Kolaba Fort, also known as Alibag Fort, is a remarkable maritime fortification located about 1 to 2 kilometers off the coast of Alibag in the Arabian Sea, Maharashtra, India. This isolated sea fort stands as a symbol of the Maratha Empire’s naval strength and strategic foresight during the 17th century. It was built initially under the reign of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and completed by his son Sambhaji Maharaj, and it holds immense historical, cultural, and architectural significance.
History of Kolaba Fort
The origins of Kolaba Fort date back to the mid-17th century. Construction began in 1652 under Shivaji Maharaj’s direction, who aimed to strengthen his naval defenses against invasions and protect the Konkan coastline from foreign enemies. The fort’s construction was a strategic move to control maritime routes and assert naval dominance. After Shivaji’s death in 1680, his son Sambhaji Maharaj completed the fortification in June 1681. During this time, Kolaba became one of the chief naval stations of the Maratha Empire.
The fort gained further prominence under the leadership of naval admiral Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre, often hailed as the “Shivaji of the Sea.” In the early 18th century, Angre used Kolaba Fort as his main base to launch naval raids primarily against British ships in the Arabian Sea. Despite combined efforts by the British and Portuguese in 1721 to capture Kolaba Fort—with Portuguese forces and British warships attacking jointly—the fort successfully withstood the assault due to its strong defenses.
Location and How to Reach
Kolaba Fort is situated in the Arabian Sea about 1 to 2 km away from the shoreline of Alibag, a coastal town 35 km south of Mumbai in Maharashtra. It is accessible by foot from the Alibag beach during low tide, making for a scenic and adventurous walk across the shallow sea bed. During high tide, visitors need to hire a boat to reach the fort.
Alibag itself is well-connected by road, rail, and air:
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, about 100 km away. From there, visitors can take road transport or a ferry to Alibag.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Pen, which is approximately 28 km from Alibag on the Mumbai-Goa route. From Pen station, taxis and buses are available.
- By Road: Alibag is accessible by bus or car from nearby cities like Mumbai and Pune. Buses operate frequently to Alibag, and the fort lies about 2.5 km from the local Alibag bus stand.
Timings and Ticket Prices
Kolaba Fort is open to visitors every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is advisable to plan your visit during this window to explore the fort comfortably and safely, considering the tides and weather.
Regarding entry fees:
- Indian citizens are charged a nominal fee of around ₹25.
- Foreign tourists are charged a higher fee, roughly ₹300.
- Children under the age of 15 are generally allowed free entry.
The typical duration to explore Kolaba Fort is about 1 to 2 hours, allowing time to admire the fort’s architecture, historical relics, and panoramic sea views.
Features and Attractions Inside the Fort
Though surrounded by the sea, Kolaba Fort displays several interesting features:
- Military Architecture: The fort walls are punctuated by cannon placements, strategically designed bastions, and carved animal motifs like elephants, tigers, and peacocks.
- Freshwater Well: Despite being in the middle of the sea, the fort has a freshwater well inside its premises, an unusual engineering feat and crucial for sustaining the fort during sieges.
- Temples and Religious Sites: The fort houses the Siddhivinayak Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, a temple to the goddess Mahishasura, and a Dargah honoring Haji Kamaluddin Shah. The Ganesha temple built by Raghoji Angre in 1759 remains a place of worship for local fishermen, symbolizing the cultural heritage interwoven with the maritime community.
- Scenic Views: The fort offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the Alibag coastline, making it a favorite spot for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
Best Time to Visit Kolaba Fort
The best time to visit Kolaba Fort is from October to February when the weather is pleasant, and the sea breeze is refreshing. The monsoon season, from June to September, transforms the surrounding landscape into lush greenery, but high tides may restrict access to the fort. Summer months (March to June) can be hot and humid, making sightseeing less comfortable.
Visitor Tips
- It is recommended to wear comfortable footwear since the walk to the fort involves crossing the shallow sea bed during low tide.
- Respect the fort’s heritage by avoiding littering or damaging structures.
- Check local tide timings to ensure safe access on foot.
- There are no official guided tours inside the fort, but local guides are available for hire near the site for those interested in detailed historical information.
Kolaba Fort today stands as a protected monument managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), drawing tourists eager to explore the legacy of the Maratha Navy, experience coastal beauty, and learn about India’s rich maritime history.
This overview of Kolaba Fort highlights its historical significance, strategic location, and practical visitor information — ideal for tourists, students of history, and travelers planning to explore the Konkan coast. Its story is integrally tied to the Maratha Empire’s naval past and continues to inspire through its architectural grandeur and picturesque setting.
