Kolaba Fort , Alibaug - Alibag Fort ,

The Kolaba or Kulaba Fort (or the Alibag Fort) is an old military fortification in India, now turned into a popular tourist destination and a protected monument. Constructed by Shivaji, the Fort was chosen by him to be one of his chief naval stations.

Kolaba Fort is a sea fort built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1652 in the Alibag Beach of the Arabian Sea. The fort has a height of 25 feet and is at a distance of only 2 kma from the Alibag Beach shore. The most interesting feature of the Fort is that despite being a part of a saltwater body, the fort has a fresh-water well. A temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, built by Raghoji Angre in the year 1759, is al

o present in the Fort premises and is still worshipped by the fishermen from the area. The fort also has temples dedicated to Mahishasura and Goddess Padmavati. The Alibag Beach, Versoli Beach and the Akshi Beach are also located nearby and are the pristine, quiet ones.

There are carvings of animals and birds present on the fort walls. Carvings of animals like tigers, peacocks, and elephants can be seen on the entrance arch. Close to the gate, there are temples of Padmavathi and a Mahishasura and other gods along with castle’s main deity.