Ganpatipule

Overview:

Ganpatipule is a small town located in Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coastline, in Maharashtra. The local folklore has that taking umbrage by a remark made by a native lady, the Hindu god Ganapati, moved to Pule (a few kilometers ahead of the town) from his original abode of Gule, thus the region came to be known as Ganpati-pule. It is also the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak. The prime attraction in Ganpatipule is the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple. The four hundred years old idol of the presiding deity in the temple is believed to have sprung up from the soil and is self-originated. Thousands pay homage at the Swayambhu Ganesh temple, every year. The presiding deity of God Ganesh is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta, unlike deities in other Indian temples who face the east; this deity faces the West, so as to guard the western gates. As a mark of respect, pilgrims walk around the base of the hill where the temple is located. The au courant Ganapatipule is a small town comprised of a few 100 houses, located within a close proximity of Mumbai and sustaining one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast, it is an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers and pilgrims alike. Pristine beaches and clear waters aside, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms. Late October to mid-February is the most pleasant season. Ganpatipule is also known for a beautiful beach that boasts of a vast expanse of fine silvery sand. It also allows tourists to indulge in various kinds of water sports like kayaking. After having visited all the sightseeing spots in Mumbai, some tourists also try to make a short trip to Ganpatipule. The village is located at a distance of approximately 375 kilometers south of Mumbai via Mahad and Pune is 331 km away via Satara. The ride from Mumbai to Ganpatipule by car takes about 7-8 hours. People prefer to hire a car to Ganpatipule from to Mumbai so they can travel comfortably and at their own pace. The town is easily accessible from the port city of Ratnagiri as well. The direct road from Ratnagiri to Ganapatipule is full of turns and a little narrow compared to NH-17, but the journey is full of natural beauty and views of the sea. That distance is around 30 km. Most of the tourists renting a taxi or cab from Mumbai to Ganpatipule like to retain it during their stay in Ganpatipule so they can use it to go sightseeing in and around the place.

Places to Visit:

Perched on top of a cliff overlooking the bay, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river about thrity five kilometers away from Ganapatipule, is Jaigad Fort.  This seventeenth century fort propounds a commanding view of the sea and an almost unique view of Konkan village life. For those looking to make their travel more interesting may take the back road from Ganpatipule via Malgund to Jaigad. It would increase the journey by almost fifteen kilometers, but is extremely scenic.

Just a kilometre from Ganpatipule is the small village of Malgund. It is known as the birthplace of famous Marathi poet Keshavasuta, who was born here in 1866. Keshavasuta is regarded as a poet who heralded the dawn of modern Marathi poetry. The village also has a memorial, built by the Marathi Sahitya Parishad, dedicated to the poet, it also houses Nirmal Nagari of Her Holiness Mrs. Nirmala Shrivastava of Sahaja Yoga fame and is a real treat for people who are interested in Marathi literature. There is also a museum which provides information on most of the modern day poets of Marathi language.

Well known for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharshtrians), Pawas is also famous for its intricate scenic natural beauty and serenity. A visit to Pawas is truly a journey through time.

Events:

Many festivals are celebrated along the Konkan Coast. Among the most significant are Gauri Ganapti and Magh Chaturthi.

Gudi Padwa is another important festival in Ganpatipule. It is celebrated as the New Year according to the Hindu calendar. Rituals like oil baths, performing puja, decorating homes with mango leaves and rangoli and wearing new clothes are performed with fervor as part of the festivities.

Ganapatipule allows tourists to indulge in various kinds of water sports like kayaking, paragliding, water scooter and pedal boat rides.

Alternately tourists can idly sit, relax and unwind on the beach enjoying spectacular sun rises and sunsets or go for long leisurely strolls on the beach.

A trip to the beautiful village of Veineshwar at a distance of 36 kilometers from Ganapatipule is validated. 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.