Kolaba Fort

The Kolaba or Kulaba Fort (or the Alibag Fort) is an old military fortification in India, now turned into a popular tourist destination and a protected monument. Constructed by Shivaji, the Fort was chosen by him to be one of his chief naval stations.

Kolaba Fort is a sea fort built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1652 in the Alibag Beach of the Arabian Sea. The fort has a height of 25 feet and is at a distance of only 2 kma from the Alibag Beach shore. The most interesting feature of the Fort is that despite being a part of a saltwater body, the fort has a fresh-water well. A temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, built by Raghoji Angre in the year 1759, is also present in the Fort premises and is still worshipped by the fishermen from the area. The fort also has temples dedicated to Mahishasurmardini and Goddess Padmavati. The Alibag Beach, Versoli Beach and the Akshi Beach are also located nearby and are the pristine, quiet ones.

There are carvings of animals and birds present on the fort walls. Carvings of animals like tigers, peacocks, and elephants can be seen on the entrance arch. Close to the gate, there are temples of Padmavathi and a Mahishasurmardini and other gods along with castle’s main deity.

Accommodation :

Best time to visit : November to July is considered to be the best time to visit the place. The fort is open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

How to reach Kolaba Fort : The Fort can be easily accessed from the city of Mumbai, as it is located only 35 kms in the south of Mumbai. Mumbai, one of the biggest cities of India, is well connected via Airways, Railways and Roadways to all the major cities in the country and abroad. Kolaba Fort can also be approached by foot during low tides and by boat during high tides from the Alibag Beach.

Mumbai to Kolaba By Road : Route of Mumbai to Kolaba fort

Mumbai – Kurla – Navi Mumbai – Ulwe – Chimer – Pen – Vadkhan – Poynad – Alibaug – Kolaba Fort.

Mumbai to Kolaba By Train : There is no train available to Alibaug from Mumbai.

Mumbai to Kolaba By Bus : From Mumbai there are ST (State Transport) buses, local transport available to Alibaug, which is 96 kms from Mumbai it takes 2 hrs 30 mins from Mumbai, there are boats available to Kolaba from Alibaug, which is around 2 kms from Alibaug.

Pune to Kolaba By Road : Route of Pune to Kolaba Fort

Pune – Chinchwad – Dehu Road – Lonavala – Khopoli – Pen – Vadkhan – Poynad – Alibaug – Kolaba Fort.

Pune to Kolaba By Train : There is no train available to Alibaug from Pune junction.

Pune to Kolaba By Bus : From Pune there are ST (State Transport) buses / Volvo buses available to Alibaug, which is 142 kms from Pune it takes 2 hrs 50 mins from Pune, there are boats available to Kolaba from Alibaug, which is around 2 kms from Alibaug.

Places to visit in Kolaba Fort :

1. Nagaon beach

2. Alibaug beach 

3. Akshi Beach

4. Kihim beach

5. Varsoli Beach

6. Undheri Fort

7. Rewas jetty

8. Mandwa

9. Murud-Janjira Fort

10. Kanakeshwar Devasthan Temple

11. Brahma Kund