Are you looking for a peaceful place for a relaxing weekend in Maharashtra? You can't miss out on this abode of Ganesha, the beach town of Ganapatipule in Ratnagiri!
Ganapatipule is for the beach lover in you! A temple in such a happy location is an added advantage for those who are feeling religious! Yes, Ganapatipule is known for its serene coastal line and a 400-year-old Ganesha temple.
Ganapatipule Beach
Photo Courtesy: Vaibhav Dautkhani
Legends of Ganapatipule
A popular legend says once a man, running away from the village, bumped into a muddy stone on the beach. When he observed carefully, it looked like a Ganesha idol. Hence, he built a temple around this idol. This Ganesha idol is said to be swayambu (self-generated); it is believed to be formed out of the sand.
Ganapati Temple on the beach
Photo Courtesy: Dmpendse
According to another folklore, Lord Ganesh was insulted by a native lady of his place Gule. So, he moved to Pule. Thus, the region came to be known as Ganapatipule.
Tourist Places to Visit In and Around Ganapatipule
Ganapatipule is an idyllic beach destination in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The surrounding villages, historical sites and pilgrimage places are worth a visit.
Sunset at the beach
Photo Courtesy: Hariprasad Poojary
Ganapatipule Beach
Ganapatipule Beach is a beautiful white sand beach. Fantastic sunset on these beautiful shores makes you want for more!
Ganesha Temple
Photo Courtesy: Rsmn
Ganesha Temple, Ganapatipule
Ganapatipule Ganesha Temple is on the shores of the beach with the backdrop of a hill. Steps are built on the hill to complete the parikrama (round the temple) of the shrine.
Velneshwar
Velneshwar is a beach village around 40km from Ganapatipule. It is also one of the offbeat beach destinations in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. Velneshwar is also known for ancient Shiva temple.
Keshavasuta's Birthplace
Photo Courtesy: Pradeep717
Malgund
Famous Marathi poet, Keshavasuta was born in Malgund around 3km from Ganapatipule. This serene beach village is also one of the tourist places near Ganapatipule.
Jaigad Fort at Ratnagiri
Photo Courtesy: Nilesh2 str
Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is famous for its mangoes and is the nearest city to Ganapatipule. Jaigad Fort, Jaigad Lighthouse, Tilak Ali Museum, Thiba Palace, Kunkeshwar Beach are some of the main tourist places in the city of Ratnagiri.
Pawas
Swami Swaroopanand Ashram is the reason behind the popularity of Pawas. A journey for 40km fro Ganapatipule will take you to this spiritual place of Pawas.
Camel Ride at Ganapatipule Beach
Photo Courtesy: Ramnath Bhat
How to Reach Ganapatipule
No doubt, Ganapatipule can be considered as one of the best offbeat destinations in Maharashtra. It is a famous weekend getaway for peace-seekers and beach lovers alike.
Ganapatipule is around 330km from Pune and 340km from Mumbai. It is accessible through NH17 (Mumbai - Goa Road) and also from Ratnagiri.
By Bus: State Transport buses are there from all the major cities of Maharashtra to reach Ganapatipule.
By Train: There is no railway station in Ganapatipule. Ratnagiri Railway Station is the nearest railway station.
Click: How to Reach Ratnagiri
Ganapatipule is awaiting the peace-lover in you! Just explore and get lost in the magic of this mindblowing destination!