Ganapatipule is the place on western coast in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.If you have to describe this place, all you can say is just fabulous.
I am also describing my **travel route** so that any one driving from pune would get driving directions.
I left pune in the morning 09 AM.Took Pune Kolhapur Road NH-4 until umbraj (~ 150 KMS from Pune) after satara and right turn there after.This road leads to Patan (~40 KM from Umbraj) and chiplun (~ 50 KMS from Patan).Enroute I halted at Koyna dam which wasn’t worth. But after koyna dam, we came accross Kumbharli Ghat which is scenic treat to any nature lover.Its quite beautiful.After the ghat I came across Chiplun town and took NH17 from there.Drove until sangmeshwar (~55KMS from Chiplun) thereafter Nivli Phata (~ 5 KMS) and took a right turn at Nivli towards Ganapatipule.Ganatipule is 30 KM from NH17 Nivli cross.Overall **~330 KMS 8 hours.*
I stayed at Atharva Residency in Malgund and it was excellent stay to say the at least. The hospitality given by Ukidwe and family is something very appreciable.
*Places to visit in Ganaptipule :** A Ganesha temple and a beautiful beach.Drive to Jaigarh, its wonderful sea side drive.The fort itself isnt good enough but the sea view is quite good.
On return journey drove to Kolhapur and from there to Pune. The drive to Kolhapur from Ganapatipule is through mountain ranges and a nice treat to nature lovers.The distance between Ganapatipule and Kolhapur is ~150 KMS, 4 hours drive.
It was quite fascinating trip, I would say.Only thing I did not like is I did not find any good restaurant to dine.I had dinner at MTDC but did not like it.I wish I should have had it in Atharva Residency itself because there breakfast was good which was home made.But made a mistake to try out restaurants.But overall, trip was quite good.
I recommend visiting Ganaptipule and staying at Atharva Residency at Malgund run by Ukidwe family.
Ganapatipule is quite worthy place to visit.