Korlai is basically divided in 2 parts -the Christians (and few Hindus) living in Top village and the Hindus (Kolis) and Muslims living in the down village. The community locations are separated by a small village road. Beyond the village is the Arabian Sea and over here lies the Korlai Fort and a Light House on a hillock. The Christians speak Portuguese and can understand Marathi.
The top village has the Mount Carmel Church and school. Sometimes the priest (just 1) provides stay for visitors. The main graveyard is in the church compound but due to lack of space they have a recent one on top of the hill close by near the bus stand. Around that place the sisters of St. Mary (blue saari sisters) run a children's orphanage and higher than that they have erected a BIG CROSS (from where you can get the entire view of Korlai). There are 2 other age-old nun congregations (known as dress wali sisters-who look after school matters and the saari wali sisters who run the local dispensary [this place is also worth visiting]). They belong to the order of the Poor Sisters of Our Lady (PSOL). There is a guest house and restaurant the spot where you get down at Korlai.
The top village has 3 main Crosses (now 4 due to population growth ) installed in 3 different areas where they have daily Rosary at 7pm and in church too at the Grotto. There is also the naka (meeting point of 3 or more roads) where Kolis from down village come to sell fish. Its the main centre for NEWS of the village (s).
3rd May-Holy Cross feast. 5th may-Mai de Deus (Mother of God) feast. 16 July is feast of Mount Carmel (Parish feast). 18th August-feast of St. Rock (celebrated by women of the village) & many more feasts.
The latest news is that they are re-building the St. Matthew's Church at the Korlai Fort. There is a good track made for climbing the fort easily. I suppose the work has been carried out by an NGO. (I guess it is done!)
The orphanage known as Sr. Isabel's Orphanage is there for the street girl kids who have no one to care for. It is run by the order of Sisters of Peace or Shanti Bhagini (In Marathi).
As for now, the beach is a mess. Some authorities need to look into the matter soon.
Reaching Korlai:
You can catch a State Transport or Delux bus from Bombay Central/ Borivali/ Thane/ Kalyan/ Pune,etc. to Murud For Bombay/ Borivali/ Thane/ Kalyan buses.
The first halt is Panvel (which is about 1 and 1/2 hour away from Bombay Central) by bus. Next halt is Pen(which is 45 mins from Panvel), then Alibaug (1hr from Pen) & Last is Revdanda (45 mins from Alibaug). Its 20 mins away from Revdanda on the way to Murud/ Kashid Beach. The neighbouring villages are Borli-Mandla, Revdanda and Saalav.
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