Kolaba Fort

About The Kolaba Fort

The Kolaba Fort, also known as Alibag Fort, is a historic sea fort located in Alibag, Maharashtra. It was built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1680 and served as a strategic fortification against naval attacks. The fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all sides, making it a popular tourist attraction in the region.

Timings of Kolaba Fort

The Kolaba Fort is open to visitors from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week.

Entry Fee

The entry fee for visiting the Kolaba Fort is INR 20 for Indian tourists and INR 200 for foreign tourists.

Required Time And Restricted Items

It typically takes about 1-2 hours to explore the Kolaba Fort thoroughly. Visitors are not allowed to carry weapons, alcohol, or any illegal substances inside the fort premises.

Architecture of Kolaba Fort

The Kolaba Fort showcases a blend of Maratha and Mughal architectural styles. The fort features a main entrance gate, several bastions, a freshwater well, and a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The fortification walls offer stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding landscape.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Kolaba Fort is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the fort.

How to Reach

The Kolaba Fort is easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune via roadways and waterways. Visitors can take a ferry from the Gateway of India in Mumbai to reach Alibag and then hire a local transport to reach the fort.

History of Kolaba Fort

The Kolaba Fort was originally built by Shivaji Maharaj to protect the region from enemy attacks. Over the years, the fort has changed hands between the Marathas, the Portuguese, and the British before finally being taken over by the Indian government after independence.

Inside Kolaba Fort

Inside the Kolaba Fort, visitors can explore the various structures including the main gate, cannons, bastions, a temple, and a freshwater well. The fort offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Alibag town.

Traveling Tips

It is advisable to wear comfortable footwear and carry drinking water while visiting the Kolaba Fort. Visitors must also carry sunscreen and hats to protect themselves from the sun as there is limited shade inside the fort.

Hotels Near Kolaba Fort

There are several accommodation options available near the Kolaba Fort, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. Some of the popular hotels near the fort include Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug, U Tropicana Alibaug, and Big Splash Resort.

Nearby Tourist Spots of Kolaba Fort

Some of the nearby tourist attractions near the Kolaba Fort include Alibag Beach, Kashid Beach, Murud-Janjira Fort, and Kanakeshwar Forest. Visitors can also explore the local markets in Alibag for shopping and dining experiences.