The short answer
Underi Fort: what visitors should know first
Worth an hour if you are in Alibaug for multiple days and want to escape the main beaches. It is smaller and less impressive than Kolaba Fort, so do not make it a standalone trip. Pair it with Phond Fort or a longer beach walk.
Useful facts
Underi Fort facts at a glance
- Location
- Alibaug shoreline, south-west towards Revdanda
- Type
- Fort
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Morning tide for easier access to the base; October to March for heat-free exploration
Why it matters
Why Underi Fort is worth your time
Underi is one of several small fortifications built along the Konkan to guard fishing grounds and anchorages. It predates the larger British-era ports and shows the older logic of coastal settlement: small, distributed forts rather than large centralised ports. Its ruin reinforces that these defences were eventually superseded by larger colonial structures. Visiting unrestored forts like Underi helps you understand how the Konkan coast was militarised and then abandoned as political control shifted.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
From Alibaug Beach or the bazaar, hire a local guide or walk south-west along the beach towards Revdanda. The fort sits on a small promontory reachable by wading a short distance at low tide. The stone is slippery, so wear shoes with grip.
Once inside, the structure is fragmentary: sections of wall, crenellations and the remains of a gun platform. The views across Alibaug Beach and towards Kolaba Fort are the reward. Unlike the better-preserved forts, Underi does not have a narrative of restoration or museum display; it is rougher and less curated, which gives it character.
Walk the rampart edge and sit for a while. The lack of crowds makes it a good spot to imagine coastal defence in the pre-colonial and Mughal era.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check tide times before visiting; low tide gives the easiest wading
- Shoes with grip are essential on wet stone
- Bring water; there are no facilities on the fort
- A local guide familiar with the shoreline adds confidence
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Alibaug shoreline, south-west towards Revdanda
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Best time
- Morning tide for easier access to the base; October to March for heat-free exploration
- Walking level
- Moderate
- Senior comfort
- The approach involves wading through shallow water for part of the year, and the fort's interior has uneven stone surfaces and no stairs. Older visitors can walk the perimeter and enjoy views without climbing.
- Tickets and access
- No ticket or formal entry. It is a ruined site maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Underi Fort
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The approach involves wading through shallow water for part of the year, and the fort's interior has uneven stone surfaces and no stairs. Older visitors can walk the perimeter and enjoy views without climbing.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is Underi Fort worth visiting if I am seeing Kolaba Fort?
If you have time and enjoy ruins, yes. It is smaller and rougher, but its isolation and beach walk make it a different experience.
Can you drive up to Underi Fort?
No. You walk along the beach or wade from the shoreline. No vehicle access.
What is the best time to visit Underi?
Low tide for easier wading, and the cooler months of October to March for comfortable exploration.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
