Ganapatipule is a small town located in Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. The town of Chiplun is to its north.
According to a local folklore, the Hindu god, Ganapati, taking umbrage by a remark made by a native lady, moved to Pulé (a few km ahead of the town) from his original abode of Gulé. Thus the region was named Ganpati-pulé. 400 years old Ganpati image at Ganpatipule is said to have sprung up from the soil. 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 .
Geography and History
Ganpati temple
Ganapatipule is approximately 375 km. south of Mumbai, along the Konkan Coast. Ganapatipule is a very small town with about 100 houses, having one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast – an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. The temple of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesh is much frequented by thousands every year. The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who visit Ganapatipule, make it a point to pay their respects to this great deity. Aside from its clean beach and clear waters, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms.
Tourism
With the development of tourism, a number of resorts and hotels came up in this small town, most significant of them is the Maharastra Tourism Development Corporation resort near the beach. The Best Western Blue Ocean hotel, 4 km away from the heart of the town near Malgund is also near the beach. There are a few smaller hotels in this town, which include Atharva Residency Abhishek Resorts and Tranquility.
Nearby places
Velneshwar
The beautiful village of Veineshwar, 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.
Ratnagiri
About 25 km away from Ganapatipule lies the district headquarter town, Ratnagiri. The region has a long illustrious past and is even mentioned in Indian mythology.
Malgund
Malgund, a small village, 1 km away, is known as the birthplace of famous marathi poet Keshavasuta. He was born here in 1866. He is termed as a poet who heralded the dawn of modern Marathi poetry. There is a very beautiful monument at Malgund dedicated to his work and also a museum where you can find information on most of the modern day poets of Marathi language. The Memorial is a real treat for people who are interested in Marathi literature.
Jaigad Fort
Resting on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river just 35 km away from Ganapatipule, is Jaigad Fort. This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea and an almost unique view of Konkan village life. Take the backroad from Ganpatipule via Malgund to Jaigad. This is about 15 km - but is extremely scenic.
Pawas
Besides its scenic natural beauty and serenity. Pawas is well-known for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharshtrians). A visit to this place is truly a journey through time.
Transportation
The town is easily accessible from the port city of Ratnagiri, which also has a railway station and an airport.
By Road
Ganapatipule is 32 km from Nivali, a small village on Mumbai Goa Road (NH 17). From Nivali, one has to take right turn for Ganapatipule. Nivali to Ratnagiri is around 20 km. Nivali to Hatkhamba is around 4 km. From Hatkhamba one has to take right turn for Ratnagiri, which is 16 km from here. Sangameshwar is about 25 km from Nivali and Chiplun is 45 km. From Ganapatipule one can directly approach Ratnagiri without coming to Nivali and going through Hatkhamba. The direct road is full of turns and little narrow compared to NH-17. But the journey is full of natural beauty and sea view. That distance is around 30km. Mumbai is 375 km away via Mahad and Pune is 331 km away via Satara.
State Transport buses
Ample number of State Transport buses are available from Ratnagiri bus depot. Frequency is good for fast journeys. Ganapatipule is also connected with other cities by state transport buses. Buses are available from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur and Solapur to Ratnagiri. From Ratnagiri, private cabs also ply to the town.
By Rail
There is no railway station at Ganapatipule. The nearest Railway stations are at Ratnagiri and Karbude. All the express and local trains stops at Ratnagiri, being a city. Karbude is a small village and only passenger trains will stop. Bus services are available from Sangameshwar Railway station. Nearest rail junctions are: Pune Junction (Central Railway), Miraj Junction (Central Railway) and Madgaon Junction (Konkan Railway).
