Ganpatipule, Konkan, Coastal Maharashtra 1N | 2D Itinerary

Ganpatipule, Ratnagiri, Ganpati Mandir, Konkan region

Published on 2021-12-21

Ganpatipule Beach

Ganpatipule Beach

Destination

pilgrimage

Best time to visit

October to March

  • Ganpatipule is a small Village located in Ratnagiri district and is known for its 400 years old temple of Lord Ganesh.
  • This place is about 400 kms by road from Mumbai and 330 kms from Pune.
  • It is surrounded by wide rice fields and dense flora of coconut and cashew trees grown on the distinct reddish brown soil.
  • You can visit the town throughout the year but the best time to visit is between October and March since the pleasant weather enriches the traveling experience.

How to reach Ganpatipule?

  • Railhead: There is no railway station at Ganapatipule. The nearest Railway station is at Ratnagiri city, which is at a distance of  about 30 Km.
  • By Road: One can reach Ganpatipule from Mumbai via Mahad, from Pune via Karad or from Kolhapur via Hathkhamba.
  • Airport: Nearest airport is Chipi (Sindhudurg) Approx 200 Kms which has limited connecting flights from Mumbai but Shivaji Maharaj International Airport which is Approx 350 kms has great connectivity to all the major cities of the country.
  • Local Travel: You can easily find local autos to roam around in the town.

Highlights

  • Unlike the deities in other Indian households and temples who faces the east direction, this ‘Swayambhoo (self-incarnated) Ganpati’ faces the west, also making him known as the “Paschim-Dwar-Devata” or the “Paschim-Dwarpalak”.
  • The evening walk on the beach gives a Panoramic view of the sun setting ahead of the temple which is filled with the hymns of evening prayers. 
  • Jaigad fort and Lighthouse complement the historic significance of this celebrated cultural heritage. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Temple visit and Local Food exploration

You may check out some of the stay accommodation options in Ganpatipule:

  • MTDC Resort: One of the prime accommodation options available in Ganpatipule. Tariff starts from ₹2000/- depending on the seasons and weekends. 
  • Konkan Nest Resort (Konkan Homestay): Tariff starts from ₹1700/-
  • Hotel Durvankur: Tariff starts from ₹1000/-
  • Bhakt Nivas (Operated by temple authority): ₹50 (Dormitory) - ₹400 (Sharing Rooms)
MTDC Resort, Ganpatipule
See More

MTDC Resort, Ganpatipule

Assuming that you reach Ganpatipule by 12 noon, its a good idea to have lunch and then explore the town.

  • Lunch options available in a radius of 2-3 Kms of Temple Road;
  • Mehendale’s Swad Dining: This is a small restaurant that serves home-made meals and Veg Thalis. After your preferred meal , you must try out the sweets like Shrikhand, Kheer and Sheera here. If available, please don’t skip the Aamras.
  • Hotel Durvankur: Veg Thalis are simple and affordable here. One can have South Indian dishes like Dosas/Idlis.

Ganesh Temple: The 400-year-old Ganpati idol at Ganpatipule is said to have sprung up from the ground and it is on solid rock. This deity faces the west, so as to guard the western gates, unlike deities in other Indian temples who face the east. 

  • The temple is at the base of a hill, and pilgrims walk around (pradakshina) the hill as a mark of respect. The idol is located inside the temple which has an open hall ahead of it where devotees can sit, chant or meditate. 
    You may experience 1-2 Hours of queue waiting for Darshan. (Timings: 5:30 am to 7:30 pm) 
Lord Ganesh temple
See More

Lord Ganesh temple

Ganpatipule Beach: Spend the rest of the evening strolling across the beach or shopping at the small stores located at the shacks. They sell artifacts, statues, handicrafts and snacks. 

There are some fun activities available on this Beach like Water Sports - Jet Skiing, Speed Boat and Bumper ride. 

In the evening you can find a comfortable spot, grab a snack and spend your quality time enjoying the mesmerizing sunset here.

Ganpatipule beach side and Temple view
See More

Ganpatipule beach side and Temple view

Magic Garden: It is 2 kms away from the temple and is an entertainment hub of the town. It has various attractions like Mirror Maze, Haunted House, 3D shows etc. While the kids can enjoy the play, adults can stroll around the garden for a calm walk. 

  • (Entry Fees: ₹150) (Timings: 8:30 am to 10:00 pm) 

Dinner options in the town - in a radius of 2-3 kms from Magic Garden.

  • Bhau Joshi Bhojnalay: Vegetarian Thalis and North Indian curries are served at this humble place at an affordable price. Try ‘Pithla-Bhakri’ and ‘Kaaju Masala’ here.
  • Varad Vinayak Dhaba: Chicken delicacies are available here along with egg and fish preparations. Try the main courses rather than Thalis as the portions justify the price. Chicken with Coconut Curry is a distinct dish made here.
  • Samarth Bhojnalay: If you have a craving for Chinese food, visit this place for having some Schezwan Noodles and Fried Rice. Veg Pulao and other vegetarian main courses are also served here. 

Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Are Ware Beach, Jaigad Fort & Lighthouse visit

Are Ware Beach: You are recommended to start your day a bit early with a beach visit at around 7:00 AM to enjoy the morning quality time. 

Just 11 kms to the south of Ganpatipule, this untouched, white sand beach is sure to take you by surprise. There are no watersports or shacks on the beach and if visited early, you will be alone with the sound of waves.

Once you return back after the beach visit, you can explore breakfast near Ganpatipule temple

  • Some of the breakfast choices given below:
  • Tea chains like ‘Amrutulya Chai’ have their outlet in town and have your breakfast in the market area if you are not availing breakfast at your hotel.
  • Aaswad Restaurant: This place serves freshly made Idlis, Dosas & Uttapams. A cup of coffee here is a must have after breakfast.
  • Foodies Express: They serve Burgers, Sandwiches and French Fries in the town. Though the taste cannot be compared with the cafes in metro cities, kids will be more than happy to grab a bite here.
  • Bhakt Nivas: The most affordable breakfast place in town where you can have Maharashtrian breakfast like Pohe, Upma, Sheera, etc. Tea and coffee is also available here.

Prachin Konkan: After breakfast you can visit this locally  managed museum that presents the ‘Konkani way of life’ through its life-sized figures. Guided tours are available to explain the 500 year old culture that Konkan has inherited in its social, cultural and economical aspects of living. Distance from Ganpatipule temple - 2 km

The Shell museum at Prachin Konkan  is a great attraction and one may spend some time exploring the same. (Entry Fees: ₹40) (Timings: 8:30 am to 06:00 pm)

Prachin Konkan
See More

Prachin Konkan

Jai Vinayak Temple: This temple is about 14 kms to the North of Ganpatipule and on the way to Jaigad fort. It was developed by JSW Energy in 2003 and is known for its unique style of architecture. 

The temple is surrounded by lush and well maintained gardens and also has a fish pond near it. You may spend 1-1:30 hours here. (Timings: 5:00 AM- 6:00PM)

Lunch option available near Jai Vinayak Temple:

  • Vithai Food Court: This place is on the way to Jaigad and serves fast food with a desi twist. Burgers have Indian chutneys in them and the Pizzas are baked without an oven. Stop at this place if you are running behind your schedule and need a quick bite on the go.
  • Annapurna Dhaba: Located just Few kms ahead of the food court, this place serves home-made food and thalis. The ambiance is not ideal but the food will definitely impress your tastebuds. Try ‘Dhahi Misal’ here if you need something other than Fish and North Indian dishes. 

    There are limited options for lunch in Jaigad so it is recommended you grab a bite before entering the town. 

Jaigad Fort: It is 6 kms from Jai Vinayak Temple. This 500 years old fort offers some great views of the sea and the ports of Jaigad. 

You will be delighted to learn about the importance of this fort and the role it played in the Maratha Navy. The fort had a Ganesh temple in the middle and wells to store water. It is a protected monument. You may spend 1 hour here. (Entry Fees: ₹40) (Timings: 10:00 am to 4:30 pm)

Jaigad Lighthouse: It is recommended to complete your fort trip and visit the lighthouse which is just 15 mins by car. This lighthouse was built in 1932 to overlook the port operations but is nonfunctional now. It offers some breathtaking views of the beach and nearby villages from the top in the evening time.

In the evening after the Lighthouse visit , you can either head back to your accommodation or if you are looking at extending your tour and wish to explore nearby destinations, you may check out our itineraries below under the suggestions head.

Suggestions & Recommendations:

  • You must check out Malgund Beach which is 4.5 kms from Ganpatipule. This beach also has water sports and camel rides along with some luxury resorts which you should try out if your trip is extended. 
  • Ganpatipule beach has steep slopes at the shore so make sure you stay at bay especially during the high tides. 
  • Try planning your trip during Kojagiri Purnima or Ganesh Utsav to witness artis, diya-mahotsav and bhajans in and around the temple. 
  • If you reach Prachin konkan around lunch time, you may explore local food inside the complex, they have a restaurant that serves konkani food.
  • Must try ‘Ukdiche modak’  in any of the restaurants specially available during winters.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Keshavsut Memorial Just 2.5 kms to the North of Ganpatipule, this is the birthplace of famous Marathi poet Keshav Damle.
  • Karhateshwar Temple This sea facing Shiva temple is 25 kms from Ganpatipule and 5 kms from Jaigad. It is surrounded with lush greenery and said to have a history dating 1500 yrs back..
  • Ratnagiri (30 kms from Ganpatipule): This city has major attractions like the Ratnadurg fort, Thiba Palace and the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Guhagar (50 kms from Ganpatipule): It is famous for its isolated beaches and temples situated across the coastline.
  • Pawas (41 kms from Ganpatipule): It hosts the Samadhi of Swami Swarupanand. It is also famous for its temples, waterfalls and beaches around it.