Ganapatipule Beach - Maharashtra - गणपतीपुळेबेंच
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Ganapatipule Beach is one of the most popular excursions from the Kolhapur city, which lies approximately 150 km away. It is situated around 50 km from the Ratnagiri city and falls under the district of the same name. One of the few beaches in Maharashtra that have still remained untouched by the travails of time, Ganapatipule seems to take away your heart with its tranquility. The beach is situated on the Konkan coast of India.
The beach Ganapatiphule is an important pligrimage centre. The temple of the 'Swayambhu Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati and its magnificient temple ('Swayambhu' or self originated, not manmade, 'Ganapati' or the lord of 'ganas' or army. 'Pule' or sand dune. That's how the name Ganapatiphule). The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. Most piligrims believe in taking a 'pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein devotiees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple in which the idol is housed ).Ganpatipule Beach, Maharashtra Travel.
Ganapatipule is set along the western coast of Maharashtra. It is located 375 km south of Mumbai, along the Konkan coast. Ganapatipule is one of the `Ashta Ganapatis' (eight Ganpatis) of India and called the `Paschim Dwar-Dewata' (Western Sentinel God). Climate is moist and humid but healthy. Recommended for those in search of something different are MTDC's Beach Tents,just next to clear blue waters of the Arabian sea. Rates vary from Rs 125 to Rs 250 per day. MTDC also has a resort on the slope of a green hillock, facing the sea, which offers low cost, high comfort accommodation. Besides MTDC accommodation, private hotels/resorts are also available. Travelling to Ganapatipule by road is a vacation in itself. The entire `Konkan' region is paradise - for miles.
Ganapatipule is a popular tourist haunt, not only for its soothing greenery, and its golden beach, but also for its 400 year old temple, which is dedicated to Swayambhoo Ganapati. Some places of interest around the area are Malgund, the birthplace of Keshavsoot, the famous Marathi poet; Ratnagiri, the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak; and the The baw Palace, where the deposed King of Burma was confined. Jaigad Fort and Swami Swarupanand's ashram in Pawas, are also worth a visit.
Ganapati is another name for Lord Ganesha (the Elephant God), while the term Pule means sand dunes. The reason for the combination of two words being used for the name of the beach is that there is a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha situated near the beach, at the foothills of the Konkan Hills. This temple has been built on sand dunes. Thus, combining Ganesha & sand dunes, the beach, and the village located nearby, came to be known as Ganapatipule.
Anyone visiting the Ganapatipule Beach must make sure to visit the Ganapatipule Temple also. Apart from the village and the temple, the other major attractions situated near the beach comprise of Malgund, the birthplace of the famous Marathi Poet Keshavsoot or Pawas, which houses the ashram of Swami Swaroopanand. As far as accommodation is concerned, there are a number of beach resorts and cottages at Ganapatipule, which will meet your needs.
The clear waters of the beach turn turquoise under the blue clouds and the pristine air relieves you of any physical as well as mental strain. Walk on the golden sands and feel all your tensions ebbing away. The lush green pastures that encircle the Ganapatipule Beach seem to serve as the perfect contrast against the blue waters and golden sands. The term Ganapatipule can be divided into two parts Ganapati and Pule.
Ganapatipule is set along the western coast of Maharashtra. It is located 375 km south of Mumbai, along the Konkan coast. Ganapatipule is one of the `Ashta Ganapatis' (eight Ganpatis) of India and called the `Paschim Dwar-Dewata' (Western Sentinel God). Climate is moist and humid but healthy. Recommended for those in search of something different are MTDC's Beach Tents,just next to clear blue waters of the Arabian sea. Rates vary from Rs 125 to Rs 250 per day. MTDC also has a resort on the slope of a green hillock, facing the sea, which offers low cost, high comfort accommodation. Besides MTDC accommodation, private hotels/resorts are also available. Travelling to Ganapatipule by road is a vacation in itself. The entire `Konkan' region is paradise - for miles.
Ganapatipule is a popular tourist haunt, not only for its soothing greenery, and its golden beach, but also for its 400 year old temple, which is dedicated to Swayambhoo Ganapati. Some places of interest around the area are Malgund, the birthplace of Keshavsoot, the famous Marathi poet; Ratnagiri, the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak; and the The baw Palace, where the deposed King of Burma was confined. Jaigad Fort and Swami Swarupanand's ashram in Pawas, are also worth a visit.
Ganapati is another name for Lord Ganesha (the Elephant God), while the term Pule means sand dunes. The reason for the combination of two words being used for the name of the beach is that there is a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha situated near the beach, at the foothills of the Konkan Hills. This temple has been built on sand dunes. Thus, combining Ganesha & sand dunes, the beach, and the village located nearby, came to be known as Ganapatipule.
Anyone visiting the Ganapatipule Beach must make sure to visit the Ganapatipule Temple also. Apart from the village and the temple, the other major attractions situated near the beach comprise of Malgund, the birthplace of the famous Marathi Poet Keshavsoot or Pawas, which houses the ashram of Swami Swaroopanand. As far as accommodation is concerned, there are a number of beach resorts and cottages at Ganapatipule, which will meet your needs.
The clear waters of the beach turn turquoise under the blue clouds and the pristine air relieves you of any physical as well as mental strain. Walk on the golden sands and feel all your tensions ebbing away. The lush green pastures that encircle the Ganapatipule Beach seem to serve as the perfect contrast against the blue waters and golden sands. The term Ganapatipule can be divided into two parts Ganapati and Pule.
Languages spoken
Marathi is the most widely spoken language along with 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 ganapathi) and Dashavtar are the most important events not just in Ganapatiphule but the entire 'konkan' region. Other festivals like holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are also celeberated. Don't forget to carry your swimming costumes!What to eat
Local fish curries (since Ganapatiphule is a piligrimage destination, you may get non-vegetarian food just on the outsklirts of the village), rice and 'konkam 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 all effects of spicy food ). Vegetarians can also feast on simple but tasty fare: dal, vegetables prepared with coconut base and 'modak' (a favorite dish of Ganesh). Besides the MTDC resturant Tarang offers some of the finest vegetarian food in the region.What to buy
Ganpatipule Beach,'Konkan' blessed with some of the finest horticulture fruits offers you a variety of local preprations. Like ' ambapoli' (thin pancakes of dried and crushed mango). 'phanspoli' (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jack fruit). Cashewnuts, coconuts etc. If you're in Ganapatiphule in summer don't leave without buying the most famous variety of mangoes in the world in the world - the devgad' hapus' mango.Best Time to Visit and Weather
From March, the temperature starts rising and May is the hottest month. The winter season is most pleasant with temperatures dropping at nights. Suggested clothing include loose cottons, although warm clothing during winter nights is recommended.
Climate
The climate is moist and humid but healthy and devoid of pollution. From march, the temprature 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.Travel Direction
Travelling to Ganapatiphule by road is a vacation in itself. The entire 'konan' region is paradise- for miles there is something new to discover, in whichever 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 cost 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.
How to Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is Ratnagiri, 50 km away.By Rail
The nearest railhead is ratnagiri 50 km on the Konkan railway.By Road
Mumbai to Ganapatiphule ( via Mahad) is 375 km. Pune to Ganapatiphule (via satara) is 331 km. Kohlapur to Ganapatiphule is 144 km.Accomodation
The M T D C resort offers a wide range of facilities including dormitories and A.C suites. Tents and water sport facilities are also available.Nearby Places and other Beaches
Approximately 375 km south of mumbai, along the 'konkan' coast.
 Photo by : rockspiders10 in webshots |
 Photo by : jyothishj1 in webshots |
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 Photo by : rahulatsaba in webshots |
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 Photo by : atarax in panoramio |
 Photo by : atarax in panoramio |
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