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Ganpatipule is a sleepy
hamlet in the Ratnagiri district of southwest Maharashtra in
India, around 375 km off Mumbai by road. Untouched by commercialism, the
pastoral beauty of the village is enhanced manifold by the six kilometers of
virgin beach on the breathtaking Konkan coastline.
The locals believe that Ganpatipule is blessed. They say that in an age when
men were devout and miracles were the norm, the scriptures talked of four
Dwardatas (welcoming deities) to the sub-continent, and they marked
Ganpatipule as the western deity.
Legend has it that during 16th
century AD, a villager seeking refuge from the skirmishes around his tiny
village, arduously made his way through the kerda jungles and stumbled upon
Lord Ganapati's idol here, around which he made a temple. For four hundred
years thereafter, generation upon generation of villagers, who came from
elsewhere and started living there, cared for and added to the shrine and
made it into the temple one sees today.
The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevata (Western Sentinel God of
India) and those who visit Ganpatipule, make it a point to pay their
respects to this great deity.
Aside from its clean beach and clear waters, Ganpatipule 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.
GENERAL
INFORMATION
Geographic Location :
Ganpatipule lies along the Konkan coast,
approximately 375 kms south of Mumbai.
Climate :
The coastal climate is mostly hot and humid but
it is healthy and devoid of pollution. The temperature is at its peak (around 38
Degree C) in the month of March. The monsoon falls between June and October. The
rains are regular here. The climate is pleasant in winter and the temperature
often falls at night.
Languages Spoken :
Marathi is the common language here. People also
know Hindi and English.
Local Festivals :
All the festivals are celebrated with great
enthusiasm and a spirit of togetherness. Gauri Ganapati and Magh Chaturthi are
the most important events in the entire Konkan region. Holi, Gudi Padva and
Diwali are well celebrated here, too.
What to wear :
Loose cotton attire is suitable and comfortable.
Although during winters, warm clothing is preferable. Swimming costumes are
recommended for people indulging in water - sports.
 PLACES TO
VISIT
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Malgund
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Pawas
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Jaigad Fort
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Ratnagiri
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Velneshwar
-
Marleshwar
-
Derwen
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Parshuram
Malgund: Malgund is a small village about 1
km. away from Ganpatipule, 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 Velneshwar,
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 fair, when pilgrims in large numbers visit the Old Shiva
Temple.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air : The nearest airport is Ratnagiri
around 50 km away.
By Rail : The nearest railway station is
Ratnagiri on the Konkan Railway Network.
By Road : There are regular as well luxury
buses running from Mumbai 375 km away & Pune 331 km to Ganpatipule. Most of
the time, journeys are overnight and one can reach Ganpatipule by morning.
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