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Alibaug, or Alibag, is a coastal town in the Raigarh district of Maharashtra. It is the district headquarters of the Raigarh district. Sarkhel Kanhoji Aangre, who was a naval chief in Shivaji's Kingdom, developed this place in the 17th century.
About 100 km away from Mumbai, it is a very popular weekend getaway for people in Mumbai and Pune. Alibaug is known for its serene and beautiful beaches that offer a very mesmerisingly calm weather along with dense coconut groves.
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Apart from the beaches, it is also home to many historical and intricate temples in the region, which are also a major attraction sites for the tourists. If you want to just relax yourself, a walk amidst the dense and refreshing coconut groves is a must do.
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By Air
Mumbai airport (140 km) is the nearest airport which is well connected to all the major cities in the country as well as major cities from other countries.
By Train
The nearest railway stations to Alibaug are Panvel and Roha, which are located at a distance of 47 km and 37 km, respectively. These railheads are well connected to the state capital Mumbai as well as to the other important cities and towns in the state and country.
By Road
Alibaug is well connected by roads, which takes you through Pen. Mumbai is at distance of about 108 km. There are plenty of buses which ply between Mumbai and Alibaug and from Pune, Thane, Nashik and other major towns and cities as well.
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The monsoon season lasts from August to October, which is accompanied by heavy showers and the natural beauty of the region gets more enhanced, making it the best time to visit this place.
The name Alibaug translates to 'The garden of Ali'. The town and its surroundings are historical important places of the Bene Israeli Jews. A synagogue can be found in the Israel Ali area of the town.
Bene Israelite Ali was a rich man in the city and the place is named after his gardens and hence it is known as Alibaug.
As the town is surrounded by sea on three sides, it is regarded as the Goa of Maharashtra. The quietness of the beaches here have left many of its visitors awestruck. It is a great escape for those people who love beaches, forts and temples.
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Positioned off the southern tip of Mumbai and divided by a narrow strip of the Arabian Sea, this place has a lot to offer to each of its travellers. The crystal clear water of the sea, the sparkling and golden beaches, the cool breeze and the peaceful ambience make it a very popular destination, not only in the region but all over the country.
Major Attractions
1. Kolaba Fort
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The city of Alibaug has a history of almost 300 years, and it is the only place in the Konkan coast to serve as a shelter to both the Portuguese and the Marathas.
The Kolaba Fort is located in the midst of the sea. This enormous in a way barren location was commissioned by Shivaji in 1662 to make it as one of his chief naval stations.
Also Read : Places To Visit Near Kolaba Fort
The fort with its imposing walls and gates, which face the Arabian sea, and the town of Alibaug had bastions, a fresh water tank, well and several temples. The gigantic appearance is an example of the architectural brilliance of Shivaji.
The fort was also Shivaji's last construction and came to an end on the eve of his demise in April, in the year 1680.
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The Khanderi Fort is said to belong to Shivaji and later on it went into the hands of the British rule after numerous attempts. During the British rule, they built a lighthouse measuring around 75 feet, although it now remains in hiding, yet it does not fail to captivate the eyes of the travellers.
Also Read : Places To Visit Near Khanderi Fort
At present, the fort is under the administration of the Bombay Port Trust. To get into the fort, a prior permission from the trust authorities is required, after which one can hire local boats to reach the site.
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Alibaug beach is at a walkable distance from the Alibaug bus depot. With tall coconut trees swaying to the sea breeze and the never-ending waves hitting the yellow sands, it would take you to a world of surreal beauty and abundant serenity.
The beach also offers you plenty of restaurants that serve coastal cuisine and seafood delicacies, which would answer the calls of your hungry tummies. There are also exotic resorts and homestays which overlook the beach and they are one of the perfect places to relax your tiring feet.
At one point of time, Alibaug had a very strong Jewish community residing here, most of them were oil pressers and sellers and thus a synagogue was built in Alibaug. This place had been a place of worship for the Jewish community.
Now a heritage property, the synagogue is a well-known attraction here for its unique architectural style and beauty.
5. Nagaon Beach
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The beach shore stretches for 3 km, which meets the Arabian sea. A very important destination, Nagaon Beach attracts tourists owning to its tranquility. The yellow sand beach is well known for its cleanliness, lined with palm, betel and suru trees, which add on to the beauty of the place.
Food And Stay
There are a lot of options available here for food as well as for the stay. One can find stays within their budget and also find the ones that offer you a luxurious stay.
