Kolaba Fort Alibaug
An ancient maritime fortress accessible by foot at low tide, offering stunning sea views and a glimpse into Maratha history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best access & fewer crowds
Kolaba Fort Alibaug
Best Time
Best access & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient maritime fortress accessible by foot at low tide, offering stunning sea views and a glimpse into Maratha history.
"Must visit: but, during low tide!!!!"
Check Tide Timings First! :wave:
Always check low tide timings before visiting to walk to the fort.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces and potentially wet sand.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Walk Across the Seabed
Alibaug Beach to Kolaba Fort
Trek across the exposed seabed during low tide for a unique and adventurous journey to the fort.
Historic Fort Ruins
Kolaba Fort
Explore the remnants of this 17th-century maritime fortress, once a naval base for Shivaji Maharaj.
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Panoramic Sea Views
Top of Kolaba Fort
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and Alibaug beach from the fort's ramparts.
Siddhivinayak Temple
Inside Kolaba Fort
Visit the ancient Siddhivinayak Temple, a significant religious site within the fort complex.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything: Low Tide is Key
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Tide Timings First! :wave:
Always check low tide timings before visiting to walk to the fort.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces and potentially wet sand.
Bring Cash for Entry :moneybag:
Entry fee is nominal, but online payment might not work.
Hydrate and Snack :water_buffalo:
Carry water and snacks, especially if visiting during warmer hours.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Tide Timings First! :wave:
Always check low tide timings before visiting to walk to the fort.
Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
You'll be walking on uneven surfaces and potentially wet sand.
Bring Cash for Entry :moneybag:
Entry fee is nominal, but online payment might not work.
Hydrate and Snack :water_buffalo:
Carry water and snacks, especially if visiting during warmer hours.
Capture the Views :camera_with_flash:
The fort offers stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kolaba Fort is a highly recommended historical site, praised for its unique access during low tide and scenic beauty. Visitors enjoy the adventurous walk or ride to the fort and the panoramic sea views. However, some find the fort's condition to be average and note issues with ticket payment systems and the lack of certified guides.
"Kolaba or Culaba fort is in dire state and need urgent attention from ASI. One can't really walk inside as it's full of grass. Entry ticket is 25 rupees. Kolaba fort can be reached by walk during low tide. It's about 900 m from Alibag main beach entrance. Local horse buggy also available and thy take 200 per person for round trip. Fort can be seen within 1 hr.
Excerpt from wiki: The average height of the fort walls is 25 feet. It has two main entrances, one on the seaside and the other towards Alibag. An interesting feature of this fort is that it has freshwater wells in its premises even though it is a seaside fort. In the monsoons, the fort can be reached by wading through waist-deep water at low tide. However, at high tide, boats must be used to reach it. In the fort are temples and houses in which several caretakers stay. The fort should be visited during the low sea tide season. There is a Dargah of Haji Kamaluddin Shah on the fort. Near the northern wall lie two English cannons mounted on wheels with the inscription "Dawson Hardy Field, Low Moor Ironworks, Yorkshire, England". The Siddhivinayak temple inside the fort was built by Raghoji Angre in 1759."
Yatin Jayawant
"Must visit: but, during low tide!!!!
Kolaba fort reminds us of the great Maratha empire under the leadership of its Naval chief, Kanhoji Angre and a glimpse of its might to fight the English, Portuguese, Siddhis and Mughals. Although a historical spot, this is also a beautiful picnic spot. Surrounded by sea on all sides (during high tide), this fort provides great frames for photo-obsessed people.
As the high tides withdraw, the fort is open to tourists for a visit. Even though, many prefer to walk,a horse ride or baggi and small boats are other feasible options. A horse cart will typically charge you ₹200 per person and take you through the sea water and back. Additionally, there are various water activities like boating, water scooters, horse-riding l, etc on the beach.
Parking can be a problem during peak season and it is reasonable to avoid your personal vehicle or take a driver with you.
A few disappointing aspect of this erand, just to mention, was that the archeological survey of India (ASI) charges an entry fee but the online access to it doesn't accept the payment and we endup paying the guard in cash for no reciept!! Also, in a few places under the ASI, there is a library/book stall selling ASI publications and authentic information related to the historical site which was absent when we visited this place.
Last but not the least, there are no certified guides to take us on an informative tour of the fort and hence, visitors land up looking at ruins and visiting a Bhavani temple, Ganesh temple, a small pond and the main entrance of the fort!!!!
However, the overall vibes from this fort will transform a timid, lazy traveller into an energetic one..."
Nishant Rajadhyaksha
"Nice fort you can reached by walk at the time of low tide and on high tide you need to reach by boat which available there.
Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1680, it was a key naval station for Maratha attacks on the British."
Akash Navghane
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kolaba Fort is located off Alibaug beach. You can reach Alibaug by ferry from Mumbai or by road. From Alibaug beach, you can walk to the fort during low tide or hire a horse cart or boat.
During low tide, walking is the most popular and adventurous option. Alternatively, you can hire a horse cart (around ₹200 per person) or a motorboat (around ₹200 for a round trip) to reach the fort.
Parking can be a significant issue during peak tourist seasons. It's advisable to avoid using your personal vehicle or to arrange for a driver.
The walk to the fort during low tide takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your pace. Boat or horse cart rides are quicker.
No, Kolaba Fort is situated in the sea and is not accessible by car. You will need to park your vehicle at Alibaug beach and then proceed to the fort via foot, horse cart, or boat.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for Kolaba Fort is ₹25 per person for Indians.
The fort is generally accessible during low tide. It typically closes after 6 PM, but timings can vary. It's best to check local tide charts and inquire locally.
Tickets can usually be purchased on-site. However, some visitors have reported issues with online payment systems for ASI-managed sites, so carrying cash is recommended.
Yes, Kolaba Fort is open on weekends, but it tends to be more crowded. Visiting during low tide on a weekend is still recommended for access.
The primary restriction is tide timing. During high tide, access is limited to boat services. Ensure you are aware of the tide schedule before planning your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the fort ruins, visit the Siddhivinayak Temple and a Ganesh temple, see freshwater wells, and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and Alibaug beach. There are also vendors selling local produce.
It typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore the fort, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere.
Unfortunately, there are no certified guides available at Kolaba Fort, so visitors often explore the ruins on their own.
Yes, Kolaba Fort is an excellent spot for photography, offering scenic views, historic architecture, and the unique experience of walking across the seabed.
Basic facilities like vendors selling fruits and local produce are available. There are also temples and a freshwater pond within the fort.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no formal restaurants inside Kolaba Fort. However, you can find local vendors selling snacks, fruits like mangoes and cucumbers, and local produce.
Near Alibaug beach, you can find various local eateries and stalls offering Maharashtrian snacks and seafood.
It's generally safe to try fruits and packaged snacks from vendors. For full meals, it's better to explore options on Alibaug beach.
Yes, bringing your own food and water is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend a few hours exploring. Remember to dispose of your trash responsibly.
Fine dining options are more likely to be found in Alibaug town rather than directly at the beach or fort.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photography. The golden hour light enhances the fort's textures and the surrounding sea.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the fort against the sea, detailed shots of the ruins, portraits with the ocean backdrop, and the unique experience of walking on the seabed.
Drone usage regulations can be strict in historical and coastal areas. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the fort and sea. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A sturdy tripod is recommended for sunset shots.
The main entrance, the ramparts overlooking the sea, the ancient cannons, and the walk across the seabed during low tide are all popular photo spots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiring a horse cart ride for an extra dose of fun. The fort has temples and a freshwater pond, which can be interesting for kids. Remember to carry plenty of water and snacks, and ensure everyone wears comfortable, water-friendly footwear. Visiting in the morning is ideal to avoid the midday sun and crowds.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Focus on capturing the architectural details of the fort, the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea, and the picturesque Alibaug beach. The ancient cannons and the ramparts are iconic spots. Don't miss the chance to photograph the journey to the fort, whether it's the walk or the horse-drawn carts.
+1🏛️ History Buffs
+1While the fort is in ruins, its structure still speaks volumes about its past importance. Visiting during low tide allows for a more immersive experience, connecting you directly with the historical landscape. Consider researching the fort's history beforehand to fully appreciate its significance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Strategic Importance of Kolaba Fort
+1Later, under the command of Kanhoji Angre, Kolaba Fort continued to be a formidable stronghold. Angre, a renowned Maratha admiral, used it as a base for his fleet, effectively challenging the naval dominance of European powers in the region. The fort's resilience and strategic importance underscore the advanced military engineering and naval strategy of the Maratha Empire.
Today, while in ruins, the fort stands as a testament to this glorious past. Exploring its structures, like the ancient cannons and defensive walls, offers a tangible connection to the history of maritime warfare and the Maratha's ambition to rule the seas.
Navigating Kolaba Fort: Access and Adventure
When the tide is high, the fort becomes an island, and access is limited to boat services. Visitors can hire motorboats from Alibaug beach, which provide a quicker but potentially less adventurous way to reach the fort. Some also opt for horse cart rides, which traverse through the shallow sea waters, adding another layer of fun, especially for families.
It's crucial to check the tide timings before planning your visit. Missing the low tide window can mean either a boat ride or a missed opportunity to experience the unique walk. The condition of the seabed can also vary, so wearing appropriate footwear is recommended for a comfortable and safe journey.
Photography at Kolaba Fort: Capturing History and Scenery
Key photographic subjects include the imposing fort walls, the remnants of bastions, the ancient cannons, and the picturesque view of Alibaug beach from the fort. The journey to the fort itself, whether walking on the seabed or riding a horse cart, provides dynamic shots. Don't forget to capture the details of the temples and the freshwater wells within the fort complex.
+1When visiting, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive sea views and the fort's scale. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating architectural details. Remember to protect your gear from sand and saltwater, especially if you're visiting during high tide or after a boat ride.
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