Places to see in Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is a blessed with beauty and at the same time is also an important strategic point and port of the state of Maharashtra. The land of immense natural beauty is also the birthplace of the many of the great minds and thinkers of the state of Maharashtra. Moreover today is evolving as a technological and industrial hub that is blessed with resources and manpower. However the most definitive part of the Ratnagiri to tourist and travelers visiting is that it offers a convergence of natural beauty and a strong hermitage along with an emerging industrial setting that is racing towards tomorrow. There are a number of places to visit in Ratnagiri are many and varied but all of them have a reason for attracting tourists and travelers.



The places to visit to Ratnagiri are as follows-

Theeba Palace and Museum- There are many places of historical significance that were kept in accordance with the wishes on the king of Burma. There are historical places that are not preferred, the preference come from novelty. The novel feature of the Theeba Palace is the distinctive architecture and at the same time the Palace is also known for the calm and serenity that is not a common feature especially for those who are ruffled by the hustles and the bustles of everyday life. Of late the place served as the official office of the Collector and also a separate place that house a gallery and museum. Apart from contemplating and visiting Ratnagiri past tourist can also experience tranquility and solace.

Theeba Point- The Theeba point in Ratnagiri is also visited by flocking tourists and is an important panoramic point in the city. Tourists visit this place as it offers an overall view of the entire view of the Kolhapur both the scenic and the growing facades and at the same time is also an important point specially during sunrise and sunset.

Dakshinmukhi' Maruti Temple- The southward facing Maruti temple as it is called is one of the most important temple destination in the city of Kolhapur. The temple is dedicated and built by Swami Samartha Ramdas the great sage and was later renovated to its present form by the great and noble Maratha emperor Shivaji Maharaja. This temple is visited by tourists and pilgrims who visit this historical point in true reverence and devotion.

Swayambhu Ganapati Temple Ganapatipule- There is something’s that senses cannot comprehend and in this case faith must be the only factor. The same can be said of the Ganapatipule temple at are Swayambhu not made by mere human hands but by the intervention and the blessings of God himself. The white marble deity of the Lord is believed to be self made and therefore is an important and marvel. Along with the main idol there is another idol that is built of pure copper. The idol depicts the Lord Ganesh on the back of lion. The position of the idol is such that on sunny days the deity shines and glimmers with the rays of the sun that fall on the deity. The temple is known for its firm devotion and practices that are continued everyday without even the slightest avail. In the morning the Rythyms of the Nagaras are played and evenings when the idols clothes are vested the chaughadas rhythms are played.

No travel on Ratnagiri can be complete without the white sanded beaches and the ambience of the seacoast.

Ganapatipule Beach- The beach is known for its clear sand and clear aqua waters and the rocky stretches. The beach is not safe for swimming and as it is a lagoon. For those interested in the adventure vein there is the kayaking and is a perfect place for the entire family to spend holiday. The beach has no facilities for swimming as the beach is made of swifting sand and therefore the tendency to lose course of balance. At the end of the beach there is a small cliff. There is trail of mango and cashew plantation along the coast. The beach is also known for its authentic Marathi vegetarian Cuisine.

Mandavi Beach- This is an important tourist destination in the city of Kolhapur and is also the gifted with a vast shore line that leads up all the way to the Rajiwanda Fort. This beach is also surrounded by another for that is the Ratnadurg for on the western side of the coast.  The feature of this beach is the black sand and therefore is also called the Mandavi beach. The black sand does appear to be filthy  however the sand of the beach is just perfect and is the most sort after destination by those wanting to spend some quality time by the beach as well as tourist who have a raw nerve for adventure sports.

Pandre Samudra- This name in Marathi refers to white sanded beach. The silvery white sand that shimmers in the sunrise is a perfect abode especially for tourist and locals alike. The Crystal clear waters come across the backdrop of nature in its ambient and powerful form and therefore are a delight especially in times of sunset and sunrise. The crystal clear water front is well complemented by the palm plantations that offer the delight and is the perfect beach side ambience of a well deserved outing.

Ratnadurg and Bhagwati Forts- The remnants of the Bijapur dynasty and also subjects to various struggles of power, the forts are known for their unparalleled beauty and majesty. The fort offers a silence and unchartered tranquility that is hard to find. Hence is a perfect place to spend one day and moreover is also a perfect place for tourists to get a bird’s eye view of Ratnagiri at the rim of the forts.

Marleshwar waterfalls- The waterfalls are not only for their intrinsic scenic beauty and is also known for its Swayambhu Shankar temple that is a prime tourist destination for devotees and travelers. Along the temple there is a cave known as “Dhareshwar’. In this natural cave the ambience and the silence of the is a perfect for meditation and uninterrupted prayers and supplications. The whole area in and around the waterfalls and the temple premises is filled with vegetation.

Jaigad fort and Light house- The Jaigad fort is a sea fort located at the tip of the peninsula of the district of Jaigad. The fort is cuddled on a cliff and overlooks the bay and is over the Shastri River.  The fort is situated at 35 km from that of Ganapatipule. The fort today is in ruins and as such there is exterior walls and the fragments of the remaining facts bear testimony to the times passed. The light house is also an important tourists spot and is also a functional today as it was in the year 1832. The lighthouse is open to visiting tourists between 4 to 5 pm  on all days of the week except that of Sundays.