Ganpatipule Beach, Maharashtra

Ganapatipule, One of the serene, sedate and unspoiled beaches of Maharsahtra, discover this wonderfull beach resort with Tour Services India.

Ganpatipule

Sparkling blue waters, endless stretches of golden or silver sand, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothing in your ear. This is the land of Ganpatipule, one of Maharashtra's almost virgin beaches.

Nestled in the greenery is an almost 4000 year old land mark - the Swayambhu Ganapati temple (Swayambhu means 'self-made', this is a temple of the self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Thus the village got its name Ganapatipule, Ganapati the lord of the "ganas" or army and "pule" which means sand dunes, Ganapatipule is one of the "Ashta Ganapatis" (eight Ganapatis) of India and is known as "Paschim Dwar Dewata" (the Western Sentinel God).

Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever. And traveling by roads is an experience by itself. The vast "Konkan" stretch abounds with scenic greenery. There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. The local vegetation includes fruit bearing trees like mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, coconut, etc. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.

These god-fearing local devotees take a "Pradakshina" around the hill where the temple is located, not just around the temple (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein the devotee walks in a circle around the idol of the lord or around the temple, the house of the lord), As for the tourists, they can go walking simple to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Places to Visit:

Malgund: Just a kilometer away from Ganapatipule, Malgund village is the birthplace of the famous Marathi Poet Keshavsoot. This small, yet beautiful village is frequented by visitors who come to take a look at the renovated and converted house of the poet, now a student's hostel. The Maratji "Sahitya Parishad" (Marathi Literature Society) has constructed a beautiful monument salled "Keshavsoot Smarak" in the memory of the great son-of-the soil.

Pawas: Pawas is naturally beautiful and serene. The place is also prominent for the ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians). A visit to the place is a journey through time.

Jaigad Fort: The legendary fort stands high and proud on the cliff with a spectacular view of the sea. The fort is at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river and is 35 kms away from Ganapatipule.

Ratnagiri: The Konkan is the vast, beautiful western coast. One of its districts is the well-known Ratnagiri. It is here that the great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born. This man with a mission led the "Swadeshi Movement" in the 20th centuary against the British. His house - Tilak Smarak - is a landmark now and is open to visitors. Also the "Patit Pawan Mandir" is of importance here. It was the first temple built for the non-Brahmins by revolutionary leader, Swatantryaveer Savarkar. 

Other Attractions are the Bhatye Beach, The Coconut Research Center, Ratnadurg Fort, Bhagwati Bunder (Sea Port) and The Seafood Processing Centre at Mirya. Also visit Thebaw Palace, which was built for the exiled King and Queen of Burma (now Myanmar) in 1910 - 11. They lived for five years till their death in 1916.

Velneshwar: This small and dreamy village around 170 kms away from Ratnagiri is the place to be for water sports - thanks to its beautiful clean beach and rock - free sea. Also an old Shiva temple near Velneshwar if Frequented by pilgrims and tourists. The whole place is a mystic aura around in the presence of the master mystic, Lord Shiva.

Excursions:

Marleshwar: 60 kms from Ganapatipule, famous for its Shiva temple and waterfall.

Derwen: 85 kms from Ganapatipule, it is well known for its Shiv Shristi (an exhibition on Chhatrapati Shivaji)

Parshuram: Known for the Parshuram temple, it is 112 kms away from Ganapatipule.

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Ganpatipule, Maharashtra

Sparkling blue waters, endless stretches of golden or silver sand, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothing in your ear. This is the land of Ganpatipule, one of Maharashtra's almost virgin beaches.

Nestled in the greenery is an almost 4000 year old land mark - the Swayambhu Ganapati temple (Swayambhu means 'self-made', this is a temple of the self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Thus the village got its name Ganapatipule, Ganapati the lord of the "ganas" or army and "pule" which means sand dunes, Ganapatipule is one of the "Ashta Ganapatis" (eight Ganapatis) of India and is known as "Paschim Dwar Dewata" (the Western Sentinel God).

Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever. And traveling by roads is an experience by itself. The vast "Konkan" stretch abounds with scenic greenery. There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. The local vegetation includes fruit bearing trees like mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, coconut, etc. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.

These god-fearing local devotees take a "Pradakshina" around the hill where the temple is located, not just around the temple (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein the devotee walks in a circle around the idol of the lord or around the temple, the house of the lord), As for the tourists, they can go walking simple to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Important Information:

Geographic Location: Ganapatipule lies along the Konkan coast, approximately 375 kms south of Mumbai.

Climate: The coastal climate is mostly hot and humid but it is healthy and devoid of pollution. The temperature is at its peak (around 38 Degree C) in the month of March. The monsoon falls between June and October. The rains are regular here. The climate is pleasant in winter and the temperature often falls at night.

Languages Spoken: Marathi is the common language here. People also know Hindi and English.

Local Festivals: All the festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm and a spirit of togetherness. Gauri Ganapati and Magh Chaturthi are the most important events in the entire Konkan region. Holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are well celebrated here, too.

What to wear: Loose cotton attire is suitable and comfortable. Although during winters, warm clothing is preferable. Swimming costumes are recommended for people indulging in water - sports.

What to eat: Since Ganapatipule is a pilgrimage destination, non - vegetarian food is a little rare. But on the outskirts of Ganapatipule fish curry, rice and kokam kadhi are available. Vegetable curries are also very tasty, prepared with a coconut base. "Modak" the favorite sweet meat of Lord Ganesh is also available.

What to Buy: The Konkan coast is rich in horticulture and the place is filled with delicious exotic fruits. These are also turned into sweet preparations like Ambapoli and Phanaspoli (pancakes of dried mango and jackfruit respectively). If you visit during the mangi season, don't forget to buy the world famous Devgad "Hampus" mangoes.

Where to Stay: The MTDC resort lies on the slope of a green hillock, facing the sea. Alphonso mango trees and coconut palms dot the 45 acre grounds. Sea view cottages. tents and Konkani houses are also available (The latter two are not rented out during the monsoons). 

How to get there: 

By Air: Nearest airport is Belgaum, 299 Kms.

By Rail: On Konkan Railway Bhoke is 35 Kms. However the convenient railhead Ratnagiri is 45 Kms.

By Road: 

Mumbai - Ganapatipule is 375 Kms.

Pune - Ganapatipule is 331 Kms.

Belgaum - Ganapatipule is 299 Kms.

S. T. Buses ply from Mumbai and Ratnagiri to Ganapatipule.

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Weekend Getaways Near Delhi

The city of Delhi was plundered several times, but never did it surrendered to malevolence on the contrary it evolved each time from its own ashes like the bird, Phoenix. Delhi, under its share of history pages tells the saga of the opulent of the empires who ruled the city and thus even today it is flanked with numerous political and historical monuments.

Delhi has retained its character and is thus the current national capital city of India which is frequented by travellers for recreation, business and educational purposes. With the construction of new infrastructures, Delhi is now well-connected to various neighbouring regions ideal for weekend Getawayss. These destinations are mostly 0-500 km away from Delhi and thus make for ideal weekend Getaways around Delhi.

These destinations are well appointed with good roads and variety of decent hotels and other entities of tourist needs.

Jim Corbett National Park- Nestled amidst the verdant hills of Uttarkhand, Jim Corbett National Park was established in 1936 as a protected area for the critically endangered Bengal tiger.

Encompassing 290 kilometres of distance from the capital city travellers reach this serene forest which is well known for having geographical and ecological features of sub- Himalayan belt. Housing 488 species of flora and fauna, Jim Corbett National Park is a favourite spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Vrindavan - Situated in Mathura, Vrindavan is the holy site where Lord Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood days. The holy town dotted with numerous temples is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha. Vrindavan is known worldwide for housing a large population of widows abandoned by their own families. Out of all Banke Bihari Temple, Radha Vallabh Temple, Sri Radha Raman Mandir and Govind Deo Temple are some of the must visit sites.

Jaipur - The renowned ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur is situated at a distance of 266 kilometres from Delhi. Most of the edifices in the city built with red stucco are now left with pink shades giving Jaipur its sobriquet- Pink City.

The ancient city of Maharajas, Jaipur is decked with various palaces and stunning edifices such as Amber Fort, City Palace, Hawa Mahal, Jaigarh Fort, Jantar Mantar and Jal Mahal. Thus a popular tourist destination in North India, Jaipur is decked with numerous decent hotel property offering great value services thereby making Jaipur one of the best bets for weekend breaks around Delhi.

Bharatpur - Located at a distance of 205 km from the national capital- Delhi, Bharatpur was once a well fortified city. The city is considered as an ideal weekend Getaways for it houses a UNESCO World Heritage Site- Bharatpur National Park. A natural home to more than 364 species of birds the park is visited by beauteous migratory birds each year. Siberian Cranes are one of the highlights of the park.

Agra - Easily commutable in about five hours from Delhi, Agra is the famous city of Taj Mahal. Situated on the banks of River Yamuna, Agra is where one of the World Wonders- Taj resides. The city housing three of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites namely- Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort has kept the regal splendour of Mughal era alive. Thus an ideal Weekend Getaways around Delhi, Agra is added in all the tour itineraries around Delhi.

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Weekend Getaways From Kolkata

Weekend getaways around Kolkata are found in aplenty and are ideal for a quick retreat to the caresses of Mother Nature. Away from the chaotic city life, these weekend getaways around the city of Kolkata are well connected with the main city and are great escapes. Their relaxed ambiance and serene scenery are captivating sights providing great opportunity to enjoy a vacation away from the melancholy of city life.

Here are some of the ideal weekend retreats around Kolkata

Sunderban

The name itself means, “beautiful forest” and Sunder ban is accordingly one of the most serene jungles located in close proximity to Kolkata. The name of the park was derived from Sundari trees and the park is thus flanked by these trees mainly along with various other species of plantation. 

The forest was announced a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its freshwater swamp forests and one of the three largest single tracts of mangrove forests in the world. The park is renowned for being home to the endangered species of tigers- Bengal tiger and other wild creatures such as crocodiles, snakes, rhinoceros, spotted deer and more. The park is situated on the feet of River Ganges and is covered with thick foliage ideal for an adventurous vacation in the jungle.

Shantiniketan

For a peaceful weekend break around Kolkata, one must visit this small town located about 180 kilometres away from Kolkata. The town of Nobel Prize winner, Rabindranath Tagore Shantiniketan is now a university town. The Vishva-Bharati University as the university is named by the legendary writer is one of a kind as it offers a fantastic foundation for learning Indian tradition under most modern ambiance.

The idea is to study Indian literature and tradition while combining positive qualities of Western life. The region was made famous by his famous literary classics that were written here and had various influences on his work. Also, his former place of residence is of historical importance to the country and attracts thousands of lovers of literature to the region. While in the vicinity one must visit the highlight of the region- Tagore’s Ashrama, Rabindra Bhaban Museum, Kopai River and more.

Darjeeling

The beautiful town of tea gardens, Darjeeling is situated in West Bengal. The humble town is renowned for its tea estates, tea industry and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway which has been honoured one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. This quaint town is located in the Lesser Himalayas providing it breath-taking views and soothing ambiance. 

Your weekend getaways around Kolkata are incomplete without a visit to Darjeeling’s gorgeous vistas. Touring the city one must visit places such as Buddhist monasteries, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Mount Kanchenjunga. Observatory Hill is one of the spots one must visit to witness the awe inspiring natural splendour of the region. Also, the early morning view of Mt. Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill is gorgeous as it is the time the entire valley appears alive. 

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is popularly known as Toy Train connects Siliguri to Darjeeling and is admired for it passes through some of the most enchanting views of the region.

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