Weekend getaway from Pune · #3 of 10
Alibaug
Konkan beach weekend over the Tamhini Ghat: walk out to Kolaba Fort at low tide, laze on Kihim, Nagaon and Kashid beaches, and eat the day's catch at seafood houses in town.
Alibaug is Pune's favorite beach escape, and the drive there is half the fun. We are talking misty ghats, waterfalls, low-tide walks to historic sea forts, sandy beach hops, and delicious coastal seafood twice a day.
Getting there
Pure magic during the monsoons, with endless waterfalls and misty valleys. Just watch out for heavy fog, slow-moving traffic, and slick roads when it pours.
Your safest bet when the weather acts up. It is a smoother, more predictable drive - perfect to pair with a scenic Tamhini return loop if the skies clear up.
Day 1 - Over the ghat to fort and beach
Chase misty ghat waterfalls and walk across the seabed to a historic fort- 16:30 AMDrive
Cross Tamhini Ghat early
Beat the crowds to catch Tamhini Ghat at its finest. Think misty Sahyadri peaks, gushing seasonal waterfalls, and gorgeous views of the Mulshi backwaters.
📍 Tamhini Ghat, Mulshi
Tip · If it is monsoon, only park at designated spots. The road gets super slick and crowded by mid-morning.
- 210:00 AMFood
Konkan breakfast en route
Take a break just past Kolad to refuel. Grab hot kanda poha, crispy batata vadas, and steaming chai at a local highway joint before the final stretch.
📍 Kolad, Maharashtra
- 311:30 AMSight
Alibaug Beach and Kolaba Fort
When the tide goes down, walk right across the sandy ocean floor to this 17th-century sea fort. Exploring the island is free, but you will need a ticket for the fort inside.
📍 Kolaba Fort, Alibaug
Tip · Always check the tide chart before you start walking - the path disappears under water during the monsoon.
- 41:30 PMFood
Seafood lunch in town
Dive into a massive fish thali loaded with crispy fried catch and aromatic coastal curries. The town's local eateries are legendary for serving the freshest catch.
📍 Alibaug, Maharashtra
Tip · Skip the regular printed menu and ask your server what the boats brought in this morning.
- 53:30 PMActivity
Nagaon Beach watersports
Alibaug's most energetic beach. Jump on a jet ski, try parasailing, or ride a banana boat, then cool off under the shade of the tall casuarina trees.
📍 Nagaon Beach, Alibaug
Tip · Adventure sports run from November to May. The sea gets way too rough to enter during the monsoon.
- 66:00 PMSight
Sunset on Varsoli Beach
A peaceful, clean escape just past the main beach. Grab a spot on the sand to watch fishing boats sway under swaying palms as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea.
📍 Varsoli Beach, Alibaug
- 78:00 PMStay
Beach-village stay
Wind down at a cozy homestay or beachside resort in Nagaon or Varsoli. Think peaceful leafy courtyards, rustling coconut palms, and the beach just a short stroll away.
📍 Nagaon, Alibaug
Tip · These spots book out fast on weekends, so secure your stay before leaving Pune.
Day 2 - Kihim and Kashid
Bask on sun-kissed beaches before a scenic mountain drive back home- 88:00 AMFood
Breakfast at the homestay
Enjoy a fresh, home-cooked Konkan breakfast with hot chai in the courtyard before you check out. Don't forget to ask your hosts for local traffic and tide tips.
📍 Nagaon, Alibaug
- 99:30 AMSight
Kihim Beach morning
Fringed by thick woods, Kihim is the ultimate spot to take it slow. The water is calm, the air is clean, and there is seasonal parasailing if you want a thrill.
📍 Kihim Beach, Alibaug
- 1011:30 AMDrive
Coast road to Kashid
Enjoy a gorgeous 30-minute cruise south along the coast. Keep your windows down for the sea breeze, coconut groves, and beautiful ocean views along the way.
📍 Kashid, Maharashtra
- 1112:15 PMActivity
Kashid Beach
Arguably the most beautiful beach in the region. This wide, white-sand crescent backed by casuarina trees is absolutely perfect for a dip and lazy sunbathing.
📍 Kashid Beach, Kashid
Tip · Strong currents are common here, so only swim in the designated zones watched by lifeguards.
- 122:00 PMFood
Last fish thali
Treat yourself to one final, epic seafood thali paired with tangy, cooling sol kadhi at a beachside shack before you head back inland toward Pune.
📍 Kashid, Maharashtra
- 134:00 PMDrive
Home over the ghat
Drive back via Tamhini to catch the golden sunset light bouncing off Mulshi Dam, or stick to the highway via Pen if it has started pouring again.
📍 Mulshi Dam, Mulshi
Tip · Hit the road by 4 PM - driving through the ghats in the pitch dark is no fun.
Where to eat
A feast of crispy fried fish, rich coconut curry, rice, and cooling sol kadhi, all prepared with the morning's freshest catch.
This vibrant pink kokum and coconut milk cooler is the ultimate refreshing sidekick to clear the heat from spicy fish curries.
Sweet, refreshing, and sold everywhere along the coastal roads. Honestly, it is the only correct way to stay hydrated on the beach.
When to go
Perfect beach weather. The seas are calm, watersports are fully open, and you can easily walk across the seabed to Kolaba Fort.
The mountains come alive with waterfalls, but the sea gets way too rough - beach activities and the fort walk are closed.
The sweet spot. You get lush green hills from the recent rains, but the beaches are already starting to open back up.
Afternoons get pretty hot and sticky, so plan your beach strolls and activities for early mornings or breezy sunsets.
Good to know
- Plan your Kolaba Fort visit around low tide. Have your homestay host check the daily tide window so you do not get stuck.
- Watersports run from November to May. Don't expect to go into the water during the monsoon season.
- Always keep cash on hand. Small beach shacks and local thali joints almost never accept card payments.
