler Ahmed Nader under the patronage of Emperor Malik.
The Fort of Janjira an architectual marvall of 500 years old fort is still strong enough and almost entirely intact even today despite the ravages of wind and tide wayes lashing it , a testimoney to the marval of ancient engineering.The fort is bounded by walls that rise to a soaring height of 40 feet, and still retains its strength and grandeur
The main entrance door of the Janjira Fort has a marvelous stone carving which depicts a single tiger trapped by six elephants. At the entrance gate two formidable bastions can be seen guarding the huge gate. The main gate is followed by another gate where three lungers/anchors are clearly visible in front of shrine of five Peers (Peerpanchayatan). Opposite the shrine there are two huge sweet water tanks which existed since the time fort was built. Around the water tank stand Khasha Siddi Masjid and ruins of houses. The sweet water tanks and the houses were probably built for the army to stay and sustain for longer period of time inside the fort in the eventuality of prolonged war.
Next comes Surul Khan's mansion (wada). In the backyard, remnants of Hindu sculptures are visible. Archaeological excavations in 1985, in the fort found temple ruins and a 'Shivaling'. On the background, fortified bulwarks with guns positioned, are unmistakable. There are 24 bastions in all, having their separate names. Special attraction of this fort is 3 Gigantic Cannons named Kalalbangdi, Chavri and Landa Kasam.The cannons are made of Panchdhatu (mix of five metals) which is malleable and prevents heating at the time of firing. Even today in sunny hot summer time the cannons do not get hot. Another gate to the west is sea- facing, called”Darya Darwaza”.
According to all accounts, the sea fort of Janjira could not be conquered by any of the kings ruling the neighboring territories. The British, Portuguese and Marathas could not capture Janjira Fort. Surprisingly, not even Shivaji could acquire it despite 13 expeditions to conquer the fort. His son, Sambhaji, tried a unique approach to capture the fort: digging an underwater tunnel to enter. But he too failed in his attempt.
Janjira Fort also known as “Rajapuri Fort” since built in Rajapuri Creek. If you love history and fond of monuments you must visit the fort. This is tourist delight.
These are tombs of siddis spiritual Gurus Sayyad Ali Nazeer and Nawabs Siddi Sirul Khan Siddi Khairiyat Khan Siddi khairiyat khan, Siddi Yakoot Khan. The structures in Indo-Islamic style are works of beauty. The place is 6 kms from Murud on Murud-Aagardanda (jetty) road. The place is 6 kms from Murud on Murud-Aagardanda (jetty) road.
Alibag Fort also known as Kulaba Fort after the name of Kamaludin Shah Baba (Ku-La-Ba). The Kulaba fort was built as military fortification to keep a check on the activities of the foreign naval powers of the English, Portuguese and the Siddhi of Janjira.The fort lies two kms inside the sea from the main Alibag Beach. Alibag fort is beautiful fortification surrounded by sea all around. One can walk to the fort at the time of low tide. It is a great fun and experience to walk two kms. bare foot on soft sand, cold water in pure sea breeze. Now you may visit the fort at the time of high tide also by ferry/speed boats, which is really enjoying.
As the history reads the fort was a vision of Great Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It was being constructed by the Angree Sarkar the lieutenant with Shivalji in 1652 and was almost completed in 1680 on the eve of the death Great Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in April 1680.
It attained importance under the Angres and was the main base of the Maratha navy. It had palaces for the members of the Angre family, houses for their officers and storing arrangements for grain and other necessities. None of the buildings have survived. The rule of the Angres, who were also known as Kulabkar, came to an end in 1840 AD.
The Kolaba Fort, on account of its being a military fortification, is an extremely strong and impregnable fort with high ramparts of 32 with the wide parapet and 17 bastions. Main gate of the fort facing east towards the city Alibag is called “ Maha Darwaja” There are carvings of elephants, peacocks and tigers on the entrance arch of Maha Darwaja. With the passing time and lack of restoration efforts the carvings and lot of buildings with in the forts are getting indistinct. There are also two other small gates, the second small gate is the smallest and the third one is medium which faces south.
A Ganesh temple, surrounded by wall was built in 1759 by Kanhoji Angre still survives. The idol, made out of marble, is definitely worth praise.
There are two temples of Goddesses Padmavati and Goolavati. There are sweet water reservoir near Ganesh temple. Its god miracle that the well water is sweet though situated right in the middle of the sea. . Also there is a Hajrat Haji Kamal Udinshah Darbar – Dargah. The Hanuman Temple, Ship Dock and Firing Range are located at the southern tip of the fort, the area here is like an extension of the fort outside the fort walls, and was used as a Ship Dock, the plane ground was used as a Firing Range by the British troops.
There are two Maratha Cannons on the top of Maha Darwaja guarding the entering of the fort. Facing the sea there are two cannons made by the British cannon manufacturers Low Moor Ironworks, Yorkshine, London.
Most of the buildings are remnant or disappeared but there are 6 to 8 large size toilets probably used by the high ranking officials. Other toilets are smaller in size may be used by junior ranking officials. The fort was constructed with all the facilities for fresh water, food, storage, houses, ammunition even temples in the eventuality of prolonged war.
On the north of Alibag Fort on the same rock the fort is built is “Sarjekot Fort”. The fort is referred as the 18th bastion of the Alibag Fort and was constructed as an answer to the artillery of Hirakot Fort situated on the shore of Alibag. Alibag fort is a favorite spot with the locals, picnickers, tourists from rest of the country.
The Khanderi fort is situated in the sea around 3 to 4 km from the Thai beach. It was constructed in 1678 on a small island. Later a Light house was erected. The fort was under the control of Angre for long time. After various attempts, the British captured the fort as a part of Peshwa Territory after 1750. Today the fort is under the control of Mumbai Port Trust. Visitors can visit the port with the permission of Port Trust using local boats.
Undheri fort built on another island which is 300m away from the Khanderi fort. It was constructed in1680 by Siddi Qasam. This fort was ruled by Peshwas, Siddis, and Angres. It was last captured by the British. Visitors are allowed to visit the place hiring local boats.
Just as we cross the bridge, to the right there is Korlai fort within the sea and attached to the mainland by a narrow land strip through the Korlao fort through the Korlai Village. It is supposed to have been built by the portugese in 1521. The main gate has an inscription which means 'no entry without a fight'. The fort has seven gates, a sweet water well, a church in disuse, a Hindu temple and a Lighthouse
Before you enter Murud town, Nawab Palace is situated on the right side on a plateau with the sea for a backdrop. It is beautifully located built in 1885. It is a private property of the royal family and prohibited for outsider. The architecture is a mix of Mugals and Gothic styles.
Choul is situated about 17 km away from Alibag. Adjacent to Choul is Revdanda and is not separable. Is a historic town famous for its Portuguese ruins, an old church, a synagogue, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana and temples.
Choul is famous for temples like Rameshwar Mandir, Champavati Mandir, Sri Sitaladevi Mandir, Shi Datta Mandir, Ram Mandir and lot more.
Choul Revdanda has historic legacy of more than 2000 years which was once upon a time a kingdom of “Chancha”.
Revdanda a beautiful welcoming place, safe, secured with a market and all basic requirements and facilities available. It is a typical village with old fashion houses and temples surrounded with full of nature, situated in between dense lush green towering coconut and betel nut trees farms away from the polluted environment.
Revdanda offers its own beaches opening at different lanes are less congested. The Choul Revdanda area is full of proud owners of farm houses, cottages, holiday homes, bungalows of mumbiites and weekend tourist delight.
Fort lovers will cherish old memories of ancient times.Revdanda fort known as “Revdanda Aagarkot” though remnant still alive to speak the past history of those golden days. Part of the village Revdanda is settled within the old destroyed walls of the fort. Choul Revdanda attracts lot of tourists, weekenders, one day picnickers a place away from daily urban chaotic routine.
This historic Port is the last destination in Alibag Taluka, situated 17 kms from Alibag. The creek, which meets the Arabian sea, separates Alibag and Murud Talukas. The creek is busy with sand and fish carrying vessels. To the right across the creek, is Vikram Ispat jetty for unloading the iron ore and to the left is the Ispat factory.
Revdanda Fort also known as Revdanda Aagarkot was built by a Portuguese Captain by the name of Soj in 1558.The fort in dilapidated state still gives a very glorified look with 5to6 kms. wall running. The walls are very strong, thick and hollow from inside with the routes for the movement of defense personals. Inside the fort remnants of huge structures of churches, chapels, an observatory tower of seven floors, old houses speak the glory of the past.
In today’s time part of the Revdanda village is settled inside the fort with local houses, farm houses, bungalows and business establishments. It is a pity that such historic monuments are not preserved for the future generation to learn. A visit to the fort is a must as it is a very beautiful ancient fort, though in ruins it is worth your visit. The view of the fort from Revdanda beach is quiet picturesque.
The first ever Russian to land on Indian soil was Afnasi Nikitin, some 500 years back. In memory of this historic event, a monument is erected in the premises of SRT High School, Revdanda. The memorial also symbolizes Indo-Russian friendship.
Twenty kilometers from Alibaug, as soon as you cross the Revdanda bridge, on the left side road leads to, beautiful Vikram Vinayak Temple. The temple is constructed on the hillock and one has to walk up the steps.
A towering dome shape exquisite white granite and marble temple is visible from a distance far off. The complex of the temple offers a beautiful landscaped garden with lighting and colorful fountains. The temple has idols of Shree Radha-Krishnna, Shree Shiv-Parvati, Goddess Druga and Lord Surya.
The arati and the puja are held everyday and can be attended at 9.00 am and 7.15 pm. Do visit this beautiful temple for an uplifting experience and the quaint prayer hall!
The Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple is situated at 13 Kms. from Alibag on the hill of 900 feet height in the mid of dense forest with a greenish lush look in the Kanakeshwar Forest. Poisonous, wild boars, snakes panthers and wild leopards are the rulers of this forest.
The Shiva temple is the main temple with 4 feet high “Pindi” is silver plated. The height of temple is 54 ft. The front gate has Lion sculpture on both sides with traditional lamp pillar (Deepmaal). There in an ancient sweet water tank enclosed in traditional structure of black stone The ancient temple was built by Raja Ramdeorai Yadav.
Behind the temple is the Pushkarna Kund. Kanakeshwar Temple is one of the famous Shiva temples. To get to the temple one has to climb a flight of 5000 well paved stairs passing through the dense forest. Along the route towards the temple are tombs of MohanGiri and Balgiri, Nagoba Rest, Jambhali Plateau, God's stair and Gaymandi. It is tiresome but worth a life time experience.
The Devasthan comprises of various small temples of Sri Paleshwar, Sri Hanuman, and Sri Balram Krishna. The premises also include Nagaar-khana, Bheem Kunda, and a garden for flowers. Every year, Kartik Poornima in Hindu calendar is the day of festival.
There is a large circular shape kund known as Pushkarna Kund which is located just behind Kanakeshwar Temple. Near the kund is a thick dense forest with panthers and Poisonous snakes. Travelers are not permitted to visit the kund because of some previous mishaps.
A small powerful Sri Hanuman Temple is located near Kanakeshwar Devesthan Temple. Hanuman, the monkey god is a devotee of Sri Rama.
The Nagoba Mandir as represents, the mandir of Nag (snake) is 16 km away from Alibag. It is at a distance of 20 minutes walk from the Saswane Beach. The main mandir is the hood of snake. The temple is full of Bells in huge clusters. The bells are in groups of 4, 6 and 12. There is only one Cymbal. It is the faith that people from all over flock asking for divine favor with the promise to return the bells after the wish is fulfilled. There is story if someone bitten by snake visits the temple, the venom disappears. The temple is also the house of the Samadhi of a saint who had divine powers.
The Someshwar Temple as represents is Lord Shiva Mandir, is fantastic and ancient Hindu temple. Someshwar Temple is in Akshi which is only 3 km away from Alibag The temple was built in the Satwahana legacy.
On the way to the beach there are many shilas. One of the shilas is close to the Someshwar Mandir.
There is a story that Shiva once drank an ocean of poison. He churned the poison and that turned into nectar. Tourists and visitors visit the temple to get the blessings of the divine.
The Someshwar Temple as represents is Lord Shiva Mandir, is fantastic and ancient Hindu temple. Someshwar Temple is in Akshi which is only 3 km away from Alibag The temple was built in the Satwahana legacy.
The Brahma kund is situated on top of the hill, with two kunds namely, the Brahma's Pond and the Shiva Pool. It is a rectangular water tank, with all the four sides encircled by steps. This was encoded during 1612. Near the temple is a small statue of 'Mirchi Baba'. You will also find a Maruti Mandir there. It is believed that the water created in the pool was collected while Lord Krishna was bathing, and that Lord Brahma bathed him.
Jai Bhavani temple dates back to the 12th century and is dedicated to the Goddess of source of energy and power of nature. The goddess has 8 arms, holding Mahishasura’s head in one who was demon and weapons in the other hands. The goddess had slained the demon at Mysore. Because of this incidence, festival Dussehra is celebrated. A win of goddess over the evil. There is every day prayer in the temple at 5 in the morning.
Another very famous hill shrine at Choul is Sri Datta Mandir with its own Glory. About 18 kms. from Alibag in the village Choul, One has to climb around 700 stairs to reach this shrine. In the way to the mandir while climbing the hill there are Important landmarks like Swami Samartha Mutt, Sadhana Kutir, HareRam retiring room, Hare Ram Baba Dhuni Mandir, Audumbar Mutt and Mai Jankibai Mutt.
There is Hingulja Mandir situated near Datta Mandir, a historic temple built by Pandwas. There is five days Mela in the month of December at the occasion of Sri Datta Jayanti. Devotees from all over flock to the pray and darshan on the occasion
On Alibag-Revdanda Road, 14kms away from Alibag is Choul and from there one can hire on auto rickshaw to reach this ancient temple. Originally it was built with a tiled roof and wooden structure. In 1990, it was renovated into a modern structure. It is a greatly revered shrine.
To the north of Murud, on a beautiful hill this temple was built by Sri Brahmendra Swami-Kjanhoji Angres' spiritual Guru. Watching the sun setting in the sea from this place is an unforgettable experience. To the south, Alkapuri is a picnic spot. From there, a memorable road leads upto the shrine. Some distance from there, trekkers would love to visit another ancient Lord Shiv temple, 'Kshetra Pal'.
Sri Siddivinayak is ancient temple of Lord Ganesh in the village Nandgaon. Village Nandgaon was known as Nandigram in ancient times.
It is belived that the 'Asthtavinayak' pilgrimage is not complete unless this temple is visited finally. A grand festival is celebrated on the day of ‘Maghi Chaturthi’. Devotees visit the temple on the auspicious day on 'sankashti chaturthi' every month
Five minutes walk from main Alibag bus stand, is Samadhi of great Maratha Admiral Kanhoji Angre. The Samadhi though in dilapidated state attracts lot of tourists. The structure has eight faces and the pillars are exquisitely sculpted. It is pity that the Samadhi of such great worrier who had great contribution towards making the Maratha history is left unattended. requires care and maintenance.
Established in 1904, this observatory is the only one of its kind in Asia and one of 13 in the whole world, with whom data is exchanged every 12 minutes. The British period building that houses rare valuable instruments like a magnetograph is built only in stone, with no steel used. The observatory records magnetic movement in the earth's' crust and also magnetic storms caused by solar storms.
The observatory fosters a lot of interest in the minds of the travelers to Alibaug. drawing larger crowds of tourists.