Ganpatipule
Ganpatipule is the perfect blend of religion and recreational activities. This is the land of near about 400 years old Swayamboo (naturally formed idol) Ganpati and the glittering white sand beach. Ganpatipule is one of the best places for family outing. Ganpatipule temple is 400 years old and it is at the foot of a hillock. Thousands of devotees and tourists visit this place, almost every year. This village got its name Ganpatipule, Ganpati the Lord of "Ganas" or an army and "Pule" means Sand dunes. Ganpatipule is one of the famous eight Ganpatis (Ashta Vinayak) of India and it is known as "Paschim Dwar Dewata" (the western Sentinel God).
Most of the pilgrimage in India believes in taking a "Pradakshina" around the hill instead of just the temple. Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance in which devotees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or may be around the temple in which the idol is housed. In ganpatipule, two grand festivals are celebrated every year, which includes Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapad Dwar Devata), and another is Vinayak Chaturthi (Magh Shudh Chaturthi).
Ganpatipule is one of the small villages that is sedate, serene, and unspoiled. This land of Ganpatipule is one of the Maharahstra virgin beaches. The beaches found here are still as natural and pristine as ever and traveling by roads is an experience in itself. Here, there is always something new to discover in whichever direction you go. On the way to ganpatipule, you will find narrow roads. Roofed houses, red soil, clean courtyards, lot of fruits bearing trees (such as jackfruits, mango, betel nut, banana etc). The casuarinas lining coast is also one of the common sight. Almost, whole western coast is covered with some of these trees. The local peoples of Ganpatipule are very friendly and ever ready to chat with the visitors to make them feel at home.
Ganpatipule is one of the renowned tourist destinations in the Ratnagiri District. It is situated at 15-20kms away from Ratnagiri. There is a pleasant seashore at Ganpatipule with scenic plantation of cypress tress. However, it is never advisable to venture in the deep sea alone as the level of sea can suddenly deeps to a dangerous death. Many major drowning accidents take place due to over enthusiasm of the tourists and visitors. Once can find here a panoramic view of the beautiful beaches up to Kotwade at one side, sea shore of Malgund Varawade and the Tivari port at the other side of Ganaptipule from the hill behind this temple. The villages nearby are also worth visiting such as Ganeshgule, Kotwade, Malgund, Jaigad, Tivari port, Kolisare etc can be visited while on a trip to Ganpatipule.
All the types of festivals are celebrated here with great enthusiasm and unity. In the entire Konkan region, Gauri Ganpati and Magh Chaturthi are the most important events. However, other festivals like Gudi Padva, Holi, and Diwali are also well celebrated here. The comfortable and suitable clothes to wear at Ganpatipule are cotton attire. During the winter season, warm clothing would be preferable. In addition, swimming costumes are recommended for people indulging in water sports.
Since the Ganaptipule is a pilgrimage center, non-veg food is very rarely found here. Nevertheless, on the outskirts of the Ganpatipule fish curry, rice and kokam kadhi are available. Most of the vegetable curries are prepared here with a coconut base, but they are very tasty. 'Modal' one of the favorite sweet of Lord Ganesha is also available here.
However, it is sure that you can have a blast on the trip to Ganpatipule. So, what are you waiting for, plan a trip to Ganpatipule, one of the rocking places that you will ever see!