Places to visit in Alibaug: a coastal paradise

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Synopsis

A beach destination and coastal hub, Alibaug is located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is about 95 kms away from state capital Mumbai and 141 kms from Pune. A relatively lesser visited destination as compared to other tourist hotspots of Maharashtra, Alibaug is a perfect weekend drive from both Mumbai and Pune. Located in the Raigad District, Alibaug is known for its numerous beaches and many other sightseeing options. Places to visit in Alibaug are quiet and serene destinations ideal for a peaceful vacation. Places like Alibaug Beach, Nagaon Beach, Kolaba Fort, Kihim Beach and Varsoli Beach are the main Alibaug sightseeing destinations. When it comes to Alibaug’s signature beach, we must make a mention of Alibaug Beach. It is situated 2 kms away from the city and gets its name from the Alibaug coast. One can easily reach this place using local transport. The Arabian Sea offers a great setting for this stunning beach that runs into a distance of 4 kms. This is a black sand beach and is a gateway to many places to visit near Alibaug. One of Alibaug’s main tourist hubs, the Kolaba Fort is also accessible from Alibaug Beach. A centuries old Ganesha Temple is also close at hand from this beach. If you are not into forts and temples, you can just sit back and enjoy the sunset with your partner.

Alibaug is a place that is rich in natural resources and marine diversity. This gets further cemented when you pay a visit to Kihim Beach. This beach is towards the north of Alibaug and is a stunning specimen of coastal richness of the Arabian Sea. Dotted by rows of palm and coconut trees, this beach is a perfect place to run away from the hustle bustle of the city life. Photography enthusiasts will love this place as they will have a field day clicking landscapes around. Very rich in flora and fauna, Kihim is also famous for bird watching. Continuing with the beach destinations, Varsoli Beach is another far off beach in Alibaug. Though it is located just 3 kms away from the main Alibaug bus depot, this beach enjoys the reputation of being a relatively lesser visited destination. The white sand beach is now a naval base for Indian Navy and the calm waters of the Arabian Sea makes it ideal for water sports activities. Home to many beach resorts and cottages, this beach is your perfect let go destination.

From beaches let’s move to fort and historic remains. Located adjacent to the Alibaug Beach, Kolaba Fort is a massive architectural wonder situated right in the middle of the Arabian Sea. Dating back to the 18th century, this grand fort also served as a chief naval station for Shivaji Maharaj. The unique fresh water well inside the fort is a mysterious instance as it is covered by the salt water of the sea. The temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and Goddess Padmavati, which are inside the fort, attract lots of visitors here. When it comes to places to visit near Alibaug, one must include Nagaon Beach. This beach is 9 kms away from Alibaug and offers a peaceful getaway. There are easy transport options available from Alibaug. A yellow sand beach, Nagaon shoreline is dotted by palm, suru and betel trees. One can also explore adventure activities like snorkelling and scuba diving at this beach. The rich marine life and wonderful coral reefs of Nagaon Beach can be best enjoyed by a scuba diving session. And if you are not into adventure activities, there are plenty for you as well. Just sit back and let the sunset soak up in!