Kolaba Fort

Kolaba Fort, also called Alibaug fort, is one of the most popular places to visit in Alibaug for tourists. Kolaba Fort sits on the Arabian Sea and surrounds itself with water on all sides. The fort is 300 years old and was the central navy station in Maharashtra during the rule of Shivaji Maharaj.

This remote military fortress in the Arabian Sea is a beautiful sight. Kolaba Fort lies about 2 kilometers from Alibaug beach, and visitors can reach it on foot when the tide is low. During high tide, you will need to rent a boat. The walk is peaceful and beautiful because not many people live in the area; there are only a few beachgoers here and there.

Why is Kolaba Fort famous?

It was one of the paramount forts possible in Maharashtra for a naval station and as a base for attacking British troops. The fancy fort is now a place very popular with tourists. It is the major attraction of the lovely little town often included in many Alibaug tour packages. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made the Kolaba Fort a site of national protection, owing to its significance in Indian history.

How to visit Kolaba Fort?

From Mumbai, it's easy to get to Kolaba Fort by sea. It's only 35 km to the fort, and it's easy to get there by speed boat or ship from Gateway of India. In Mandawa and Rewas, you can find the closest port to Alibaug. 

Between sunrise and dusk, daily ferry services are from Mumbai to these places. The trip takes about 45 minutes.

You can get to the nearest big city by car, Mumbai, about 100 kilometers away. In Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, and Kolhapur, you can take a state bus to get to Alibaug.

The Pen train stop is 30 kilometers away and closest to Alibaug. From Mumbai, the station is easy to get to by train. You can take a cab or auto to the Fort from the stop.

Alibaug’s beaches are only one kilometer away from Kolaba Fort. That's why getting to the shore by private cab or auto rickshaw is easy. You can walk to the Fort from the beach when the tide is low. When the tide is high, you will need to rent a boat.

Why the Kolaba Fort is called a seafood fort?

Some people call Kolaba Fort a "seafood fort" because it is in the water, close to the shore of Alibaug Gulf. At low tide, you can walk to it, which makes the trip fun and different.

When people go to Kolaba Fort, they also like to eat the fish meals served at restaurants and food stands nearby. For fish fans, this makes the whole thing extra special.

What time can we visit Alibaug Fort?

The Kolaba Fort can be seen anytime, but November through July are considered the best because of the weather. During the summer, it can rain a lot, making the high tides last longer.