If Mumbai is the city of dreams, Alibaug is its perfect weekend therapy. Just a short ride away, this charming coastal town is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush coconut groves, historic forts, and laid-back atmosphere that allows you to escape the city rush.
2 ways for the Getaway
The excitement begins with the journey to Alibaug from Mumbai. You can either drive via Panvel and riverside mangroves (around 95 km, 2-3 hours) or take a different route and experience a ferry from the Gateway of India straight across the Arabian Sea to Mandwa Jetty (approx. 1 hour). From Mandwa, Alibaug town is just 20–30 minutes by road.
The ferry ride is scenic, with seagulls gliding alongside and the Mumbai skyline slowly fading into the horizon.
With my love for long drives pushing me out of the city, I hopped into my car and cruised towards Alibaug. The salty breeze, winding coastal roads, and glimpses of the sea made the 2.5-hour drive feel like part of the holiday itself, ending at a cosy villa waiting to welcome me. I’ll take you through what to expect, places to see, food to try, and how to soak in the coastal soul of Alibaug as you read on.
Insider: Alibaug is especially famous for its seaside villas, the kind that have become the ultimate party pads for Mumbai’s elite. A quick glance at Bollywood news and you’ll spot stars sneaking away to Alibaug, celebrating birthdays or throwing lavish weekend bashes in their private villas. It’s no wonder the place has earned the tag of being Bollywood’s backyard escape.
Before you read further, here’s what you need to know
Mumbai to Alibaug distance: ~95–100 km by road via NH-66 / via the Mumbai–Panvel–Alibaug route.
Mumbai to Alibaug travel time by car: About 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and route
Alternate route via ferry: You can also take a ferry from Mumbai (Gateway or Ferry Wharf) to Mandwa Jetty, then drive ~20-30 km to Alibaug town. Adds a bit of adventure and new experiences.
Best time of the day to start the drive: Early morning or after sunrise is ideal. Less city traffic, better light, and you reach Alibaug with most of the day still ahead for beaches or exploring.
Best months to visit Alibaug: November to March are the most comfortable months — cooler days, pleasant nights. Monsoon (June-September) brings lush greenery and dramatic skies, but beaches and water sports may be restricted. Summers can be hot, though the sea breeze eases it.
Accommodations or hotels: Alibaug has a variety — beach resorts, boutique cottages, homestays, some luxury seaside properties. Staying near beaches like Varsoli, Kihim, or Akshiare is perfect if you want peace and privacy, while staying near Alibaug town keeps you closer to the action and eateries.
I stayed at Hotel Mount View, mentioned below. Among its many charms, the place offered beautiful surroundings, spotless and comfortable rooms, breathtaking views from both the terrace and the rooms, an inviting open-air social terrace, and a restaurant serving delicious food accompanied by live traditional music in the local dialect.
Hotel Mount View
Here’s a list of other stay options that I recommend for different pockets:
Heritage & Charming Options:
- Grand View Hotel – stunning views, traditional architecture.
- Snow Valley Resorts – comfort with hillside ambience.
Budget & Mid-Range Stays
- Guesthouses near Gandhi Chowk.
- Homestays around Bakrota Hills for a peaceful retreat with stunning views.
Attractions and activities
People visit Alibaug in different moods. Some come for a quiet beach bath, some love the ATVs, horse rides and more such activities on the beach, some want to explore all tourist spots while other with friends or family enjoy partying, gaming or just soaking in pools in their villas. This blog accommodates every mood and helps you plan your personalized itinerary.
Alibaug Beach & Kolaba Fort
The most classic pair. Alibaug Beach offers sweeping views, black-sand shores, and from there, you can walk (during low tide) or wade to Kolaba Fort, an old maritime fort sitting just 1-2 km offshore. It is peaceful early morning and magical at sunset.
Trivia: At high tide, access to the fort by foot is tricky; sometimes boats are the only way.
Tip: Plan your visit around tide timings. Morning or just before sunset gives you best light and fewer crowds.
Water Sports (Nagaon, Alibaug, Mandwa)
If you like a little adrenaline rush, Nagaon Beach, Alibaug Beach, and Mandwa get busy with activities like jet skiing, banana boats, parasailing, kayaking. Great way to break the lazy beach vibes. The operators may shut down certain activities during heavy monsoon. You can book everything on the beach itself, for prior information here’s a source.
Trivia: There are several beaches close to in and around Alibaug. like Varsoli, Mandwa-Kihim, etc. While most of theaches would offer activities, food, sun bathing and beach breeze, it is best that you inquire on the contact provided earlier to make sure sure you land at the spot where you get what you want. For a more relaxed time, head to beaches less crowded than Alibaug’s main beach. Kihim is known for its birdlife and quieter shores; Varsoli & Akshi offer beach-cottage vibes. Entire coastline offers several beaches, you may end up at the wrong spots.
Tip: Ask about safety gear, lift timings (winds, tide etc.), and always carry your own sunscreen, caps, and a dry change of clothes. Carry snacks and water as amenities near secluded stretches may be minimal.
Murud-Janjira Fort — The Unconquered Island Fort
Like the other whispering forts, Murud-Janjira Fort has its own epic tale to tell. Rising out of the Arabian Sea off the coast of Murud, this island fort has never been conquered. It was under the Siddis, a naval power, and withstood attacks from the Mughals, the Marathas (yes, even Shivaji attempted but couldn’t take it), and the Portuguese.
The fort has unusual features: 26-odd bastions, gigantic cannons (like Kalaal Baangadi, Chavri, Landa Kasam), two freshwater ponds within despite being surrounded by sea, a palace, mosque ruins, and deep wells. From Alibaug to Murud is another short drive of ~50-55 kms via coastal roads. Once in Murud, you go to Rajpuri Jetty (a small coastal village/port near Murud). From Rajpuri, boats depart to the fort. The ride is about 15-20 minutes.
Trivia: Fort is open from early morning (around 7 AM) till evening (about 6-6:30 PM). Entry is free, and boat charges are minimal- around Rs. 20 to Rs. 50.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes; inside the fort, pathways are uneven and there are stairs/slopes. Pre-check the boat schedules for the weather and also, the timings as, they do take lunch break.
The Villa Culture and Fun Stays in Alibaug
Loads of dreamy villas are lined up against the Arabian Sea for a blissful vacation. Prices range from Rs. 10000 per night to Rs. 30000 per night. Each offers something exquisite to lure and excite you. These are a great option if you are contributing as a group. I have picked and listed some extremely interesting ones for you below catering to categories like views, infinity pool, service, beach proximity etc.
SEAs THE DAY LUXURIOUS 5BHK VILLA
- Right on the Awas Beach (2 mins walk)
- Beautiful with good rooms for a large group
- Has a pool and kitchen service available
- Gameroom, Fireplace, Seaview from the terrace
- Infinity Pool, private beach access
- Beautiful garden and outdoor dining, special arrangements for anniversary, etc. are catered.
- Gaming, Hammocks or beach swings
- Beutifully decorated 3 Bedroom Villa
- Unique Bohemyan experience in rustic luxury tents
- Pool, sports spaces, Free Breakfast, bikes on rent, music and more
- Beautiful open spaces to socialize.
- This is not a private villa, but has several housing spaces
Find more resorts, villas and hotels here listed by location on map and prices.
Eateries & Flavours of Alibaug
Fresh seafood is a highlight. Local thalis, fish curries, and coastal Maharashtrian dishes shine.
Beach cafés near Mandwa, Alibaug, Kihim often serve up small bites, fresh coconut water, shakes.
Try local specialities — for example, the Alibag White Onion is famous in the region, mild and sweet.
For more upscale dining, resorts and boutique hotels often have multi-cuisine menus.
Tip: Try small local joints for flavour and cost. Weekends get busy, so arriving early for meals helps.
More Tips before winding up
- Carry warm clothes even if you travel in summer—nights get chilly.
- Monsoon brings beauty but also risk—check local weather, avoid driving in heavy rain.
- Book stays in heritage cottages early, especially in peak tourist months (April-May, October).
- If you aren’t used to hill roads, drive slow and steady; many curves and occasional narrow stretches.
- Carry cash—smaller shops and tea stalls don’t always take digital payments.
Long Drive Short Trip 