Visit beautiful beaches and historic monuments in Alibag
Visit Ancient temples and forts for a slice of history
KOLABAFORT
it is located 1 km across from Alibag beach. The Great
Maratha-warrior Shivaji started the construction of
this sea fort in 1680 A.D. The fort is 900 ft. long,
350 ft. wide and has 25 ft. high walls which have 17
bastions (burj) on all sides. The fort has been standing
for over 300 years. The fort can only be accessed during
ebb tide through a narrow strip of land which goes underwater
during high tide. The huge front entrance arch has tigers,
peacocks, elephants sculpted on it. Beyond that comes
another small gate. Next to that gate are the shrines
of Mahishasura and Padmavathi, Kanifnath, Sri Ganesh
and the fort-deity. Next to them comes the sourthern
gate which is variously known as Darya/Yeshwant Darwaja.
Raghoji Angre built a beautiful temple of Shri Ganesh
in front of the sweet water tank in 1759. The inner
sanctum sanctorum includes images of Sri Ashtabhuja
Devi, Shiv, Vishnu, Surya. The collection of the pantheon
lends it the name 'Shri Ganesh Panchayatan'. Within
the premises, you will find a well and a tank of sweet
water in the midst of sea! On one of the 17 bastions,
two cannons in intact condition can be seen. The Archaeological
Survey of India charges a token entry Fee for the visitors.
VARSOLI BEACH
It is situated just on the outskirts of Alibag. It is
relatively less visited site and as a result is a quiet
beach with sparkling white sand and cleaner seawater.
Varsoli is a small satellite village across Alibag,
complete with thick vegetation of coconut and Casuarina.
REVDANDAPORT
This historic Port is the last destination in Alibag
Taluka, situated 17 kms from Alibag. The creek, which
meets the Arabian sea, separates Alibag and Murud Talukas.
The creek is busy with sand and fish carrying vessels.
To the right across the creek, is Vikram Ispat jetty
for unloading the iron ore and to the left is the Ispat
factory.
REVDANDA AAGARKOT
Revdanda is 17 kms to the south of Alibag where remnants
of huge outer walls of this fort, built by the Portugese
in 1558, can be seen. The thick outer walls are hollow
from within and these clandestine routes are interconnected.
A structure, in dilapidated state today, known as 'Saat
Khani Buruj (bastion) was constructed in 1534. These
walls run 5-6 kms in length.
KHANDERI
Three to four kilometers into the sea from Thai beach,
which is 5 kms from Alibag, this fort was built in 1678
on a small island. Later, a light house was erected.
This fort was for long under the Angre's control. Today
it is under Bombay port trust administration. With their
permission, you can visit the fort in local boats.
UNDERI
Just 374th of a Kilometer away from Khanderi, this is
another island fort built by Siddi Qasam in 1680. Supremacy
over this fort kept shifting between the Siddis, Peshwas,
Angres and later the British. One can visit this fort
with permission from the Bombay port trust. Local fishing
boats can be hired for a visit.
SAGARGADH
This hill-fort, 7kms from Alibag is an old fort of Shivaji's
times at 1357ft from sea-level. A dirt-track road to
this fort begins at Khandala on Alibag-Pen road to the
East. Half-way to the fort is Siddheshwar temple and
an Ashram, where you can rest a while. During rainy
season, one finds a cascading waterfall at this spot.
To the left just before the Ashram, the trek-route to
Sagargad begins. In an hour's time, one can reach the
fort. The main gate is in completely desolate state
while the two bastions are partially dilapidated. Inside,
a temple and a small tank are in a disused state. Another
tank is known as Pandav Kund. On the fort proper, one
finds nine tombs of Satis. The place is called Sati
Plateau. Besides this plateau a thumb-like erect land
mass is known as Wanartok. The fort is totally uninhabited.
HIRAKOT
In the heart of Alibag town, this fort was built by
the Angres in 1720. Its imposing black Bassalt high
walls are indicative of the significance of this fort.
Legend has it that the Angre treasure used to be housed
in it. Today, it is used as District Jail.
TOMB
OF KAlNHOJI ANGRE
Just five-minute walk from Alibag ST stand, on way to
market, is this tomb. The structure has 8 faces and
the pillars are exquisitely sculpted. Though in dilapidated
state today, it stands in sacred memory of the great
Maratha Admiral Konhoji Angre.
ANGREWADA
(MANSION)
Two minutes distance from Alibag bus station stands
this mansion in renovated form. The seat of Angre dynasty,
some historic artefacts are kept in the first floor
hall.
CHATRIBAG
Chatri is tomb in Marathi. Here, one finds stone tombs
of Angre rulers with artistic carvings on them.
MAGNETIC
OBSERVATORY
Established in 1904, this observatory is the only one
of its kind in Asia and one of 13 in the whole world,
with whom data is exchanged every 12 minutes. The British
period building that houses rare valuable instruments
like a magnatograph is built only in stone, with no
steel used. The observatory records magnetic movement
in the earth's' crust and also magnetic storms caused
by solar storms.
NIKITIN
MEMORIAL, REVDANDA
The first ever Russian to land on Indian soil was Afnasi
Nikitin, some 500 years back. In memory of this historic
event, a mounument is erected in the premises of SRT
High School, Revdanda. The memorial also symbolizes
Indo-Russian friendship
SRI
KANAKESHWAR SHRINE
13 Kms from Alibag in Northeast direction is this very
famous Shiv temple on a 900 ft. high hill. Its' a 5000
ft. long climb on well paved stairs, which takes around
one hour landmarks along the route are tombs of MohanGiri
and Balgiri, Nagoba Rest, Jambhali Plateau, God's stair,
Gaymandi etc. The fatigue of the uphill climb vanishes
the moment one enters the scenic temple premises . It
comprises various small temples of Sri Paleshwar, Sri
Hanuman, Sri Balram Krishna and Lord Shiv. The special
attraction is an ancient sweet water tank enclosed in
traditional structure of black stone. The ancient temple
was built by Raja Ramdeorai yadav. The height of the
Shiv temple is 54 ft. The front gate has Lion sculpture
on both sides with traditional lamp-pillar(deepmaal)
in front. The 4 ft. long 'Pindi' of Lord Shiv is Silver
plated. The premises also include Nagaar-khana, Bheem
Kunda, a garden for flowers to be offered to the Lord,
Sri Ram Ganesh temple and Gomukha. Every year, Kartik
Poornima in Hindu calender is the day of fair. On this
hill, variety of herbs are found.
SRI
DATTA TEMPLE, BHOVALEl (CHAUL)
18 kms from Alibag on Alibag-Revdanda road, this is
another very famous hill shrine. One has to climb around
700 stairs to reach this shrine surrounded by vegatation.
Important landmarks are Swami Samartha Mutt, Sadhana
Kutir, HareRam retiring room, Hare Ram Baba Dhuni Mandir,
Audumbar Mutt, Mai Jankibai Mutt.
SRI
RAMAESHWAR MANDIR, CHAUL
This ancient shrine of Shiv looks like built in 'Hemadpant'
style of Architecture, though, when it was built is
not known. Angre history references say that it was
renovated many times. The structure comprises of prayer
hall (sabhamandap), sanctum sanctorum and 7.62 meter
high summit shaped dome. In front of the prayer hall,
there are three tanks (kund) namely Parjanya Kund, Agni
kund and Vayoo kund.
SHITALADEVI
TEMPLE (CHAUL)
On Alibag-Revdanda Road, 14kms away from Alibag is Chaul
and from there one can hire on autorickshaw to reach
this ancient temple-Originally it was built with a tiled
roof and wooden structure. In 1990, it was renovated
into a modern structure. It is a greatly revered shrine.
 
KARMARKAR
SHILPALAYA (Sasawane)
18 kms from Alibag on Aliba Rewas Road, 150 works of
art of the famous sculptor Late Mr. Nanasaheb Karmarkar
are displayed in his own bunglow. The exhibition is
open the whole day, all days of a week and entry fee
is Rs.5/- per head. Filming the sculptures on camera
is charged Rs. 10/- while video-shooting is charged
Rs. 50/-
RAIGAD
ZILLA PARISHAD, ALIBAG
This central building of Raigad Z.P. on the sea shore
is artistically designed. Known as Shivtirtha it houses
all the department of the Z.P, The main entrance and
internal walls are adorned with murals and paintaings
depicting historic events in the life of Shivaji the
Great and meaningful couplets from writings of Marathi
saint-poets. The auditoriums in the building are well-equipped.
VIKRAM
VINAYAK MANDIR [SALAV)
20kms from Alibag, across Revdanda Bridge, to the left
is this beautiful temple within the Vikram Ispat premises.
The towering dome in exquisite white granite is visible
from a long distance. Situated on a small hillock, you
can walk up to the temple over well-paved stairs. The
surroundings of the temple are made up of a well-planned
garden and colourful fountains. The prayer hall is open
on all sides and the roof is made of transparent Polycorp
sheet. The temple has idols of Shree Radha-Krishnna,
Shree Shiv-Parvati, Goddess Druga and Lord Surya. Life-size
statue of Late Aditya Birla Stands in the garden. The
pooja and prayer can be attended at 9am and 7.15pm every
day. Entry into the temple premises is open from 6am
to 11.30am and 4.30pm to 9.pm only. ST buses, 3 or 6
seaters are available from Alibag and 3 or 6 seaters
can be hired from Revdanda Bus Station.
KORLAI FORT
Just as we cross the bridge, to the right there is Korlai
fort within the sea and attached to the mainland by
a narrow land strip through the Korlao fort through
the Korlai Village. It is supposed to have been built
by the portugese in 1521. The main gate has an inscription
which means 'no entry without a fight'. The fort has
seven gates, a sweet water well, a church in disuse,
a Hindu timple and a Lighthouse.
KASHID BEACH,
The famous Kashid beach is located 18 kms from Murud.
The specialty of this beach is the beautiful slivery
white sand. literally dazzling silveri on this clean
beach. It's a favorite spot for advertising, TV serial
and film shoots. The beach is complete with small-food
stalls. If you are travelling from Alibag to Murud,
the last U-turn in the Ghat section of the road that
descends on the Kashid beach is simply mesmerizing'!
SRI
SIDDHIVINAYAK
This village was know as Nandigram in ancient times.
Believers feel that a 'Darshan' of Lord Ganesh here
lends finale to the 'Asthtavinayak' pilgrimage. A grand
festival takes place every year on 'Maghi Chaturthi'
day and another traditionally auspicious day for 'Darshan'
is 'sankashti chaturthi' every month.
PHANSAD
SANCTUARY (52.71 sq kms)
Before Nandgaon, on way to Murud comes Borli village,
7kms to the left is this 'Game' reserved forest for
the erstwhile Nawab of Murud. Today, this is a Government
Sanctuary for rabbits, wolves, tigers etc. There is
an information center, an exhibition, trekking facilities
are made available by the government near Supegaon.
These facilities are approachable on Murud-Roha road
via. Supegaon at Usroli, 7 kms from Murud.
NAWAB'S
PALACE (MURUD)
When you are about to enter Murund town, this palace
is situated on the right side on a plateau with the
sea for a backdrop. One appreciates the choice of location.
Built in 1885, it is a private property of the royal
family and prohibited for outsider. The architecture
is a mix of Mughal and Gothic styles.
SRI
DATTA SHRINE
To the north of Murud, on a beautiful hill this temple
was built by Sri Brahmendra Swami-Kjanhoji Angres' spiritual
Guru. Watching the sun setting in the sea from this
place is an unforgettable experience. To the south,
Alkapuri is a picnic spot. From there, a motorable road
leads upto the shrine. Some distance from there, trekkers
would love to visit another ancient Lord Shiv temple,
'Kshetra Pal'.
IDGAH
(MURUD)
1 1/2 kms away from the Datta temple, on a still higher
location is the Nawabi Idgah. With thick vegetation,
tall mountains around, this place lends a spiritual
experience of natures beauty and absolute peace! This
is another site best suited for watching sunset.
KHOKRI
TOMBS
These are tombs of siddis spiritual Gurus Sayyad Ali
Nazeer and Nawabs Siddi Sirul Khan Siddi Khairiyat khan
siddi khairiyat khan, Siddi Yakoot khan. The structures
in Indo-Islamic style are works of beauty. The place
is 6 kms from Murud on Murud-Aagardanda (jetty) road.
The place is 6 kms from Murud on Murud-Aagardanda (jetty)
road.
GARAMBI
DAM
Progressively-minded Nawab of recent past, Sir Siddi
Ahmed Khan dedicated this Dam to Queen Victoria's memory.
Source of water supply to the town even today, this
place is where Nature is at her best! Chirping of birds
and music of running water on the backdrop of thick
vegetation, a scenic valley.
SAWATKADA
FALLS
On way to Garambi, we pass through village Shighre.
During rainy season, we can approach this fall via.
Saygaon. It's a 30 minute walk through fields with beautiful
mountains on one side
GOUMUKH
From Murud on way to Janjira, we pass through a small
hamlet Ekdara, on the hill slope. To the west of this
hill, this is a small but ancient temple of Lord Shiva
Devotees believe that the 'pindi' of shiva at Harihareshwar
near Shrivardhan was originally here.
AAGARDANDA
JETTY
This jetty provides a link between Murud Taluka and
Shrivardhan Taluka by sea route. On the other side is
Dighi port of Shrivardhan Taluka. Aagardanda is 9 kms
from Murud. Launches for Dighi are also available from
Rajpuri jetty near here.
MURUD BEACH
Murud beach is surrounedd on three sides by mountains.
The water here is clear blue and the sand is slivery
white. The sunset from this beach is also fabulous.
CARVINGS
AT KUDE MANDAD
These Buddha period carvings are 25 kms south of Murud
via. Bhalgaon. A Saatwahana Dynasty Aristocrat named
Mahabhoj, ruled from Rajpuri near Murud around 100 B.C.
He got these carvings carried out in the hill rock for
Buddhist monks as their lodging/resting place. 200 feet
above sea level there are 26 compartments in two tiers-15
in the lower and 11 in the upper tier. They comprise
5 Chaityas, 21 Vihars, a huge Stoopa and water tanks.
The pillars are exquisitely decorated. One also finds
inscriptions in Brahmi script. To the west of this group
of carvings, is vast expanse of Arabian sea, scenic
hilly region of Tala taluka to the east and Ghosala
hill fort to the north.
KASA
(PADMADURGA) FORT
When Shivaji the Great decidied to take on the Siddis
of Janjira, his admiral, Daulat Khan, built this fort
on an island next to Janjira. The rock, on which the
fort was built, was called Kasa and the fort was named
Padmadurg. The fort has six bastions, some of them devastated
by Gun attack from the famous 'kalal bangdi' gun in
Janjira. Kasa was soon overpowered by Siddis and used
as a Jail. Private boat can be hired to visit this fort.
 
JANJIRA FORT
This overwhelming guardian of the Siddi naval prowess
over the Arabian sea, can be approached in sail boats,
which leave from Rajpuri jetty, 5 kms from Murud. As
we land at the front gate of the fort, two formidable
bastions. can be seen guarding the huge gate. Here is
a sculpture in stone depicting a Lion that has overpowered
six elephants. The main gate is followed by another
gate where 3 lungers/anchors are clearly visible in
front of shrine of 5 Peers(peerpanchayatan). Opposite
of that is a big sweet water tank. Around that stand
Khasha Siddi Masjid and ruins of houses. Next comes
Surul Khan's mansion(wada). In the backyard, remnants
of Hindu sculptures are visible. During archaeological
excavations in 1985, temple ruins and a 'Shivaling'
was found. On the background, fortified bulwarks with
guns positioned, are unmistakable. There are 24 bastions
in all, having their separate names. Special attraction
of this fort is 3 Gigantic Cannons named Kalalbangdi,
Chavri and Landa Kasam. Another gate to the west is
sea- facing,called'Darya Darwaza'.
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