KULABA (Island fort at Alibag) fort : The fort is 1.5 km into the sea from Alibag beach and is in line with the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism's observatory. During the low tide (0600 to 0900 h & 1500 to 1900 h) the eastern side of the fort is clear to approach. British captured the fort in 1840 and a garrison was stationed here for a long time.

It is built on a rock, possibly a spur of the Sahyadris submerged below the seas. Its location is 18 0 37' north, latitude and 72 0 56' east, longitude. It is quite close to the coast at Alibag (properly Shribag) and at low tide one just walks across to the fort. It was very strong fort with high ramparts and seventeen bastions. The main gate faces east and one can see sculptures of tiger, peacock, elephant and animals but these are now becoming indistinct.

The buildings inside as well as some of the fortification have perished. A huge fresh water tank survives but is now in a filthy condition. So also the Ganesh temple, built in 1759 by Kanhoji Angre survives. It is surrounded by a wall and a large number of devotees come to pray at the temple. The idol is made out of white marble. This is worth seeing. Other idols are installed within the temple area. Two smaller temples also exist. Mention should be made of an isolated fortified structure a little distance north of the main fort. This was named Sarjekot and was consider the eighteenth
bastion of Kulaba. The fort has two cannon on wheels.

Entry fee Rs 5 (ASI). At 1500 h one can walk at knee deep water to the fort and at around 1600 h the water fully removed and the sea bed (sand) become visible. It is a nice experience to walk in the sea to the fort. The beach is safe to swim and bath. The Alibaug each is a unique beach in the Konkan area. The fort has four entrances, toilet, observation posts, ruined buildings and three fresh water tanks.

Alibag photos