Alibaug is a quaint coastal town nestled along the Konkan coastline in Maharashtra. Its beaches, historical sites and lush vegetation makes it a popular getaway for travellers seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. In this article, we will explore the famous Alibaug beaches.
Source: Pinterest (ROADBOOK)
How to reach Alibaug?
Alibaug is well-connected by road, water and air, making it easily accessible from major cities in Maharashtra and beyond.
By air
The nearest airport to Alibaug is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, which is well-connected to major cities in India and across the world.
By road
From Mumbai: Alibaug is approximately 95 kilometre (km) away from Mumbai, and the journey takes around three to four hours, depending on traffic conditions. One can opt for a private taxi or drive down the picturesque Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH66) to reach Alibaug.
From Pune: If you are starting your journey from Pune, the distance to Alibaug is around 140 km, and it takes about three to four hours to reach by road.
By water
From Mumbai: Another easiest way to reach Alibaug is via a ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The ferry ride saves time and treats you to breathtaking views of Mumbai’s skyline and the Arabian Sea. The ferry journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to reach Mandwa, and from Mandwa, Alibaug is just a short drive away.
From Rewas: Another option is to take a ferry from Rewas to reach Alibaug.
Alibaug beaches you must visit
Alibaug Beach
Source: Pinterest (Architectural Digest India)
Alibaug Beach is the most popular and crowded beach in the region. With its black-sand shoreline and a magnificent view of the Colaba Fort (also known as Alibaug Fort) in the distance, this beach attracts both locals and tourists alike. The beach offers various water sports and activities, making it the ideal spot for those looking for adventure.
How to reach?
By road
- Alibaug is well-connected by road, and you can reach Alibaug Beach by taking a taxi or driving from nearby cities like Mumbai or Pune.
- It takes roughly three to four hours to travel there from Mumbai, and the distance is around 95 km.
- From Pune, Alibaug is about 140 km away, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours.
By ferry
- You can get a ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai to Mandwa. From Mandwa, Alibaug Beach is just a short drive away.
Kashid Beach
Source: Pinterest (Destination To Plan)
Located a short drive away from Alibaug, Kashid Beach is famous for its white sands and crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by lush green hills, this beach presents a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. The gentle waves make it a safe place for swimming and beachside shacks offer seafood delicacies.
How to reach?
By road
- Kashid Beach is approximately 30 km from Alibaug. You can take a cab or your own vehicle to the beach, enjoying the picturesque coastal route.
- If you are coming from Mumbai, Kashid is about 125 km away, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours via NH66.
By rail
The nearest railway station to Kashid Beach is Roha Railway Station, which is at a distance of around 50 km.
Nagaon Beach
Source: Pinterest (Notseen World)
Nagaon Beach is a less-crowded destination, making it ideal for those seeking tranquillity. The casuarina groves lining the beach add to its natural beauty. Water sports, including banana boat rides, jet skiing and parasailing, are also popular in Nagaon.
How to reach?
By road
- Nagaon Beach is approximately nine km from Alibaug. You can hire a rickshaw or take a taxi from Alibaug to reach Nagaon.
- If you are travelling from Mumbai, Nagaon is about 100 km away, and it takes around 2-3 hours to reach via NH66.
By ferry
- You can also take a ferry from Mumbai to Mandwa and then proceed to Nagaon Beach, which is around 20 km away.
Murud Beach
Source: Pinterest
Murud Beach is famous for its expansive shoreline and the historic Murud-Janjira Fort on an island just off the coast. The fort, known for its architecture, offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history. Murud Beach is a great place to witness sunsets.
How to reach?
By road
- Murud Beach is approximately 50 km from Alibaug. You can hire a taxi or take a private car to reach the beach.
- From Mumbai, Murud is about 150 km away, and the journey takes around 3-4 hours via NH66.
By ferry
- An alternative route is taking a ferry from Mumbai to Alibaug and then proceeding to Murud Beach by road.
Kihim Beach
Source: Pinterest (minorsights.com)
Kihim Beach is a nature lover’s paradise, boasting lush coconut groves and a variety of colourful butterflies. The beach is relatively less crowded, offering a peaceful ambience for visitors to connect with nature. The shoreline is also home to numerous exotic species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers.
How to reach?
By road
- Kihim Beach is around 12 km from Alibaug. You can hire a taxi or take a rickshaw to reach the beach from Alibaug.
- From Mumbai, Kihim is approximately 100 km away, and it takes around two to three hours to reach via NH66.
By ferry
- You can also get a ferry ride from Mumbai to Mandwa and then take a taxi or bus to reach Kihim Beach, which is approximately 10 km away.
Korlai Beach
Located in the Indian-Portuguese town of Korlai, this beach boasts a unique blend of white and black sand. The main attraction here is the Korlai Fort, positioned amidst the sea and accessible via a bridge. The well-fortified structure offers various vantage points to indulge in panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. Visitors can see the iconic fort, where a scene from the movie Dil Chahta Hai was picturised.
How to reach?
By road
- Korlai Beach is approximately 20 km from Alibaug town. You can hire a taxi or take a private car to reach the beach from Alibaug.
- If you are coming from Mumbai, Korlai is around 140 km away, and the journey takes about three to four hours via NH66.
By rail
- The nearest railway station to Korlai Beach is Pen Railway Station, located at a distance of about 18 km.
By ferry
- Another scenic way to reach Korlai Beach is by availing a ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai to Alibaug. From Alibaug, Korlai Beach is just a short drive away.
Varsoli Beach
Source: Pinterest
Among the most popular beaches in Alibaug, Varsoli Beach draws a bustling crowd of tourists. It also serves as a naval base and its charm lies in its lush green surroundings. The coastline features a stretch of rocks, providing a perfect spot to witness sunset. Despite being a lesser-known and smaller beach.
How to reach?
By road
- Varsoli Beach is approximately three km from Alibaug town. You can hire a rickshaw, take a taxi, or walk to reach the beach from Alibaug.
- If you are travelling from Mumbai, Varsoli is around 95 km away, and it takes about three hours to reach via NH66. Private taxis and buses are available for the journey.
By rail
The nearest railway station to Varsoli Beach is Panvel Railway Station, located at a distance of about 45 km.
By ferry
You can also opt for a ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai to Mandwa and then take a taxi or bus to reach Varsoli Beach, which is approximately 20 km from Mandwa.
FAQs
Which is the most popular beach in Alibaug?
Alibaug Beach is the most popular and crowded beach in the region. Its black-sand shoreline and views of the Colaba Fort (Alibaug Fort) in the distance attract both locals and tourists. The beach also offers various water sports and activities.
How far is Kashid Beach from Alibaug, and what makes it special?
Kashid Beach is located a short drive away from Alibaug, approximately 30 km. What makes it special is its white sands and crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by lush green hills, Kashid.
What sets Nagaon Beach apart from other beaches in Alibaug?
Nagaon Beach stands out for its less-crowded ambience, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquillity. The beach is adorned with casuarina groves.
Is Murud Beach a good place to witness sunsets?
Yes, Murud Beach is an ideal place to witness stunning sunsets. Visitors can unwind on the beach and enjoy breathtaking sunset views, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature lovers.
What makes Kihim Beach a haven for nature enthusiasts?
Kihim Beach is a paradise for nature enthusiasts due to its lush coconut groves and the presence of a variety of colourful butterflies. The shoreline is also home to numerous exotic species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatchers, adding to the natural charm of Kihim Beach.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |