Often called as ‘Goa’ of Maharashtra, Alibaug is a splendid coastal town located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Earlier called Kolaba, it is one of the popular beach destinations near Mumbai, and among the must include places in Maharashtra tour packages. Being a coastal town, Alibaug is well known for its beautiful beaches and ancient forts. Besides, this stunning coastal town is surrounded by a few charming places that will make your vacation more interesting, and memorable.
Here is the list of some awesome places to visit near Alibaug for a short trip.
Harihareshwar
Situated in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, Harihareshwar is a coastal town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the popular weekend getaways from Pune and one of the major places to visit near Alibaug. Surrounded by four hills named Harihareshwar, Harshinachal, Bramhadri, and Pushpadri, this beach town is often called Southern Kashi because it is home to the Harihareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Harihareshwar is a treat for people looking for spiritual relief or a beach holiday. Harihareshwar Beach, Shrivardhan Beach, Diveagar Beach, Kondvil Beach, Kelshi Beach, Velas Beach, Srivardhan Beach, Bankot Fort, and Ganesh Gully are some of the prominent places to visit in Harihareshwar.
Book Here : Harihareshwar Tour Packages
Karnala
With the echoing melody of chirping birds, rich flora and fauna, and a marvelous natural environment, Karnala tops the list of places to visit near Alibaug as well as Mumbai. Karnala is home to Karnala Bird Sanctuary, among the largest bird sanctuaries in Maharashtra. The sanctuary is home to over 150 species of residents and 37 species of migratory birds. In the monsoon season, travelers can spot a vivid collection of bird species such as the racket-tailed drongo, golden-backed woodpecker, and heart-spotted woodpecker. Watching the pretty migratory birds here, during monsoons is one of the best things to do as part of Alibaug tour packages. Karnala Fort, also known as Funnel Hill, is located within the protected region of Karnala Bird Sanctuary.
Also Visit : Top Places to visit near Mumbai
Lonavala
Settled in the proximity of Mumbai and Pune, Lonavala is an enchanting hill station in the Sahyadri Ranges of Maharashtra which separates the Deccan Plateau and the Konkan Coast. Lies at an altitude of 622 m, it is one of the popular hill stations in Maharashtra, and among the top places to visit near Pune, and Alibaug for a day trip. Blessed with natural beauty, spectacular mountain views, shimmering lakes, historic caves, and forts, this pristine hill station is visited by thousands of tourists every year. Bhushi Lake, Valvan Dam, Rajmachi Fort, Shooting Point, Lohagad Fort, Bhaja Caves, and Kune Falls are some prominent tourist places to visit in Lonavala. Also, this is a great place for trekking that attracts many trekking enthusiasts.
Book Here : Lonavala Tour Packages
Diveaghar
Diveaghar is another pristine beach town located near Alibaug on the Konkan Coast of Maharashtra. Diveaghar beach is one of the popular beaches in Maharashtra and among the top places to visit in Mahabaleshwar. Lined with palm and casuarina trees, Diveagar Beach stretches about 6 km long with white sand and crystal clear waters. The beach is the perfect place for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. An evening stroll along the beach is particularly a relaxing experience with the light coastal breeze blowing by. Diveaghar Beach also has a sanctuary for the migratory Seagulls at one end. Also, the village houses a temple called Suvarna Ganesh Temple, which is another major attraction in Diveaghar.
Book Here : Mahabaleshwar Tour Packages
Murud
Known for its notable Murud-Janjira Fort, Murud is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top places to visit in Alibaug, and also one of the popular heritage places to visit as part of the Mumbai tour. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all sides, the original fort was built in the 15th century by a Koli chief as a defense against pirates and thieves. Spread over 22 acres, it is one of the strongest marine forts of India and has 19 rounded bastions. Earlier the fort was a full-fledged living place with all the necessary facilities like palaces, quarters for officers, a mosque, two small 60-foot deep (18 m) natural freshwater lakes, etc. There are hidden passageways for emergencies. The turrets and towers of the fort were used for keeping ammunition. Also, there is a deep well with cold and sweet water, a wonder of nature in the midst of the sea.
Must Visit : Heritage Sites near Mumbai
Kashid
Kashid is a popular beach town located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the North Konkan region of Maharashtra. Tucked between two hillocks, the town is known for its famous and serene Kashid Beach. It is one of the popular beaches near Lonavala, and among the famous weekend getaway from Mumbai and Pune. With a 3 km length, Kashid Beach is known for its clear waters, white sand, and casuarina groves that line the shore. Most of the tourists visit this beach for relaxing as it is a quiet and soothing place. One can enjoy several activities like surfing, water scooters, parasailing, and banana boat rides on the beach. Besides, there are lots of shacks with hammocks offering snacks, seafood, cold drinks, and coconut water.
Must Read : Famous Weekend Getaways from Mumbai
Matheran
Perched at an altitude of 800 m, Matheran is a small hill station situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the top hill stations near Mumbai, and among the must-visit places to visit as part of Lonavala packages. It is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station and also declared an eco-sensitive region by the Ministry of Environment and Forest. Known for its 38 viewpoints, the town is one of the great spots for those who want to take a break from their busy city life. The Matheran hill railway, also known as Matheran Light Railway (MLR), is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Panorama Point, Charlott Lake, Louisa Point, Paymaster Park, Rambaug Point, Porcupine Point, Echo Point, King George Point, Monkey Point, Panthers Caves, etc. are some of the prominent places to visit in Matheran. Besides, this hill town also offers a plethora of activities such as trekking, hiking, climbing, etc.
Book Here : Matheran Tour Packages
Raigad
Situated at an altitude of 2700 feet, Raigad is a majestic hill fort located near Mahad in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the most popular places of heritage in Maharashtra and among the must-include places n Mahabaleshwar packages. The fort is a symbol of Maratha pride and one of the great reminders of the history of Marathas. Built on an irregular wedge-shaped mass of rock, the main structures inside the fort include Queen’s Quarters, Public Durbar, Watch Towers, Darwajas, etc. A magnificent statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji is one of the main attractions of the fort, located opposite the ruins of the main market avenue. Also, one can spot the tombs of Shivaji and his dog Waghya that are situated near the avenue. Though a rope-way exists to reach the top of the fort, tourists can also climb around 1400-1450 steps leading to the fort.
Also Read : Best Places of Trekking in Maharashtra
Lavasa
Lavasa is a beautiful hill resort located in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the best places to visit in Maharashtra, and among the must-include places in Pune tour. Lavasa is claimed to be India’s first planned hill station that is modeled on the Italian town of Portofino. Lies at an altitude of 640 m, Lavasa is a popular spot for motorcyclists across India due to its mountain passes. Lavasa is popular because of the mountains and valleys that surround the region that offers adventurous activities like mountain climbing, hiking, and trekking. The mountains in this region are covered in dense vegetation and coupled with pleasant weather make this place one of the perfect one-day trips from Pune.
Book Here : Pune Tour Packages