Travel Information from Visa2explore: Ratnagiri & Chiplun, Maharashtra

Overview

This itinerary covers Velneshwar, Hedavi, Guhagar, and Chiplun in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. The journey includes beaches, temples, local cuisine, and cultural experiences, with a focus on natural beauty and regional specialties.

Day Plan Summary

1. Velneshwar:
   • Sea view from balcony.
   • Visit to Velneshwar Beach.
   • Velneshwar Temple (Shiva Temple) near the sea.
2. Hedavi (7 km from Velneshwar):
   • Natural rock-cut fountain at the beach (visible during high tide).
   • Scenic views of the coast.
3. Guhagar (20 km back from Hedavi):
   • Annapurna Hotel: Vegetarian Thali (Kala Vatana, Solkadi, Shrikhand are highlights).
   • Shree Vyadeshwar Temple (Darshan from outside due to COVID-19 closure).
   • Guhagar Sea Beach (Isolated beach).
   • Durga Devi Sthal Temple (Unique rituals).
   • Varveli Village Buddh Vihar (Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's mortal remains).
4. Chiplun (Travel from Guhagar):
   • Hotel Abhishek: Dinner (Bangra fish curry & fry, Vadas, Solkadi).
   • Accommodation: Amraban Resort.

Detailed Travel Information

Destinations

• Velneshwar: Known for its serene beach, greenery, and proximity to the sea. The presenter stayed at an MTDC property. The presenter mentions that State tourism properties are located at awesome locations.
• Hedavi: Features a unique natural fountain formed by a rock cut during high tide. Best views are during high tide.
• Guhagar: Famous for its pristine beach and ancient temples. The Guhagar beach is isolated.
• Chiplun: Served as an overnight stop and a base for local sightseeing on the following day.

Beaches

• Velneshwar Beach:
  • "Golden Sand Beach" due to sand color.
  • Benches available to watch the sunset.
  • Small eatery nearby for lunch or snacks.
• Hedavi Beach:
  • Rocky beach with natural fountains during high tide (Baman Ghal).
  • Enjoy the scenery at a safe distance from the fountains due to the vacuum created by the water.
• Guhagar Beach:
  • Isolated beach, not heavily visited by tourists.
  • Water level significantly recedes during low tide.

Temples

• Velneshwar Temple:
  • Located right next to the sea.
  • Features a Shivling believed to be centuries old and self-appeared.
  • Konkan region is considered the land of Sage Parshuram.
• Shree Vyadeshwar Temple (Guhagar):
  • Closed to the public since the first lockdown due to COVID-19.
  • Original structure dates back to the 12th century.
  • Sage Parshuram instructed Vyad Muni to establish a Shivling here.
• Durga Devi Sthal Temple (Guhagar):
  • Unique rituals involving dressing the deity as a married woman and then as an unmarried girl.

Food & Drink

• Annapurna Hotel (Guhagar):
  • Vegetarian Thali with local specialties.
  • Highlights: Kala Vatana (black peas with coconut), Solkadi (Kokum and Coconut Milk drink), Shrikhand (sweet dish made from curd).
  • The presenter highly recommends the homely taste and hygiene.
• Hotel Abhishek (Chiplun):
  • Bangra Fish Curry & Fry: Fresh fish prepared with coconut-based gravy.
  • Vadas: Unique fritters made from rice flour and pulses.
  • Solkadi: A regional digestive drink.
  • Green Chutney: Unique mix of coconut, green chili, and kokum.
• Solkadi: Kokum and Coconut Milk drink. The presenter tried many solkadis during the trip.

Cultural & Historical Sites

• Varveli Village Buddh Vihar (near Guhagar):
  • Contains a portion of the mortal remains of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Additional Tips & Considerations

• Weather Dependency: The plan is heavily influenced by the weather, especially the rains.
• High Tide Importance: The natural fountain at Hedavi Beach (Baman Ghal) is visible only during high tide.
• Safety at Hedavi: Maintain a safe distance from the natural fountain to avoid any risk due to the vacuum created by the water.
• Local Cuisine: Coconut is a prevalent ingredient in the local cuisine, especially in fish curries.
• Fresh Fish: The region is known for its ultra-fresh fish, due to the practice of purchasing only the quantity that can be consumed within the day.

Accommodation

• MTDC Property (Velneshwar): Liked for its open area and peaceful environment.
• Amraban Resort (Chiplun): Where the presenter stayed overnight.

Transportation

• The presenter used personal transportation to travel between destinations.

Itinerary for the next day

• Local sightseeing in Chiplun till 1 pm.
• Departure to Ganpatipule after 1 pm.