Alibagh

Overview:

The coastal town of Alibagh is a municipal council of Raigad District in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. The region occupied by the town and its surroundings are the historic boondocks of Bene Israeli Jews. Sarkhel Kanhoji Aangre the naval chief of King Shivaji's Kingdom developed Alibag, in the seventeenth century. The town came to be called as Alibagh, due to the beautiful gardens, of the wealthy Bene Israelite Ali. Besides the regular garden variety flora, numerous plantations of mangoes, coconuts were grown in the garden, so the locals started calling the place Alichi Bagh. The best time to visit Alibag is from November to July, although it can be visited any time of the year. There are a number of other places of interest that one can visit by hiring cabs from Mumbai to Alibag. Car rentals in Alibag also make it easy for people on business trips to commute from one part of the city to another. Travelling by hiring a radio taxi is very convenient and economical, as it allows visitors to visit and explore all the places in and around Alibag. Contemporary Alibag is on the way to Goa from Mumbai, at a distance close to 108 kilometers, via the Mumbai-Goa-Ernakulam National Highway 17. The drive from Mumbai to Alibag by car would take close to three hours. Taxis at Mumbai airport are also available for travelling to Alibag. Alternately, tourists may even hire cabs from Pune to Alibag, and reach by taking the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (a 150 kilometers), which is a four hour drive. The small village of Khandale, which is just three kilometers away from the Alibag-Mumbai highway, heads the Gram Panchayats. Khandale is hedged by Sidheshwar, Kankeshwar and other wonderful Shiva temples, which are visited by hordes of Alibagkars on each ‘Shrawani Somwars’ (Shrawan – the period between July to August; Somwars - Monday). The scenic beauty and allure of these hillocks are also at its peak during the months of Shrawan. White onions grown here are sold all over Maharashtra, and are called as "Khandale Kande". Distinguished by its unique color and sweeter taste, this breed of onions has been an important ingredient in Ayurvedic medicines.

Places to Visit:

A huge Jewish Community comprising mostly of oil pressers and sellers used to live in Alibag. The community constructed the Bet El Synagogue. It is the only Synagogue in Alibag. Rather than just being a place of worship, it also acted as a community centre, where village meetings used to be held. Having a unique style it is a famous touristy spot. It is also declared as a heritage site.

Situated just six kilometers away from Alibag, is Akshi Beach. A favourite spot for TV serials, film shoots and advertising, the beach is well suited for children. The sea is flat for a long distance allowing one to walk through the water for a considerable distance towards the sea.

The Indian Institute of Geomagnetism established the Magnetic Observatory in 1904. Security has been tightened and access to the Observatory has been restricted after the terrorist attack of 26/11. Visitors are required to first gain a written permission from the Panvel office of Indian Institute of Geomagnetism, which needs to be presented when entering the premises of the Observatory in Alibag.

Things To Do:

The rich culture and tradition of Alibag is represented through the festivals celebrated here. Celebrated during August the two major festivals are Pola and Nag Panchami.

The rural bull-worshipping festival of Alibag, Pola is celebrated in the first week of August. On this day, Farmers decorate and worship their bulls. The traditional dish Puran Poli is prepared on this day.

Celebrated in the second week of August, Nag Panchami, is the religious festival of Alibag. Devotees offer honey and milk to the snake God ‘Shesh Nag’. Traditionally young married ladies celebrate the festival of Nag Panchami at their parents house.