10 Best places to visit in Ganpatipule, Konkan Maharashtra

10 Best places to visit in Ganpatipule, Konkan Maharashtra

Ganpatipule is a famous small town located in the Konkan district of the state of Maharashtra. It has a wide beach and is the hub of the MTDC Watersports platform. Ganpatipule is also known for its self-manifested Ganesha temple. Popular tourist attractions in the city include Ganpatipule beach which is a rocky beach with white and fine silver sand. It is one of the top sights. Swayambhu Ganapati Temple which is a 400 year old temple and is made of 'Pule', which is nothing but white sand and is considered to be the Swayambhu 'Sarsen' of Lord Ganesha which appeared about 1600 years ago. It is a popular provincial tourist destination and attracts tourists all year round, especially on weekends and between 2 and 3 days of rest.

Ganpatipule is a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is known for its white sand beach. There are two ways of thinking about how the city got its name. According to folklore, Ganesha, annoyed by a criticism, left his original abode Gule and reached Pule. Another view is that the city got its name from the white sand (or pule in Marathi) from the idol of Ganesha. Today, the city has become a major pilgrimage site in Maharashtra. Thousands of pilgrims visit the Swayambhu Ganapati temple, where the idol is Swayambhu. The Ganesha temple at Ganpatipule is unique because it is one of the few temples in the country where the main deity is to the west. The 400 year old temple is one of the major tourist attractions in the city.

The Ancient Konkan Museum at Ganpatipule is a rarely explored tourist spot depicting the life of the ancient Konkan peoples, the old life of the region in an open three-acre estate in an open air gallery. A guided tour of the museum takes you through many aspects of the natural life of Konkan in the past. This museum sheds light on the communal, economic, ethnic and spiritual upbringing of the Konkan.

Best Top 10 Places Near Ganpatipule

1. Ganapatipule Beach

Ganpatipule Beach is a scenic and amazing beach located on the Konkan coast in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra in South India. This ancient beauty is also famous for the 400 year old Ganesha temple found here, The idol was made by himself and was found 1600 years ago. Ganpatipule beach is undoubtedly eye-catching and enchanting, and is home to a variety of fine plants, including dense coconut groves and thorn bushes. 

One of the most popular places to visit at Ganpatipule is the magnificent beach which is a major tourist attraction. The opaque beach, lined with lush palm trees and thorns and washed by the sapphire waters of the Arabian Sea, presents a mesmerizing panoramic view. Travelers come to the beach all year round to spend some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In the rainy season, the rain-washed beach and the roaring sea waves will surely enchant you. A fresh sea breeze on a summer evening will refresh your body and mind. In mild winters, this destination is considered a hotspot for enthusiastic adventure sports. you can enjoy intimate moments in the delightful backdrop of the sun and the sea. Regardless of your age and preference, Ganpatipule Beach will captivate to you.

Distance and required time to reach Ganapatipule Beach

From Pune - 324 km and more than 6 hr required to reach Ganapatipule Beach.

From Mumbai - 322 km and more than 8 hr required to reach Ganapatipule Beach.

From Kolhapur- 153 km and more than 4 hr required to reach Ganapatipule Beach.

 

2. Swayambhu Ganpati Temple

The city is known as Ganapatipule as it is the abode of Ganapati, the deity worshiped by the people, on the fine white sand called 'Pule' of the famous Swayambhu Ganapati temple. Ganapati Temple is one of the major tourist attractions at Ganpatipule. At a distance of 1 km from Ganpatipule bus stand, Swayambhu Ganpati Mandir is an ancient and beautiful temple. It is one of the most visited places in Ganpatipule and one of the most popular Ganesha temples in Maharashtra.

The 400 year old Ganesha temple, Swayambhu, is built from a bridge that is nothing more than white sand and is believed to be a self-made monolith of Lord Ganesha, allegedly discovered 1600 years ago. Thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the naturally created idol of Lord Ganesha, which is believed to be a self-incarnation. Unlike other Hindu temples, the deity here faces west and is considered to be one of the west gate deities guarding the west. The second idol of Lord Ganesha is made of copper and is kept in the sanctum sanctorum. This copper image depicts a god riding a lion. An idol of a mouse made of copper is kept outside the temple.

This Ganesha temple at Ganpatipule is unique as it is one of the few temples in India  which the chief deity is facing west to guard. It is one of the Ashta Ganapati temples in India. The deity is placed in such a way that a band of sun rays illuminates the idol at sunset. The temple is located at the foot of a hill and the pilgrims walk around the hill as a sign of respect.

Distance and required time to reach Swayambhu Ganpati Temple

From Pune - 324 km and more than 6 hr required to reach Swayambhu Ganpati Temple.

From Mumbai - 322 km and more than 8 hr required to reach Swayambhu Ganpati Temple.

From Kolhapur- 153 km and more than 4 hr required to reach Swayambhu Ganpati Temple.

 

3. Jaigad Fort

Jaigad fort is one of the popular tourist destination in Ganpatipule. The confluence of the Shastri River and the Arabian Sea is called Jaigad Bay. Two forts were built to protect this creek, one at Vijaygad in the north and the other at Jaigad in the south. Situated on a rock, Jayagada offers beautiful views of the creek and the open sea. It is one of the popular forts in the Konkan region and one of the major tourist destination near Pune for history lovers. It is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Jaigad Fort is popular fort in16th century fort spread over an area of ​​13 acres in the coastal region of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Near Jaigad village and at a distance of about 20 km northwest of Ganpatipule, the remains of the fort are fixed on a high ridge which turns towards Jaigad creek where the Shastri River enters the vast and charming Arabian Sea. The purpose for which Jaigad fort was built is an engineering miracle. You will surely be amazed if you take a look at the magnificent structure before entering. 

Jaigad fort is considered to be one of the major ports on the west coast of India. It is said that a strong fort was built along with another fort called Vijaygad fort to protect the creek. The intelligence and brilliant planning during the time when Jaigad fort was built is commendable considering the limited availability of resources at their disposal. Now, the fort falls under the Archaeological Survey of India and they have studied most of the remains.

Distance and required time to reach Jaigad Fort

From Pune - 257 km and more than 6 hr required to reach Jaigad Fort.

From Mumbai - 296 km and more than 8 hr required to reach Jaigad Fort.

From Kolhapur- 166 km and more than 4 hr required to reach Jaigad Fort.

 

4. Jaigad Lighthouse

The Jaigad Lighthouse was built by the British in 1932. The special thing about the lighthouse on Jayagada is that it is made entirely of cast iron. The fort and especially the lighthouse are spectacular views of ships sailing in the beautiful and calm Arabian Sea. Jaigad fort is adjacent to Jaigad village and vehicles can reach the main entrance of the fort by asphalt road. Jaigad Lighthouse is situated on one of the bastions on the west side of Jaigad fort. This impressive lighthouse is perched on a hilltop, giving a breathtaking panoramic view of the area.

Although it looks like a brick and concrete structure, it is actually made of cast iron and steel. Castings and rivets are worth studying. There is a jetty port nearby and there are lighthouses, new LED lights, guard ships between Ratnagiri & Dabhol. Climbing to the top is advantageous as the structure is built on a hill and offers a magnificent 360-degree view of the bay and the open sea. It is a quiet place where the strong sea breeze loves your face and makes you feel rejuvenated.

Distance and required time to reach Jaigad Lighthouse

From Pune - 261 km and more than 6.1 hr required to reach Jaigad Lighthouse.

From Mumbai - 299 km and more than 8.1 hr required to reach Jaigad Lighthouse.

From Kolhapur- 170 km and more than 4.1 hr required to reach Jaigad Lighthouse.

 

5. Aare Ware Beach

At a distance of 9 km from Ganpatipule bus stand and 14 km from Ratnagiri, Aare Ware Beach is a beautiful secluded beach located near Neware village in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the best beaches on the Konkan coast and one of the famous places in Ganpatipule. Known as one of the best beaches on the Konkan coast, Aare and Vare are two separate beaches that are secluded and mostly untouched. If you are looking for solitude and peace, go to this isolated area away from industrialization. 

Aare ware is clear blue water beach and it is a pleasure to watch. Aare Beach is one of the lesser known beaches in Ratnagiri district. It is a very long beach with a length of about 3 km and most of the time it is an untouched beach. Suruchi had beautiful and dense plantations spread along the beach. This long stretch of beach is a distinct one covered with smooth sand and offers breathtaking views of the sunset. For travelers seeking solitude and tranquility. the beach is still uninhabited and virgin. This part of the ocean does not drain sewage or waste. Smooth, covered with golden sand, the beach offers magnificent views of the sunset over the sky waters of the Arabian Sea. You can enjoy the magnificent view from the nearby Aare Ware Point on the top of the hill. The approach to the beach from Aare Ware road is also amazing as it is carved on the Western Ghats and runs along with the sea side. Thus, the journey offers a fantastic panorama of the Konkan coast as well as the majestic hills.

Distance and required time to reach Aare Ware Beach

From Pune - 316 km and more than 7 hr required to reach Aare Ware Beach.

From Mumbai - 324 km and more than 8.3 hr required to reach Aare Ware Beach.

From Kolhapur- 145 km and more than 4 hr required to reach Aare Ware Beach.

 

6. Bhandarpule Beach

Situated between two hills, Bhandarpule Beach is one of the most attractive places in Ganpatipule. The hypnotic beaches start and are filled with Cajurinas trees that offer a striking contrast to the bright green hues of the crystal clear cerulean colors of the Arabian Sea.The sea here is rough, unsuitable for swimming or any other water activities. Thus the beach is still not exploited by profit oriented commercial activities.

Located at a distance of 3.5 km from Ganpatipule bus stand, Bhandarpule is one of the most beautiful beaches along the Konkan coast in Maharashtra. The beach is spread over 2 km and the beach at Bhandarpule is covered with cypress trees. The bluish green color of the sea is amazing. The beach at Bhandarpule is more secluded and less crowded than Ganpatipule. However, the sea here is rough and not suitable for swimming. Before descending to Bhandarpura, one can see the beautiful view of Ganpatipule Beach and Bhandarpule Beach from the top of the hill. There are no watersports activities on the beach and it is an ideal place for those looking for solitude. It is less crowded than the beach at Ganpatipule and this sandy beach is ideal for those looking for peace. You will want to spend some relaxing moments in the sun, allowing you to wash your feet with cold water while strolling on the soft sand.

Distance and required time to reach Bhandarpule Beach

From Pune - 325 km and more than 7.2 hr required to reach Bhandarpule Beach.

From Mumbai - 328 km and more than 8.4 hr required to reach Bhandarpule Beach.

From Kolhapur- 155 km and more than 4.1 hr required to reach Bhandarpule Beach.

 

7. Prachin Konkan Museum

At a distance of 600 meters from Ganpatipule bus stand and at a distance of 1 km from Ganpatipule beach, Prachin Konkan is a museum at Ganpatipule. It is one of the major tourist attractions in Ganpatipule. This is fantastic open air museum which spread over three acres and displays models reminiscent of the old days of Konkani culture. Inside the museum, you will be taken on a tour of a replica of the ancient konkani settlement.

The museum was built in 2004 by Vaibhav Sardesai, who not only provided tourists with interesting information about the Konkan but also provided employment opportunities to the locals. The museum offers a glimpse of local rural life, including local deities, lifestyles, old-fashioned barter trade, various occupations of the people, and more. The museum displays the sculptures of Maratha warrier Shivaji Maharaj depicting historical moments, the ingenuity of the Konkan and the model of the magnificent sea forts in the Konkan region. There is a counter at Prachin Konkan to display Sawantwadi wooden handicrafts at Ganpatipule, where tourists can buy souvenirs. There is also a constellation garden in the ancient Konkan - a garden of trees for each sun sign.

You can see lifelong sculptures made from clay and wood, depicting people in their daily work, along with their traditional household items and their trade tools with expert and passionate narration, knowledgeable guides bring to life the ancient lifestyle of the Konkan coast, making this tour a fascinating and informative experience. They gladly answer your questions and help you understand different aspects of the old way of life. This museum is located in a green area, the museum is a paradise for bird watchers. The trees in the museum are home to many species of birds in the region. The museum is also trying to introduce the birds and fish found in the region through a small exhibition.

Distance and required time to reach Prachin Konkan Museum

From Pune - 325 km and more than 7.2 hr required to reach Prachin Konkan Museum.

From Mumbai - 322 km and more than 8.2 hr required to reach Prachin Konkan Museum.

From Kolhapur- 153 km and more than 4 hr required to reach Prachin Konkan Museum.

 

8. Guhagar Beach

One of the longest beaches on the Konkan coast, Guhagar Beach is spread over 6km and is one of the most attractive places to visit near Ganpatipule. The sand is cleanest and least polluted of the beaches in Maharashtra. You can reach Guhagar via Jaigad and enjoy a 2.5 km ride on Jaigad Bay. 79 km from Ganpatipule and 46 km from Chiplun, Guhagar is an ancient beach located at Guhagar in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. 

Guhagar Beach is one of the cleanest and least polluted beaches in Maharashtra. It is 200 meters west of Guhagar bus stand. Guhagar is the place where the river Vashishti flows into the Arabian Sea. Guhagar Beach is a very long beach and stretches for about 6 km between two hills. Guhagar Beach is the main beach and the most important tourist attraction in Guhagar. The beach is covered with cypress trees and white sand. It is known for its activities like swimming and sunbathing. The beach offers swings and slides for children and camel rides for adults. The beach is famous for its variety of food and beverage stalls, lick stalls and flea markets. No water sports or boating activities.

While there are no opportunities for water sports or boating, the calm waters are perfect for swimming and the sun kissed beach is ideal for sunbathing. A large play area on the beach with swings, lead and slides as well as camel rides provides excellent entertainment for children. Numerous food stalls along the coast offer lip smoking food and fresh coconut water. The beach flea market offers regional crafts. This is a great picnic spot for a day out with your family.

Distance and required time to reach Guhagar Beach

From Pune - 241 km and more than 6.4 hr required to reach Guhagar Beach.

From Mumbai - 256 km and more than 7.2 hr required to reach Guhagar Beach.

From Kolhapur- 194 km and more than 5.8 hr required to reach Guhagar Beach.

 

9. Jai Vinayak Temple

Dedicated to the hindu deity Lord Ganesha, this temple is one of the newly built tourist spots at Ganpatipule. Built in 2003 by Jindal Group's JSW Energy Limited, the temple is locally known as Jindal Ganpati. It is surrounded by a well-maintained flower garden and offers a quiet and comfortable environment for visitors. There is a clean and beautiful garden around the temple. The fresh air and cool climate is like a relaxing therapy for all the tourists visiting this temple.

The temple was built in pagoda style with three layers of roof. The main idol of Ganesha is made of brass and it is very peaceful. In the temple precincts, a 6 feet high idol of Hanuman and a musk, a vehicle of Lord Ganesha. The lake also contains a variety of fish. Religious duties are performed by a full-time appointed local priest. At night, the lighting of this temple gives everyone a wonderful and heavenly experience.

The construction reflects the buddhist style and has a three tiered pagoda like architecture. The brass idol of Ganesha is the main idol, which invites calm expression and spiritual bliss. Inside the temple, there is a fishpond and represents the mushika known as Ganapati's vehicle. There is a huge bronze idol of Lord Hanuman 6 feet high in the yard. This place of worship is illuminated in the evening and creates a divine atmosphere.

Distance and required time to reach Jai Vinayak Temple

From Pune - 331 km and more than 7.3 hr required to reach Jai Vinayak Temple.

From Mumbai - 300 km and more than 8.9 hr required to reach Jai Vinayak Temple.

From Kolhapur- 160 km and more than 4.2 hr required to reach Jai Vinayak Temple.

 

10. Pawas

Pawas is one of the best places to visit in Ratnagiri near ganpatipule and it is famous as the Samadhi of Swarupanand Swami popularly known as Appa or Rambhau, resided himself and lived here for 40 years his residence has also been converted into an ashram and is being used as accommodation for the devotees. This place is a major spiritual destination for tourists. 

At Pawas, there is a neatly maintained memorial of Swamiji, born to Vishnupant and Rakhmabai Godbole, who lived before his self-immolation on 15 August 1974. Gurupournima and Swami's Samadhi are considered important days in the rainy season.

Distance and required time to reach Pawas

From Pune - 309 km and more than 6.3 hr required to reach Pawas.

From Mumbai - 344 km and more than 8.4 hr required to reach Pawas.

From Kolhapur- 138 km and more than 3.3 hr required to reach Pawas.