A guide to Alibaug, Mumbai’s laid-back beach town

Alibaug, a coastal town and collection of villages to the south of Mumbai, is a confluence of several diverse communities that have called it home over the centuries, including the British, Portuguese, Siddis and Bene Israelis. Today, it is many Mumbai locals’ preferred weekend getaway. Alibaug has often been associated with the rich – a relaxing retreat reserved for Mumbai’s high-rollers, reachable in 20 minutes by private speedboat from the city’s southern tip. Its proliferation of beach bungalows and private pools have earned it a reputation as the Hamptons of Mumbai, yet a ferry connection has helped open up the destination to everyone. Read on to discover the best things to do in Alibaug, from lazing around on beaches, to checking out the best bars, restaurants, concept stores and hotels.

Getting to Alibaug

Getting to Alibaug has become easier than ever. You can hit the road in your car, but be mindful that it can take up to three hours, and the roads don’t always allow for a smooth ride. Alternatively, arrive in style via speedboat. The journey takes just 20 minutes from Gateway of India in South Mumbai to Mandwa Jetty in Alibaug. West Coast Marine is one of the most recognised companies for yacht and speed boat transfers.

The M2M ferry has been a game changer in affordable travel to and from Alibaug. It operates year round and carries 500 passengers and 150 vehicles at a time. The one-hour journey is between Ferry Wharf (Bhaucha Dhakka) in Mumbai and Mandwa Jetty; tickets can be booked online and cost 420 INR onwards (5 USD).

If you wish to go on an impromptu trip, head to the booth near Gateway of India to buy a ticket for any of the smaller catamarans such as PNP Ferry that operate between the city and Alibaug. Offering both air-conditioned and open air options, these are cheaper but are for pedestrians only. The ticket price is 130 INR (1.55 USD) onwards, and the journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Getting around in the coastal town requires a car or bike as public transport in Alibaug is still not up to the mark. Ensure, therefore, that you ask for a pickup and drop service from your accommodation host.

Mandwa Jetty

It’s easy to spend a few hours in Alibaug without leaving Mandwa Jetty – your port of disembarkation that connects to other villages in Alibaug by road. Head to Sunny Side Market, which is built from shipping containers painted in vibrant colours. Here, browse more than 20 pop-up stores ranging from shell-based souvenirs to beachwear. Learn how to make sweets at Good Vibes Only, or rent a bike from Wander if you fancy cycling around the area.

Feeling famished? There are plenty of restaurants to choose from at the jetty, all within walking distance. Head to Fountain Sizzlers or Boardwalk by Flamboyante for multi-cuisine menus and drinks, or grab a quick bite and coffee from Provenance Beach cafe. Finish off your meal with some Belgian waffles at one of the pop-ups.

Where to stay in Alibaug

One of the best ways to experience Alibaug is by renting out a villa, preferably with a private pool, and enjoy the slow pace of this coastal town. Platforms like StayVista, Lohono Stays, Airbnb and SaffronStays offer properties ranging from mid-budget to luxury, some with private chefs and caretakers. If you are a large group, Casa Del Palms by SaffronStays is an ideal option, with eight bedrooms, a swimming pool, a verdant lawn, and indoor and outdoor games, including a dedicated games room, and a pool bar outside. The team can also arrange specific cuisines, from Mexican to Indian, for an additional price.

If you prefer hotels, there are a handful to choose from including Radisson Blu, Tropicana Resort & Spa, Bohemyan Blue Stay and Outpost@Alibaug. At Tropicana, select from executive hotel rooms and club pool suites, which come with two bedrooms, living and dining spaces, and a private pool, lawn and gazebo. For larger groups, royal villas with four bedrooms, a private pool, butler service and a host of other amenities are available. If you prefer camping out in the open, book a pre-pitched tent, where you can enjoy live music, barbeques, and bonfires around camp. The resort is spread across twelve acres in Mapgaon and has a large outdoor pool, an all-day dining restaurant, a bar and spa.

Boutique stay Kalangan Farms revolves around art and nature, evident from its name where ‘kala’ stands for art, and ‘angan’ for courtyard. Guests can admire the hill views, take a walk in the hotel’s garden, or a dip in its swimming pool. Its restaurant serves local and multi-cuisine options in an outdoor setting, and Indian heritage arts and crafts are spotlighted in the design throughout its twelve rooms and communal spaces.

The best restaurants in Alibaug

Make a pitstop at The Deli in Chondi for decadent desserts, coffee and European fare. For a laidback dinner with a group of friends or family, reserve a table at Kiki’s Restobar in Mhatre Phata – a 15-minute drive from the jetty. Here, sailor-turned-chef Nitin Mongia whips up fusion dishes to cater to every palate – think Turkish lamb, Kerala prawns, gnocchi gobhi (cauliflower) or a miso leek and avocado salad. Wash these down with their signature cocktails Kiki’s Mary, Mandwa Mojito, or Fisherman’s Tonic, accompanied by live music or bar beats depending on the day of the week. The restobar, which is housed in a villa, offers indoor and outdoor seating – the latter set in a garden.

For seafood, head to the nearby market where restaurants serve fresh catches for a reasonable price. Sanman in Israil Lane is one of the best-loved spots in the area, offering mouth-watering fish and crab dishes made in authentic Maharashtrian style. Locale, a newly opened seafood bistro, is another joint to check out. Located at Dasturi Naka, a two kilometre rickshaw or taxi ride away from Mandwa Jetty, Locale offers fresh flavours in a cosy setting. Sample seafood as well as popular dishes such as momos, chicken lollypop, biryani and festive specials here. Keeping it wallet friendly, the menu at Locale features dishes that are priced between Rs 150-500 (GBP 1.35-4.55).

Prasanna Lunch Home in Kihim is one of the best restaurants in Alibaug for thali (an assorted plate consisting of five or six smaller dishes) that is accompanied by a glass of refreshing sol kadi (a drink made using kokum, coconut milk and Indian spices, served chilled). Don’t forget to grab a vada pav (fondly known as the Indian burger with a spiced potato patty between bread) from those tiny local shops when you hit the market.

If you are in the mood for some delicious pizza, don’t forget to visit Buono Pizzeria for Neapolitan-style pizzas. Located on the main Alibaug Revas Road, Buono Pizzeria serves other Italian delicacies like tiramisu, puttanesca, sun-dried tomato pesto bread and more. Its best loved pizzas remain Buono margherita, truffle and mushroom and classic pepperoni. Don’t want to leave your villa? The pizzeria also offers an in-villa catering service, and stays open until 11 pm.

Shopping, galleries and local attractions in Alibaug

Pinakin Patel’s furniture boutique in Bamansure is a must-visit. Patel moved to Alibaug more than 20 years ago and his home remains the talk of the town for its exquisite design. His store, called Pinakin, is located nearby and offers furniture pieces that cater to the expansive homes of Alibaug. Even if you don’t intend to shop, check out the store’s minimal design, especially the curved staircase that leads to the Dashrath Patel Museum upstairs, named after and dedicated to Pinakin’s mentor.

India Circus by Krsnaa Mehta is another noteworthy store that is known for its quirky designs in pop hues. Mehta’s store in Chondi is full of home decor trinkets, soft furnishings, apparel and furniture that make for a great browsing experience.

For art enthusiasts, The Guild Art Gallery in Ranjanpada is one of the oldest galleries in Alibaug. Today, the contemporary space promotes works of artists new and old. There’s also the Karmarkar Museum in Sasawane that houses more than 150 sculptures carved by renowned artist VP Karmarkar, who is best remembered for his statues of Shivaji Maharaj.

For those looking for a rejuvenating experience, pay a visit to the newly opened Spa Me in Pantnagar. Its minimal interiors create a calming atmosphere as soon as you enter. From aromatherapy to Swedish and deep tissue massages, to quick sessions for the feet, head and shoulders, there are a plethora of options to try. Make sure you book your spot by calling the spa with a reservation request, especially if you are heading to Alibaug over the weekend.

Historic sites

Alibaug has its fair share of sights to explore. For a slice of history, head to the Alibaug Fort surrounded by the Arabian Sea, or the Korlai Fort for expansive views. If you have more time in hand and don’t mind a boat ride, the Murud Janjira Fort is an excellent place to visit. Look out for tour guides, who will regale you with tales from a bygone era.

Sites of religious importance include the Magen Aboth Synagogue built by the Bene Israeli community that settled in Alibaug, as well as Kankeshwar Temple, which was built in 1674 in Mapgaon in dedication to Lord Shiva. Climb the 650 steps to reach the hilltop temple and check out the fairs held here during certain festivals.

The synagogue in Israeli Ali is a window to the small community that settled in Alibaug some 2200 years ago. Fusing Maharashtrian and Jewish cultures, the handful of families that are still present have interesting ancestral stories to share, should you be lucky enough to be invited into their homes.

The best beaches in Alibaug

Alibaug is also home to a number of beaches, including Nagaon, Varsoli, Kihim and Awas. While they may not be as scenic as those in Goa, you can still feel the salty breeze in your hair and the calming effect of the waves. At some, you can enjoy watersports such as jet skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides. For a more relaxed trip, carry a picnic basket, beach towel and a frisbee and simply enjoy the seclusion.

If you are looking for a quiet retreat, Alibaug is the perfect getaway to escape the chaos of Mumbai and unwind in a tranquil setting.