Alibaug History and Culture
The Kohli fisher folk, the Maratha admiralty, the Hindu agriculturists, the Muslim horticulturists. Siddis of Africa, the Portuguese, the British all lay claim to parts of this region at some time or the other over the last millennia. This amalgam has led to an interesting diversity and confluence of culture in this area.
Nearby Attractions
Beaches
The beach at Kashid is especially lovely although the ones at Awas, Kihim, Varsoli, Nagaon are not too far behind. The beach areas of Kihim where the Late Dr. Salim Ali, the noted Indian ornithologist once resided, will enthrall you with its varied bird life. There is also a wildlife sanctuary just past Kashid village, at Phansad, which is home to the Giant Malabar Squirrel along with a number of other indigenous bird species.
Forts
Just off Alibaug City, lies the sea fortress of Kolaba, the capital of Shivaji’s admiral Kanoji Angre. Next comes the Maratha fortress at Revdanda, with impressive walls which encircle parts of the village. Interestingly enough right across the river inlet, perched on the isthmus of Korlai, lies a Portugese fort, ostensibly both guarding the same river.
Palaces & Synagogues
A definite must see is the Palace of the Nawab of Janjira, not only for its Indo-Saracen architecture, but also for the sheer majesty of its location on a promontory overlooking the ocean. At village Kihim there is an interesting cemetery whose doorway maps a list of all the Synagogues in the Raigad and Thane districts. Which reveals another little known snippet of history about the Jewish influence on the area, there is a wonderful Synagogue in excellent repair in Alibaug City
Temples
There are several temples in the Alibaug District that claim ancient ancestry, but some of the more note worthy would have to include the Nageshwar temple in Awas, the Kankeshwar temple accessible from Chondi and involving a stiff climb over rough hewn steps, and the Datta mandir at Chaul. Chaul village is also reputed to have a temple for every day of the year.
Explore your neighbourhood
- Kankeshwar Temple – 5kms
- Alibaug Fort – 12kms
- Revdanda Fort – 22kms
- Korlai Fort – 24kms
- Janjira Palace/Murud Sea Fort – 40kms
- Synagogue Alibaug – 12kms
- Jewish Cemetery Kihim – 2kms