Kulaba Fort, also known as Alibaug Fort, is a historic sea fort located in the coastal town of Alibaug in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India.
1. History : Kulaba Fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire, in the 17th century. It served as a strategic coastal defense outpost to guard the Konkan region against enemy attacks from the sea.
2. Architecture: The fort is constructed entirely from black basalt rock and features high walls and bastions. It has two main gateways, one on the seaside and the other on the landward side. The fort also houses a freshwater well and several small temples.
3. Location: Kulaba Fort is situated on a rocky island about 2 kilometers offshore from the shores of Alibaug. During low tide, it is accessible by foot from Alibaug Beach, but during high tide, the fort gets surrounded by water, making it accessible only by boats or ferries.
4. Scenic Views: The fort offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can climb to the top of the fort's ramparts to enjoy breathtaking views of the sea and the Alibaug coastline.
5. Visiting Tips: It's advisable to visit Kulaba Fort during low tide to ensure easy access to the fort by foot. Wear comfortable footwear as you may need to walk through shallow water to reach the fort. Also, carry drinking water and sunscreen, especially during hot weather, as there are limited facilities available on the fort island.
Overall, Kulaba Fort is not only a historical marvel but also a serene getaway offering a unique blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Best time to Visit: June to Feb (Best during Monsoon & Winters)
By Car / Bike: Route Mumbai – Kurla – Navi Mumbai – Ulwe – Chimer – Pen – Vadkhan – Poynad – Alibaug – Kolaba Fort.
OR
To reach Kulaba Fort (also known as Alibaug Fort) from Mumbai city by road, follow these directions:
1. Mumbai to Alibaug:
- Start from Mumbai city and head towards Navi Mumbai.
- From Navi Mumbai, continue towards Panvel.
- From Panvel, take the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH 66) or the Pen-Khopoli Road (SH 92) towards Alibaug.
- Once you reach Alibaug, head towards Alibaug Beach.
2. Alibaug to Kulaba Fort:
- From Alibaug Beach, you can reach Kulaba Fort by walking during low tide or taking a ferry ride.
- If it's low tide, you can walk to the fort through the water. Be cautious about the timing to avoid getting stranded due to high tide.
- Alternatively, you can take a ferry ride from Alibaug Beach to Kulaba Fort. Ferries are available at regular intervals, and the ride offers scenic views of the coastline.
Both driving and ferry options offer unique experiences, with the ferry ride providing a more picturesque approach to the fort. Choose the option that suits your preferences and time constraints. Make sure to check ferry timings in advance, especially if you prefer that mode of transportation.
Timing : 10 am to 4.30 pm
Entry fee : There is a very nominal entry fee.
INDIAN Visitor: 20 Rs
FOREIGNER Visitor: 250 Rs
SAARC Visitor: 20 Rs
BIMSTEC Visitor: 20 rs
By Ferry : From Mumbai Gateway of India take ferry till Alibaugh , from Alibaugh beach you can reach Kulaba fort.
From Alibaug Beach you get Horse Chariots which cost about 100 Rs per head and sharing boats 200 Rs per head to reach Kulaba fort.
Or Kulaba Fort can also be approached by foot / walking during low tides from the Alibaug Beach.
By Bus:
From Mumbai there are ST (State Transport) buses, local transport available to Alibaug, which is 95 kms from Mumbai
Accommodation: Both Homestay / Luxuries Hotel options available in Alibaug.
To reach Kulaba Fort (also known as Alibaug Fort) from Pune by road, you can follow this route:
1. Pune to Alibaug via Mumbai-Pune Expressway:
- Start from Pune and head towards the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
- Drive on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway until you reach Mumbai.
- From Mumbai, continue towards Navi Mumbai or Panvel.
- From Panvel, take the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH 66) or the Pen-Khopoli Road (SH 92) towards Alibaug.
- Once you reach Alibaug, head towards Alibaug Beach.
- Kulaba Fort is situated near Alibaug Beach, and you can either walk during low tide or take a ferry ride to reach the fort.
Alternatively, if you prefer a route that bypasses Mumbai:
2. Pune to Alibaug via Tamhini Ghat:
- Start from Pune and head towards Tamhini Ghat Road.
- Drive through Tamhini Ghat, which offers scenic views.
- After crossing Tamhini Ghat, you'll reach Mangaon.
- From Mangaon, take the road towards Alibaug via Mahad.
- Once you reach Alibaug, follow the directions to Alibaug Beach and then to Kulaba Fort.
Both routes have their own advantages in terms of scenery and traffic conditions. Choose the one that suits your preferences and conditions on the road. Make sure to check for any road closures or diversions before starting your journey, especially during monsoon season when certain roads might be closed due to landslides or flooding. Also, keep in mind the ferry timings if you plan to take a ferry to Kulaba Fort from Alibaug Beach.
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