Alibag - Beaches around Pune
The great Admiral of Shivaji,Kanhoji Angre planned and executed the creation of Alibag town towards end of 17th century. Present day Ramnath happened to be the Alibag of those days . Most land of today's' Alibag was then under sea. Beautiful coconut and betel-nut orchards stood on the shores.
Legend has it that a wealthy Muslim named Ali Owned many plantations, which gave the town the name Alibag . Alibag is the seat of District Administration of Raigad (formerly Kolaba) district since 1852. The name Kolaba is attributed to a sea Fort Kolaba built by shivaji the great, in 1680 to flight the mighty naval prowess of the Siddis' (Abyssenians) of Janjira and the British of Mumbai. The later historic events vindicate the far sight of Shivaji. Some people like to call Alibag, 'Shribag'. The town flourished under the regime of the Angres.
Eight surrounding places-Revdanda, chaul, Nagao, Aakshi, Varsoli, Thal, Kihim, Awas-are known traditionally as the 'Ashtagars' (eight fertile lands).
Among the historic battels, one was at Varsoli between siddis and Kanhoji angre. Another was aggression on Kolaba Fort by the English and Portuguese jointly, which they lost. Next was the battle of chaul between the British and Sakhoji Angre which Sakhoji won and held them captive in Kolaba fort. The Angres demonstrated their supremacy by creating their own currency 'Alibagi Rupaiah'.
In 1852, Alibag was made the district Headquarters.
KANHOJI ANGRE- THE FOUNDER OF ALIBAG TOWN
It was Shivaji Maharaj, the first among the Indian rulers to fully comprehend the significance of navel power, and to indeed build an invincible navy. After Shivaji's death, it was Kanhoji Angre, who carried the mantle forward and created such a firm grip for the Marathas on the naval power, that his name became synonymous with naval supremacy over the western waters for the next ninety years.
There is no record of where and when Kanhoji was born. Historians opine that he was born around 1669. His forefathers resided at Aangarwadi near Pune and had the surname Sakpal. Folklore has it that Angarwadi gave the later generations a new surname, Angre.
When he was 14 or 15, Kanhoji was recruited in the naval division of Sambhaji Maharaj and got appointed at suvarnadurga. He rose to the post of Killedar (Commander of the Fort) by virtue of his velour. In 1689, Aurangjeb, the Mughal Emperor, assassinated Sambhaji and Rajaram became the Chhatrapati (the King) of the Maratha dynasty. But during
his tenure, the Mughals became very aggressive and overpowered all the forts under Maratha command in Kokan, heralding reinstatement of Mughal rule in Kokan. This enraged Kanhoji so much, that he unleashed all his martial acumen to wrest all the forts from the Mughals and restrored them to the Maratha dynasty, in the span of just four years b'n 1694 and 1698. Rajaram Maharaj was only too pleased to promote Kanhoji to the post of Admiral.
In 1697, Kanhoji shifted his headqarters from Suvarnadurga to Kulaba, i.e.Alibag.After Rajaram's death, his widow Tarabai gave the watres stretching from Mumbai to Sawantwadi under the command of Admiral Kanhoji.He made all possible efforts to develop his armada to match the preparedness of the Europeans.Kanhoji issued permits called 'Dastak" to all the ships plying on the waters uner his command. Such ships enjoyed protection from the pirates and unfriendly littoral princely states.Kanhoji's fear was such that ships not carrting his permit were either sunk or held captive. Kanhoji's growing power was unacceptable to the Europeans.They tried to beat his upremacy collectively singly, but never succeeded.
This armada included 10 frigates (Gurabs) carrying cannons ranging from 16 to 30, some of them weighed over 400 tons. Besides these, there were more than 50 ships of tonnage between 60 to 120, carrying 4 to 10 cannons each.Angria's armada was earlier called Shivaji's navy. Kanhoji's officials collected lad revenue for Shivaji from the people in Konkan, who had by this time recognised Kanhoji as if he was the soverign. Kanhoji could easily have become one, but he had steadfast loyalty to the chhatrapati's throne.
When Shahu was freed from the Mughal custody, a controversy ensued between Tarabai and Shahu as regards the true inheritor of the throne. At the time Kanhoji belonged to the Tarabai camp, but the first Peshwa (Prime Minister) Balaji Vishwanath prevailed upon Kanhoji to recognize Shahu as the Chhatrapati. In 1713, Kanhoji and Shahu signed a pact whereby 10 inland forts and 16 sea- forts were acknowledged to be Kanhoji's tutelage. The pact was mutually beneficial as Kanhoji was anointed unquestioned master of Konkan and Shahu was assured safety of Konkan in Kanhoji's able hands. Kanhoji was bestowed the titles of 'Sarkhel' (Admiral) and 'Wazarat-Ma-Aab'.
His stature in Shahu
's Court grew so much that he was consulted in every strategic move, especially against Siddi's of Janjira (Murud).
Kanhoji established an ideal statecraft in Konkan of the time. He promoted paddy, salt pans and plantation of timber in a big way. He was also a benefactor to artists and artisans. He opened a primary school for each cluster of 4 to 5 villages, and a hostel for students, within the precinct of Kulaba Fort. He also created markets to facilitate commerce and minted 'Alibaghi Rupaya', his exclusive currency. He also presides over foundation and development of Alibag town.
Kanhoji's persona was formidable- large, well- built man with beard, awe- inspiring face and sharp gaze. He had tremendous patience, poise and perseverance. He excelled in naval as well as land warfare. Apart from being a brave warrior, he was an astute statesman. Historical papers under his hand are testimony to clarity of thought-process and etiquette, tinged with sarcasm.
Kanhoji's reign lasted 36 years. He had three queens, namely Mathurabai, Laxmibai and Gahinabai, six sons and a daughter. He passed away on 4 th July, 1929 at the age of 60, after brief illness. Last rites were performed at Alibag and an imposing tomb (Samadhi) was constructed at the site of cremation, which still stands to sing the ballads.
HOW TO REACH ALIBAG
State transport buses reaching Alibag are aplenty. Some 35-40 buses ply to and from Mumbai. Alibag is also linked by state transport bus to destinations like Thane, Pune, Borivali, Nasik, Kolhapur, Miraj, Jalgaon, Solapur etc. The state transport bus depot provides fairly efficient,in-time bus services.
You can also reach Alibag by sea.Ferry wharf at 'Bhaucha Dhakka' in Mumbai is where launch service to Revas port (17 km from Alibag) is available from 06.00 A.M. to 06.00 P.M. The jouney takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The frequency is almost every hour, both ways. The timetable changes slightly to suite high tide and low ebb timings, though there is advance announcement of timetable for the coming week. Reservation facility is also available. The journey is fairly comfortable and is a unique experience. Each launch carries 100- 125 passengers. Tea, cold drinks, snacks are provided on board and also film music is played on the cassette player!
As soon as the ship sets sail, it's a nice sight to watch the Mumbai shore line becoming distant and Uran shore line to the left and Revas shore line to the right drawing nearer. At Rewas port, state transport bus starting point is only a few steps away. The bus takes you to Alibag in about 45 minutes.
The other sea rout to Alibag is from Gateway if India in Mumbai to Mandwa port, 14 km off Alibag.
Private catamaran services run by PNP, Maldar, Ajanya and launch services by Ajanta take you to Mandwa port in 50 to 60 minutes. Your fare includes bus service from Mandwa to Alibag, which takes another 30 minutes or so. You can avail these services except in rainy season.
We are born part of nature and are constantly shapped by Her. Nature's breath-taking beauty, ever changing to the cycle of seasons, is an unending store of delight. That is why, the residents of cities and towns compensate for their displacement from Natural environs by planting flowery saplings in their backyards; and balconies.
In Alibag, you will find yourself in the midst of nature. The evergreen orchards of coconut and betelnut, quiet and refreshing shores of silver sand, huge and old mansions (wadas) as living witnesses of history, structures with a touch of modern artistic architecture, fisher-folk going about their business in the creeks and in the sea in their traditional gear and dresses, multiple locations as photographer's delight- all these experiences is what make Alibag a touris't delight.
To add to the lustre, you will get clean, fresh local vegetables, exotic flowers, tubers, Nature's delicacies like Palm fruit (Tadgola), ocal beans called 'Waal' which have a peculiar and unmistakable flavour,
fresh white onions, local and mouth-watering sweet called 'Naralipaak' watermelons- all these special gifts of nature are yours to take home.
Tourists will relish the rides in bullock and horse-carts for a delightful change and their races on clean beachfronts in March- April will be a treat of local skill and adventure.
An urban touris't senses will experience a pure delight in the form of chirping of birds in the orchards, haunting fragrance of flowers and fruits at morning walk on tree lined pathways, the overwhelming and trance-fixing consistency of sound of waves, flourish of ever-changing colors on the vast backdrop of horizon which becomes one with the sea and clean air. All these heavenly delights are yours for free! It is for these delights, that visit to Alibag is an unforgettable experience for scores of domestic and overseas tourists!
The great Admiral of Shivaji,Kanhoji Angre planned and executed the creation of Alibag town towards end of 17th century. Present day Ramnath happened to be the Alibag of those days . Most land of today's' Alibag was then under sea. Beautiful coconut and betel-nut orchards stood on the shores.
Legend has it that a wealthy Muslim named Ali Owned many plantations, which gave the town the name Alibag . Alibag is the seat of District Administration of Raigad (formerly Kolaba) district since 1852. The name Kolaba is attributed to a sea Fort Kolaba built by shivaji the great, in 1680 to flight the mighty naval prowess of the Siddis' (Abyssenians) of Janjira and the British of Mumbai. The later historic events vindicate the far sight of Shivaji. Some people like to call Alibag, 'Shribag'. The town flourished under the regime of the Angres.Eight surrounding places-Revdanda, chaul, Nagao, Aakshi, Varsoli, Thal, Kihim, Awas-are known traditionally as the 'Ashtagars' (eight fertile lands).
Among the historic battels, one was at Varsoli between siddis and Kanhoji angre. Another was aggression on Kolaba Fort by the English and Portuguese jointly, which they lost. Next was the battle of chaul between the British and Sakhoji Angre which Sakhoji won and held them captive in Kolaba fort. The Angres demonstrated their supremacy by creating their own currency 'Alibagi Rupaiah'.
In 1852, Alibag was made the district Headquarters.
KANHOJI ANGRE- THE FOUNDER OF ALIBAG TOWN
It was Shivaji Maharaj, the first among the Indian rulers to fully comprehend the significance of navel power, and to indeed build an invincible navy. After Shivaji's death, it was Kanhoji Angre, who carried the mantle forward and created such a firm grip for the Marathas on the naval power, that his name became synonymous with naval supremacy over the western waters for the next ninety years.
There is no record of where and when Kanhoji was born. Historians opine that he was born around 1669. His forefathers resided at Aangarwadi near Pune and had the surname Sakpal. Folklore has it that Angarwadi gave the later generations a new surname, Angre.
When he was 14 or 15, Kanhoji was recruited in the naval division of Sambhaji Maharaj and got appointed at suvarnadurga. He rose to the post of Killedar (Commander of the Fort) by virtue of his velour. In 1689, Aurangjeb, the Mughal Emperor, assassinated Sambhaji and Rajaram became the Chhatrapati (the King) of the Maratha dynasty. But during
his tenure, the Mughals became very aggressive and overpowered all the forts under Maratha command in Kokan, heralding reinstatement of Mughal rule in Kokan. This enraged Kanhoji so much, that he unleashed all his martial acumen to wrest all the forts from the Mughals and restrored them to the Maratha dynasty, in the span of just four years b'n 1694 and 1698. Rajaram Maharaj was only too pleased to promote Kanhoji to the post of Admiral.In 1697, Kanhoji shifted his headqarters from Suvarnadurga to Kulaba, i.e.Alibag.After Rajaram's death, his widow Tarabai gave the watres stretching from Mumbai to Sawantwadi under the command of Admiral Kanhoji.He made all possible efforts to develop his armada to match the preparedness of the Europeans.Kanhoji issued permits called 'Dastak" to all the ships plying on the waters uner his command. Such ships enjoyed protection from the pirates and unfriendly littoral princely states.Kanhoji's fear was such that ships not carrting his permit were either sunk or held captive. Kanhoji's growing power was unacceptable to the Europeans.They tried to beat his upremacy collectively singly, but never succeeded.
This armada included 10 frigates (Gurabs) carrying cannons ranging from 16 to 30, some of them weighed over 400 tons. Besides these, there were more than 50 ships of tonnage between 60 to 120, carrying 4 to 10 cannons each.Angria's armada was earlier called Shivaji's navy. Kanhoji's officials collected lad revenue for Shivaji from the people in Konkan, who had by this time recognised Kanhoji as if he was the soverign. Kanhoji could easily have become one, but he had steadfast loyalty to the chhatrapati's throne.
When Shahu was freed from the Mughal custody, a controversy ensued between Tarabai and Shahu as regards the true inheritor of the throne. At the time Kanhoji belonged to the Tarabai camp, but the first Peshwa (Prime Minister) Balaji Vishwanath prevailed upon Kanhoji to recognize Shahu as the Chhatrapati. In 1713, Kanhoji and Shahu signed a pact whereby 10 inland forts and 16 sea- forts were acknowledged to be Kanhoji's tutelage. The pact was mutually beneficial as Kanhoji was anointed unquestioned master of Konkan and Shahu was assured safety of Konkan in Kanhoji's able hands. Kanhoji was bestowed the titles of 'Sarkhel' (Admiral) and 'Wazarat-Ma-Aab'.
His stature in Shahu
's Court grew so much that he was consulted in every strategic move, especially against Siddi's of Janjira (Murud).Kanhoji established an ideal statecraft in Konkan of the time. He promoted paddy, salt pans and plantation of timber in a big way. He was also a benefactor to artists and artisans. He opened a primary school for each cluster of 4 to 5 villages, and a hostel for students, within the precinct of Kulaba Fort. He also created markets to facilitate commerce and minted 'Alibaghi Rupaya', his exclusive currency. He also presides over foundation and development of Alibag town.
Kanhoji's persona was formidable- large, well- built man with beard, awe- inspiring face and sharp gaze. He had tremendous patience, poise and perseverance. He excelled in naval as well as land warfare. Apart from being a brave warrior, he was an astute statesman. Historical papers under his hand are testimony to clarity of thought-process and etiquette, tinged with sarcasm.
Kanhoji's reign lasted 36 years. He had three queens, namely Mathurabai, Laxmibai and Gahinabai, six sons and a daughter. He passed away on 4 th July, 1929 at the age of 60, after brief illness. Last rites were performed at Alibag and an imposing tomb (Samadhi) was constructed at the site of cremation, which still stands to sing the ballads.
HOW TO REACH ALIBAG
State transport buses reaching Alibag are aplenty. Some 35-40 buses ply to and from Mumbai. Alibag is also linked by state transport bus to destinations like Thane, Pune, Borivali, Nasik, Kolhapur, Miraj, Jalgaon, Solapur etc. The state transport bus depot provides fairly efficient,in-time bus services.
You can also reach Alibag by sea.Ferry wharf at 'Bhaucha Dhakka' in Mumbai is where launch service to Revas port (17 km from Alibag) is available from 06.00 A.M. to 06.00 P.M. The jouney takes 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The frequency is almost every hour, both ways. The timetable changes slightly to suite high tide and low ebb timings, though there is advance announcement of timetable for the coming week. Reservation facility is also available. The journey is fairly comfortable and is a unique experience. Each launch carries 100- 125 passengers. Tea, cold drinks, snacks are provided on board and also film music is played on the cassette player!
As soon as the ship sets sail, it's a nice sight to watch the Mumbai shore line becoming distant and Uran shore line to the left and Revas shore line to the right drawing nearer. At Rewas port, state transport bus starting point is only a few steps away. The bus takes you to Alibag in about 45 minutes.
The other sea rout to Alibag is from Gateway if India in Mumbai to Mandwa port, 14 km off Alibag.
Private catamaran services run by PNP, Maldar, Ajanya and launch services by Ajanta take you to Mandwa port in 50 to 60 minutes. Your fare includes bus service from Mandwa to Alibag, which takes another 30 minutes or so. You can avail these services except in rainy season.
We are born part of nature and are constantly shapped by Her. Nature's breath-taking beauty, ever changing to the cycle of seasons, is an unending store of delight. That is why, the residents of cities and towns compensate for their displacement from Natural environs by planting flowery saplings in their backyards; and balconies.
In Alibag, you will find yourself in the midst of nature. The evergreen orchards of coconut and betelnut, quiet and refreshing shores of silver sand, huge and old mansions (wadas) as living witnesses of history, structures with a touch of modern artistic architecture, fisher-folk going about their business in the creeks and in the sea in their traditional gear and dresses, multiple locations as photographer's delight- all these experiences is what make Alibag a touris't delight.
To add to the lustre, you will get clean, fresh local vegetables, exotic flowers, tubers, Nature's delicacies like Palm fruit (Tadgola), ocal beans called 'Waal' which have a peculiar and unmistakable flavour,
fresh white onions, local and mouth-watering sweet called 'Naralipaak' watermelons- all these special gifts of nature are yours to take home.Tourists will relish the rides in bullock and horse-carts for a delightful change and their races on clean beachfronts in March- April will be a treat of local skill and adventure.
An urban touris't senses will experience a pure delight in the form of chirping of birds in the orchards, haunting fragrance of flowers and fruits at morning walk on tree lined pathways, the overwhelming and trance-fixing consistency of sound of waves, flourish of ever-changing colors on the vast backdrop of horizon which becomes one with the sea and clean air. All these heavenly delights are yours for free! It is for these delights, that visit to Alibag is an unforgettable experience for scores of domestic and overseas tourists!
Alibaug is an amazing place to get way from the hustle and bustle of a city book your Holiday home here.
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