Ganpatipule
Ganapatipule
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 of Interest in Ganpatipule
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
How to get there:
BY ROAD: Mumbai to Ganapatiphule ( via Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune to Ganapatiphule
(via satara) is 331 kms. Kohlapur to Ganapatiphule is 144 kms.
BY RAIL: The nearest railhead is ratnagiri 50 kms on the Konkan railway.
By AIR: The nearest airport is Ratnagiri, 50 kms away.
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Maharashtra Attractions
