Ganapatipule
Overview
Ganapatipule is located in a small district Ratnagiri in the state of Maharashtra. The main city is located at a distance of 45 km from Ganapatipule. The temple town is well connected to the rest of the nation through Ratnagiri. The railway station at Ratnagiri on the Konkan Railway network is well connected with the rest of the nation. There is a well laid and well-connected road network that links Ratnagiri with the rest of the region. The buses ply at regular intervals from Mumbai (292 kms), Pune (238 kms), Lonavala (228 kms), Kolapur (149 kms), Belgaum (270 kms), Panaji (235 kms), etc. The nearest airport serving to Ganapatipule is located in Kolhapur at a distance of 149 km; whereas the nearest International airport is the Panaji in Goa (235 km).
Distances from Ganapatipule
Pune 238 km
Lonavala 228 km
Kolapur 149 km
Panaji 235 km
Mumbai 292 km
Belgaum 270 km
How to Reach Ganapatipule by Airways: The nearest airport to Ganapatipule is Ratnagiri Airport (non-operational condition) and Kolhapur Airport.
How to Reach Ganapatipule by Railways: The nearest railway station to Ganapatipule is the Konkan railway station at a distance approx. 45 KM
How to Reach Ganapatipule by Road: There are no direct buses to Ganapatipule and can take the bus from Ratnagiri, Mumbai and the rest of Maharastra to Ganapatipule.
Driving Directions
Ganapatipule is an aloof beach graced by the presence of Lord Ganapati temple. Nestled in Maharashtra, Western India, this region is flocked by millions of travelers every year. Jaigad Fort, Jaigad Light House, Swayambhu Ganapati Temple are the well-known attractions in the region that can be explored by travelers while on a visit to Ganapatipule. The 400-year-old Ganapati temple is situated at this place. The self-created idol of the Swayambhu Ganesha manifests the divine healing powers. The pilgrims visit this destination to take the blessings of the Lord. Also known as the best weekend tourist spot, Ganapatipule is visited by millions of travelers every year looking forward to enjoying the adventure activities.
The nearest aerodrome to Ganapatipule is Ratnagiri airport which is 50 Km from it. The other airports that are 100 to 200 kilometers away from Ganapatipule include Kolhapur Airport(124 Km), Lohegaon Aiport(174 Km), Dabolim Aiport, Goa(206Km), and Chatrapati International Aiport(221Km). The travelers can reach this airport by boarding a taxi or bus. The other easiest and reasonable mode of transport to reach Ganapatipule is trained. The nearest railhead to Ganapatipule is Konkan railhead Bhoke and the Ratnagiri railway station which is 18 Km away from this main sanctum. Mondovi Express, Goa Sampark Kranti Express and the Karwar Express are the trains that link Ganapatipule with cities like Panjim and Mumbai. The travelers who are traveling by road can take state transport buses from Mumbai(375Km) and Pune(330 Km). The major state highway(MSH 4) and MDR 37 are the two road links which provide the best connectivity to the self-driven vehicles.
There is not much to see in Ganapatipule. One can see the whole place in one day. But if some one wishes to stay for a couple of days for meditation and relaxation then Ganpatipule is the perfect destination. Ratnagiri is the district town of Ganpatipule (45 kms) and has a lot of places to visit. Ratnagiri is the nearest station serving to Ganpatipule. Most of the people visiting Ganpatipule prefer to stay at Ratnagiri.
Attractions in Ganapatipule
Malgund Prachin Konkan
Jaigarh fort Bhatye Beach Bhandarpule
Thibaw Palace Karhateshwar Place of Lokmanya Tilak
Fort Ratnagiri and Bhagwati Temple
Swayambhu Ganapati Temple: The temple is known for the distinctive idol of Lord Ganapati. It is believed that the idol has originated itself and is not man-made hence it is known as “Swayambhu” which means self-originated. The temple is believed to be about 400 years ago and is constructed on the foothills of a small hillock. A pradakshina (circumference) of the hill is taken instead of just of the temple. The pradakshina or the walk of 1 km is interestingly Ganapati Shaped. It is believed that Pradakshina is a way of paying homage and showing respect to the deity. It is said that Ganpatipule is one of the eight significant Ganapati's (Ashta Ganapatis) of India. The idol of Ganapati is made of copper.
Malgund : is a small village located at a distance of 1 km from Ganpatipule. Malgund, the small peaceful village is the birthplace of the famous Marathi poet, Krushnaji Keshav Damle (Keshavsoot). The house of the poet was renovated recently and has now been converted into a student’s hostel. A beautiful monument has been constructed by the Marathi Sahitya Parishad (Marathi literature society) in the memory of Keshavsoot known as the Keshavsoot Smarak. Utensils of the 19th century are preserved in the house. There is a gallery providing information and collection of all great Marathi Poets, there is also a small reading hall in the library.
Prachin Konkan: Entry Fee: Rs 15. Timings: 8.30 am to 6 pm through the week Another place for which Malgund is known for is the Prachin Konkan (Ancient Konkan). It is an open-air museum showing our old culture, basically old customs of Konkan areas. The museum is spread over an area of 3 acres on a hillside. The museum was constructed by a 27-year-old resident of Ganpatipule, Vaibhav Sardesai.
Jaigarh Fort: The fort is located on a cliff at the entrance of the Sangameshwar River, 30 km from Ganpatipule. The fort was built in the 17th century to guard the Jaigarh port. The fort offers a beautiful view of the sea. Some people still inhabit the fort. The view of the Sangameshwar River meeting up with the Arabian Sea is totally astonishing. Vehicles can reach up to the main entrance of the fort by a motorable road. There is a deep pit surrounding the fort on the eastern and northern sides. There are some rooms in the eastern part of the fort with some wells ranging depth of 75 to 100 feet. All the wells consist of a huge stock of drinkable water.
Bhatye: is a small village sited at a distance of 1 km from Ratnagiri. The village is known for its flat and straight 1.5 km long beach. The beach lies on the way to Pawas from Ratnagiri. The beach is visited by the tourists to see its black sand. There are regular buses run by MSRTC to Bhatye from Mumbai. The beach is not well maintained and is a bit dirty as compared to other beaches of the state. A beach is a favorite place for people who love Chat (snacks) Items.
Bhandarpule: is located at a distance of 3 km from Ganpatipule. Bhandarpule is known for its beautiful beach. The beach is less crowded and clean than Ganpatipule. It’s not permitted to swim into the water at the beach as the water is very deep. A beautiful view of the Ganpatipule and Bhandarpule beach can be seen from the viewpoint at the top of the hill before descending to Bhandarpule.
The Thebaw Palace: was constructed in 1910 – 1911 when the king and Queen of Myanmar were dethroned and were exiled. They stayed here in the palace from 1911 till there died in 1916. The palace was built under King’s supervision. The five years of their stay at the palace have been immortalized on the walls of their tombs. A constant debate is going between the government and private authorities to convert the palace into a regional museum and a heritage hotel.
Karhateshwar: Devsthan is located at a distance of 30 km from Ganpatipule is a small village, Nandiwade near Jaigarh fort. This wooden structured temple was constructed during the reign of Shilaharas. During the night the temple is closed for the visitors.
Home Of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak: The house where the freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born is now declared and maintained as a national monument. He was born on 26th July 1856 in the house. It was Lokmanya Tilak who gave the slogan that "Self rule is my birthright and I will achieve it. There is a full-sized statue of the freedom fighter erected. Lokmanya Tilak stayed in the house till 1866.
Ratnagiri Fort: The Fort is located on a hill by the seashore. The fort is constructed in the shape of half Circle like horseshoe. The fort is built on an area of 120 acres and is surrounded by sea from three sides. There is a lighthouse constructed on the western end of the fort. The main part of the fort has a Devi Bhagwati temple. There is also a small tank and a deep well in the fort premises. During the Navratri’s a ten-day festival is organized at the fort.
Kiomoi Must Dos
Try local mango products: There are a few shops near the Main Swayambhu temple that serve mango products. The products are made of local mangoes. One should try the aam papad, also one should buy decorative made from mango tree wood and seeds.
Take a walk: Take a walk down the walkway along the tree-lined boulevards along the hill. The walkway consisting of coconut palms, casuarinas, and mango, jackfruit and other fruit trees suddenly emerges onto a cliff with the blue sea below.
Shopping: the region is famous for its finest horticultural fruits. One should shop for the fruits like jackfruit, cashewnuts, coconuts etc. also the world famous variety of mangoes - the Devgad `hapus` mango is found here.
Visit Patit Pawan Mandir: The temple is one of its kinds. It’s the first temple to be built for non – Brahmins by S. Savarkar at Ratnagiri.
Visit Lokmanya`s house: Ratnagiri is also known to be the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, one of the well-known freedom fighter of India. -`Tilak Smarak` (Tilak Monument) is constructed at his place.
Picnic: Jaigad fort is a perfect place to picnic. The fort is located on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Sangameshwar River converging into the Arabian Sea.
Try the local stuff: One should try the local Kokum Sherbet, sweet and sour drink with mesmerizing pink color. Also, try the local sweets made of Besan and Coconut especially the Coconut Laddus.
Splash in the water: A water sports center has been build by MTDC complete with water scooters, boats, kayaks, etc. Have a splash in the water.
Watch the sunset: the sunset here is very beautiful, spilling its rich orange and golden color over the gentle, white-fringed waves. Seeing sunsets over here is considered to be special.
Try the Maharashtrian Thalis: One should also try the local Maharashtrian Thalis served at several restaurants. The Thalis comprise of four roti’s, five types of vegetables, rice, dal, curry, papad, sweet, fried bhujias and taak (buttermilk).
There are several good options to dine at in Ganapatipule. Non-vegetarian food is not served at the places of religious importance but its opposite in the case of Ganpatipule. Good non-vegetarian food is served at the restaurants. There are few options around the MTDC resort. One of such options is the local Khanaval just outside the MTDC Resort run by Kelkars. Many such Khanaval have now sprung up in Ganpatipule and they offer good and genuine Konkani vegetarian food cooked with the typical flavors of coconut, coriander, lime and goda- masala (a spice blend). There is also a MTDC restaurant which serves quality food at reasonable prices. The specialty of the region is the Modak, a dish made up of rice, coconut and jaggery sweet.
There are homes which are now turned into tiny lodges and restaurants. At Ganpatipule a variety of local preparations are served like ambapoli (thin pancakes of crushed and dried mango) and phanspoli (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit). All kind of food is available in Ganpatipule like Chinese, Continental, and Punjabi etc but they specialize in Konkani cuisines
Ganapatipule does not put forward much of the shopping offers. Ganapatipule has no shopping centers or malls but have local markets which on offer have goods more than of your basic requirements. You can buy many items to take back home some as souvenirs which include artifacts made of seashells. There are several household and ornamental items made of seashells and are sold here. Kala Niketan just opposite MTDC hotel is famous for its beautiful handicraft items.You can also buy the luscious and scrumptious Konkan products like canned Aamras, jackfruit wafers, kokum sherbet, kokum's, ambapoli (dry mango chapati), fanaspoli (dry jackfruit chapati), cashew nuts, etc. The Konkan region is blessed with several horticultural fruits. During the Summers the region is best known for the variety of mangoes, in fact, the world-famous variety of mango - the devgad ‘hapus’ is found here. One should buy some mangoes, cashew nuts, coconuts, etc.
Dongre’s is the main market of Ganpatipule and is a good place to buy Konkani goods. A recommended must buy is kokum sherbet, which is a sweet-sour drink with mesmerizing pink color. One can also buy the assorted pilgrim – ware which Is available in a row of shops outside the temple.
