GANPATIPULE IN RATNAGIRI REGION
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| GANPATIPULE |
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 visit 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.
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 the poet, built by
the Marathi Sahitya Parishad, is also worth a visit.
Velneshwar: The beautiful village of
Veineshwar, 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 fari, when pilgrims in large
numbers visit the Old Shiva Temple.
Ratnagiri:
About 25 km away from Ganapatipule lies the district headquarter 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 13-year pilgrimage. There are three main attractions
here: The Thibaw Palace, the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and the Patit Pawan
Mandir. The Thibaw Palace is where Thibaw, the last king of Burma, was
incarcerated by the British in 1885. Ratnagiri was also the birthplace of
Lokmanya Tilak, one of India's greatest freedom fighters. His house, now
a memorial called The Lokmanya Tilak 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
Savarkar. Today, Ratnagiri is a bustling agricultural 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 Konkan village
life. Pawas Besides its
scenic natural beauty and serenity. Pawas is well-known for the Ashram of
Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of
Maharshtrians). A visit to this place is truly a journey through time.
Pandavas settled after their 13-year pilgrimage. There are three
main attractions here: The Thibaw Palace, the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and
the Patit Pawan Mandir. The Thibaw Palace is where Thibaw, the last king
of Burma, was incarcerated by the British in 1885. Ratnagiri was also the
birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, one of India's greatest freedom fighters.
His house, now a memorial called The Lokmanya Tilak 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 Savarkar. Today, Ratnagiri is a bustling agricultural 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 Konkan village life. Pawas Besides its
scenic natural beauty and serenity. Pawas is well-known for the Ashram of
Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of
Maharshtrians). A visit to this place is truly a journey through time.
Location: Ganapatipule is approximately 375 km. south of Mumbai,
along the Konkan Coast.
Languages spoken: Marathi is the most widely
spoken language. Hind and English are understood and spoken by many.
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 380 C. May is the hottest month. The monsoon lasts
from June to October. Rains are usually plentiful and regular. The
winter season is perhaps the most pleasant with temperatures dropping at
nights. Loose cottons and light woolens during winter nights are
recommended. Don't forget to carry your swim wear.
Local Festivals: Many festivals are celebrated along the Konkan Coast.
Among the most significant are Gauri Ganapti and Magh Chaturthi (the fourth day
of the lunar month of Magh, believed to be the birth date of Lord Ganapati).
Other festivals like Holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are also celebrated with equal fervor, and to be here during this time is an experience in itself.
Other festivals like Holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are also celebrated with equal fervor, and to be here during this time is an experience in itself.
Shopping
and food:
Ganapatipule offers a variety of local preparations, like ambapoli (thin
pancakes of crushed and dried mango) and phanspoli (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 Hapus, the most famous variety of mangoes
in the world.
FOR MORE DETAILS VIEW: www.maharashtratourism.gov.in
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