Ganapatipule in Maharashtra is one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast – an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. A great retreat from the hectic pace of Mumbai, Ganpatipule is one of the only two white sand beaches in Maharashtra, the other being Kashid Beach. A peaceful beach destination, Ganpatipule offers sparkling waters against silvery shores and jagged palm fronds frame magnificent sunsets.
Ganpatipule is where you can soak in hours of sun and sea-spray at the beach, watch time drift by, wonder at sunrises, marvel at sunsets, drink in the moonlight and dance on the moonbeams. And if you are looking for a spot of action, Ganpatipule is a great venue for paragliding. What better place to holiday or honeymoon than Ganpatipule?
Part of the excitement of going to Ganpatipule is the scenic drive through the Western Ghats – the chain of green hills along the Konkan coast. The beaches on the coastline are amazingly clear, of both rocks and hordes of visitors. All along the way are tiny fishing villages; groves of casuarina and tropical fruit; and stretche of clean, golden sand. Whether you go to Ganpatipule by rail or road, the route is as breathtaking as the destination itself.
How to Reach Ganpatipule?
By Air : There is no airport here. Ganpatipule is 375 km away from Mumbai, the closest metro with an international airport. Kolhapur is the closest airport at 144 kms. After getting off at the airport, you can hire a taxi or avail the bus service to get to Ganpatipule.
By Rail : If you are coming from Mumbai, board the magnificent Konkan Railway from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus). Disembark at Sangameshwar and take a bus to Ganpatipule. The nearest railway station top Ganapatipule is Bhoke, though it maybe b better to go to Ratnagiri which is 50 km away from Ganpatipule, as there will be more rail connections to Ratnagiri. Apart from Konkan Kanya, Mdgaon Express, Kurla Netravati and Mangalore Kurla that leave from Mumbai for Ratnagiri on the central route.
By Road : The scenic drive from Mumbai to Ganapatipule (via Mahad) is 375 kms. Ganpatipule is 30 km off the Mumbai-Goa Highway, and 50 kms short of Ratnagiri. From Panvel, you have to take the Highway No.17 (Mumbai-Goa) and travel from Pen to Mahad. Also, there are direct buses from Mumbai (375 kms), Pune (331 kms) and Kolhapur (144 kms) via Ratnagiri and one direct bus from Panaji. Seasonally, MTDC bus plies between Mumbai & Ganapatipule, whereas MSRTC heads daily from Mumbai to Ganpatipule. From Ratnagiri, one can also hire private cabs.
Best Time to Visit Ganpatipule
Winter time between the months of November to February is probably the best time to visit Ganpatipule, as this is when the days are cool and temperatures drop at night time. Though winter is the touristy time to get to most beaches in India, Ganpatipule can be spectacular during the monsoons and just after the monsoons (June to October).
In March it starts to get hot and a little humid, but even so the temperatures rarely rise above the 38 C degree mark. May is actually the hottest month of the year. In the monsoon months it rains aplenty but everything around is washed and green, so it is quite beautiful at this time too.
Things to do in Ganpatipule
Ganpatipule is the perfect place for a relaxed holiday. If you are looking for things to do in Ganpatipule, the obvious would be chill and relax on the beautiful beaches, feel the spray of the water on your face, watch the beautiful sunsets and have a moonlight picnic on the silvery sands. If you are the adventurous kind, then spend some time soaring up paragliding into the blue skies above. Explore the little hamlets in the vicinity and if time permits and it is mango season, do make a trip to nearby Ratnagiri to buy the most delicious mangoes on earth: Alphonso.
As you can see at Ganapatipule you will find many things to do or is you are so predisposed – do nothing at all!
Places Near Ganpatipule
There are many tourist places near Ganpatipule. Visit a little hamlet located just about 1 km away from Ganapatipule called Malgund. If you are interested in Marathi poetry, this is the place where the famous Marathi poet, Kavi Keshavsoot was born. Though his residence has now been converted into a students’ hostel, there is a memorial dedicated to the poet which you could visit.
Ratnagiri lies 25 kms away from Ganapatipule and well worth a visit. Apart from being renowned for being the Alphonso mango growing district, the town of Ratnagiri has a historical significance and as legend has it, this is the place where the Pandavas settled. The main attractions here are the Thibaw Palace, which is where the last king of Burma Thibaw was confined by the British in 1885. Thibaw Point is a popular spot as it provides panoramic views of the surrounding area. While in Ratnagiri, be sure to visit the memorial to Lok Manya Tilak one of India's greatest freedom fighters. The locals are very proud of their heritage and maintain his memorial in pristine condition. The Patit Pawan mandir in Ratnagiri is well known for being the first temple built for non-Brahmins by the radical leader, Veer Savarkar.
Jaigadh Fort built in the 17th century is just 35 kms away from Ganapatipule. Standing tall just above the confluence where the Sangameshwar river meets the Arabian Sea, the fort is is precariously perched on a cliff and offers sweeping views of the sea below.
Hotels in Ganpatipule – Choice is Yours
There are numerous hotels in Ganpatipule ranging from 3-star, 4-star and 5-star deluxe to budget hotels.