Agonda To Alibaug

Enchanting 'ALIBAUG'

Post by Tarun | Bangalore | Apr 13, 2009

How to get there? Alibaug is easy to get to in about an hour by the combination of a catamaran/ferry from Gateway of India in south Mumbai (three hours) and then by bus from Mandwa jetty across the bay. It is also accessible by road via Panvel in about three hours (124 km). By Boat/Cataraman/Ferry- There are three agencies that run ferry services/catamarans: PNP, AJANTA and MALDAR. The ferry/catamaran takes you to Mandwa from Gateway by the sea route and from Mandwa, buses of the respective agencies takes you to Alibag by road. Catamarans are small ships. The tickets (costing 40 or 50 rupees) have to be bought beforehand and it includes the fare of the ferry service and the bus, both combined. Suppose you catch the ferry run by AJANTA, then remember after reaching Mandwa, you should not be in a mood to roam around because you have to immediately catch the connecting Bus of AJANTA from Mandwa to Alibag. Or else you will be left behind only to wait for the next bus. AJANTA and MALDAR’s ferry services helps to enjoy the sea breeze while PNP’s catamaran service takes you in a fully covered AC coach and as a result you can by no way enjoy the sea. Don’t forget to collect a timetable of the services of each agency at the ticket counter at Gateway. The last catamaran that leaves Gateway is by PNP at 8:10 PM. If you wish you can also have a view of the sea from the top of the ferry during your travel by the sea. The guys may charge you 10 bucks extra for going to the top of the ferry. The view of the Taj and the Gateway from the sea is awesome and don’t forget to snap them, although Photography is prohibited on the Ferry as per notice by the Navy. The skyline of Mumbai is worth getting snapped. BUT its wise and better to ask the ferry personnel beforehand or else you may land up surrendering your film roll etc with embarrassment. Avoid planning ur travel during monsoons because this ferry service is stopped for three and a half months during the monsoons. The time taken to reach Alibag from Gateway via Mandwa is around 2 hours. The catamarans are faster than the ferry service so if you catch a catamaran you reach faster. Small passenger service boats ply frequently between Mumbai and Mandwa or Rewas. They are cheap but take more than 90 min By Road- There are a number of buses plying round the clock from Mumbai, Parel, Dadar, Boriwali and Thane. Alibag is on the Mumbai-Goa route (not exactly - from Vadkhal - there is a diversion) and is also accessible by Konkan Railway. Get down at Panvel and you can catch a bus. By Rail- Only two options - Get down at Panvel (65 Km) or Pen (Only Konkan Railway - Get down at Ramawadi Station - 23 Km). You can catch a bus. I will not recommend this option. By Air- Mumbai is the nearest airport. (Approx - 110 Km). Pune is another one.(140 Km). Getting off at Pune is not a good choice. You don't get frequent buses and journey is horrible.

WEEKEND GETAWAY

Post by Ashok | Nasik | May 31, 2011

Best way to reach Alibagh is by road with own vehicle. The vehicle is a must for the getaways to the various beaches. During summer vacation boarding in ac rooms is essential due to mosquitoes. Lodges are easily available. Boarding with locals at their cottages (approved by MTDC)should be tried any review on the same.