
Visit
the vast strech of unpolluted silver sands on the western cost of Maharastra,
Bathed in the golden sunshine and silver moonlight, Lapped by gentle foam-flecked
waves from the expanse of the arabian sea, Laced with the unforgettable aroma
of fruits, flowers and mangroves, Carrying the timid wispers of saying coconut
trees.
This is
Ganapatiphule Land
of the 400- year old Swayambhu ganapati and eager tourists. Set along the
western coast of maharastra, is a small little village called Ganapatiphule.
It is known for it's scerene sedate beach. Unlike most beaches which are spoilt
by tourist traffic, the Ganapatiphule beach is as natural and pristine as
ever. Even today, the waters are blue and the sands, white.
Travelling to Ganapatiphule by road is a vacation in itself. The entire 'konan'
region is paradise- for miles there is something new to discover, in whichever
direction you go: narrow roads, red soil roofed houses, clean courtyards,
innumerable fruit- bearing trees (including mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit,
etc.) and casuarinas lining the cost are a common sight. Meeting the ever-friendly
and hospitable 'konkanis' and chatting with them could unearth innumerable
delights of holidaying in this naturally gifted countryside.

Besides
the beach Ganapatiphule is an important pligrimage centre. The temple of the
'Swayambhu Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati
and its magnificient temple ('Swayambhu' or self originated, not manmade,
'Ganapati' or the lord of 'ganas' or army. 'Pule' or sand dune. That's how
the name Ganapatiphule). 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. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein
devotiees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple
in which the idol is housed ).
Geographic location :
Approximately 375 kms south of mumbai, along the 'konkan' coast.
Climate:
The climate is moist and humid but healthy and devoid of pollution. From march,
the temprature starts rising but rarely crosses 38 C.May is the hottest month.
Monsoon is between June and October. Rains are usually plentiful and regular.
The winter season is perhaps the most pleasant with temperatures dropping
at nights.
Languages spoken :
Marathi is the most widely spoken language along with local dialect of 'konkani'.
Local festivals :
Gauri Ganapati, Magh chaturthi (on the 4th day of the lunar month of Magh,
equivalent to approximately February, which most locals believe is the actual
birth date of Lord ganapathi) and Dashavtar are the most important events
not just in Ganapatiphule but the entire 'konkan' region. Other festivals
like holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are also celeberated. Don't forget to carry
your swimming costumes!
What to eat:
Local fish curries (since Ganapatiphule is a piligrimage destination, you
may get non-vegetarian food just on the outsklirts of the village), rice and
'konkam kadi'(a pink coloured liquid, either to be drunk after food or had
with rice ; the 'kokam kadi' is a highly digestive drink and neutralises all
effects of spicy food ). Vegetarians can also feast on simple but tasty fare:
dal, vegetables prepared with coconut base and 'modak' (a favorite dish of
Ganesh). Besides the MTDC resturant Tarang offers some of the finest vegetarian
food in the region.
What to buy :
The 'Konkan' blessed with some of the finest horticulture fruits offers you
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. If you're in Ganapatiphule in summer don't leave
without buying the most famous variety of mangoes in the world in the world
- the devgad' hapus' mango.
How to get there :
By Road: Mumbai to Ganapatiphule
( via Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune to Ganapatiphule (via satara) is 331 kms. Kohlapur
to Ganapatiphule is 144 kms.
By Rail: The nearest railhead
is ratnagiri 50 kms on the Konkan railway.
By Air: The nearest airport
is Ratnagiri, 50 kms away.
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Offers on Booking Ganpatipule Beach in Maharashtra