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Maharashtra Tourism --- The Offical website of the Maharashtra Tourism
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Ganapatipule is one of the most spectacular beaches
along the Konkan Coast - an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach
lovers, and pilgrims alike.
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| 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. |
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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. |
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The nearest airport is Kolhapur, serviced
by Air Deccan. |
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The nearest railhead is Bhoke, on the Konkan
Railway. However, Ratnagiri is more convenient. |
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Mumbai-Ganapatipule (via Mahad) is 375 kms.
Pune-Ganapatipule (via Satara) is 331 kms. Kolhapur-Ganaptipule is 144 kms. |
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| MTDC Holiday Resort |
Self-contained A/C /
Non-A/C rooms & Konkani House A/C / Non-A/C rooms. |
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| Reservation |
Online booking is available or you can
also book at Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Goa Pune, Kolhapur,
Ganapatipule and other MTDC Reservation Offices. |
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| (Besides the MTDC Holiday Resort, there are many
hotels, resort and guesthouses in Ganapatipule offering various accommodation
facilities.) |
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| 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. |
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