Ganpatipule

Ganpatipule is a hamlet 20km north of Ratnagiri. It is not marked on Google Maps. As most websites covering this destination say, there are three main attractions of Ganpatipule – the beach, the temple and the village / landscape

Getting there:

The best way to reach Ganpatipule is by train to Ratnagiri. From Ratnagiri station, you will get transport to Ganpatipule – by rickshaw or shared Sumo. 

The route from Ratnagiri to Ganpatipule kisses the sea.

This is midway between Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule   For the full album On the way to Ganpatipule

Staying there:

There are many places to stay in Ganpatipule. The most organised and popular ofcourse is the MTDC resort. The most inconvenient part about MTDC resorts is that you have to book at least two months in advance. For our holiday in August, we booked in May.

The rates are reasonable, Rs. 1300 per couple per night (AC super deluxe room)

The super-deluxe AC cottages. For the full album MTDC Ganpatipule

The rooms inside. For the full album MTDC Ganpatipule

Ganpatipule Beach

The beach has become very popular off late. So it is quite full of tourists, not in the magnitude of Juhu Beach but definitely enough to make a crowd. Also it is a long stretch of sand and exploring it is a fulltime activity that may interest the explorer species. The Konkan Coast is extremely rugged with promontories and coves alternating. Exploration or trekking along the sea can be extremely exciting.

The coastline on the north side. For the full album Ganpatipule Beach

That’s the temple in the distance. For the full album Ganpatipule Beach

The wind takes the frisbee on a different tangent.   For the full album Ganpatipule Beach

Ganpatipule Temple

According to ganpatipule.net, the temple at Ganpatipule is 4000 years old

…is a nearly 4000 year old landmark the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple (Swayambhu means a self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. The name Ganpatipule originates from “Ganpati” the Lord of the ‘ganas’ or army and “pule” means sand dunes. It is one of the ‘Ashta Ganapatis‘ (eight Ganpatis) of India and is known as ‘Paschim Dwar Dewata’ (Western Sentinel God)…

Photography is not allowed inside the complex

The entrance. For the full album Ganpatipule Temple

The mouse. For the full album Ganpatipule Temple

Ganpatipule Village

The village itself is a typical Konkani hamlet characterised by undulating topography, lush green vegetation (at least during the monsoon) and a fairly well organised tourist set up. There are lots of home stays where besides lodging, you can also have home-style meals.

The Main square. For the full album Ganpatipule Village

The Gram Panchayat. For the full album Ganpatipule Village

The hamlet. For the full album Ganpatipule Village

The village street. For the full album Ganpatipule Village

 

Trivia and general notes

For sea food lovers, the entire Konkan coast is a culinary paradise and Ganpatipule is no exception. However, for the Mumbaikar like Hiren, you are not far away from a vada paav and missal paav. 

Vada Paav and Missal Paav. From Ganpatipule Village