Kolaba Fort

About:

Kolaba Fort (sometimes Kulaba Fort) is an old military fortification in India. It is situated in the sea at a distance of 1–2 km from the shores of Alibag, 35 km south of Mumbai, in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. The fort was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1652 to keep a check on the activities of the foreign naval powers of English, Portuguese and the Siddhi of Janjira.

The average height of the fort walls is 25 feet. It has two main entrances, one on the sea side and the other towards Alibag. An interesting feature of this fort is that it has freshwater wells in its premises even though it is a seaside fort. In the monsoons, the fort can be reached by wading through waist-deep water at low tide. However, at high tide, boats must be used to reach it.

Visitors can visit the fort only during low tide.The fort consists of sweet water well in the middle. There are many temples and fortifications along guns which face the sea. The fort is 300 years old.

Carvings of tigers, peacocks, and elephants on the entrance arch can be seen. Near the gate there are shrines of Mahishasura and Padmavathi and other gods along with fort deity. A Ganesha temple was built in front of the sweet water tank in 1759.

A token entry fee for the visitors is charged by the Archaeological Survey of India.

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Interesting things to Visit:

• You can also visit Kanakeshwar temple perched on a hill near Mapgaon village, about 12 km away from Alibag and falls on the way to Mandawa.
• If you love the smell of historic towns then you won't regret a visit to Chaul, situated about 15 km away from Alibag. It is famous for its Portuguese ruins, an old church, a synagogue, Buddhist caves, the Hamam Khana and a temple.
• About 20 km away from Alibag is Vikram Vinayak Temple or Birla Temple, Salav, you will also enjoy Janjira, the legendary fort situated not very far from Alibagh.
• Kanakeshwar forest:
  Adventure lovers and nature lovers can set out for an excursion in this forest. Even though the forest is lush green in nature, due to its depth, it remains dark even during bright sunny days. Leopards, wild boars and poisonous snakes are the rightful owners of the forest. Guides are not available here and visitors can tour this forest at their own risk.
• Khanderi fort:
  Built in 1678, the fort was captured by the British in 1750 after many attempts. The fort stands on a small island out to sea. The lighthouse here was constructed later. The Bombay Port Trust takes care of the fort currently. With prior permission from the Port Trust, tourists can visit the fort.
• Kihim beach:
  This beach is not much explored. This secluded beach is a haven for nature lovers and bird watchers. The thick clumps of green coconut trees, rare floras, butterflies and birds are the inhabitants of the beach. Kihim beach is 12 km away from Alibaug beach.
• Vrindavan farm:
  Sprawling over 28 acres of area, this farm has a huge collection of plants. The count says 70,000 and more plants. Crotons, cacti, mango, guava, and custard apple are some of the plants grown here. It is located near the Kanakeshwar forest.
• Kanoji Angre Samadhi
  Just 5 minutes walk from S.T. stand this samadhi is next to market. Kanoji Angre had established Alibag city in Shivaji’s time
• Murud & JanjiraMurud
  Murud & JanjiraMurud lies 50kms from Alibag.Janjira, near Murud, is amongst the more hardy forts that the Konkan coast is gilded with. The Arabian Sea crashes relentlessly all around the fort, which lies 2 km into the ocean . Murud was the 15-16th century capital of the Siddis of Janjira. This indomitable fortress inspired the Maratha chieftain Shivaji to launch several attacks, but the fort remained unconquerable to the last.
• Agarkot
  Near Revdanda, Approx. 18 Km away from Alibag.
• Khanderi-Underi
  Small Sea forts, 5 km. away from Alibag.
• Sagargad
  Near Tinvira - Approx. 10 km away from east Alibag.
  
  

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

• Kihim Beach
• Nagaon Beach
• Akshi Beach

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

• Shree Holiday Resorts
• Resorts In Alibagh

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Nearest Hospital:

• RCF Hospital
  
• Saroj Tamboli Memorial Hospital
  
• Dhamankar Hospital
  
• KESCH Keluskar Hom Medical College & Hospital