Maharashtra is a fascinating state dotted with some incredible historic forts. There are forts standing proudly on hilltops, and then there are forts in Maharashtra that make you wait for the mighty sea to allow you permission to explore. This is my experience visiting one of the lesser-known gems in Alibag named Kolaba Fort which is over 350-year-old! It was not another sightseeing trip. It remains one of the most intriguing trips of my life where the journey is as fascinating as the destination itself. This place feels like entering into another realm, a forgotten kingdom which only reveals itself only for a few hours every day, that too with the permission of the sea.My visit to the Kolaba Fort
Fort’s Entrance
Kolaba Fort is just off the coast of Alibaug. It’s a 17th-century sea fort which is among Maharashtra’s most unique historical attractions. Unlike most forts which you simply drive to or hike to, Kolaba Fort offers a different journey experience. It can only be reached during low tide. As the Arabian Sea recedes, a natural pathway emerges, allowing visitors to walk—or better yet, ride in a traditional horse cart—across the exposed seabed. It is that unusual journey which makes the experience memorable.When the sea became our road
Sunset by the sea
We planned our visit around the tide timings, in the evening. Something every traveller must do before heading to Kolaba Fort. Missing the low tide window means the sea swallows the route once again and reaching this strategically located fort gets impossible.As we reached Alibaug Beach, dozens of colourful horse carts waited near the shoreline. Since I was travelling with my toddler, I dodged the idea of waking and decided to take the horse ride. My baby was super excited looking at the horses. The ride quickly became the highlight of the day
The fort gate, horse ride and old temple inside
Our little one couldn’t stop laughing as the horse trotted across the wet sand, occasionally getting scared too. The horse and the endless Arabian Sea stretched out on both sides. It felt surreal—travelling where, just hours earlier, waves were crashing!It’s rare to find a destination so rare, so beautiful, so otherworldly! For a moment, I felt transported in the Victorian Era where horse rides were the only mode of transport.A fort built to guard the Maratha coast
Kolaba Fort
Kolaba Fort is another stunning example of Maratha power. It was commissioned by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the late 17th century and was later strengthened under the command of the legendary Maratha naval chief Kanhoji Angre, also known as the “Admiral of the Maratha Navy.”In those days, the fort served as a significant naval base. It was built to protect the Konkan coastline against the Portuguese and British. The strategic location of the fort made it a formidable maritime defence post. Even today, standing atop its weathered ramparts, it’s easy to imagine watchmen scanning the horizon for approaching enemy vessels. Today, much of the fort continues to stand remarkably intact.Old temples, ruins and a sunset to remember
Sunset by the temple
Stepping through the massive entrance feels like being inside another era. The atmosphere was surprisingly peaceful when we got in. Ancient stone pathways wind through ruined structures, open courtyards and weathered bastions overlooking the sea. Unlike crowded tourist attractions in Maharashtra, Kolaba Fort still remains mostly untouched.One of the most fascinating aspects of the fort is its old temples. The centuries-old Padmavati Temple attracts devotees, while the Mahishasuramardini Temple adds to the spiritual atmosphere inside the fort. There is also a freshwater well inside the fort.But what left me mesmerised was the sunset views from the fort. It’s difficult to express what I felt in that moment looking at the sun going down with the sea in the background. Mystical, otherworldly and so much more! My toddler sat in my lap there for a long time as he too was enjoying the solitude. Kolaba Fort leaves an impression because of its setting
Sea food
Soon it was time for us to go back. As the tide slowly begins to return, you realise that this island will soon become inaccessible and it’s not allowed to stay there. The silence, the sea breeze, the oldness of the place and the knowledge that nature controls access to this historic monument create an almost mystical atmosphere.How to planThe fort generally remains accessible only during low tide. In practice, most people complete their visit by around 6:00–7:00 PM, depending on the day’s tide schedule. Visitors can either walk the roughly one-kilometre stretch from Alibaug Beach or hire one of the horse carts. Families with young children or elderly travellers are advised to take the service of horse-carts. For me, the horse-cart ride was an unforgettable memory.If you’re planning a weekend escape to Alibag, make sure to add this sea fort on your itinerary.(Picture credit: Priya Srivastava, TOI)
