Konkan Coastal Maharashtra Tour: Ganpatipule & Ratnagiri Travel Guide

Overview

This travelogue documents a trip through the Konkan region of Coastal Maharashtra, focusing on Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri. It provides insights into accommodation, sightseeing, local cuisine, and cultural experiences.

Ganpatipule

Accommodation

MTDC Resort: Offers sea views and abundant greenery. Tariff ranges from Rs. 1600 to Rs. 7000. Booking in advance is recommended, especially on weekends.
Dormitory at MTDC Resort: Suitable for groups of 10-12 people. Has 12 beds and 3 toilets/bathrooms. Tariff is Rs. 3300 on weekdays and Rs. 5300 on weekends.
Bamboo House: Located next to the sea. Tariff is Rs. 3100 on weekdays and Rs. 4000 on weekends.

Things to Do

Ganpatipule Temple: A significant temple dedicated to Lord Ganpati. Note: It may be closed due to post-Covid-19 restrictions. The statue of Ganpati faces west.
Ganpatipule Beach: Known for its white sand ("Pule" means white sand in Marathi).
Pracheen Konkan (Ancient Konkan) Museum: Showcases the ancient Konkan region. Entry fee is Rs. 40 per person; camera fee is Rs. 20. Guided tours are available, lasting approximately 45 minutes.
Boat Club: Offers water sports activities such as kayaking, speedboat rides, motorboat rides, banana rides, and parasailing (check for availability).

Dining

Breakfast options include Poha and Upma.
Restaurant inside Pracheen Konkan Museum: Offers Konkani Thali with local dishes like Konkani Bhaji, Toor Dal (Varan), Chhaas (Buttermilk), Kachumbar (salad), Modak, Rice, Chapati, and Papad.

Aare-Vaare Beach

Located 11 km from Ganpatipule. Actually two beaches - Aare and Vaare.
Known for clean seawater and shells on the beach.
Offers views of the Arabian Sea and backwaters.
Offers Sunset views.

Ratnagiri

Hotel Seafan: Double Premium Category room costs Rs. 5000 including taxes and breakfast.
Ratnadurg Fort: Located on a mountain.
Petroglyphs: Animal and human shapes carved on rocks, dating back 8000 years. Located near Ratnagiri. (Check for accessibility.)

Other Information

Best Time to Visit

Throughout the year, except during the peak rainy season (July to mid-September).
April-May: For Jackfruit and Alphonso Mangoes.
October-December: For lush greenery.

Transportation

Taxi from Mumbai.
Battery-operated vehicles for short distances within resorts.

Local Cuisine Highlights

Solkadi (a Kokum-based drink).
Ukadiche Modak (steamed sweet dumplings made of rice flour with coconut and jaggery filling).
Karvewala.

Shopping

Pearls at the shell museum, prices range from Rs. 100-150