Ganpatipule Tour:

Places Covered:

Malgund, Velneshwar, Ratnagiri, Paws.

Tour Description:

Ganapatipule is one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast - an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike.

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 vislt 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.

sights:

Malgund:

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 tile poet, buitt by tile 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.

Ratnagiri:

About 25 km away from Ganapatipule lies the district headquartet town, Ratnagiri. The region has a long illustrious past and is even mentioned in Indian mythology as the place where the Pandavas settled after their t 3-year pilgrimage. There are three main attractions here: The Thibaw Palace, the lokmanya TIlak Smarak and the Patit Pa>vanMandir. The Thlbaw Palace Is where Thibaw, the last king of Burma, was incarcerated by the British in 1885, Ratnagiri was also the birthplace of Lol<manyaTilak. one of India's greatest freedom fighters. His house, now a memorial called The lokmanya Tilak Smarak. 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 Savarl<ar.Today, Ratnagiri Is a bustling agriculturel 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 Konken village life.

Paws.:

Besides lts scene natural beauty and serenZY. Pawas is well·known for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader wIlo innuenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians). A Yistt to this place is Iruly a joumey through lime.

location:

Ganapatipule is approximately 375 km. south of Mumbai, along the konkan Coast.

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 38'C. May is the hottest month. The monsoon lasts fromJune to October. Rains are usually plentiful and regular. The winter season is perhaps the most pleasant with temperatures dropping at nights. Loose couons and light

woolens durtng winter nights are recommended. Oon~ forget to carry your

swim wear.

Languages spoken: Marathi is the most widely spoken language. Hindi and English are understood and spoken by many.

Local Festivals: Many festivals are celebrated along the Konkan Coast.

Among the most significant are Gauri Ganapati and Magh Chaturthi (the fourth day of the lunar month of Magh, believed to be the birth date of Lord Ganapati.

Other festivals like Hoil, Gudi Padva and Diwali are also celebrated with equal fervor. and to be here during this time is an expenence In itself.

Shopping and food:

Ganapatipule offers a variety of local preparations, like ambapoli (thin pancakes of crushed and dried mango) and phanaspoli (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 Hepus. the most famous variety of mangoes in the world.

Also visit.

Marleshwar. 60 km. from Ganapatipule. is famous for lts Shiva temple and waterfall. Derwan 85 km. from Ganapatipule. is well known far its Shiv Shristi (an exhibition on Chhatrapati Shivaji). Parshuram, 112 km. from Ganapatipule. is known for the Parshuram temple.

Getting There

By Air: The nearest airport is Kolhapur. serviced by Air Deccan.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is Bhoke, on the Konkan Railway. However, Ratnagiri is more convenient.

By Road: Mumbai - Ganapatipule (via Mahad) is 375 kms.

Pune - Ganapatipule (via Satara) is 331 kms.

Kolhapur - Ganapatipule is 144 kms.

Where to stay:

MTDC Holiday Resort: Self contained Konkani Houses

with Deluxe AC/ Nan-A/C rooms, family suites, standard rooms etc. available

Check-out time: 9.00 a.m.

Reservation: Mumbai, Ratnagiri, Goa, Pune. Kolhapur. Ganapatipule and other MTDC offices.