Being a Mumbaikar and bored of seeing brown beaches in the city, I am always curious to find out beaches in India where the sand is actually clean and white and the waves have a bluish hue. Many friends suggested about Kerela, hidden beaches in Karnataka and Orissa and of course the haven- Andaman! But with the limited time that the big bad city life has to offer, its not practically possible to squeeze these places in a long weekend or with a couple of days of chhutti?
That’s when we decided to visit Ganpatipule- A place my husband & I were always keen to explore. I had visited the place many years ago with my parents, although I had little recollection of the trip.
People with a religious bent of mind may have heard of the famous Ganpati temple at Ganpatipule (hence, the name!). This temple town is known to a beach stretch that is pretty much on par with international standards.
Ganpatipule is 42-45 kms from the better known town of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra . There are not many routes to reach Ganpatipule from Mumbai. By road, its 7-8 hours from Mumbai, en route the Goa highway. By train, its an overnight journey from Mumbai to the nearest railway station is Ratnagiri, about 45 kms away from Ganpatipule. One can easily take an auto or a cab to reach Ganpatipule. This stretch of road is vitalizing. Long smooth winding roads, with the lovely Arabian sea on one side and on the quaint villages to the other.
When on a beach vacation- I firmly believe that its best to stay at a resort located on the beach. And that is where Ganpatipule probably falls short as compared to the more popular beach vacation destinations. Only MTDC offers accommodation with direct beach access. There are a few other good resorts such as Abhishek resort(has the best food in town!); but they lie across the road with no direct beach access. Some resorts are situated en route from Ratnagiri viz., Krishnali resort, which are situated on the beach at Malgund.
But I am happy with the choice we made. MTDC at Ratnagiri has 2 properties; one in the main complex (opp. The temple) and another ½ km away called Konkani huts area, isolated from the hustle bustle around the temple. The place also has backwaters (more like a stream, honestly) behind the Konkani huts complex. Try and get hold of the rooms towards the beach. The place provided perfect rejuvenation. We stayed at the Konkani huts area for a day (We had got availability there for only a day sadly) and it was probably one of the best settings I have stayed in India. Its bang on the beach, covered by the shady groves, with lazy hammocks inviting you with a book or for a snooze, and a restaurant on the beach offering you views of a secluded, clean and private beach. The food options are limited and hard liquor not allowed (Only beer is allowed and available). It was a little surprising and disappointing that for a coastal area, there were limited sea food options. But it seems to be a minor surrender, given the peace the place provides.
The main complex too, has good, clean rooms with sea-views. MTDC main complex is more popular with tourists due to its proximity to the temple and the market area. The food options at the main complex are slightly better.
Ganpatipule is really a place for nothingness. Because there is nothing you can do except eat, splash in the sea, read, sleep and well….repeat the cycle the next day. It provides a mental relief to minds cluttered with emails, sms’ and excel sheets! That there is a temple in the area also adds to the soothing process. The temple is best visited post sunset when the crowds are lesser, cool winds and a lovely spread of moonlight. Makes you feel close to God. I am told that there are some watersports available on the beach during long holidays, but we didn’t see any in action. The beach is idyllic, vast and clean. The waves are high, though the slope-gentle. The shore is lined with trees. Totally picture perfect!
Two nights/Three days is optimum. Beyond that it may seem like a drag. Ganpatipule makes a perfect destination for all kinds of tourists- whether large families, a dreamy eyed couple or just a gang of buddies. But don’t take my word for it- Explore it and you will experience it for yourself J