Introduction
If you live in Mumbai and follow what your favourite Bollywood stars are doing, you must know about their favourite luxurious holiday homes in Alibaug. Known for its pristine beaches and stunning vistas of the Arabian Sea, the coastal town of Alibaug is the ideal vacation spot which takes not more than 4 hours to reach from Mumbai. Not only that, it also served as a maritime base for both Maratha and Portuguese forces, thus lending historical significance to the place. From adventure sports to tours of impressive forts to Alibaug camping near the serene shoreline, Alibaug has something in store for everyone.
Brief Overview of Alibaug Trip
On the first day, leave for Alibaug from Gateway of India or Bhaucha Dhakka/ Ferry Wharf. You will be arriving at Mandwa Jetty or Rewas depending upon your choice. You can then board the buses or hire taxis and auto-rickshaws to take you towards your beachside camp. You could also go on a 4 hour long drive along NH17 or NH66 if the sea ride doesn’t not sit well with you.
You will probably reach Alibaug Beach Campsite by 4 in the evening. Regain the lost energy by taking a sip of the refreshing welcome drink. After settling down, you can participate in a range of outdoor and indoor games such as badminton, volleyball, chess etc. It is followed by barbeque session with mouth watering vegetarian and non vegetarian options. The dinner which caters to the Indian palate is scrumptious and started your taste buds. At night, before you retire to bed, wear your most comfortable clothes , gather your blankets and watch your favourite movies under the star lit sky.
On day 2, as you wake up to the bright morning sun lending a glow to the entire surrounding, drink a soothing cup of tea and get ready for the exciting day ahead. The coastal landscape is undoubtedly the topmost reason for Alibaug’s popularity. There are multiple beaches to visit in a short span of time but each one comes with its own unique charm so the beach hopping is worth it.
Some of the famous beaches of are the Khilim Beach which is known for the vibrant butterflies in the area, the Varsoli Beach which is an offbeat location with less crowd, fishing villages in Awas Beach and so forth. The most famous location is the Revdanda beach which people usually prefer for camping. There are a lot of historic sites around the beach to explore and a range of water sports to take part in during the day. Finally, you get to bid goodbye to the scenic shorelines.
Best Time for Alibaug Camping
During the rainy season, the southwest monsoon winds are robust and the waves may prove to be fatal if you go too close to the shoreline. During summers, the heat makes it extremely uncomfortable for people to sleep outside. Also, it is during the summer and festive months that the camping grounds, resorts and other accommodations are fully booked. Therefore, try to visit Alibaug during the months of October to February when the weather is pleasant for strolls along the beach, cozy campfires and outdoor camping.
Things To Carry
Since it is relatively a short trip, avoid accruing excess baggage because it will become extremely inconvenient to keep track of it especially if you are going to settle in the camps. Essentials such as first-aid kits, batteries and flashlights, mosquito repellents, warm clothes and medication are important to carry along with you. Also, if you have made prior reservations then do not forget to bring documents for verification.
Alibaug: A Memorable Beach Vacation
From adventure to spirituality, from history to the stunning geography, from gastronomic delights to crafty souvenirs, Alibaug has it all in store for you. There are plenty of options in terms of water sports such as kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides among others. You could also go for a short duration trek through the verdant terrains to reach forts such as the Sagargad Fort or access other popular ones such as Kolaba Fort, Murud-Janjira Fort and the Hirakot Fort. These were built as naval stations and have a great deal of significance attached to them. Seek blessings from the Hanuman Temple as well as the Someshwar temple . Relish the local Konkani Cuisine and shop till you drop at the Madgaon Market and the Chaul Market area.
Conclusion
The vibrant hues of the tents against the breathtaking coastal vistas during the day and the overhead golden fairy lights adorning the entire campsite, bring the place together and ensure that you make the most of your short weekend getaway, away from the hectic work schedule of your daily lives.