Been to Ganpatipule between 6th March 2008 to 9th March 2008. Ganapatipule is about 375 km from south of Mumbai. Takes around 7-8 hours to reach the place. Went by car. The sights throughout the Konkan region are beautiful. Took the Mumbai-Panvel-Mahad-Khed-Chiplun-Ganpatipule route. The drive through the ghats can be managed well. There are plenty of signboards.
Stayed at MTDC holiday resort. It has A/c , Non A/c sea view rooms, cottages, tents, konkani huts. Booked in advance through the net. Always full. Asked for Ganapatipule brochure at the resort counter.
Visited the Ganapati temple. Took a pradakishna in the "Pradakishna Marg" around the temple. About 1 km in length. Round about 12.00 noon there is a aarati. Thereafter, khichdi prasad is served to the devotees between 12.30 to 2.00 p.m. Very filling.
Enjoyed long walks on the beach. Spotted many different kinds of water birds. There is water sports as well at one corner. They have paddle boats, water scooters & motor boats. Here, watched the locals fishing. One Ayurvedic massage centre is located in the MTDC resort as well.
About 2 kms from Ganapatipule, at Malgund, visited the birthplace of the famous Marathi poet, Kavi Keshvasoot. His inkpot, writing desk, jhoola and various items are preserved there.
Around the same distance, there seems to be an added attraction in recent times called "Prachin Konkan" - a museum with a difference. Came to know about it on the last night of stay. So could not make it there.
Visited Ratnagiri too. Very famous for Hapus mangoes. The places of interest here are:-
Thibaw Palace: Here, Thibaw, the last king of Burma, his Queen and 2 daughters were all kept in capitivity by the British in 1885.
Bhagwati Mandir: Temple situated at the top of the Ratnadurg fort. Can go around the Ratnadurg fort after praying at the temple.
Marine Biological Research Centre: Consists of an aquarium and seafood processing centre. Situated on the lane to and fro to Ratnadurg fort.
Seen all this. Worth a visit. However, there are 2 more places of interest which we missed.
Tilak Smarak: Birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak.
Patit Pawan Mandir: Built for non-Brahmins by the revolutionary leader, Veer Savarkar.
In additon there is Velenshwar, Jaigad Fort and Pawas. But these places are at different directions from Ganaptipule. Situated at long distances. Just heard about them.
Food: Do taste the Sol kadi, Kokam Sherbet, Misal Pav & Batata Wada at the local veg "HOTEL SWATI" situated near the temple at Ganapatipule. That too at local rates. A full lunch plate (unltd. quantity) for 2 costs around Rs. 60/-. Also the modak as well in this area. MTDC also has a restaurant "TARANG". Conveniently located.
Can shop at ’Kala Niketan’ outside the gate on the left side of MTDC Resort for local Konkan stuff -
Kokam sherbet
Phanaspoli (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jackfruit)
Ambapoli (thin pancakes of dried and crushed mango)
Hope u have a happy and enjoyable trip to Ganapatipule!
*Ganapti Bappa Moorya!