What to Wear in Alibaug

Dress for the wade

The walk to Kolaba Fort crosses wet sand, rock and shallow water. Even at low tide you may be in water up to your shins or deeper. Wear shorts or trousers you can roll up, and sandals with a strap, not loose flip-flops. Keep your phone in a zip pocket or a small waterproof pouch.

Beaches and boats

On Alibaug Beach and Kihim Beach, a linen shirt, a light co-ord or a cotton dress works well. Bring a hat and sunglasses; there is little shade on the town beach. On the sailboat to Murud-Janjira Fort you may get splashed, so skip anything that stains when wet. Swimwear is fine in the water at resort beaches, but cover up when you walk through villages or into town.

Temples and the Kanakeshwar climb

At Kanakeshwar Temple and the Ganesh temple inside Kolaba Fort, cover your shoulders and knees. You will take your shoes off before the shrine. For the Kanakeshwar steps, wear shoes with grip and breathable clothes; the climb is shaded but steamy, and the stone can be slippery after rain.

Rain from June

The monsoon arrives in early June and is heavy. Pack a light rain jacket, quick-dry trousers and shoes you do not mind soaking. Denim stays wet for a long time in this humidity.

Traditional dress

The nine-yard nauvari saree is draped between the legs like a dhoti, which made it practical for work. Koli fisherwomen along this coast wear their own bright, tightly tied version. For men, a white dhoti or kurta with a coloured pheta (turban) is festival wear. You are most likely to see both during Narali Purnima and Ganesh Chaturthi.

Colours for photos

Against dark sand and grey-green sea, white, coral and aqua stand out. At the forts, rust or terracotta sits well with the old stone.