Ganpatipule

Distance   311 km

District   Ratnagiri

Category   Beach

Overview

Your year long yearning to spend your holiday in a land of utopia is only a whisker away. The mesmeric setting of Ganpatipule with its sun bathed dazzling beach, hue colored aquatic splendor, the sporting waves on sand banks and murmuring fresh breeze fulfills all your visual appetite to the utmost. Anything said about Ganpatipule is not sufficient for a place enriched with such natural adornment.
Located at Ratnagiri district in Maharashtra and flanked by the Konkan coast it is a little town bearing the rich cultural heritage and history of the land. It is said to have heard in folklores, the Hindu God Ganapati settled in Pule from his prior resident Gule being insulted by a local lady. From this incident the place inherits its name. The other interesting point to know on Ganpatipule is the far-extended beach that covers almost 12 km.
Besides, one of the eight Ganapatis of India it is also famed as ‘Paschim Dwar Dewata’, which means unlike other Hindu deities who face the East it is an exception and faces the West to watch over the western gates. The western coast enclosed by abundant fruits like jackfruit, mango, coconut, betel nut and banana, is simply blissful. The true worshippers embark on a “Pradakshina” (to show obeisance) about Ganapatipule hill where the temple is situated.
There are other places of historic importance like Bhandarpule, just about 3kms away from Ganpatipule. It is also a sizzling beach with high tides. Malgund is the birthplace of ‘Kavi Keshavsut’, the celebrated Marathi poet. Jaygard fort 25 kms away from Ganpatiule was built for the purpose to protect the port. There are also more about Ganpatipule like Velneshwar and Pawas whose scenic extravaganza can’t be penned in trifle words and must need a visit to witness them with your own eyes.

Places of Interest

The Ganpati temple at Ganpatipule is a 'Swayambhu' Ganpati temple and the whole hill is considered as a ganpati. A lot of people visit Ganpatipule and it is becoming a hot tourist destination.
The temple here is very beautiful and recently it was renovated. Every year in the months of February and November the sunrays fall directly on the ganpati idol.
The beach at Ganpatipule stretches for 12 kms. and is a very beautiful white sand beach. However caution should be taken before entering the sea as lot of people die every year because of drowning. The MTDC has a very good resort near the beach.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Ganpatipule is set in such a fashion that it is in accordance with the budget of every length. You really don’t have to ponder much over the amenities they offer. To be precise, they are impeccable. There are several quality accommodations at Ganpatipule which are commendable for their highly professional hotel staffs and managements to cater visitors with the best possible service. We can start with Shiv Sagar Palace, which overlooks the Arabian Sea with matchless luxury. The rooms are airy and embellished with traditional pieces. Both air-conditioned, non air-conditioned rooms and suites are present to comply with a wide range of tourists varying in budget. Other facilities embrace attached bathrooms, STD.

How to Reach

The State Transport plies buses from Mumbai (375 km), Pune (330 km) and Belgaum (300 km). The tariff per seat is Rs 200 and the frequency of the buses is every three hours. Buses also operate to and from Ratnagiri.
Onward Route: Pune-Tamhini Ghat-Nizampur-Mangaon-Mahad-Chiplun-Niveli Phata-GanpatiPule
Return Route: Ganpatipule-Guhagar-Chiplun-Mahad-Mangaon-Nagothane-Pen-Khopoli-Lonavala-Pune