Ganpatipule Temple and Beach

Ganpatipule has a fine blend of religion and recreational activities. This is the land of the 400-year old Swayambhaoo (a naturally formed idol) Ganpati and a glittering white sand beach. Ganapatipule is ideal for family outing. The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. Most pilgrims believe in taking a 'Pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein devotees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple in which the idol is housed). Lord Ganpati of Ganpatipule is also called as the ‘Paschim-Dwar Devata' (Western Sentinel God). Two grand festivals are celebrated every year - one is Bhadrapad Shuddha Chaturthi (Ganesh-Chaturthi) and another is Magh Shuddha Chaturthi (Vianayaki Chaturthi).

Ganpatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever and traveling by roads is an experience by itself. 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, betel nut, banana, jackfruit, etc.) and casuarinas lining the coast are a common sight. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings - ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.

This is very renowned tourist destination in Ratnagiri district. Distance from Ratnagiri is 15-20 kms. There is pleasant seashore with scenic plantation of cypress trees. It is not advisable to venture in the deep sea alone as the level suddenly deeps to dangerous depth. Many a drowning accidents happen due to over-enthusiasm of the tourists. One can have a panoramic view of beautiful seashore up to Kotwade at one side, seashore of Malgund Varawade and Tivari port at other side of Ganpatipule from the hill behind the temple. Nearby villages are worth visiting. Ganeshgule, Kotwade, Malgund, Jaigad, Tivari Port, Kolisare etc. can be visited from Ganapatipule.

Getting Activities to do:  
Water sport facility available (except during monsoon)

Accomodation:

Mumbai, Goa, Pune, Kolhapur and Ganapatipule

water sport facility available ( Except during monsoon )

Getting There:
There is a road from Nivali on Mumbai–Goa highway.

To go to Ganapatipule via Nevre–Kotvade from Ratnagiri city is also easily possible.

Ganpatipule is also connected to Jaigad Road from Malgund, Varavde side.

By Air:
Nearest airport is Belgaum, 299 kms.

By Rail:
On Konkan Railway Bhoke is 35. kms and Ratnagiri is 45 kms.

By Road:
Kolhapur - Ganpatipule, 144 kms.
Belgaum – Ganpatipule, 299kms.
Pune – Ganapatipule, 331 kms. Via Satara;
Mumbai – Ganapatipule, 375 kms. Via Mahad. State Transport buses ply from Mumbai and Ratnagiri to Ganapatipule.

Places to see nearby:

Malgund: Just a kilometer away from Ganapatipule, Malgund village is famous Marathi poet Keshavsoot’s birthplace.

Pawas: It is serene and naturally beautiful.  The place is also prominent for the ashram of Swami Swarupanand.
Jaigad Fort: The legendary fort stands high and proud on the cliff with a spectacular view of the sea.  The fort is at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river and is 35 kms.  away from Ganapatipule.

Marleshwar Temple and Waterfall: It is 60 kms. From Ganapatipule, famous for its Shiva temple and watrerfall.

Derwen: 85 kms. From Ganpatipule which is well known for its Shiv Shristi ( an exhibition on Chhhatrapati   Shivaji. )

Parshuram Temple: It is 112 kms. away from Ganaptipule, known for Parshuram Temple

Jaygad Fort:

Arevare Seaface and Beach: At Arevare, the road travels past a 100 feet high cliff, below which sea waves lap ferociously without pause. In fact, the road hugs the seashore for a length of some 7 - 8 Kms