Where is Alibag?

Alibag is a popular beach town located in western India's Maharashtra state. With its pristine beaches, historic sea forts, and laidback atmosphere, Alibag has emerged as a favorite weekend getaway for people living in Mumbai and Pune.

Location of Alibag

Alibag is situated about 95 kilometers south of Mumbai, the financial capital and the largest city in Maharashtra. It is located in the Raigad district and lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea. Geographically, Alibag is located at 18.64° N and 73.20° E. Some of the other major towns near Alibag are Pen, Panvel, Roha, and Revdanda.

The town is well-connected with Mumbai and Pune by road and ferry services. Here are more details on how to reach Alibag:

By Road

The shortest road route from Mumbai to Alibag is via National Highway 66. This 95 km picturesque route passes through towns like Panvel, Pen, and Vadkhal on the way. The 3-hour journey offers scenic views of rice fields, little villages, and the coastline. Taxis and buses are easily available from Mumbai.

From Pune, Alibag can be reached via the Phata - Pen - Alibag road, covering about 140 km in 3.5 hours. Private cabs or state transport buses can be hired to travel on this route.

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By Ferry

A quicker way to access Alibag from Mumbai is through ferries and catamaran services from Gateway of India. Regular ferry services take 1.5 hours while modern catamarans make the journey in just 35-40 minutes. Once you arrive at Mandwa Port near Alibag, you can easily hire auto-rickshaws or taxis to reach the main town.

Popular Tourist Attractions in and near Alibag

Beaches

Alibag is home to some spectacular beaches like Alibag Beach, Nagaon Beach, Kashid Beach, Akshi Beach, and Mandwa Beach. Their glittering sands, swaying palms, and magical sunsets make them ideal places for beach lovers and photographers. Water sports like kayaking, banana boat rides, and snorkeling are popular activities here.

Kolaba Fort

One of the most iconic landmarks of Alibag, this medieval sea fort lies on a small island off the coast. Built-in the 17th century, exploring its stone ruins and fabled tunnel makes for an intriguing day trip. You can take a short boat ride from Alibag jetty to reach the Kolaba Fort.

Kanakeshwar Forest and Temple

Located 18 km from Alibag, this thick forest has a 1600-year-old Shiva temple inside. The drive through the forest lined with hundreds of trees leads you to the ancient temple with its elaborate carvings, mini waterfalls, and two hot water springs.

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Conclusion

So if you love coastal getaways coupled with historical sights, Alibag offers the perfect blend. Its proximity to major cities like Mumbai and Pune makes it a convenient weekend destination as well.