Set out early from Pune after coffee and breakfast—take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway then the scenic NH66 route toward Alibag, stopping for a quick stretch and masala chai at Khalapur. Arrive in Alibag mid-morning and head straight to Varsoli Beach for a leisurely walk and some time on the sand; you can rent an umbrella and sample fresh bhel or coconut water from the local stalls.
After lunch at Mandwa or a seaside cafe (try fish thali at Sanman or a seafood platter at The Kinara), visit Kolaba Fort during low tide and explore its ramparts and tidal pools while learning about Maratha history. If time permits, detour to Alibag’s Baug or Nagaon Beach for a short swim or water-sport session such as banana-boat rides and jet-skiing.
Return to town as the sun lowers and enjoy sunset views from Dolphin View Point or the beachfront promenade, then wander through the local market to pick up chivda and coastal spices. Cap the night with a relaxed dinner at a beachside restaurant, sampling local pomfret or prawn curry, and plan tomorrow’s full day exploring Alibag’s beaches and Kolaba Fort in more depth.
Wake up to sea breezes and head to Varsoli Beach for a peaceful morning walk and some breakfast at a shack—try fresh coconut water and a masala pav or local bhaji. From there stroll or take a short drive to the bustling Alibag market to pick up snacks like chivda and freshly fried bhel before boarding the public boat or hiring a short motorboat ride to Kolaba Fort when the tide permits.
Spend the afternoon thoroughly exploring Kolaba Fort’s ramparts, sea-girt bastions and tidal pools while a guide or informational plaques fill in Maratha-era stories; bring water and comfortable shoes for the uneven surfaces. Return to shore for a late seafood lunch at Sanman or The Kinara, sampling pomfret fry or prawn curry with rice, then relax on Nagaon Beach where you can swim, rent a jet-ski, or try banana-boat rides if you’re up for some adrenaline.
As the sun begins to sink, head to Dolphin View Point or the Alibag promenade for a golden-hour walk and photos, followed by a leisurely browse of souvenir stalls for spices and coconut-based sweets. Finish the day with a beachfront dinner—order a thali or tawa fish at a seaside restaurant—and enjoy a quiet nightcap while planning tomorrow’s drive to Murud and the famous Murud-Janjira Fort.
Leave Alibag after an early breakfast and a final stroll along Varsoli or Nagaon, then drive south along the coastal road toward Murud (allow ~1.5-2 hours). On arrival, park near Murud beach and take the short boat ride from the jetty to the famed Murud-Janjira Fort—explore its towering sea-facing walls, cannon emplacements and inner courtyards while a local guide or signboards bring 17th-18th century Maratha and Siddhi history to life.
Return to shore for a leisurely late lunch at one of Murud’s seafood restaurants—try the bombil (Bombay duck), pomfret curry or konkan-style prawn thali at places like Hotel Kesari or Goan Spice. After eating, relax on Murud Beach, swim in the calm bay, or rent a kayak/stand-up paddleboard to glide along the shoreline and admire the fort from the water.
As evening falls, stroll the palm-lined promenade and catch the sunset over the Arabian Sea, with the silhouette of Janjira in the distance, then sample local snacks such as fried fish and sol kadi from a beachside stall. Finish the night with a quiet dinner at your hotel or a seaside eatery, packing up at a relaxed pace if you plan to return toward Pune the next morning.