Alibaugh the best weekend destination in Raigad district, of Maharashtra state conveniently close to Mumbai is the most preferred tourist place. It is called as Mini Goa, because of its coastal location and plenty of sea beaches like Mandwa, Kihim, Alibaugh, Akshi, and Nagaon with clean waters and sands, green hills like Kanakeshwar, Ramdharneshwar and Siddheshwar the natural beauty of coconut and bettlenut tree gardens and fresh seafood. From Mumbai Alibaugh can be reached by road as well as by ferries operating from ferry wharf. By road it is a three-hour drive from Mumbai as the route winds north from the Mumbai peninsula to Navi Mumbai and then curves and moves south along the mainland coast it is only 19 km by sea. Nowadays Alibaugh has become a very attractive tourist halt, due to its beautiful gardens planted with Coconut palms, mango orchards, chikoo wadis and paddy fields making Alibaugh a pleasantly verdant and unpolluted retreat. The area is particularly beautiful during the monsoons, with rain washed trees and the pleasant smell of wet earth making you wish you could have settled here forever. The hill range of the Western Ghats line the other side of the city giving it a unique character of greenery and the blue of the ocean, it's a wonderful place to take a relaxed vacation which will freshen up your mind. The launch from Mumbai makes it closer although during the monsoons a boat ride is not advisable. Alibaugh is an old town relating to the Marathas. Alibaugh isn't just a well known beach destination. It's also got quite a bit of history behind it. The place was once witness to the struggle against the East India Company in the waters of the Indian Ocean. Under the rule of the Maratha warrior Shivaji, a warrior named Kanhoji Angre terrorized, plundered and looted many British, Dutch, and Portuguese vessels. The successful attacks on imperialistic vessels paved the way for Kanhoji Angre to become the naval chief of King Shivaji’s Kingdom. The immense success of Angre led the East India Company to establish a small naval fleet which later became the Indian navy.
Established in the 17th century, there are numerous old forts, churches, synagogues, and temples all waiting to be explored Kolaba Fort is the main attraction. Most of the time, it's surrounded by ocean. However, you can walk out to it during low tide, or go in a horse pulled cart. Otherwise, take a boat. Kanakeshwar Temple, on a hill near Alibaugh, is also worth visiting. Those who can climb the 700 steps to the top are rewarded with the sight of colorful conclaves of smaller temples and miniature god statues. Venture a little further south and you'll discover the less frequented Akshi, Nagaon, and Kihim beaches. Secluded Akshi is the most uncrowded and laid back beach of the three. It's popular with nature lovers and birdwatchers. Kihim beach is perfect for those in search of solitude underneath plentiful coconut trees. Volleyball nets are available on Nagaon beach, for those who are feeling energetic. The beach also offers boat access to Khanderi and Undheri forts. Nearly 300 years old, Alibaugh was founded in the 17th century by Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre, a naval chief of Shivaji's kingdom. The Marathas made Alibaugh a Taluka in 1852 and named it Shribagh. Because Alibaugh was not connected to the mainland by road at that time, the only way to get here was through the sea from Revas, Dharmtar or Mankule. However the construction of the Dharamtar Creek opened its doors to a wider public, connecting it to metros like Mumbai and Pune.