1. Watch the sunset at Alibaug Beach

Alibaug Beach is one of the best beaches in India. Its long coastline gives you ample time for leisure walks across the expansive sandy shores of the beach while enjoying the beautiful Arabian Sea.

Unlike in most beaches, here tides tend to roll in from all sides. So be ready for a hard way back. But when wading through the splashing water can be fun, then why not? This beach is an ideal spot to watch the sunset and capture some beautiful moments. So stretch your legs into the sea and warm up your eyes to the horizon as the sun bids adieu while casting a beautiful tint of orange across the sky.

Alibaug Beach

Address: Alibaug, Raigad, Maharashtra, 402 201

Opening hours: 6am - 6pm

Price: Free

2. Enjoy the architecture of Kolaba Fort

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Kolaba Fort, also called Alibaug Fort, is a military fortification said to be built 300 years ago. It stands tall and mighty surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all sides. This fort is situated very close to Alibaug Beach. It is an experience in itself to walk through the sea, when the water recedes during low tide, to the other side where the fort is situated. During high tide, boats are available to take you to the fort.

You will find carvings of animals and birds on the wall at the entrance. Near the northern wall of the fort, lie two English Cannons mounted on wheels that tell the tale of the bygone era. There is also a Siddhivinayak temple and a Dargah of Haji Kamaluddin Shah to be seen in the fort.

Kolaba Fort

Address: Alibaug, Maharashtra 402 201

Opening hours: 10am - 5pm

Price: 5 INR (0.073 USD) for Indians, 100 INR (1.45 USD) for foreigners, 25 INR (0.36 USD) for video camera

3. Learn about earth’s geo-magnetic behavior at Alibaug Magnetic Observatory

This is an offbeat tourist destination, but worth the effort. After all, a chance to learn and understand the earth’s geomagnetic behavior from close doesn’t come by often. Alibaug Magnetic Observatory is not just one of its kind in Asia, but there are only 13 such observatories in the world!

This observatory was established in 1904 and it has a typical British structure. There are two buildings at the observatory and these are made of non-magnetic and handpicked Porbandar sandstone. The first building is where the geomagnetic field change is recorded, while in the second, they have precision recording instruments that provide data with geomagnetic storms. Its main magnetic room has a temperature controlled at 10°C (50° F) or less for 24 hours. Special permission from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism is required to visit the facility.

Alibaug Magnetic Observatory

Address: Police Line, Alibaug, Maharashtra 402 201

Website: Alibaug Magnetic Observatory

Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm (Monday through Friday)

Price: Free

4. Attain 'nirvana' at Alibaug Someshwar Temple

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Also known as Birla Temple, The Someshwar Temple is located in a small village called Akshi. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who as per the legends, had once drunk an ocean of poison and turned it into nectar!

There are several shilas (huge rock formations on the ground) en route to the temple. One such shila is located near to the Deepasthamb where the temple is. This temple was built during Satwahana rulers, in the 4th century, and boasts of a beautiful architectural structure. The Someshwar Temple is surrounded by greenery. One can stroll around or sit and enjoy the serene and peaceful atmosphere inside the temple.

Alibaug Someshwar Temple

Address: Akshi, Maharashtra 402 204

Opening hours: 6am - 7pm

Price: Free

5. Indulge in water sports at Alibaug’s beaches

Alibaug boasts of several beaches thanks to its long stretch of coastal belt. These beaches are the perfect place to indulge in water sports, ranging from the usual banana boat ride, jet skiing, parasailing, bumper ride, speed boat ride, to even sea kayaking and scuba diving.

You could be either cruising at high speed riding over the waves of the Arabian Sea on a speed boat, or diving into the sea to discover the underwater world while scuba diving or experiencing a bird’s view of the town while flying over the sea during parasailing.

Alibaug Water Sports

Opening hours: 8.30am - 7pm (Monday through Sunday)

Price: 250 INR - 4,000 INR (approx. 3 USD - 57 USD)

Experience Alibaug, the Goa of Maharashtra, India

Alibaug is also called the ‘Goa of Maharashtra’. It can be visited at any time throughout the year. While months from November to July are the best to visit its beaches, you can explore the lush green beauty of Alibaug in the rainy days during the months between August to October.

This pictorial town is a perfect getaway for those who would like to soak in the history and natural beauty. Beaches, forts, temples, museums, observatories, forests, there is something for everyone in Alibaug. If you are bogged down by your day-to-day work or want a break from the concrete jungle of your city then this is where you should be heading out to.