Ganapatipule

Ganapatipule is one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast – an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike.

The temple of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesh is much frequented by thousands every year. The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who visit Ganapatipule, make it a point to pay their respects to this great deity. Aside from its clean beach and clear waters, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms. Here, you can leave the hectic world behind as you laze around on golden sands or explore the many trails that lead from the beach. Around Ganapatipula Malgund is a small village about 1 km. away from Ganapatipule, and the native place of the famous Marathi poet, Kavi Keshavsoot. You can visit the poet’s house, which has been renovated and converted into a students’ hostel. The memorial to the poet, built by the Marathi Sahitya Parishad, is also worth a visit. Velneshwar: The beautiful village of Veineshwar, situated north of the Shastri River, has its own peaceful, coconut-fringed beach, where one can relax in tranquility. The village comes alive each year during the Maha Shivaratri fari, when pilgrims in large numbers visit the Old Shiva Temple. Ratnagiri: About 25 km away from Ganapatipule lies the district headquarter town, Ratnagiri. The region has a long illustrious past and is even mentioned in Indian mythology as the place where the Pandavas settled after their 13-year pilgrimage. There are three main attractions here: The Thibaw Palace, the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and the Patit Pawan Mandir. The Thibaw Palace is where Thibaw, the last king of Burma, was incarcerated by the British in 1885. Ratnagiri was also the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, one of India’s greatest freedom fighters. His house, now a memorial called The Lokmanya Tilak is diligently maintained by the local community. The Patit Pawan Mandir is a much revered temple, as it is the first place of worship built for non-Brahmins by the revolutionary leader, Veer Savarkar. Today, Ratnagiri is a bustling agricultural town and also one of India’s important ports in the western region.

Jaigad Fort Resting on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river just 35 km away from Ganapatipule, is Jaigad Fort. This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea and an almost unique view of Konkan village life.

Pawas Besides its scenic natural beauty and serenity. Pawas is well-known for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharshtrians). A visit to this place is truly a journey through time.

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Location: Ganapatipule is approximately 375 km. south of Mumbai, along the Konkan Coast.

Languages spoken: Marathi is the most widely spoken language. Hind and English are understood and spoken by many.

Climate and clothing: The climate is moist and humid but the air is invigorating and free of pollution. From March, the temperature starts rising but rarely crosses 380 C. May is the hottest month. The monsoon lasts from June to October. Rains are usually plentiful and regular. The winter season is perhaps the most pleasant with temperatures dropping at nights. Loose cottons and light woolens during winter nights are recommended. Don’t forget to carry your swim wear.

Local Festivals: Many festivals are celebrated along the Konkan Coast. Among the most significant are Gauri Ganapti and Magh Chaturthi (the fourth day of the lunar month of Magh, believed to be the birth date of Lord Ganapati). Other festivals like Holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are also celebrated with equal fervor, and to be here during this time is an experience in itself.

Shopping and food: Ganapatipule offers a variety of local preparations, like ambapoli (thin pancakes of crushed and dried mango) and phanspoli (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit). Fish curries and the kokam kadi (a pink – coloured digestive drink) are also worth trying. Vegetarians can feast on simple, yet tasty, fare: dal, vegetables prepared with a coconut base and modak – a sweet (and a favourite dish of Lord Ganesh). If you’re here in summer you can also relish Devgad Hapus, the most famous variety of mangoes in the world.

Getting There

The nearest airport is Kolhapur, serviced by Air Deccan. The nearest railhead is Bhoke, on the Konkan Railway. However, Ratnagiri is more convenient. Mumbai-Ganapatipule (via Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune-Ganapatipule (via Satara) is 331 kms. Kolhapur-Ganaptipule is 144 kms.

Where To Stay

MTDC Holiday Resort Self-contained rooms (84 blocks). Konkani House Deluxe A/C / Non-A/C (12 blocks).

Check- out time 9.00 am

Reservation Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Goa Pune, Kolhapur, Ganapatipule and other MTDC offices.

(Besides the MTDC Holiday Resort, there are many hotels, resort and guesthouses in Ganapatipule offering various accommodation facilities.)

Also Visit...

Marleshwar, 60 km. from Ganapatiple, is famous for its Shiva temple and waterfall. Derwan, 85 km from Ganapatipule, ius well known for its Shiv Shristi (and exhibition on Chhatrapati Shivaji). Parshuram, 112 km from Ganapatipule, is known for the Parshuram temple source http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Beaches/Beaches.aspx?strpage=Ganapatipule_beaches.html