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By Holiday Times Traveler
As we have promised you to give you info on less traveled destinations and Holiday Ideas, this one is very unique beach.
Almost equal distance between Mumbai and Panji, Ganpatipule is one of the unique beaches in Maharashtra. The road although is lot of twist and turns, but once you reach the beach, it is out of this world destination. The white sand and vast expanse of the beach gives you feel of nature. The beach is less traveled hence you get absolute privacy while having a walk. There is a well maintained MTDC run resort which can be booked online. Cottages are much preferred, but if you dont get then rooms are also equally good.
A temple of Ganpati is having one of the biggest Ganpati Idol. Devotees often visit the temple round the year but winter and rainy season are best season to visit. Very very economical and food too is cheap and testy.
MTDC write on its website:
Serene, sedate and unspoiled – these are the words often used to describe Ganapatipule, a place that not only beckons the faithful to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh but also provides for a perfect holiday because of its beach with an almost endless stretch of silver sand and the sparkling blue waters of the ocean. In addition to that, the town itself has lots to offer by way of its typical Konkani culture and cuisine.
Approximately 375 kilometers south of Mumbai along the Konkan Coast, the name of this picturesque town is derived from the temple of Lord Ganesh or Ganapati which is built on the fine white sand of the beach. The idol of Ganesh, carved from a massive rock, is ‘swayambhu’ (self-originated) and the temple itself is almost 400 years old. What makes the temple all the more interesting is that the sanctum sanctorum is daily lit by the golden rays of sunrise and sunset that also illuminate the idol.
The beach at Ganpatipule is one of the most relaxing getaway places for those who wish to spend a weekend or even a few days in peace. With the temple adding an amazing backdrop to the beach, this is where spirituality and nature come together in a harmonious whole. This experience grows upon you even as you travel by road to Ganpatipule with the Western Ghats forming a chain of green hills along the coastline. Situated in the evergreen ranges of the Sahayadri, Ganapatipule is rich in flora and has an abundance of trees like the mango, cashew, betel nut, jackfruit, coconut, palm and casuarinas, to name just a few.
The tiny town with just about 100 houses is mainly marked by neatly drawn roads, red soil and roofed houses which have clean boundaries. Apart from the beach, Ganapatipule offers many other interesting spots for the tourists to explore, as for instance, the backwaters. Also, the MTDC offers a variety of water sports like row boats, motorboats, aero boats, pedal boats, etc. for recreation. Tourists can even enjoy paragliding. Meanwhile, the cuisine too is what adds to the appeal. Fish curries and the ‘kokam kadhi or sol kadhi (a pink–coloured digestive drink) are the specialty of the region. ‘Modak’, a sweet (and a favourite of Lord Ganesh), is a ‘must try’ delicacy.
Distance from Mumbai: 327 kms
How to Reach:
By Air:
The nearest airport is at Kolhapur. You can travel from Panji and Mumbai also.
By Rail
The nearest railhead is Bhoke (35 kms) on the Konkan Railway. However, Ratnagiri (45 kms) is more convenient.
By Road
Mumbai-Ganapatipule (via Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune-Ganapatipule (via Satara) is 331 kms. Kolhapur-Ganaptipule is 144 kms.
Courtesy: Photo and info MTDC website.
