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Alibag basic facts

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Geografical Details of Alibag

Lattitude: 18.39^o North

Longitude 72.53^o East

Maximum Temp. 36.8*C 

Minimum 13.4^oC Climate Temperate

Area 1.81 sq. kms.

Annual Rainfall 2000 mm

Population 20,000 Approx. 

Alibag and Raigad  

Alibag is the seat of district administration of Raigad (Formerly Kolaba) district.
The Taluka is surrounded on three sides by the Arabian Sea, the town also has a vast shore. Surroundings include a vast shore stretching from Rewas to Nagothane, another creek between Revdanda and Roha.

Social composition is dominated by Aagri, Maali and Koli castes.

Alibag has a rich historic past being the headquarters of Kanhoji Angre, the great Maratha Admiral. The town is dotted with Angrewada (mansion), Kanhojis’ tomb Hirakot fort and other dynastic buildings.

With the advent of RCF, a Fertilizer factory at Thal, 20 years back, the landscape is fast turning modern – starred hotels, farm houses, apartments etc.

Another unique landmark of Alibag is a century – old heritage magnetic observatory. It is one of only two surviving in the world.

Other places of interest include the Zilla Parishad building, the Raigad Bazaar departmental store, the Collectorate, old Hindu temples of different architectural styles.

Educational institutions like the JSM College, Konkan education society’s two secondary schools and Homoeopathic College are also formidable campuses.

Alibag is blessed with sea – front of 3 to 4 kms between Varsoli and Sakhar (sugar) creek at Aakshi. Many other tourist places would envy that ! In this long stretch, palm and casuarina (Suru) trees adorning the shores, tidal waves struggling against rock embankments and smoothly shuffling against the soft silver sand, now vicious and then titillating, accompanied by fresh breeze. Choose a spot, sprawl, play and bounce in the sand with abandon ! You will be in a different world !

A rare feature about the Kolaba Fort guarding the shore is that, at low ebb, water on 1 km long land strip recedes completely, welcoming you to the fort, which has a miracle for you – a sweet water well in the middle of the sea ! Besides that, there are temples, fortified walls, guns strewn across the expanse. The sight takes you back on time machine. You try and recreate the historic battles on your minds’ platform. You feel like being here on a full moon light, be overwhelmed by the sparkling, burgeoning waves, brave the gusty wind, count the blinking lights of ships on the horizon !

Lets now leave Alibag behind and move westward to Aakshi and then to Nagaon. On Alibag – Revdanda road, these villages are just 7 – 8 kms away. Thick vegetation and sparse habitation ! Perfectly quiet and laid back life a tourist looks forward to ! The sunset at the squeaky clean, long, silver beaches in the serene environment, defies description. One must see it to believe !

Next come Chawl, Revdanda villages. Beyond that is Salav creek – bridge which literally bridges Alibag and Murud Talukas. On the right side you see the historic Korlai fort, to the left is Revdanda – Roha creek and Vikram Ispat factory on its banks. Just next to the factory, there is Vikram Vinayaka temple on a hillock with meticulously planned garden. The trees and lawns are properly maintained, the temple itself is as thetically erected.

Chaul has ancient history. The temples of Sri. Datta, Shitala Devi, Hingulja Devi, Sri Rameshwar have enjoyed great reverence from the locals and believers all over Maharashtra State.

To the north of Alibag, equally scenic beauty of shores, vegetation, and the sunset is spread across vast stretch between Kihim and Mandwa. Kihim has a MTDC tourist camp.

The speciality of this northern side is breathtaking view of Mumbai shoreline so close as if it were at a stones throw ! You can also see the small islands, Khanderi and Underi. The same northern side has some adventure to offer in the form of Sagargarh, a small fort of Shivaji’s times. Underground water tanks, a small temple, a few Cannons, all that makes it a perfect Trekkers’ delight. Watching the sunset from the top is an unforgettable sight.

Kanakeshwar is very famous place of Pilgrimage on a scenic hill. On auspicious days like Mahashivratri, Tripurari Poornima, huge fares are organized which give us a flavour of old – world rural religious congregation. From atop the hill, the sight of placid blue waters, the night – time beautiful sight of illuminated Mumbai on the horizon are simply breathtaking. Now the shrine is well – maintained with lodging and boarding facilities. On an average, it takes an hour and a half to climb up to the shrine.

Visit to Alibag cannot be complete unless one has visited the weekly market in it’s pucca traditional atmosphere. Poynad (Monday), Nagaon (Thursday) and Chaul are prominent places of attraction. On offer are classic local products like seasonal white onions, tamrind balls, tender coconut, dried fish of tremendous variety, water melons, palm fruit (Tadgola), Jamun, Mangoes of local and Alphonso variety, Flowers with intense gragnance like Sonchampa, Bakul etc. Last but not the least are fresh Fish like Pomfret, Surmai, Ghol, Saranga and very tasty local seasonal fish called Jitada.

To serve our modern needs, Alibag has everything auto rickshaw, vehicles on hire, audio and video cassets, cinema halls, consumer goods shops etc.

Alibag is a perfect tourist destination, complete in all aspects.