Konkan coast belt of Mahashtra state is the travelers delight. Long lush green, pristine beaches and Yummy Seafood …. This is what you will find in the entire Konkan coasts. Famous for its best variety Alphonso Mangoes and Cashew nuts , towns here are usually laid back yet serene , calm and peaceful
Here is presenting you our first and most loved destination of this Konkan Series.
Ganpatipule / Aare-Ware / Ratnagiri
Located at around 6-7 hour drive from Mumbai. this Ganpatipule is famous small town known for its Swyambhu Ganpati temple and clear white beaches ( which otherwise not found in Mumbai ) . The Ganpati temple here is discovered over 100 years ago in a huge rock and the temple faces the ocean.
Aare-Ware beach is located nearby Ganpatipule is by far the most scenic coastal road we have ever seen. Each turn you take in this road brings you the most scenic white water beach views . You cant just stop yourself from capturing the moments here .
Ratangiri – Major district itself this city is birthplace of great freedom Fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak . Ratnagiri city boasts the yummiest seafood delicacy and also many other tourist attraction places that you can cover over in a 2-3 day trip
How to Reach
By road – Distance from Mumbai approx.350 Kms via NH 66 ( Panvel – Nagothane- Mangaon- Mahad –Khed –Chiplun – Ganpatipule ( Take right turn at Nivali Phata )
Major VOLVO bus operate from Dadar/Thane to Ganptipule and Ratnagiri
By train – Nearest major railway station is Ratnagiri on Konkan Railway . From Ratnagiri one can opt for hired cab or MSRTC bus service to reach Ganpatipule.
Places to Visit
Swayambhu Ganpati Mandir , Ganpatipule Beach , Malgund Beach , Jaigad Light house , Jaigad Fort , Thiba Palace , Bhatye Beach , Ratnadug Fort
Stay and Food
Ganpatipule has various stay options from hotels to basic homestay starting at price range as minimum as Rs.800 INR . Below are few stay options recommend by us
Hotel Pritysangam ( Ganpatipule ) -
Basic yet best hotel with proper amenities, offers beach view from all rooms . All types of Home-style meal options available.
Hotel Abhishek Beach Resort and Spa (Ganaptipule) -
Resort style sea view hotel with premium rooms and suites. Do not forget to enjoy Chicken Tikka here .
Hotel Kohinoor Samudra Beach resort ( Ratnagiri ) -
Best property spread across many acres with magnificent view overlooking the Bhatye beach . Offers amenities like gym, swimming pool and free breakfast. You can’t help but stay back in room just for the view
Both Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri are a delight for fish lovers. Try out amazing different kinds of fish thalis from the fresh catch from the sea cooked in typical Konkani style coconut gravy preparation. Vegetarian also have variety of options.
Best Fish thali Hotels
Hotel Matsyam ( Ratnagiri )
Hotel Amantran ( Ratnagiri )
Hotel Sameer (Ganpatipule )
Best Veg Hotel
Hotel Ganesh ( Ganaptipule )
Tips and Advice
• Start early from Mumbai as you may find quite a few bumpy road patch on highway due to undergoing 4-lane construction
• Pit stop at Dattaguru snacks ( near Palaspe Phata ) to have your lip-smacking and hearty breakfast
• If you don’t have your own vehicle kindly book your hotel nearby the Temple premises as local transport is easily available there
• Visiting beach locations in monsoon can be disappointing as the sea can be wild , yet you can enjoy the amazing climate and greens
Hope you enjoy reading the blog . Will be back with our new blog soon , till then Keep reading and shower your love to us on our Instagram handle – hearts_on_travel