One-Day Alibaug Trip After New Year | Ferry Ride, Kihim Beach & Slow Travel

Spread the love

This Kihim Beach Alibaug trip was planned one day after New Year to avoid crowds. As a result, the experience felt calm right from the start. Instead of rushing through plans, the day moved at a slow and comfortable pace.

Rather than a packed holiday, it stayed a simple one-day escape. At the same time, easy travel and quiet surroundings made it feel refreshing. Because of this timing, Alibaug felt peaceful and relaxed.

This was not a packed holiday. It was a one-day leisure trip — unhurried, relaxed, and refreshingly calm.

Mumbai to Alibaug by M2M Ferry

The M2M Ferry for our journey to Alibaug, and it turned out to be a great choice. No traffic stress, no long road journey — just the sea, the breeze, and a peaceful start to the trip.

Boarding Point: Prince’s Dock, Mumbai

Prince’s Dock is the boarding point for M2M ferries. It is conveniently located near Mazgaon / P D’Mello Road.

The dock is around 30 minutes by cab from Nariman Point. We started our journey around 4:30 PM, and the timing matched perfectly. Evening traffic was manageable, making the start smooth and stress-free.

As the ferry prepared to depart, the surroundings came alive with birds. Dozens of egrets could be seen flying all around — gliding low over the water, circling the dock, and settling briefly before taking off again. The sight added a quiet, natural rhythm to the moment, making the journey feel less like a commute and more like an experience.

Ferry Experience

The ticket price was around ₹690, and the experience still felt surprisingly premium for a short sea journey. It didn’t feel like regular transport — it felt like the holiday had already begun.

What made the M2M ferry special:

  • Spacious open decks with plenty of room to move around
  • Comfortable seating for a relaxed journey
  • Scenic sea views throughout the ride
  • Clean interiors with a calm, unhurried vibe
  • Open deck seating where you can feel the wind and watch the horizon
  • Onboard hotel-style service for snacks and beverages
  • Alcohol is available for purchase separately and is not included in the ticket price
  • Soft music playing in the background, adding to the relaxed atmosphere

The ferry takes approximately one hour to reach Alibaug. With the sea around you and the city slowly disappearing behind, the journey feels less like travel and more like a smooth transition into leisure.

Reaching Mandwa & Short Drive to Kihim

We reached Mandwa around 5:45 PM. The transition from sea to land was quick and effortless.

From Mandwa:

  • Kihim Beach is just 10 km away
  • A short and smooth drive
  • No long travel stress after the ferry ride

This close connectivity is one of Alibaug’s biggest advantages. Within minutes of disembarking, you’re already heading toward quieter, more relaxed spaces.

We took a rickshaw from Mandwa, which cost around ₹350 to reach Kihim Beach. We chose Kihim specifically for its relatively low crowd and calmer atmosphere.

We reached Kihim around 6:30 PM and went straight for an evening walk along the beach. The light was soft, the shoreline was peaceful, and the day ended exactly the way we had hoped — slow and unhurried.

Stay at Kamal Hotel

We stayed at Kamal Hotel, and it matched the mood of the trip perfectly.

What we liked:

  • Surrounded by greenery, away from traffic and noise
  • Calm and peaceful environment throughout the stay
  • Walkable distance from Kihim Beach, making beach visits easy and unplanned
  • Evening snacks arranged by the hotel
  • Karaoke setup for light, optional entertainment
  • Swimming facility to unwind and relax

The place feels warm, simple, and comfortable. Being so close to Kihim Beach adds to the experience — you can step out for a quiet walk anytime without planning transport.

Ideal if your idea of a holiday is peace, not noise — a space to slow down rather than stay busy.

Morning Walk at Kihim Beach

The next morning was the highlight of the trip. We walked from the hotel to the beach — slowly, without any plan or hurry.

Kihim Beach in the morning is:

  • Serene and naturally quiet
  • Clean and well-kept
  • Perfect for long, unhurried morning walks
  • Ideal if you enjoy silence more than selfies

The sound of the waves, the soft early-morning light, and the absence of crowds made it a beautiful start to the day.

Breakfast & Water Sports (Including Speed Boats )

After breakfast, we decided to add a bit of fun to the day. Kihim Beach offers a range of water sports for those who want some action without turning the trip into an adventure marathon.

Water sports available at Kihim Beach include:

  • Speed boat rides
  • Banana boat rides
  • Sailing options
  • Jet ski rides (depending on season and tide conditions)

The speed boat rides were especially enjoyable — quick, exciting, and well-managed. You can choose how much adventure you want, without overdoing it.

The water sports activity area is located near the main entry point of Kihim Beach. While it is walkable, the distance is a bit long, so it’s more convenient to take a vehicle to reach there comfortably.

Lunch & Afternoon Bird Photography

Post lunch, we slowed down again. The afternoon was unhurried, giving us time to simply observe rather than rush from one activity to another.

Alibaug’s greenery and coastal trees attract a wide variety of birds. The quieter areas around Kihim are especially suited for bird photography, away from crowds and noise.

We spent time observing and clicking — not chasing shots, not setting targets. Just waiting, watching, and letting moments come to us naturally. It was a reminder that sometimes the best photographs happen when you stop trying too hard.

kihim beach alibaug trip bird photography"
Red-whiskered Bulbul
kihim beach alibaug trip bird photography"
White-throated Kingfisher
kihim beach alibaug trip bird photography
Common Iora (Aegithina tiphia)
kihim beach alibaug trip bird photography
Jungle Babbler

Return Journey by Road

We left Alibaug around 4:00 PM and returned by car to Navi Mumbai. The drive felt like a gentle transition back to routine, without the usual travel fatigue.

  • Travel time: approximately 2 hours 45 minutes
  • Comfortable road conditions
  • A relaxed end to an otherwise calm trip

Why This One-Day Alibaug Trip Worked So Well

  • Traveling one day after New Year helped avoid peak holiday crowds
  • The M2M Ferry made the journey scenic, smooth, and enjoyable
  • Kihim Beach remained calm and pleasantly uncrowded
  • Kamal Hotel offered peace, greenery, and a simple stay close to the beach
  • A balanced mix of rest, light adventure, and nature kept the trip refreshing

Sometimes, the real luxury is not five stars — it’s space, silence, and the sea breeze.

This Kihim Beach Alibaug trip proved that timing matters more than distance when planning a calm getaway.

However, the real joy came from slowing down. As a result, even small moments felt meaningful. Because of this, the trip stayed calm from start to finish.

If you enjoy slow travel, quiet places, and scenic escapes, you can explore more such stories here: TravelonTales – Scenic Travels

And if your taste leans toward mystery, subtle darkness, and a touch of dark humor, you may enjoy this story: The Cupboard

Scroll to Top