Alibaug – history and significance
Bordered by the Arabian Sea, Alibaug is a coastal town lying in the Raigad District. It is known for its palatial sea forts, local fish delicacies and the virgin, sun-kissed beaches. A trip to Alibaug is the ideal weekend getaway from the hustle-bustle of cosmopolitan lives. Located just 95.3 km from Mumbai, Alibaug can be reached by NH 66 in about 2 hours. Alibaug is home to tranquil waters and sun-kissed beaches. The town can also be reached by ferry from Mumbai and is a perfect tourist spot for both young and old.
Alibaug and its surrounding villages are the historic hinterlands of Bene Israeli Jews. There is a synagogue in the "Israel Ali" (Marathi meaning Israel lane) area of the town. A Bene Israelite named Ali used to live there at that time. He was a rich man and owned many plantations of mangoes and coconuts in his gardens. Hence the locals used to call the place "Alichi Bagh"(Marathi for "Ali's Garden"), or simply "Alibaug".
The journey to Alibaug is an exciting one. You can enjoy a scenic drive by road, spacious one by rail or a quick and fun one by seas. One can reach Alibaug via Pen (30 km), located on the Mumbai-Goa Road. If you are travelling from Mumbai, you can reach Alibaug by NH 17. The distance is approximately 95.3 km from Mumbai. The nearest railway station is located at Pen. The railway station is connected to Panvel in Mumbai through the Central Railway station. One can then reach Alibaug by local transport (buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws). The nearest jetty is located at Mandawa from where ferry services are available to the Gateway of India. Another port around Alibaug is in the district of Rewas.
Alibaug is surrounded by sea on three sides, it is very commonly known as the 'Goa' of Maharashtra. The town was founded in the 17th century by Kanhoji Angre who was the naval chief during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. Earlier, Alibaug was known as Kolaba, attributed to the Kolaba Fort which was built by Shivaji in 1680 CE. Located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Alibaug is well known for its beautiful beaches and ancient forts. Among the various Alibaug tourist places, Alibaug Beach, Kihim Beach, Akshi Beach, Mandwa Beach, Kashid Beach, Varsoli Beach, Nagaon Beach and Murud Beach are the popular beaches in Alibaug. Visitors can also visit Khanderi Fort, Kolaba Fort, Murud -Janjira Fort, Vikram Vinayak Temple or Birla Temple, Magnetic Observatory and Korlai Fort. Slowly and steadily, Alibaug is becoming an ideal destination spot for staycations and quick getaways. The brief holiday at Alibaug can be enjoyed all the more with a comforting and pleasant stay at Isprava’s luxury holiday homes, private villa for rent and luxury villa for rent in Alibaug.
Picture Courtesy: trawell.com and justdial.com