Ganapatipule: The Dock of the Bay

The road to Ganapatipule from Ratnagiri is an indicator of the beauty that lies ahead. On winding pathways, a multi-hued landscape rushes past your car windows, permeated with red earth and emerald paddy fields. The beach at Ganapatipule is a revelation. Its sands change colour according to the time of day, and it is at its stunning best at sunset, when all is gold, framed by a pink sky.

The remarkable thing about the beach is that though it is frequented by tourists, it never seems crowded. From the hillock behind the temple, the view is gorgeous: a spectacular blue sea with white-tinged waves spreads out below, while the coconut trees sway dreamily in the breeze. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay on – forever, if possible.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Strictly speaking, there is only one beach in Ganapatipule. Bhandarpule, located 2 km away from town, also has a beach, but it is quite small. The unpolluted waters of the sea and the clear blue sky (unless you’re visiting in the monsoon) contribute toward making Ganapati pule spectacular.

TIP Swimming is not advisable here at low tide as it’s dangerous

Swayambhu Ganapati Temple

Courtesy MTDC

The town’s hub is its bus terminus. Across the road from the terminus stands the MTDC Resort, and to the left the Swayambhu Ganapati Temple, which faces the beach. All the important hotels in Ganapatipule lie along this road.

The months of August-September, when Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated, see many tourists. However, if you want to pick fresh hapus mangoes from the orchards, May is the best time for you.

The Beach

Despite its relative popularity, the beach at Ganapatipule remains quiet and clean. To the left of the Swayambhu Ganapati Temple, the beach ends in large rocks, while to the right it is cut off by a creek. Ocean Adventures (Cell: 09975553617; W oceanadventures.in) offers watersports here.

Magnificent sunset at the beach at Ganpatipule

Punit Paranjpe

Swayambhu Ganapati Temple

Legend has it that Lord Ganesha manifested himself on a hillock by the beach, which is why a temple was built here. The name Ganapatipule means pule (sand) blessed by Ganesha. The temple is pretty and a must-visit.

Malgund

This is an old village on the road to Jaigarh, about 2 km from Ganapatipule. It is mainly known for two things: the open air Prachin Kokan Museum, and the memorial to the Marathi poet Krishnaji Keshav Damle, better known as Keshavsut (Keshav’s son). Damle was born in Malgund on 7 October 1866, and made his mark as a revolutionary and reformist poet. His old house is now a sacred space, revered by locals.

TIP Remove your shoes before you enter the house

A view of the picture-postcard pretty Ganpatipule Beach

Courtesy MTDC

Malgund also has a beautiful beach called Gaiwadi, which you won’t find on a tourist map but must not miss at any cost during the winter months; between December and March, it’s home to large flocks of migratory birds.

WHERE TO STAY

The fanciest option, Blue Ocean Resort & Spa (Tel: 02357-235388, 235488; Tariff: ₹8,000-22,000), is located in Malgund and has its own private beach. Accommodation is in well-appointed villas, and the amenities here include restaurants, a bar, an infinity swimming pool and a play area for children.

The MTDC Holiday Resort (Tel: 235061-62; Tariff: ₹1,600-4,000) is two properties, with a kilometre between them. If you want the best location in town, look no further. Whether you stay in the hotel block upon the hillock or in the Konkanistyle cottages below, the sea will be directly before you.

Hotel Durvankur (Tel: 235764; Tariff: ₹1,500-1,900) is a good option as well, located not very far from the beach. The restaurant here serves good food. Krishnali Beach Resort (Tel: 235351-53; Tariff: ₹6,500-16,500) is an over-priced place that is located 2 km out of town, at Bhandarpule.

Hotel Landmark (Tel: 235284-85; Tariff: ₹2,500-3,500) is close to the sea. It will take you a few minutes to walk down to the Ganapati Temple and the beach from its gate. Stay here only if MTDC and Durvankur don’t have any decent rooms available.

MTDC Holiday Resort, Ganapatipule

Courtesy MTDC

Tranquillity Beach Resort (Tel: 235750, Cell: 08888262924; Tariff: ₹2,500-3,500) is also located 5 km from Ganapatipule on Malgund-Warawade Road. No credit cards.

The Fern Courtyard Resort (Tel: 235300, Mumbai Reservations Tel: 022-67397777; Tariff: ₹5,000-8,000 on weekdays, ₹6,000-8,500 on weekends) has restaurants, a swimming pool, Internet, games and a play area for children.

WHERE TO EAT

MTDC’s properties in Ganapatipule are great to stay at, but the food at their two restaurants is quite basic.

As it is a temple town, most roadside eateries in Ganapatipule serve only vegetarian fare. And the pick of these lie just a short walk away from the MTDC property. The first of these is Bhau Joshi Bhojanalaya that serves the best sol kadi in town

Hotel Durvankur’s sparkling clean Shivnandan Restaurant is located a little further up the road. Everything they serve is excellent.

When to go Ganapatipule is a yearround destination but is best in the mild coastal winter from November to February Location By the Arabian Sea on the southern Konkan Coast, to the north of Ratnagiri Air Nearest airport: Mumbai Rail Nearest rail: Ratnagiri