Ratnagiri Travel Guide
Location : In Southwestern
Maharashtra On The Arabian Sea Coast, Maharashtra
Area : 8326 sq. kms.
Attractions : Ganapatipule and the surrounding Sahyadri hills.
Ideal Time To Visit : Throughout the year
¤ Ratnagiri, The Untouched Village
The town of Ratnagiri is located in the southwestern part of
Maharashtra State on the Arabian Sea coast. The Bijapur rulers made it
their administrative capital. It is a part of the greater tract known
as Konkan. The Konkan tract is famous for its long coastline and
accessible harbors. The proximity with Arabian sea makes it a
convenient base.
Ratnagiri's surrounding area is encircled by the Sahyadri Hills on
the West. Thus, this area receives heavy rainfall which results into
highly eroded landscape in the coastal region. The main crops of this
land are rice and coconut. Along with these the fertile alluvial
valleys also allow the cultivation of fruits and cashew nut.
¤ History
Ratnagiri came under the control of Satara kings in 1731 but in 1818
it was surrendered to the British. There is a fort here built during
the Bijapur dynasty and strengthened in 1670 by the Maratha king
Shivaji. It is located on an elevation near the harbor. This harbor is
one among the many ports of the Konkan coast. The last king of Burma,
Thibaw, and later Veer Savarkar, were captivated in this fort.
It is said that the Pandavas after performing their pilgrimage on the
13th year, settled in the adjacent territory of the Ratnagiri
district.
¤ Attractions In Ratnagiri
Parashuram Temple
The famous Parashuram Temple is located near Chiplun, Ganapatipule
and Pavas. It attracts many visitors. A few caves in the Chiplun,
Khed, Dabhol, Sangameshwar, Gauhani Velgaum and Vade Padel also
deserve visiting.
Ganapatipule
Ganapatipule is an ancient pilgrim center, located about 25 kms from
Ratnagiri district. This beautiful sea town is rich in history.
Ganapatipule is around 375-km away from Mumbai. There is also a
mysterious Swayambhoo (a naturally formed idol) of Ganapati in a
temple at Ratnagiri.
This small and sacred village is uninfluenced by commercialism. The 6
kms long virgin beach on the exotic Konkan coastline adds to the
scenic beauty of the village. Ganapatipule is one of the `Ashta
Ganapatis' (eight Ganpatis) of India and is called the "Paschim
Dwar-Dewata" (Western Sentinel God).
The Beaches
There are many beaches in and around Ratnagiri. They are famous for
their beauty and serenity. The Ratnagiri beach is a lovely beach,
which penetrates the sea. There are many other virgin beaches on the
coastline of Konkan, like the Chiplun, Dapoli and Guhagar.
Murud Janjira
The Murud-Janjira beach near Alibaug is a sea town, located close to
Mumbai. Here one can find exquisite semi-ruined fort of Janjira. Murud
is the proud owner of a three-century-old fort. It is a surrounded by
palm trees and is a marvelous piece of architecture.
¤ Excursions
Savantwadi
Savantwadi, is one of the most popular towns of Sindhudurg district.
It is gracefully adorned with lush green forests and hills from the
three sides. There are various waterfalls here, along with beautiful
sea to its west. This place is famous for its wooden articles and
mangoes.
Sindhudurg Fort
The Sindhudurg Fort, is an island fort, constructed by Shivaji in
1664 AD. It is located on a low rocky 48-acre island off the Malvan
coast. This fort speaks volumes about the glory of the Maratha Empire.
It is situated in the southern part of Konkan, nearly 150 km from
Ratnagiri. It is said that this fort has the hand and foot prints of
Lord Shivaji. There is also a 300 year old small temple which is
dedicated to him and was built by his son.
¤ Shopping in Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri located in the Konkan region is bestowed with some of the
high-quality horticultural fruits. One can buy a variety of fruits
from this place, specially the royal Mangoes. During Summers, the most
famous variety of mangoes in the world - the Devgad `hapus' mango is
available here. These Mangoes are exported throughout the world.
¤ Reach Ratnagiri
By Air : The nearest airport
is situated at Ratnagiri itself. It is about 50 kms away.
By Rail : The nearest important railhead is Kolhapur.
Ratnagiri also has a railhead on the Konkan railway about 50 kms away,
but it is not very important.
By Road : The district is well connected by roadways with
important towns such as Mumbai , Pune , Kolhapur, etc.
Major Circuits
Major Tour Packages To Maharashtra
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