Places to Visit in Alibaug: A Winter Guide from Nagaon
October to February is the best time to visit Alibaug. The monsoon has passed, the sea is calm, the days are dry and the evenings are cool enough to sit outside. It is also when the ferries from Mumbai run regularly, which turns a long drive into a short boat ride.
This guide covers the places worth your time, how far each one is from Nagaon, and how to fit them into a two or three-day trip.
How to reach Alibaug from Mumbai
There are two ways to get here.
By ferry. Ferries cross from Gateway of India to Mandwa Jetty. A car ferry also runs between Mumbai and Mandwa if you want to bring your own vehicle. From Mandwa Jetty, Nagaon is around 24 km by road. Check the operator's current timings before you travel, as they change with the season and the tide.
By road. The route is NH 66 through Pen. Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport is around 113 km from Nagaon. If you are coming by train, Pen Railway Station is around 35 km away, about a 50 to 60-minute drive.
Beaches
Nagaon Beach
Nagaon is cleaner and quieter than the main Alibaug beach, and it is popular for water sports through the season. Camel rides run along the sand in the evenings, and the sunset is the main event. If you stay in Nagaon, you can walk to the beach and skip the parking altogether.
Alibaug Beach
Around 9 km from Nagaon, this is the town beach, known for its dark sand, seafood shacks and a direct view of Kolaba Fort sitting just offshore. It is busier than Nagaon and best combined with a visit to the fort.
Kashid Beach
Around 40 km from Nagaon, Kashid is a crescent of white sand between two hillocks, lined with casuarina trees. It is a good half-day trip, and the coastal drive is part of the appeal.
Forts
Kolaba Fort
This 17th-century Maratha sea fort, built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, stands in the water off Alibaug Beach, around 9 km from Nagaon. At low tide you can walk across to it. Inside are temples, cannons and wide views of the sea. Check the tide timings before you go, because the walk is only possible for a few hours a day.
Korlai Fort
Around 16 km from Nagaon, this 16th-century Portuguese fort sits on a coastal hill. It is known for its old bastions, a working lighthouse and views over the Arabian Sea. The climb is short, and it is far less crowded than Kolaba.
Murud-Janjira Fort
Around 46 km from Nagaon, this island fort was never conquered. It has towering basalt walls and a freshwater well in the middle of the sea. You reach it by a short boat ride from Rajapuri Jetty. Pair it with Kashid Beach for a full day out.
Temples, forest and markets
Kanakeshwar Temple
This hilltop Shiva temple sits at about 1,200 ft, around 18 km from Nagaon. You reach it by climbing 650 to 750 stone steps through dense forest. Go early in the morning, carry water, and allow time to enjoy the view of the coast from the top.
Kanakeshwar Forest
The protected forest around the temple, on the Sahyadri foothills, has shaded trails and hilltop views over the Konkan coastline. It is around 21 km from Nagaon and suits anyone who wants a walk away from the beach crowds.
Alibaug Market Place
Around 9 km from Nagaon, the town bazaar sells fresh Konkan produce, kokum, dried fish, Malvani snacks and handmade souvenirs. It is the place to pick up something to take home.
A simple three-day plan
- Day 1: Ferry to Mandwa Jetty and drive to Nagaon in the morning. Check in from 1:00 PM, then Nagaon Beach for water sports and sunset in the afternoon and evening.
- Day 2: Kolaba Fort at low tide, then Alibaug Market Place in the morning. Korlai Fort and lighthouse in the afternoon and evening.
- Day 3: Kanakeshwar Temple climb in the morning. Lunch, a swim, and the ferry home in the afternoon and evening.
If you have a fourth day, add Kashid Beach and Murud-Janjira Fort.
Where to stay near Nagaon Beach
Staying in Nagaon keeps you a walk away from the beach and within 9 km of Kolaba Fort, Alibaug Beach and the market.
Bougainvillea, Alibaug is a boutique, family-run resort on Nagaon Bandar Road, a 10-minute walk from Nagaon Beach. It has 18 rooms across three types, each with a private balcony:
- Deluxe Couple Room for 2 guests
- Deluxe Family Room for up to 4 guests
- Deluxe Group Room for up to 6 guests, with two bathrooms
The resort has a swimming pool, a pool-view restaurant serving Konkan, Punjabi, Chinese, tandoori and Jain food, a game zone, a kids' play area, beach cycles and free parking. Breakfast is included.
Weekends in the season fill up early. Booking 15 days ahead gets you the Early Bird Offer, and booking on the website gives 10% off.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Alibaug?
October to February. The weather is dry and pleasant, the sea is calm and the ferries from Mumbai run regularly.
How many days are enough for Alibaug?
Two days cover the beaches and one fort. Three days let you add Korlai Fort and Kanakeshwar Temple without rushing.
How far is Nagaon from Mandwa Jetty?
Nagaon is around 24 km from Mandwa Jetty by road.
Can you walk to Kolaba Fort?
Yes, at low tide. Check the tide timings for the day before you set out.
Which beach in Alibaug is best for water sports?
Nagaon Beach is popular for water sports through the season and is less crowded than the main Alibaug beach.