Things to do in Alibag range from soaking in golden sunsets to exploring centuries-old sea forts, making it the perfect escape for city dwellers.
If you’ve ever longed for a weekend where the chaos of city life melts away into salty air, winding coastal roads, sun-dappled coconut groves, and the distant echo of waves crashing against historic ramparts , then Alibag is where your escape begins. Just a ferry ride away from Mumbai, this sun-kissed seaside town on Maharashtra’s Konkan coast is where nostalgia and nature meet.
Alibag isn’t merely a destination—it’s a mood. A place where time slows down and mornings begin with the scent of sea breeze and fresh poha. It’s where pastel sunsets over quiet beaches give way to candlelit dinners in Portuguese-style villas. Where ancient sea forts whisper stories of Maratha pride, and local fish thalis served with sol kadhi become the highlight of your day.
Known for its harmonious blend of heritage and hospitality, Alibag has evolved over the years from a sleepy fishing hamlet to Maharashtra’s most stylish coastal getaway. Whether you’re a photographer chasing golden-hour shots at Kolaba Fort, a couple looking for a quiet retreat under palm-fringed skies, or a group of friends ready for water sports and bonfires by the beach, Alibag has something for everyone.
In this thoughtfully curated 2025 guide, we take you on a detailed journey through the Top 10 must-do experiences in Alibag. From historic landmarks and forested treks to boutique stays and the iconic Mandwa ferry, each destination is explored with insights on how to reach, when to go, what to expect, and pro tips to make the most of your trip.
This isn’t just a travel blog—it’s your personal compass for a soulful coastal adventure.
Top 10 Alibag Attractions
1. Alibag Beach: The Town’s Everyday Sunset Ritual
Alibag Beach is more than a beach—it’s the heart of the town. As the sun begins to set, locals and tourists alike arrive to walk, snack, photograph, and absorb the sea breeze. It’s where families picnic on the sand, children ride camels along the shore, and couples enjoy roasted corn while the horizon glows amber. Though the beach itself isn’t great for swimming due to silt and shallow water, it’s perfect for a relaxing evening under the open sky.
| Distance: 1.5 km from Alibag Bus Stand Duration: 20-minute walk or 5-minute rickshaw ride Difficulty: Easy, flat access Expenses: Free entry; Camel/Horse rides ₹100–₹150; snacks ₹30–₹100 Best Time: 5 PM to 7 PM (for sunset and cool breeze) |
Tips:
· Avoid barefoot walks in the afternoon—sand can get scalding
· Great spot for street food like bhutta (roasted corn) and kulfi
· Ideal for people-watching and casual photography
2. Kolaba Fort: A Walk to a Sea-Bound Stronghold
A majestic 17th-century marine fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Kolaba Fort sits just 1.2 km into the sea from Alibag Beach. At low tide, visitors can walk across the exposed seabed, while at high tide requires a short boat ride. Inside, the fort unfolds with moss-lined ramparts, shrines to Lord Ganesha, and rusting cannons that once protected the coast. It’s a living museum of Maratha naval might.
| Distance: 1.2 km from Alibag Beach Duration: 15–20 minutes walk during low tide Difficulty: Easy but rocky terrain Expenses: ₹20 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners); Boat ride ₹100–₹150 if high tide Best Time: 9 AM to 11 AM (Oct–March) |
Tips:
· Footwear with a good grip is essential
· Check tide timings in advance
· No food stalls inside—carry water and snacks
3. Kanakeshwar Temple & Forest Trek: A Spiritual Climb Above Sea Level
Located on a hill 13 km from Alibag, the Kanakeshwar Temple is reached via a scenic stairway of over 750 moss-covered steps. Surrounded by dense jungle and home to langurs and birds, this peaceful Shiva temple offers a view of both the sea and the countryside. The climb itself is a spiritual journey, with every bend bringing a new perspective and fresh air.
| Distance: 13 km from Alibag town Duration: 45–60 minutes trek (750+ steps) Difficulty: Moderate Expenses: Free; snacks available at base village Best Time: 7 AM to 10 AM (October to February) |
Tips:
· Avoid the monsoon due to slippery steps
· Wear breathable clothes and carry water
· Temple is active; dress modestly
4. Nagaon Beach: Where Water Sports and Coconut Groves Meet
Nagaon Beach is where leisure meets adrenaline. Quieter than Alibag Beach yet busier than Kihim, Nagaon is the perfect balance. Its long shoreline makes it ideal for banana boat rides, parasailing, jet skiing, or simply lounging under a coconut tree. Families and groups love its wide open space and the availability of beach shacks serving spicy seafood.
| Distance: 9 km from Alibag Duration: 25-minute rickshaw ride Difficulty: Easy Expenses: Beach access is free; water sports ₹300–₹1000; meals ₹300–₹600 Best Time: November to February |
Tips:
· Arrive early to beat crowds for water sports
· Carry a change of clothes
· Negotiate for water rides, especially in groups
5. Murud-Janjira Fort: A Fortress the Sea Couldn’t Defeat
Perched on an island off Rajapuri near Murud village, Murud-Janjira is an iconic sea fort that was never conquered despite multiple attacks. Accessible only by sailboat, the fort reveals secrets of an ancient maritime kingdom with massive bastions, 26 intact artillery cannons, and freshwater wells in the middle of the sea.
| Distance: 55 km from Alibag Duration: 1.5–2 hours by car; boat from Rajapuri Jetty (₹100–₹150) Difficulty: Moderate due to steep staircases and uneven ground Expenses: Entry ₹25; Local guide ₹200–₹300 Best Time: October to March |
Tips:
· Bring your own water and snacks—none available inside
· Wear good shoes with grip
· Hire a guide to make the most of your visit
6. Kihim Beach: Where Birdsong Meets the Breeze
Kihim Beach is a peaceful nature retreat, ideal for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Less commercial than Alibag and Nagaon, mornings here are filled with birdsong, and evenings are lit by a gentle breeze. Its forested backdrop and lack of commercialisation make it a true escape for solitude seekers.
| Distance: 11 km from Alibag Duration: 25-minute rickshaw/scooter ride Difficulty: Easy Expenses: Free beach access; boutique stays ₹1500–₹5000; meals ₹150–₹300 Best Time: October to February, especially mornings for birdwatching |
Tips:
· Carry your own snacks and water
· Bring binoculars and a camera
· Perfect for couples and slow travel
7. Varsoli Beach & Lighthouse: Quiet Sands with a View
Varsoli Beach is clean, uncrowded, and lined with casuarina trees. What sets it apart is the charming little lighthouse nearby that offers striking views at dusk. The beach is a go-to for early joggers, solitude seekers, and those who prefer quieter sands without sacrificing beauty.
| Distance: 2 km from Alibag Duration: 5-minute drive Difficulty: Easy Expenses: Free beach access; lighthouse visit is free Best Time: Sunrise and sunset hours |
Tips:
· Not suitable for swimming due to the rocks
· Few food stalls—carry your own
· Visit the lighthouse at dusk for photography
8. Sanman Restaurant: A Local Culinary Legend
Sanman is the most iconic restaurant in Alibag, famous for authentic Malvani cuisine. Whether it’s pomfret curry, crab masala, or sol kadhi, the restaurant is a rite of passage for foodies. The interiors are simple, the flavours are complex, and the thalis are generous.
Distance: Central Alibag (walkable)
Timings: 11 AM to 3 PM, 7 PM to 10 PM
Expenses: Veg thali ₹300; Fish or Crab thali ₹500–₹800; desserts ₹80–₹150
Tips:
· Expect long waits on weekends
· Try sol kadhi and ukdiche modak
· Visit earlier for the best catch of the day
9. Boutique Stays: Villas, Treehouses & Sea Breeze
Alibag has reinvented its hospitality game with an array of boutique villas, treetop cottages, and sea-facing bungalows. Many offer private chefs, garden pools, and easy beach access. Whether it’s a restored Portuguese-style bungalow or a modern minimalist villa, there’s something for every taste.
| Popular Stays: Treehouse Hideaway (Zirad), Casa de Kihim, SaffronStays Expenses: Budget ₹1500–₹3000; Mid-range ₹4000–₹7000; Luxury ₹8000+ |
Tips:
· Book early for weekends
· Check beach distance and meal options before booking
· Ask for weekday deals
Also Check: Private Pool Villas Alibaug, India: Beachside Luxury
10. Mandwa to Alibag Ro-Ro Ferry: Cruise Into Your Vacation
Why drive through traffic when you can cruise across the sea? The M2M Ro-Ro Ferry from Mazgaon to Mandwa is the most scenic and efficient way to reach Alibag. With spacious decks and onboard cafes, the journey becomes part of your holiday. It’s ideal for those who want to bring their vehicles while avoiding the tiring drive.
Distance: Mandwa to Alibag ~20 km by road post-ferry
Duration: Ferry ride 60–75 minutes + 30–40 mins road
Expenses: Passenger ₹310–₹400; Car ₹1100–₹1600
Tips:
· Book tickets online in advance
· Arrive early for boarding, especially with a vehicle
· Head to the top deck for breezy views
Why Alibag Deserves a Spot on Your Travel List?
Alibag is not just a quick escape from Mumbai—it’s a destination in its own right. What makes it unique is its ability to offer something for every kind of traveller. You’ll find centuries-old forts and whispering casuarina groves, bustling beaches full of life, and tucked-away coastal corners where time slows down. The food is fresh and rooted in local tradition; the stays range from luxurious to homely; and the access, especially via the ferry, makes it an effortless trip.
Alibag doesn’t try to impress you with extravagance. Instead, it welcomes you into a way of life: unhurried, salty, sunlit, and full of coastal character. It’s a place to explore barefoot beaches in the morning, trek to hilltop shrines in the afternoon, and eat fish thali under a swaying palm by night. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, the sea air, the sand between your toes, and the spirit of this small beach town will stay with you long after you’ve left.
FAQs | Things to Do in Alibag
1. Can I camp overnight on Alibag’s beaches?
Yes, regulated beach camping is allowed at Revdanda and Nagaon with prior booking through local operators. Bonfires and music are permitted till 10 PM.
2. Are digital payments widely accepted in Alibag?
Most restaurants and hotels accept UPI and cards, but carry cash for small vendors, ferries, and autos—especially in interior villages.
3. Is it possible to work remotely from Alibag?
Absolutely. Many villas and boutique stays in Zirad and Kihim offer high-speed Wi-Fi, power backup, and quiet work-friendly setups.
4. Can I take pets to Alibag beaches or hotels?
Several homestays and beaches like Varsoli are pet-friendly. Always inform hosts in advance and carry essentials like food and leashes.
5. Where can I try authentic Konkani seafood, not tourist menus?
Skip the beachfront cafes and head to local homes in Chaul or Saral villages—some host pre-booked thali meals with fresh catch and sol kadhi.
6. Is scuba diving or snorkeling available near Alibag?
Not directly in Alibag, but some operators offer trips to nearby Nivati or Murud coastlines for clear-water snorkeling during October–March.
7. Do I need a guide for visiting Murud-Janjira Fort?
Yes, boatmen usually offer guides for ₹100–₹150 per group. It’s worth it, as the fort has no signage and rich Maratha-Portuguese history.
8. Are there alcohol restrictions on beaches?
Yes, open drinking is prohibited on public beaches. Carrying bottles is also discouraged—opt for licensed shacks or private villas.
9. How accessible is Alibag for senior citizens?
Choose ferry + Ro-Ro for comfort. Flat beaches like Alibag Beach are easy to access, but forts require climbing. Book ground-floor villas if mobility is an issue.
10.Is there mobile network coverage in interior areas?
Jio and Vi work well in central Alibag, but signal drops in forest areas and villages like Phansad or Sagargad trail zones.
