Here is a list of some of the popular beaches in Ratnagiri:
Ganpatipule Beach: A famous beach known for its beauty and connection to the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple. Ganpatipule (Marathi: गणपतीपुळे) is a coastal town in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Due to its Ganpati mandir, the town is a popular Hindu pilgrimage and tourist destination.
The town is situated near Ratnagiri city, which is the seat of its namesake district. Chiplun town is located on its north side.
Ganpatipule town is a small town with about 100 houses situated approximately 375 km south of Mumbai city, along the Konkan Coast. The beach near the town is a popular tourist destination.
The Ganpatipule temple has a Swayambhu murti. Every year, thousands of devotees across Maharashtra visit the temple. The murti faces West.[5] Ganapatipule town is rich in flora; it has plenty of mangroves and coconut trees.
The village of Velneshwar, situated north of the Shastri River, has its own peaceful, coconut-fringed beach, where one can relax in tranquility. The village comes alive each year during the Maha Shivaratri fair, when pilgrims in large numbers visit the Old Shiva Temple. According to folklore, a fisherman had found a statue in his net, which he had promptly thrown back into the sea. He again found the statue back in his net. Angered by this, he banged the statue on a stone, but the statue started bleeding. The fisherman placed the statue in a small temple, which grew into the Velneshwar Shiva Temple.[citation needed]
About 26 km from Ganapatipule lies the district headquarters town of Ratnagiri. This region has a long, illustrious past and is even mentioned in Indian mythology.
Malgund, a small village 1 km away from Ganpatipule, is known as the birthplace of the Marathi poet Keshavasuta, born in 1866. He is regarded as a poet who heralded the dawn of modern Marathi poetry. There is a monument at Malgund dedicated to his work and a museum where one can find information on most modern-day poets of the Marathi language.
Resting on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river, just 20 km from Ganapatipule, is Jaigad Fort. This 16th-century fort offers a view of the sea and Konkan village life.[7] A 15 km back road connects Ganpatipule to Jaigad via Malgund.
Besides its natural environment, Pawas is well known for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand, a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians. The distance from Ratnagiri to Pawas is approximately 20 km. The lighthouse has extensive views, around 6–7 km from Jaigad Fort. It was completed in 1932 and is still operational and serving on the coast. Around 13.7 km north on the route to Jaigad Fort from Ganpatipule Ganesh temple is the newly built Jai Vinayak temple.[8] The temple has pagoda-style architecture. The temple was built in 2003 by the JSW group when they launched their thermal power project at Jaigad.
Bhatye Beach: Bhatye Beach is a long, quiet beach in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, known for its gentle waves, scenic views, and flat landscape, making it ideal for walks, sunrise/sunset viewing, and simple beach activities like collecting shells and playing games. While historically significant as a trading post, visitors today can find limited amenities like food stalls but should be aware of potential cleanliness issues and safety concerns during the monsoon season. A long, flat beach near Ratnagiri city, often called the "Suru Ban" due to the suru trees lining its path.
Key Features & Activities
- Scenic Beauty:The beach offers a serene atmosphere with crystal blue waters, gentle waves, and a 1.5 km long, flat coastline.
- Activities:You can enjoy morning walks, swimming, lounging, collecting shells, playing beach games like football and volleyball, and fishing.
- Sunrise & Sunset:It's a great spot to watch the sunrise and sunset.
- Food & Amenities:Some visitors mention food stalls for coconut, cold drinks, and ice cream, but the amenities are limited.
- History:The beach has a history as a trading port used by the British East India Company.
- Best Time to Visit:Visit during sunrise or sunset for the best views and pleasant weather.
- Monsoon Season:Stay cautious and keep a safe distance from the water during the monsoon season.
- · Crowd:On normal days, the beach is less crowded, but it can see larger crowds on weekends Cleanliness:Be prepared for some areas to be less clean, as some visitors have noted local garbage.
- Safety:Swimming is not always considered safe.
- Lighting:After sunset, there is limited light and illumination, so it's not advisable to plan a visit late at night.
- Transportation:You can reach the beach by auto-rickshaw from the bus stand or by your own vehicle, which has a proper parking lot.
Mandvi Beach: Mandvi is a beach town with municipality in the Kachchh district (Kutch) in the Indian state of Gujarat. It was once a major port of the region and summer retreat for Maharao (king) of the Cutch State. The old city was enclosed in the Mandvi Fort wall and remains of the fort wall can still be seen. The port was built in 1580[2][a] and the city has a four-hundred-year-old ship building industry which is still functional and dhows, a type of wooden ship, are still made. A black-sand beach that is great for families, offering water sports and picnic opportunities.
The city Mandvi was named after Sage Mandavya (Mahabharata story), who lived here. When Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama discovered Europe-to-India sea route in 1497, he had a Gujarati by his side to show him the way. A Kutchi sailor, Kanji Malam, navigated the commander to Calicut from Malindi on east African coast. Malam hailed from Mandvi, a shipbuilding hub. Historians have differed over the identity of the sailor, calling him a Christian and a Gujarati. German author Justus says it was Malam (Kharva) and he was a Hindu Gujarati who accompanied Vasco. Italian researcher Sinthia Salvadori too has concluded that it was Malam who showed Gama the way to India. Salvadori has made this observation in her 'We Came in Dhows', an account written after interacting with people in Gujarat.
Mandvi was at the junction of two trade routes the maritime spice trade-route and the desert camel caravan route, acting as an important trade center. Mandvi was originally a fortified town having a fort wall of about 8 m high and 1.2 m wide stone masonry.
In the heyday of maritime trade, before the arrival of steamboats, Mandvi was a rich and prosperous town, earning four times more revenue from export than import. It was a profit-making center of the Kutch state, surpassing the capital city of Bhuj in terms of wealth. Dr. Manubhai Pandhi, a local social leader, recorded shipbuilding art and collected old documents which is treasured now in Prince of Wales Museum (www.bombaymuseum.org) in Mumbai.
Aare Ware Beach: Aare Ware Beach is a picturesque and relatively secluded twin beach in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, known for its golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and surrounding lush hills and coconut trees. Separated by a hillock where a mountain meets the ocean, this virgin beach is a geological wonder and a great destination for families and nature lovers seeking a less crowded experience than more popular beaches. Visitors can enjoy stunning coastal drives, observe beautiful sunsets, and relax near the shore, though swimming deep into the water is not recommended for safety reasons. A peaceful and clean beach known for its twin bays and calm waters.
Key Features
- Twin Beaches:The beach is actually two crescent-shaped beaches, Aare and Ware, formed where a mountain converges with the ocean.
- Scenic Beauty:Expect a beautiful combination of golden sands, turquoise waters, and lush green surroundings with many tall coconut trees.
- Peaceful & Less Crowded:It is a relatively quiet and pristine beach, making it ideal for those who prefer a peaceful escape from crowds.
- Coastal Views:The drive to the beach offers excellent sea views, particularly from the high-up coastal roads.
- Geological Wonder:Its unique formation by the mountain meeting the sea is a significant part of its charm.
- Relaxation:Enjoy the serenity of the beach, observe the waves, and take in the natural beauty of the Konkan coast.
- Sunsets: Aare Ware Beach offers incredibly beautiful sunset views.
- Swimming:You can enjoy swimming near the shore, but it's advised not to venture too deep for safety reasons.
Ganeshgule Beach: Ganeshgule Beach is a secluded and pristine stretch of white sand located near the village of Ganeshgule, in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. The beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere, clear waters, and untouched beauty, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet getaway from city crowds. A beautiful beach perfect for watching sunrises and sunsets.
- White sand and clear water: The beach is characterized by its soft, white sand and exceptionally clean, clear water.
- Limited commercialization: Unlike more popular beaches, Ganeshgule is relatively untouched by commercial activity. Visitors should be aware that food stalls and other facilities are limited, and it is wise to carry your own supplies.
- Secluded location: Situated in a quiet and remote village, the beach is perfect for solitude seekers.
- Picturesque setting: The 1 km stretch of coastline is flanked by small hillocks and casuarina trees, adding to its scenic charm.
Nearby attractions
- Ganeshgule Ganpati Temple: The beach is named after this ancient and significant Lord Ganesha temple, which is believed to have a naturally formed idol. It is located on a hill overlooking the sea and offers breathtaking views, especially during sunset.
- Ancient well: An ancient stepwell, believed to be from the Pandava era, is situated near the temple.
- Pawas: A spiritual destination known for the samadhi (shrine) of Swami Swaroopanand, located about 3.6 km away.
- Other Ratnagiri beaches: More commercial beaches like Ganpatipule and Bhatye are also nearby.
How to reach
- By road: Ganeshgule is about 25 km south of Ratnagiri city. The last stretch of the road is narrow but can be traversed by car.
- By train: The nearest major railway station is Ratnagiri, which is well-connected to major cities. From Ratnagiri, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to the beach.
- By air: The nearest airports are Mumbai (BOM), Goa Mopa (GOX), and Kolhapur (KLH). From there, you would need to take a train, bus, or taxi.
The best time to visit Ganeshgule Beach is during the dry season, from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm. It is best to avoid the monsoon season (June to September), as the sea can be rough and access may be difficult.
Guhagar Beach: Guhagar is a Census Town in Ratnagiri District in the Indian State of Maharashtra. Guhagar is known for its virgin beach, Coir items, coconuts, betel nuts and mainly Alphonso Mangoes. The nearest city and railhead is Chiplun, about 44 kilometres (27 mi) away.
Guhagar is a census town in Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Guhagar is known for its virgin beach, coir items, coconuts, betel nuts and mainly Alphonso mangoes. The nearest city and railhead is Chiplun, about 44 kilometres (27 mi) away.
Guhagar is the site of the Durga Devi temple, Guhagar and Shree Vyadeshwar temple. Guhagar's coconut is very famous in Konkan.
The Guhagar beach in Maharashtra is perfect destination for beach holidays and the place has numerous other attractions for the tourists. Guhagar is a city in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra which is well known for its beach, betel nuts, coconuts, coir items and especially Alphonso mangoes. So the place is definitely a treat for the mango lovers. It is a scenic town having a popular beach with a tropical paradise. The city is well connected by road, railway and airways from all parts of the country.
The prime attraction of this town is its virgin beach and also includes other tourism places in and around the city. There are many temples here to be visited which include the temples of Durga Devi and Vyadeshvar. While on holidays in the beach tourists can enjoy the spectacular sunrise and sunset, the waterfalls and green valley spread wide and apart. There is a small village near the beach named Hedavi which famous for its Ganesh Temple where one can see the Dashabhuja Ganesh. The Hedavi beach here is also well known because a natural gorge is created on its shore by the waves which are called the Bamanghal. Then we have the Jaygad fort which has a historical importance and often visited by tourists during their tour to this place. At about a distance of 15km from Guhagar is a village named Anjanvel that can be visited with the help of a ferry instead of long road travels. One can also pay a visit to the historical town of Dabhol.
Mirkarwada Beach: Mirkarwada is a fishing harbor and a tourist spot near Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, known for its scenic views and a bustling fish auction. The beach area, while accessible, is not ideal for swimming due to strong currents and rocky terrain. Another popular beach option in Ratnagiri for a getaway.
Location and access
Key features
Considerations for visitors
Pandre Samudra Beach: Pandre Samudra, located in the city limits of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, is known for its serene, white-sandy shores and peaceful atmosphere. It is ideal for visitors seeking a quiet escape from the crowds.
The prime attraction of this town is its virgin beach and also includes other tourism places in and around the city. There are many temples here to be visited which include the temples of Durga Devi and Vyadeshvar. While on holidays in the beach tourists can enjoy the spectacular sunrise and sunset, the waterfalls and green valley spread wide and apart. There is a small village near the beach named Hedavi which famous for its Ganesh Temple where one can see the Dashabhuja Ganesh. The Hedavi beach here is also well known because a natural gorge is created on its shore by the waves which are called the Bamanghal. Then we have the Jaygad fort which has a historical importance and often visited by tourists during their tour to this place. At about a distance of 15km from Guhagar is a village named Anjanvel that can be visited with the help of a ferry instead of long road travels. One can also pay a visit to the historical town of Dabhol.
Mirkarwada Beach: Mirkarwada is a fishing harbor and a tourist spot near Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, known for its scenic views and a bustling fish auction. The beach area, while accessible, is not ideal for swimming due to strong currents and rocky terrain. Another popular beach option in Ratnagiri for a getaway.
Location and access
- Address: Mirkarwada is located in Pethkilla, Ratnagiri, and is easily accessible from the main bus stop, about 2.6 km away.
- Nearby attractions: It is situated near the Ratnadurg Fort. The Pandre Samudra (White Sea) beach, a small white sand beach, is also located in the vicinity.
Key features
- Active fishing port: Mirkarwada is a major trading port for fish in Maharashtra. The area is bustling with fishermen and trading activities, which offers a glimpse into the local fishing culture.
- Fish auction: In the evenings, Mirkarwada is known for its fish auctions, which draw a crowd.
- Scenic views: The area provides beautiful coastal scenery, with views of the Bhagwati Jetty and fishing boats lined up along the shore.
- Sunset point: It is a popular spot for visitors to spend the evening and watch the sunset, with nearby stalls offering tea and snacks.
Considerations for visitors
- Not for swimming: Swimming is not safe at Mirkarwada beach due to strong currents and rocky conditions. For swimming, nearby beaches like Ganpatipule are more suitable.
- Potential for waste: Some visitors have noted the presence of waste on the shore, which can detract from the natural scenery.
- Lack of amenities: The beach area itself has minimum facilities, making it more suitable for a quiet walk or enjoying the view. Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit is during the winter months, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Pandre Samudra Beach: Pandre Samudra, located in the city limits of Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, is known for its serene, white-sandy shores and peaceful atmosphere. It is ideal for visitors seeking a quiet escape from the crowds.
A serene option for a tranquil beach experience.
There are so many beaches in Ratnagiri town but it's the Pandre beach that is most of the time recommended by the travelers because of silvery sands flanked by crystal clear water and seashells. As such there's nothing to do or see on the beach, but for those looking for tranquil ambiance then one should visit the beach. Also, you can visit the restaurants that are close to beaches. Or even book a stay nearby the beach.
Getting There
The beach is hardly a kilometer away from the main bus stand but to reach this place is quite difficult. So it would be good to take the help of a local to know about the easiest access to the beach.
Key features
- White sand: The name "Pandre Samudra" means "white sand," a fitting description for the beach's silvery-white shores.
- Tranquility: It's a peaceful and uncrowded beach, making it a great spot for a quiet morning or evening stroll.
- Minimal amenities: The beach has minimal facilities, which helps it maintain a cleaner, more untouched feel.
- Scenic views: Pandre Samudra offers beautiful views of the bay and the nearby Bhagwati Jetty, where fishing boats are often lined up.
- Limited access: It's accessible via a small dirt track from the city, and the beach itself is relatively narrow.
Things to do
- Relaxing walks: The beach is best suited for leisurely walks along the shore.
- Shell collecting: Many visitors enjoy searching for shells along the coastline.
- Photography: The scenic views of the jetty and bay make for excellent photo opportunities, especially during the morning or evening.
Important considerations
- Safety: While generally a relatively safe beach, it can become dangerous during the monsoon season due to huge waves. Winter is considered a more pleasant time to visit.
- Best time to visit: The winter season is the most recommended time for a visit.
- Lack of facilities: Do not expect to find restaurants, shacks, or water sports here.
Advika Beach: Located between Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule, this beach is known for its clean sands and natural surroundings.
Advika Beach is a scenic, lesser-known beach in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India, located on the coastal road between Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri. It is prized for its clean, quiet environment and is less crowded than more popular tourist spots.
Advika Beach is a serene and lesser-known gem located in the picturesque village of Sakti, Bali, Indonesia. It boasts a golden sand coastline perfect for long, peaceful walks along the clear blue waters. The beach offers a tranquil experience away from the bustle of more popular destinations and features activities like sunbathing, beach volleyball, and picnicking. Despite its beauty, Advika Beach has limited amenities, so visitors should come prepared with essentials like water and sunscreen. It does not have lifeguards, bathroom access, or allow dogs.
The beach's secluded nature makes it ideal for those seeking a relaxing escape from crowded tourist spots. Located in Klungkung Regency, it provides an opportunity to experience Bali's natural beauty in a more secluded setting.
Key features
- Location: The beach is near Nevare village in the Ratnagiri district. It is about 5.5 kilometers from Ganpatipule and 25 kilometers from the Ratnagiri railway station.
- Atmosphere: Known for its tranquility, Advika Beach is ideal for those seeking a peaceful escape from city crowds. Its quiet environment is perfect for enjoying nature and watching the sunset.
- Best for: This is a great spot for family outings and picnics.
While it is primarily a place for quiet relaxation, some activities are available:
- Water sports: Local vendors sometimes offer kayaking and scuba diving. Dolphin rides may also be available.
- Relaxation: The clean sand and serene atmosphere are perfect for sunbathing, walking, and picnicking.
- Photography: The beautiful sunsets make for excellent photo opportunities.
Amenities
- Limited facilities: It is advisable to come prepared, as amenities like public restrooms, changing rooms, and lifeguard services are limited or non-existent.
- Local food: You may find small stalls selling local snacks like wada pav and tea near the beach.
- Parking: Due to its remote nature, information on specific parking facilities is not widely available, and visitors may need to find nearby public parking.
Nearby attractions
Since the beach is close to Ganpatipule and Ratnagiri, visitors can explore many other nearby sights:
- Aare Ware Beach: A scenic twin beach known for its picturesque landscape.
- Swayambhu Ganpati Temple: A popular pilgrimage site in Ganpatipule, known for its self-created monolith of Lord Ganesha.
- Prachin Konkan Museum: An open-air museum that showcases the ancient Konkan lifestyle.
- Jaigad Fort: A historic fort that offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.
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