Alibaug, which is just about 90 kms or a two-and-half hours drive from Mumbai is truly a heaven for beach lovers. A large number of beaches and sea forts within a short distance of each other can be enjoyed here. Alibaug can also be reached by catamaran from Mumbai port but we took the road as it was the monsoon season. Starting early in the morning and stopping only for a hearty Maharashtrian breakfast at Wadkhal Naka of sabudanawada, batatawadas and misal, we were at Alibaug by 11 AM. The weather was cloudy and humid.
After checking into our hotels and a short swim in the inviting pool, we were off to the nearby Alibaug beach. The beach was lively with a large number of weekend revelers, horse-driven carts and sherbet walas. The mighty Kolaba fort that could be seen at a short distance can easily be reached by walking through the water in low tide. However as we tried to walk towards the fort, the high-tide warning siren forced us and all others to wade back to the beach. The horse carts too can take you up to the fort if you are a little wary of walking in the knee-deep waters. Just another 7 kms from Alibaug city is the Kihim beach. This beach is more for one-day picnickers with a large number of shacks, hotels and resorts lining it. The drive to the beach through the narrow roads of this traditional fishing village with quaint local cottages and lofty bungalows belonging to the rich and the famous personalities of Mumbai, is most absorbing.
The Kashid and Murud beaches are a little far at a distance of 50 kms from here. The drive is slightly uphill as well as winding and the scenery gets breathtaking as we approach Kashid beach. From a height the lapping waves of the sea to your right makes a truly splendorous scene. Swaying palm and casuarinas trees complete the beach scenery at Kashid. This beach seems to be most popular and picturesque. As you drive further you are at the Murud beach. The palm trees here majestically bend towards the sea as if entranced by the swirling waters. Food carts and small budget hotels line the beach.
A sizeable Muslim population resides in Murud as the town as well as the impregnable Janjira fort belonged to the Siddhis. The Janjira fort stands 2 kms into the sea and is continuously battered by the sea waves from all four sides. It is said that Shivaji could never capture this fort from the Siddhis. Though we could not approach the Janjira fort as it was late evening, the sight of this fort is enough to leave you speechless in awe. Murud-Janjira and Kashid also offer a large number of staying options and if you prefer secluded environs, is the right place for you. The drive back in twilight hour offered a mind-blowing sight all around with streaks of yellowish, bluish and reddish hues adorning the skies as the sea kept up it tireless motion down below.
Alibaug also has a large sprinkling of synagogues and churches but very less of shopping options for shopaholics. After another round of swimming in the late evening and a hearty dinner we went off to sleep. Next morning after breakfast and check-out we were sullenly driving back to Mumbai, our short and refreshing weekend break over.