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Ganpatipule, a charming little town along the
Konkan coast in Maharashtra, is important to Indian nationalists as the birthplace of the
leader Lokmanya Tilak. It is also of significance to Hindus as the site of a famous
Ganpati temple. But what really sets Ganpatipule apart from the numerous other coastal
towns and villages along India’s seashores are the unbelievably beautiful beaches of
the place.
Ganpatipule is idyllic… sparkling waters against silvery shores; jagged palm fronds
framed against magnificent sunsets. This is the spot where you can soak in hours of sun
and sea-spray, watch time drift by, wonder at sunrises, marvel at sunsets, drink in the
moonlight and dance on the moonbeams. And if you are looking for a spot of action,
Ganpatipule is a venue for paragliding. |
Part of the excitement of going to Ganpatipule is the
scenic drive through the Western Ghats – the chain of green hills along the Konkan
coast. The beaches on the coastline are amazingly clear, of both rocks and hordes of
visitors. All along the way are tiny fishing villages; groves of casuarina and tropical
fruit; and stretches of clean, golden sand. Whether you go to Ganpatipule by rail or
road, the route is as breathtaking as the destination itself.
Besides fabulous beaches and the ancient Ganpati Swayambhu
temple, Ganpatipule affords a number of opportunities for excursions into remote fishing
hamlets, villages and towns of the Konkan. The entire coastline is breathtakingly
beautiful, with pristine beaches, overhung by cliffs and interspersed by pretty little
creeks. Enthusiastic beach-lovers can actually hire a car and drive along the coast-
it’s lovely all the way.
Access
Ganpatipule is 375 km away from Mumbai, the closest metro with an international airport.
It lies 30 km off the Mumbai-Goa Highway, 50 kms short of Ratnagiri, which is the nearest
railhead. You can take an overnight MTDC bus from Mumbai's Nariman Point. Or catch the
magnificent Konkan Railway from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus).
Disembark at Sangameshwar or Ratnagiri and take a bus to Ganpatipule.
Ganpatipule is a small town, and you do not really require
transport to get to the beaches. Rickshaws are available for short distances, but be
prepared to haggle over fares. The State Transport buses are not particularly recommended.
If you are making longer excursions, your best option is to hire a vehicle. The tourist
taxis and cars are reliable though you do need to fix the fare in advance.
Best time to visit
Though winter is the touristy time to get to most beaches in India, Ganpatipule can be
spectacular during and just after the monsoons (June to October). This is also the time
when fewer tourists come to Ganpatipule, so accommodation will be easier to get, and
crowds don’t inundate the beaches.
Accommodation
Low-to-middle budget accommodation is freely available in Ganpatipule. MTDC (Maharashtra
Tourism Development Corporation) has a resort right on the beach itself. It offers
accommodation ranging from tents, dormitories and comfortable air-conditioned suites at
affordable prices starting from about Rs 250 for two beds. Other accommodation, much of it
privately owned, is off the beach; in most cases private properties offer more amenities
and are proportionately more expensive. Other accommodation options include renting a room
from the locals, who are geared for the tourist influx.
Further information can be obtained from the offices of the
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC). Ganpatipule doesn’t have an MTDC
office, but larger cities in the state- including Mumbai- do. |
