"Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf. " ~ Tagore

This is Ganapatipule. Land of the 400-year old Swayambhu Ganapati. Set along the western coast of Maharashtra, is a small little village, called Ganapatipule. It is known for its serene, sedate beach. Unlike most beaches which are spoilt by tourist traffic, the Ganapatipule beach is still a natural haven. Even today, the waters are blue and the sands, white.

Besides the beach, Ganapatipule is an important pilgrimage centre. The temple of the'Swayambhu Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati and its magnificent temple (Swayambhu' or self-originated, not man-made, 'Ganapati' or the lord of the ganas' or army. Pule' or sand dune. That's how the name Ganapatipule). The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. Most pilgrims believe in taking a 'pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein devotees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple in which the idol is housed). For tourists, it just means a good, long walk.

Travelling to Ganapatipule by road is a vacation in itself. The entire 'konkan' region is paradise - for miles. There is something new to discover, in which ever direction you go: narrow roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit-bearing trees (including mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, etc.) and casuarinas lining the coast are a common sight. Meeting the ever-friendly and hospitable 'konkanis' and chatting with them could unearth innumerable delights of holidaying in this naturally gifted countryside. Besides the beach, Ganapatipule is an important pilgrimage centre. The temple of the'Swayambhu Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati and its magnificent temple (Swayambhu' or self-originated, not man-made, 'Ganapati' or the lord of the ganas' or army. Pule' or sand dune. That's how the name Ganapatipule). The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. Most pilgrims believe in taking a 'pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein devotees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple in which the idol is housed). For tourists, it just means a good, long walk.

Ganapatipule is one of the 'Ashta Ganapatis' (eight Ganapatis) of India and called the 'Paschim Dwar-Dewata' (Western Sentinel God).

MTDC has developed special Beach Tents, amongst the enchanting casuarina trees, complete with beach umbrellas. There is also a beach-side restaurant, Tarang, which also serves you regional cuisine. Besides the tents, there is also the MTDC Resort placed just on the slope of a hill facing the sea. Next to it is a lagoon where MTDC provides you with water sport facilities.

Places Of Interest

Ratnagiri: One of the four districts of the'konkan'. The birthplace of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak - the man who fired the 'Swadeshi Movement' and spearheaded the fight against the British as it entered the 20th century. Visit Lokmanya's house -'Tilak Smarak'(Tilak Monument) or the Patit Pawan Mandir - the first temple to be built for non-brahmins, by the great revolutionary Swatantryaveer Savarkar. On the outskirts of the city;- there is the famous Bhatye beach. Other attractions include the Coconut Research Centre, Ratnadurga Fort, Bhagivati Bunder (sea port) and the Sea Food Processing Centre at Mirya.

Thebaw Palace: Constructed in 1910-1l, the Thebaw Palace was built for the exiled king and queen of Burma (now Myanmar). They lived in this palace from 1911 till their death in 1916. The five years of their stay are now immortalised in stone with their tombs. In future, this palace might be converted into a regional museum or a heritage hotel.

Maigund: Birthplace of the famous Marathi poet, Keshavsoot. It is a small peaceful village about 1 km. away from Ganapatipule. The poet's house was recently renovated and converted into a students' hostel. The Marathi Sahitya Parishad (Marathi Literature Society) has constructed a beautiful monument called Keshavsoot Smarak in memory of him.

Jaigad Fort: Nestled on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river and 35 kms. from Ganapatipule is the Jaigad Fort. This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea. Jaigad's sea fort is situated at a sheltered bay. Its beach is small and safe.

Pawas: Besides its natural beauty and serenity, Pawas achieved prominence when Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians) had made it his abode. The place where he used to reside is now converted into an ashram. A visit there is still like a journey through time.

Velneshwar: 170 kms. from Ratnagiri is the sleepy, village of Velneshwar. Its adjoining beach is clean and natural and is lined with coconut trees. It is possible to swim there as the beach is free from rocks. There is an old Shiva temple near Velneshwar which is frequently visited by pilgrims; a haven for those in search of quiet mysticism in the ethereal presence of the master mystic - Lord Shiva.

You could also visit

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

Important Details

Geographic Location: Approximately 375 kms south of Mumbai, along the 'konkan'coast.

Climate: The climate is moist and humid but healthy and devoid of pollution. From March, the temperature starts rising but rarely crosses 38'C. May is the hottest month. Monsoon is between June and October. Rains are usually plentiful and regular. The winter season is perhaps the most pleasant with temperatures dropping at nights.

Languages Spoken: Marathi is the most widely spoken language along with the local dialect of'konkani'.

Local Festivals: Gauri Ganapati, Magh Chaturthi (on the 4th day of the lunar month of Magh, equivalent to approximately February, which most locals believe is the actual birth date of Lord Ganapati) and Dashavatar are the most important events not just in Ganapatipule but the entire 'konkan' region. Other festivals like Holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are also celebrated.

What to Wear: Loose cottons. Although warm clothing during winter nights is recommended. Don't forget to carry your swimwear!

What to Eat: Local fish curries (since Ganapatipule is a pilgrimage destination, you may get non-vegetarian food just on the outskirts of the village), rice and the 'kokam kadi' (a pink-coloured liquid, either to be drunk after food or had with rice; the 'kokam kadi' is a highly digestive drink and neutralises the effects of spicy food). Vegetarians can also feast on the simple yet tasty fare: dal, vegetables prepared with a coconut base and 'modak' (a favourite dish of Ganesh). Besides, the MTDC restaurant, Tarang offers some fine vegetarian food in the region.

What to Buy: The'konkan' blessed with some of the finest horticultural fruits. offers you a variety of local preparations. Like 'ambapoli' (thin pancakes of dried and crushed mango). 'phanaspoli' (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit). cashewnuts, coconuts. etc. If you're in Ganapatipule in summer don't leave without buying one of the the most famous varieties of mangoes in the world - the Devgad 'hapus'mango.

How to get there

By Road: Mumbai to Ganapatipule (via Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune to Ganapatipule (via Satara) is 331 kms. Kolhapur to Ganapatipule is 144 kms.

By Rail: The nearest railhead is Ratnagiri 50 kms. on the Konkan Railway.

By Air: The nearest airport is Ratnagiri, 50 kms. away.

Information: Courtesy Government of India