Ganpatipule Land of the 400- year old Swayambhu ganapati and eager tourists. Set along the western coast of maharastra, is a small little village called Ganapatiphule. It is known for it's scerene sedate beach. Unlike most beaches which are spoilt by tourist traffic, the Ganapatiphule beach is as natural and pristine as ever. Even today, the waters are blue and the sands, white.

Travelling to Ganapatiphule by road is a vacation in itself. The entire 'konan' region is paradise- for miles 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, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, etc.) and casuarinas lining the cost are a common sight. Meeting the ever-friendly and hospitable 'konkanis' and chatting with them could unearth innumerable delights of holidaying in this naturally gifted countryside.

Besides the beach Ganapatiphule is an important pligrimage centre. The temple of the 'Swayambhu Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati and its magnificient temple ('Swayambhu' or self originated, not manmade, 'Ganapati' or the lord of 'ganas' or army. 'Pule' or sand dune.

That's how the name Ganapatiphule). The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. Most piligrims believe in taking a 'pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein devotiees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple in which the idol is housed.

Places to See

Thebaw Palace
Constructed in 1910-11, the Thebaw Palace was built for the exiled king and queen of Burma( now Mayanmar ). They lived in this palace from 1911 till their death in 1916. The five years of their stay are now immortalised in stone ; their tombs. In future, this palace might be converted into a regional museum or a heritage hotel.

Malgund
Birthjplace of the famous Maraathi poet, Keshavsoot. It is a small peaceful village about 1km away from Ganapatiphule. The poet's house was recently renovated and converted into a students hostel. The Marathi sahitya parishad (Marathi litreture society) has constructed a beautiful monument called Keshavesoot Smarak in the memory of the great son of the soil.

Jaigarh fort
Nestled on a cliff, at the entrance of the sangameshwar river and 35kms from Ganapatiphule is the jaigarh fort. This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea. Jaigarh's sea fort is situated at a sheltered bay. Its beach is small and safe.

Pawas
Besides its natural beauty and serenity, pawas achieved prominence when swami swaroopanand( a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of maharashtrians)had made it his abode. The place where he used to reside is now converted into an ashram. A visit there is still like a journey through time.

Velneshwar
170 kms from ratnagiri is the sleepy villlage of Velneshwar. Its adjoining beach is clean and natural and is lined with coconut trees. Swimming and other water sports are possible there as the beach is free from rocks. There is an old shiva temple near Velneshwar which is frequently visited by piligrims ; a heaven for those in search of quiet mysticism in the ethereal presence of the master mystic- Lord Shiva.