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| Ganapatipule Beach |
Ganapatipule is a small town located in Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra,It is important to the Indian nationalists as it is the birthplace of the leader Lokmanya Tilak. It is a sleepy village in the Ratnagiri district of southwest Maharashtra in IndiaIt. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever. And traveling by roads is an experience by itself. The vast "Konkan" stretch abounds with scenic greenery. There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. The local vegetation includes fruit bearing trees like mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, coconut, etc. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.
Attractions
Ganapatipule Beach
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| Sun set Ganapatipule Beach |
The Ganapatipule Beach is clean with fine silvery white sand. The beach is not safe for swimming because it contains stretches of rocks. There is also a lagoon. The adventurous tourists can try their hands at balancing a kayak. The place is fit for the entire family to enjoy a holiday or a vacation. At the end of the beach there is a small cliff. The view from atop is really enchanting. Trails of cashew and mango trees can be seen lined along the beach.The visitors can enjoy Marathi vegetarian delicacies at the beach.
Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock.The Swayambhu Ganapati temple (Swayambhu means 'self-made', this is a temple of the self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
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| Swayambhu Ganapati temple |
Thus the village got its name Ganapatipule, Ganapati the lord of the "ganas" or army and "pule" which means sand dunes, Ganapatipule is one of the "Ashta Ganapatis" (eight Ganapatis) of India and is known as "Paschim Dwar Dewata" (the Western Sentinel God).The idol of Ganapati at the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is built of pule which is nothing but white sand and is believed to be self originated - it is not man made.
Another idol of Ganapati which is made of copper is placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum. It depicts the Lord astride on a lion. The idol is so set that at sunrise and sunset, the golden light of the sun penetrates and lights the idol.
The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is about 20 km from the town of Ratnagiri. The rhythmic beat of the nagaras is heard in the early morning. The chaughadas rhythms can be heard in the evenings when the clothes on the idol is changed.
Nearby places To Visit
Jaigad Fort
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| Jaigad Fort |
The Jaigad Fort is a sea fort which is located at the tip of a peninsula in the district of Ratnagiri. The Fort is cuddled on a cliff which overlooks a bay. The bay is formed where the Shastri river enters the Arabian Sea. The Fort is 35 km from Ganapatipule.
Jaigad Lighthouse
The Jaigad light house was built in the year 1832. The Jaigad Lighthouse is situated in one of the bastion. This bastion is known as Siddha Buruj. The Jaigad lighthouse is still functional. It is located on the western edge of the Jaigad Fort. The Jaigad lighthouse is spectacular. It has stood here for years and is still strong now.
Timings
Open 4 - 5 pm, Sunday closed
Malgund
Just a kilometer away from Ganapatipule, Malgund village is the birthplace of the famous Marathi Poet Keshavsoot. This small, yet beautiful village is frequented by visitors who come to take a look at the renovated and converted house of the poet, now a student's hostel. The Maratji "Sahitya Parishad" (Marathi Literature Society) has constructed a beautiful monument salled "Keshavsoot Smarak" in the memory of the great son-of-the soil.
Pawas
Pawas is naturally beautiful and serene. The place is also prominent for the ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians). A visit to the place is a journey through time.
Velneshwar
This small and dreamy village around 170 kms away from Ratnagiri is the place to be for water sports - thanks to its beautiful clean beach and rock - free sea. Also an old Shiva temple near Velneshwar if Frequented by pilgrims and tourists. The whole place is a mystic aura around in the presence of the master mystic, Lord Shiva
Festivals
Two grand festivals are celebrated every year - one is Bhadrapad Shuddha Chaturthi (Ganesh-Chaturthi) and another is Magh Shuddha Chaturthi (Vianayaki Chaturthi).
How To Get There
By Air
The nearest airport is the Ratnagiri airport (50 km). Other airport is at Belgaum (300 km).
By Train
The nearest railhead is the Konkan Railway Bhoke which is located at a distance of 35 km from Ganapatipule. However, Ratnagiri, the convenient railhead is located at a distance of 45 km.
By Bus
Kolhapur - Ganpatipule, 144 kms.
Belgaum – Ganpatipule, 299kms.
Pune – Ganapatipule, 331 kms. Via Satara;
Mumbai – Ganapatipule, 375 kms. Via Mahad. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Ratnagiri to Ganapatipule.
Photo Gallery
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| Veleneshwar Temple |
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