Weekend getaway from Mumbai · #2 of 10
Alibaug
Mumbai's favourite beach escape, a short sail across the harbour: Kihim, Nagaon and Varsoli beaches, water sports, and the sea fort of Kolaba you can walk to at low tide. The RoRo car ferry runs year-round.
Alibaug is Mumbai's ultimate boat-in beach escape. Sail across the harbour, beach-hop from Kihim to Nagaon and Varsoli, and walk the seabed to Kolaba's sea fort at low tide. Thanks to the year-round RoRo car ferry, you can roll door-to-door in just two hours, even during the magical monsoon.
Getting there
As Maharashtra's first Ro-Pax ferry, this game-changer runs rain or shine, even during the monsoon. It carries cars, bikes, and buses, so you can bring your own wheels.
The classic budget route, but services pause during the rains (roughly May to October). If you choose to drive via Panvel and Pen instead, expect a three-hour journey.
Day 1 - Across the harbour to the sea fort
Ocean breeze starts, low-tide sea fort adventures, and golden hour on the shore- 18:00 AMDrive
Sail from Ferry Wharf to Mandwa
Roll your ride onto the RoRo at Bhaucha Dhakka and grab a spot on the deck. That breezy one-hour cruise across the harbour serves up killer views of Mumbai's skyline.
📍 Ferry Wharf, Mumbai
Tip · Do yourself a favour and book online the day before; Saturday and Sunday morning slots sell out fast.
- 210:00 AMSight
Kihim Beach
This sleepy beach is framed by beautiful casuarina trees and clean air. It is the perfect quiet spot to stretch your legs after Mandwa, with seasonal parasailing if you want to fly high.
📍 Kihim Beach, Alibag
Tip · Head here early in the morning or on weekdays to have the beach all to yourself. Note that watersports pack up when the monsoon kicks in.
- 312:30 PMFood
Seafood lunch in Alibag town
Local joints serve up legendary Konkani food. Dive into crispy fish thalis, fiery prawn curry, and tangy sol kadhi. There are plenty of killer vegetarian options too.
📍 Alibag, Maharashtra
Tip · Always ask what the fresh catch is, and get there early because these kitchens wrap up by 3 PM.
- 43:00 PMSight
Walk out to Kolaba Fort at low tide
Shivaji's epic 17th-century sea fort stands a kilometre out. When the tide drops, you can walk right across the sandy seabed from Alibag beach. Grab a ticket at the gate.
📍 Kolaba Fort, Alibag
Tip · Double-check the local tide charts before you set off; high tide and monsoon waves will completely block the crossing.
- 55:30 PMSight
Sunset at Varsoli Beach
Sneak just north of town to this peaceful, soft grey sand beach. It is dotted with fishing boats, offering a gorgeous Arabian Sea sunset without the typical tourist crowds.
📍 Varsoli Beach, Alibag
- 68:00 PMStay
Check in near Nagaon
Unwind at a cosy homestay or beachside resort around Nagaon or Kihim. If you ask in advance, host families will whip up an authentic, home-cooked Konkani feast.
📍 Nagaon, Alibag
Tip · The best boutique villas and resorts go fast on long weekends, so lock in your stay early.
Day 2 - Watersports and the slow sail home
Thrills on Nagaon waves, secret sandy sanctuaries, and a scenic sail home- 78:00 AMFood
Beach walk and breakfast
Take it easy with a walk on Nagaon's long sand, then grab a breakfast of spicy misal, poha, or omelette-pav at your stay or a beach-road cafe.
📍 Nagaon Beach, Alibag
- 89:30 AMActivity
Watersports at Nagaon Beach
Nagaon is the place to be for adrenaline junkies. When the weather is dry, you can jump on jet skis, ride banana boats, or go parasailing straight from the sand.
📍 Nagaon Beach, Alibag
Tip · Ride operators take a break if the monsoon seas get rough. If you are doing multiple rides, bargain nicely for a package deal.
- 911:30 AMSight
Vikram Vinayak (Birla) temple
Dry off with a short detour to this serene, white Ganesh temple on the Alibag-Revdanda road, a classic stop on the local sightseeing loop.
📍 Vikram Vinayak Temple, Alibag
Tip · Keep it respectful; make sure your shoulders and knees are covered before going in.
- 101:00 PMFood
Konkani fish lunch
Sneak in one last feast of crispy fried surmai or pomfret, fish-curry rice, and refreshing kokum drinks near Nagaon or Alibag town before crossing back.
📍 Alibag, Maharashtra
- 112:30 PMSight
Akshi Beach stroll
This tranquil, birdwatcher-friendly beach is just south of Nagaon. It is a fantastic spot to escape the crowds, take some gorgeous photos, and relax before driving to the ferry.
📍 Akshi Beach, Alibag
- 125:00 PMDrive
Ferry back from Mandwa
Drive back up to Mandwa jetty and catch the evening RoRo home. That sunset crossing with the Mumbai skyline right ahead is the ultimate trip closer.
📍 Mandwa Jetty, Mandwa
Tip · Try to book a sailing before 7 PM; Sunday evening queues at the jetty can get massive.
Where to eat
Alibag town is packed with restaurants and bars, but the smart move is ordering a loaded fish thali with sol kadhi and whatever fresh catch came in today.
Homestays and cosy resorts around Nagaon and Kihim serve up delicious set dinners if you order ahead: think local bhakri bread, spicy chicken or fish curry, and coastal veggies.
Beat the humid coastal heat with a quick pitstop at a roadside stall for icy-cold fresh coconut water or a glass of tangy kokum sherbet.
When to go
The absolute sweet spot: beautifully dry air, calm blue seas, and every single ferry and watersport running at full steam.
The Gateway catamarans take a break for the monsoon, but the sturdy M2M RoRo keeps right on sailing. Keep in mind that the seas get rough and swimming is unsafe.
It gets hot and sticky, but early mornings and sunsets are still bliss. Plus, delicious fresh mangoes start flooding the local fruit stalls.
Good to know
- Make sure you time your Kolaba Fort walk strictly with the low tide, and skip it entirely during the monsoon when the sea crossing becomes unsafe.
- Taking your own car on the RoRo ferry is a lifesaver. Finding autos can be a real hassle, and beach-hopping around Alibag is tough without your own wheels.
- Travelling without a car? Ferry tickets from the Gateway of India usually include the connecting bus to Alibag, and you can rent local autos to explore the beaches.
- Keep plenty of cash handy. Most beach shacks, watersports operators, and auto drivers won't accept cards or digital payments outside the main resorts.
