| -Pragya Jhavar
Ganpatipule is regarded as one of the most important beaches
of Mahrashtra with its clear and pristine waters and beach
covered with fresh greeneries. Fine, sifted, silver sands
and a gentle lapping sea, which soothes frayed nerves, are
features of this beach, which is regarded as a beautiful seaside
resort of today, especially for families in Maharashtra.
The town possesses a pastoral beauty untouched by commercialisation.
The roadside sceneries on the way to Ganapatipule are captivating
with narrow roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards,
innumerable fruit bearing trees and casuarinas lining.
An ancient pilgrim center, Ganpatipule is one of the ‘Ashta
Ganapatis’ (eight Ganpatis) of India and called the
‘Paschim Dwar-Dewata’ (Western Sentinel God),
and has a lot to offer to tourists who seek to unearth the
treasures of this small, yet captivating town.
Swayambhu Ganapati: The temple of the ‘Swayambhu Ganapati’
is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati and the magnificient
temple structure itself. The name of this temple arose from
the words, ‘Swayambhu’ meaning self originated,
and ‘Ganapati’ meaning the lord of ‘ganas’
or army. 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.
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 the form
of their tombs, made with stone.
Malgund: Malgund is a small peaceful village, situated about
one km away from Ganapatipule. It is the birthplace of the
famous Marathi poet, Keshavsoot. The poet's house has been
renovated and converted into a students’ hostel. The
Marathi Sahitya Parishad (Marathi Literature Society) has
constructed a beautiful monument called Keshavesoot Smarak
in the memory of this great poet.
Jaigarh Fort: Nestled on a cliff at the entrance of the Sangameshwar
river and 35kms from Ganapatipule, is the Jaigarh Fort. This
17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea.
Shopping: Ganpatipule is blessed with some of the finest
horticultural fruits and offers a variety of local preprations
like ‘ambapoli’ (thin pancakes of dried and crushed
mango), ‘phanspoli’ (thin pancakes of dried and
crushed jack fruit), cashewnuts, coconuts etc. The most famous
variety of mangoes in the world - the devgad ‘hapus’
mangoes, are also available here.
Seasons to visit:
The climate of Ganpatipule is moist and humid in the summers,
but healthy and devoid of pollution. Thus, the best season
to visit the town is winters when the temperatures drop and
it becomes pleasant.
Getting there:
Air: The nearest airport is Ratnagiri, 50 kms away.
Rail: The nearest railhead is Ratnagiri, 50 kms away, on
the Konkan railway.
Road: Ganapatipule is well connected by road to Mumbai (375
kms), Pune (331 kms) and Kohlapur (144 kms).
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