From the Novu Journal

Stories, events and news from our coastal kitchen in Mandwa.

25 Aug 2026

How to Get to Alibaug from Mumbai: Ferry, Road and What to Do First

The ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa is the fastest way across — here is how the journey works and where to eat the moment you land.

25 Aug 2026

First Time in Alibaug? A Practical Guide to Your First 24 Hours

Where to eat, when to go to the beach, and how to avoid the two mistakes most first-time visitors make.

25 Aug 2026

Where to Eat Near Mandwa Jetty: A Guide for People Who Just Got Off the Ferry

You have just landed, you are hungry, and you do not want to drive 40 minutes. Here is what is actually near the jetty.

25 Aug 2026

Alibaug in the Monsoon: Why the Rainy Season Might Be the Best Time to Visit

Green hills, empty beaches, dramatic skies — and the practical things to know before you go.

25 Aug 2026

Winter in Alibaug: The Best Months for a Coastal Weekend

November through February is peak season here, and for good reason. How to make the most of it.

25 Aug 2026

Summer in Alibaug: How to Enjoy the Coast Without Melting

March to May is hot and humid here. A realistic plan for eating, swimming and staying comfortable.

25 Aug 2026

A Guide to Coastal Seafood in Alibaug: What to Order and Why

Pomfret, rawas, prawns, crab — a plain-English guide to the fish you will see on menus here.

25 Aug 2026

Breakfast by the Coast: Why the First Meal Matters Most on Holiday

The case for a slow, proper breakfast in Alibaug — and what to order.

25 Aug 2026

Sundowners in Alibaug: The Best Hour of the Day on the Konkan Coast

What to drink as the light goes, and why the hour before sunset is worth planning around.

25 Aug 2026

Zero-Proof Drinks: Why Non-Drinkers Deserve Better Than a Lime Soda

Designated drivers, pregnant guests, and anyone taking the night off — a proper drinks list matters.

25 Aug 2026

Planning a Birthday in Alibaug: A Practical Checklist

Everything to sort out before booking a birthday dinner away from the city.

25 Aug 2026

Taking Kids to a Restaurant in Alibaug: What Actually Makes It Work

Space, timing, and a menu children will actually eat — the practical realities of family dining on holiday.

25 Aug 2026

Corporate Offsites in Alibaug: Why Teams Come Across the Water

Close enough to Mumbai for a day trip, far enough that people actually switch off.

25 Aug 2026

Anniversary Dinner in Alibaug: How to Make the Evening Work

Timing, seating and the small details that separate a nice dinner from a memorable one.

25 Aug 2026

Things to Do in Alibaug Beyond the Beach

Forts, markets, birdwatching and quiet corners — what to do when you have had enough sun.

25 Aug 2026

A Perfect Weekend in Alibaug: A Two-Day Plan That Actually Works

A realistic Saturday-and-Sunday itinerary, built around ferry timings and the heat.

25 Aug 2026

Day Trip to Alibaug from Mumbai: Is One Day Enough?

Yes — if you plan around the ferry and accept you will do less than you think.

25 Aug 2026

Do You Need to Book a Table in Alibaug? An Honest Answer

When walk-ins are fine, when they are risky, and how far ahead to plan.

25 Aug 2026

What to Wear in Alibaug: Dressing for Humidity and Sea Breeze

Practical, unglamorous advice about clothes for a coastal weekend.

25 Aug 2026

Alibaug with Elderly Parents: Making the Trip Comfortable

Ferry access, timing, seating and food — planning a trip that works for everyone.

25 Aug 2026

Staying in an Alibaug Villa? You Do Not Have to Eat In Every Night

Villa cooks are lovely for two nights. Here is what to do on the third.

25 Aug 2026

Live Music in Alibaug: What Saturday Nights Are Like at NOVU

What to expect, when to arrive, and whether to bring the kids.

25 Aug 2026

Why Open-Air Dining Suits the Konkan Coast

Sea breeze, evening light, and why eating outdoors here is better than eating indoors.

25 Aug 2026

Konkan Coastal Food: A Short Introduction for Visitors

Coconut, kokum, fresh fish and rice — what defines the cooking of this coastline.

25 Aug 2026

How to Order Seafood Like You Know What You Are Doing

A few simple questions that get you a better plate of fish anywhere on the coast.

25 Aug 2026

Alibaug or Lonavala? Choosing a Weekend Escape from Mumbai

Sea versus hills, ferry versus expressway — an honest comparison for a two-day trip.

25 Aug 2026

Vegetarian and Vegan in Alibaug: Eating Well on a Seafood Coast

The coast is known for fish. Here is how to eat properly if you do not eat it.

25 Aug 2026

Late Dinner in Alibaug: Where to Eat When Everything Else Has Closed

Arriving on a late ferry or finishing a long day — the options thin out after 9pm.

25 Aug 2026

The Best Beaches Near Mandwa: A Short Guide

Which beach suits which mood, and how far each one actually is.

25 Aug 2026

A Big Group in Alibaug: How to Feed Twelve People Without Chaos

Group trips fall apart over food decisions. A few things that prevent it.

25 Aug 2026

What to Eat in Alibaug When It Rains

Monsoon changes what you want to eat. Some suggestions for a wet afternoon.

25 Aug 2026

Working Remotely from Alibaug: Coffee, Wifi and a Change of Scene

A realistic look at getting work done from the coast for a few days.

25 Aug 2026

Alibaug Sunset Spots: Where to Watch the Light Go

The Konkan coast faces west, which makes sunsets its best hour. Where to be.

25 Aug 2026

Alibaug on a Budget: Doing the Coast Without Villa Prices

Alibaug has a reputation for expensive villas. It does not have to be a costly trip.

25 Aug 2026

Is Alibaug Worth Visiting? An Honest Assessment

What Alibaug does well, what it does not, and who will enjoy it.