Alibaug is a quiet Konkani fishing village in Raigad district of Maharashtra 100 km/60 miles from Bombay. Alibaug is fringed with coconut palms and sandy beaches and is lapped by the waters of the Arabian Sea. Quaint villages houses greet you as do the farmhouses of the rich and famous of Bombay. Founded in the 17th century by Sarkhel, Kanhoji Anger, a naval chief of Shivaji it was named Shribagh in 1852. It was then only accessible by sea. After the construction of the Dharma Tar Creek road traffic became possible. From the frenetic pace of Bombay you can reach peaceful Alibaug in 45 mins to an hour if you take a catamaran from the Gateway of India to Mandwa jetty or Rewas. Speedboats take only 30 minutes. Leave before sunset and you get a bonus of enjoying the evening surrounded by the Arabian Sea.
Luxury buses or auto rickshaws will take you from the jetty to Alibaug. The Mauli resort gives you an authentic experience of Konkan. It is surrounded by ponds, acres of farmland, gurgling brooks, chickens and horse stables. The food is typical Konkani and cooked by the women of the household. The fish and prawns are especially delicious. There are other places to stay as well.
While in Alibag enjoy the beaches. You have 3 to choose from Alibaug Beach, Akshi beach and the Nagaon beach.
From Alibaug beach you can see Kolaba fort built by Shivaji. This was one of his naval forts and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all sides especially during high tide when it is accessible only by boat. During low tide you can wade through waste deep water to get there and sometimes even walk across. The fort has temples, a pond and canons.
While at Alibaug beach you can walk or jump the waves and breathe in the fresh air. If hungry enjoy coconut water, Sea-food, Bhel-puri and Ice cream. There are several vendors doing brisk business. Sunrise and sunsets when viewed from Alibaug beach take on myriad hues. You can also see the ruins of Hirakot Fort. The Kolaba Fort and Hirakot Fort are mute testaments, to Maratha valour.
The Nagaon beach is about 7 kms from Alibaug beach and is much quieter and nicer. Akshi beach is also nice but the water is rougher than Alibaug beach. It is interesting to walk from Nagaon to Akshi Another great experience is to take a tonga (local horse carriage) ride and get transported not only to Akshi beach hut to another age.
Between Akshi and Alibaug is a small river with a fishing village on its banks surrounded by coconut and betel nut palm.
Around Alibaug, besides the Forts and beaches is the old Geomagnetic Observatory (150 years old).
There is also the Samadhi (tomb) of the founder Kanhoji Angra and old temples particularly the Uma-Maheshwar temple and the Balaji temple. The market place is also quite lively and interesting.
About 30km from Alibaug is Kashid, a glorious beach with white sand and blue waters surrounded by cassurina groves. So lie here and relax and soak in the sun and leave your cares behind. Sip some coconut water and gaze into a glorious sunset.