Alibaug- A Coastal Paradise
Located at the southern tip of Mumbai, fringed with tall coconut trees and golden sandy beaches is Alibaug, a small, halcyon town situated on a narrow strip of the Arabian Sea. Apart from the outlandish village houses, this town also has farm houses belonging to the cream de la cream of Mumbai. Initially Alibaug was not connected to the mainland by road and the only way to get there was by sea. The Dharamtar Creek constructed later came as a blessing in disguise because it made it possible for a large number of people to visit the place.
Alibaug is a place of prime importance to many cultures. The story goes that 300 years ago Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre, a naval chief of Shivaji’s kingdom discovered the beautiful town and named it Shribaug in 1825. In the 19th Century the Bene Israeli Jews who migrated to western Maharashtra considered it to be their historic province. And over the last millennia, the Kohli fisher folk, the Maratha admiralty, the Hindu agriculturists, the Muslim horticulturists, the Siddis of Africa, the Portugese and the British all have laid claim to different parts of this region.
The mélange of all these has led to the diversity and union of culture in this area. This is also evident in the architecture, in the places of worship, the fortifications, the landscape and the residences.
A major tourist attraction in Alibaug is the Kulaba Fort. It is surrounded by the sea and the most preferable time to visit it is within an hour of the low tide. The other places worth visiting here are the Magnetic Observatory, Kanhoji Angre Samadhi, Vikram Vinakyak temple, various small churches and synagogues, and the tower of St. Barbara.
If you enjoy lazy sunbaths or long walks in the beachside, Alibaug is just the place for you. It boasts of sandy stretches of popular beaches that include Akshi, Revdanda, Kihim and Nandgaon. Slightly away from Alibaug is the Janjira Fort which is a charming sea fortress. Even though it is in shambles now, an interesting fact is that people actually lived in this fort till 1971. As you approach the Mandwa Jetty from the sea you will notice the twin islets of Kandheri and Undheri.
Alibaug houses several ancient temples but some of the more noteworthy ones include the Nageshwar temple in Awas. The Kankeshwar temple which involves a stiff climb over rough steps is also accessible from Chondi and the Datta mandir at Choul.
Alibaug also offers glimpses of the Mughal era too. The best and the most ancient mosques are located in Murud/Janjira area which has traditionally seen a Muslim stronghold. The Islamic propensity for horticulture is easily visible in the flourishing landscapes of Alibaug which boasts some of the lush orchards and plantations in the district.
The churches are located in the larger townships and most of them have educational facilities of the highest standards. The most captivating one is situated along the coast at Korlai which also used to be a Jesuit Portugese settlement.
There is an interesting cemetery at the Kihim village. The cemetery doorway maps a list of all the Synagogues in the Raigad and Thane districts. It also reveals another little known snippet of history about the Jewish influence on the area. Speaking about Jewish influence, there is a wonderful Synagogue too in Alibaug City.
Alibaug is a must see all thanks to its sheer majesty of its location and also because it overlooks the stunning ocean. Also Alibaug is famous for its sea side restaurants and the delicious sea food fanfare they offer. So don’t give it amiss!
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Nice article….
Glad you liked it. Do visit the place.