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