RATNAGIRI TOUR

If you want to discover the landscape, art, culture and history of this magnificent land called Maharashtra, Ratnagiri is the best place to start your journey from. A land so vivid and spectacular, Ratnagiri has a shade of its own in every season.

A coastal district sequestered between Raigad and Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri comprises of 9 talukas each with its own unique treasures. The Ratnagiri town also has few of the best beaches in Konkan.

King of Indian Mangoes

Ratnagiri is home to Alphonso mango - also known as the King of Indian mangoes. Ratnagiri can accurately claim to produce genuine Alphonsos. The Ratnagiri district has around 80,000 hectares dedicated to Alphonso 

     Tourism in Ratnagiri     

Ratnagiri is amongst the premiere tourist destination in Maharashtra. With some of the most beautiful beaches, Ratnagiri is also home to historic monuments and serene temples.

Aare Beach

Aare Beach , One of the untouched beaches from konkan region. This is only 15 kms away from Ratnagiri towards Ganapatipule via Nevare village. (A short cut route to Ganapatipule from Ratnagiri). This is a very long beach having length approximately 3 kms. This is a perfect spot for a one day outing. A beautiful and dense plantation of Suru protects the villagers from the cyclone. Many celebrities own land properties near to this beach. Certainly this beach will be a star attraction for tourist in near future.

Aquarium

Aquarium fishes are generally known as 'living jewels' due to their colour, shape, behaviour and origin. They are available in attractive colours and capable of living in confined waters. With the growing interest in fanciful varieties of brightly coloured specimen, aquarium fish culture has turned into a tremendous business. In recent years this hobby has spread all over the world.

The station is maintaining a marine aquarium having some rare and beautiful specimens like Sea horse fish, Lion fish, Trigger fish, Sea-turtles, Eels, Sea cucumbers, Star fish, Lobsters, sea snakes and many more which is well supported by sea water filtration and re-circulation system. Taking into consideration the growing demand of general public about aquarium, a beautifully arranged and well decorated separate freshwater aquarium section has been recently developed. In this section, along with beautiful and fancy colour fishes, one can also observe locally available freshwater aquatic species like prawns, crabs, turtles, barbs and aquatic plants.

Atulit Bal Dham

Atulit Bal Dham is the holy place. This sacred Dham is managed by Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Upasana Trust, Mumbai. It is located at TRP, near petrol pump, just 1 km off the main road in Ratnagiri city. PANCHAMUKHI HANUMAN is the deity in this Dham. It is the experience of thousands of devotees that they get incredible Bal (physical, mental and spiritual power) after visiting this Dham. The total area is of around 2 acres and it is enchantingly natural, beautiful and blissful.

Bhatye Beach

Bhatye is the biggest town in Konkan and one of the immediate suburbs of Ratnagiri town. A wonderful beach in the background of the jagged Sahyadri mountain ranges provides a panoramic view of the surroundings. The bluish water, vast expansion of silvery sands and the clean environs sprinkled with casuarinas, Bhatye beach gives exciting oppourtunities for water sports.

The beautiful Bhatye beach presents a sleepy and peaceful atmosphere. The unpolluted air, clear sky, the vast expansion of bluish water, a quite evening, the lovely Bhatye beach is a perfect place to admire the romantic sunset.

Ganapati Pule Temple (Swayambhu Ganpati Temple

Laced with the evergreen ranges of Sahyadri and an endless stretch of unpolluted silver sand, lined with innumerable trees of mango, cashew, coconut and casurinas at the coastal side of konkan is Ganapatipule which is a 'Swayambhu'(self- originated) holy place of Lord Gajanan. This place is a famous pilgrimage centre too. Many devotees have generously donated to the Deity, the daily activities at this holy centre, festivals and many other programmes carried out at Ganapatipule, a place of scenic splendors at the western coast of India. Let all the people who visit this place be able to be a part of the various activities of Lord Gajanana undertaken here and let the all -Pervading God who is the rescuer of the earth shower His blessings on all to make them prosperous.

The Ganesh Temple at Ganapatipule is very ancient, right from the time of Peshwas. Ganpatipule is one of the" Ashta Dwar Devatas" (Eight Welcoming Dieties) of the subcontinent and is known as Western's Sentinel God. Ganapatipule derived its name from ?Ganapati" or the Lord of "Ganas"(army) and Pule' which means sand dune.

Ganapatipule Beach

The Ganapatipule Beach is clean with fine silvery white sand. The beach is not safe for swimming because it contains stretches of rocks. There is also a lagoon. The adventurous tourists can try their hands at balancing a kayak. The place is fit for the entire family to enjoy a holiday or a vacation. At the end of the beach there is a small cliff. The view from atop is really enchanting. Trails of cashew and mango trees can be seen lined along the beach. The visitors can enjoy Marathi vegetarian delicacies at the beach.

Ganeshghule Beach

Situates in the outskirts of the city, Ganeshghule beach is a perfect place to spent the leisure time in a calm and quite ambience. Ganeshghule beach provides a sure way to rejoice the romantic sunset in a serene atmosphere. The shining emerald water, vast stretch of silvery sands and the undulating waves gives Ganeshgule a majestic look. The unruffled beach and the never ending blue sea, a pollution free environment, Ganeshghule beach is definitely a must see spectacle. One among the popular and appealing beaches, Ganeshghule is an ideal spot to relax in solitude.

Gateway of Ratnagiri

The Gateway of Ratnagiri is a preposterous structure with a slopped roof in the Ratnagiri Jetty in Mandavi Beach. The magnificent beach itself is renowned as the gateway of the hilly terrain. The popular belief is that this structure, the defense of the mainland, is the work of the Pratinidhi Dhondu Bhaskar.

A fabulous construction overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea, Gateway of Ratnagiri provides a unique opportunity to walk through the seashore and enjoy the cool breeze that gently flows from the sea. It is indeed a marvelous experience.

Jaigad Fort

The meeting point of the river Shashtri and Arebian Sea is called as the creek of Jaigad. For the protection of this creek two forts were constructed, one is Vijaygad at the north direction and the other is Jaigad at south. Jaigad fort is besides the village Jaigad. Vehicles can reach up to the main entrance of the fort by a tar road. There is a deep pit (Khandak) around the fort on east and north direction. On the right side of the bastion near to the main door, there is a door to enter into the deep pit. After entering through this door, steps are there to reach to the fortifications of the fort. The fortifications are still in strong and sound condition.

There are few rooms into the eastern fortifications. Two wells of approximately 70 feet deep are there in the premises. The third well of around 100 feet deep is present on the right hand side of the main entrance. All these wells are having a huge stock of potable water (In spite of the close by Arebian Sea). On the left hand side of main entrance small temple of Hanumanji is being constructed. Auspicious place Goddess is present into a cave near to the fortification. In short, one can say that Jaigad Fort is an ancient and beautiful place to visit. The main entrance is after the deep ditch. This entrance is in between two bastions. On the top of these bastions government rest house is being constructed. In the premises of the Jaigad Fort there is a Lord Ganeshji's Temple, Light house and an old splintered mansion of care takers of the fort.

Jaigad Lighthouse, Ganapatipule

The Jaigad light house was built in the year 1832. The Jaigad Lighthouse is situated in one of the bastion. This bastion is known as Siddha Buruj. The Jaigad lighthouse is still functional. It is located on the western edge of the Jaigad Fort. The Jaigad lighthouse is spectacular. It has stood here for years and is still strong now.

Lakshmi Keshav Temple, Kolisare

Kolisare, a village with natural beauty at its best. This place is only 50 kms (aprrox) from the city of Ratnagiri. It's situated at 3.5kms from Ratnagiri- Jaigad road. Mountains with dense greenery are the prime attraction for the visitors. Kolisare is known as a hill station with relatively low temperature. In addition to this, one temple of Lord Ratneshwar (Form of Lord Shiva) is also there in the same premises. A continuous spring of water is the prime attraction of the visitors.

Kolisare is not only famous for its natural beauty but also famous from Spiritual point of view. A renowned temple of Lord Lakshmi- Keshav is situated at Kolisare. Lakshmi- Keshav is Kuldaivat (Guardian God) for many Maharashtrain families. The temple is around at 2000 feet height from mean sea level. The deity of the Lakshmi- Keshav is having a long history. Before 1200 years 'Rashtrakul' family was ruling over Marathwada region of Maharashtra. All the family members were devotees of Lord Vishnu and they had constructed many beautiful temples. After few years due to attacks of Mughals, many deities were immersed into the water for protection. Such one deity is immersed into the 'Rankal Lake' near Kolhapur. The same deity is installed at Lakshmi- Keshav Temple Kolisare. This ceremony was took place in the year 1510. The deity is the example of rich ancient Indian sculpture. The height of the deity is around 5 feet with all the ornaments and weapons.

Mandavi Beach

A booming hot spot of tourists, Mandavi Beach is the most crowded beach in the Ratnagiri region. The prettiest beach in Ratnagiri, Mandavi is gifted with a vast line of seashore right up to Rajiwanda Port. This fabulous beach is surrounded by the west by the Ratnadurg fort, and the majestic Arabian Sea lies to its south. The proximity of the beach to the town makes it a favourite holiday spot of the water enthusiasts.

Mandavi beach offers lustrous black sand and so it is renowned as the 'Black Sea'. In comparison with other beaches, Mandavi beach appears little filthy because of the black sand; yet this is the most sought after picnic spot in Ratnagiri. As it the most popular beach of Ratnagiri, it is possible to get some chat and soft drinks around the beach.

Marleshwar

Marleshwar is a place in Sangameshwar subdivision of Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Marleshwar is very much popular for the Cave Shiva Temple where one can see venomous snakes who do not bite the devotees. This has resulted in increasing faith in the place and every year thousands of devotees visit the place and perform ablutions in the nearby Bav river. Dhareshwar is a waterfall on the Bav river which is another tourist attraction of Marleshwar.

Mirkarwada Beach

It is the coastal station for marine professionals, all the fishing boats and trawlers land here. It is the major trading spot in Ratnagiri for Marine Industry. Most of the fishes from here are exported to other city markets such as - Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Bangaluru, Mangalore, etc.

Museum

The station has developed a unique fisheries museum comprising of about 1300 nos. having important specimens comprising fishes, crustaceans, molluscans, specimens, which includes of freshwater, brakishwater and marine water habitat of Konkan coast. All these specimens are identified and classified upto species level. This museum also possess well mounted precious and age-old skeleton of Whale. The original length of the whale being 55 feet long and 5000 Kg in weight is strongly appreciated by everyone who visits this station.

Pandre Samudra

Pandre Samudra is a beach with a long, clean stretch of sand whose name means 'White sea'. Situated very near to Ratnagiri town, Pandre Samudra allures people with its silvery charm. A dip in the crystal clear water and viewing the marvelous sunset on the background of beautiful surroundings is a wonderful experience. With the emerald water in front, and the swaying palm groves in backdrop, Pandre Samudra exhibits an ethereal experience and it is a perfect destination for tranquil holidays.

Parshuram - A Sacred Spot

Parshuram" a spiritual place is situated at a height of more that 1000 feet from sea level. In many scriptures it has ben mentioned that, lord Parshuram stayed at ?Mahendragiri" for his austerity after renunciation of his power. This Mahendragiri is nothing but ?Parshuram" village. Old name for the village is ?Pethe" hence sometimes this place is also called as ?Pethe Parshuram". The Village ?Pethe Parshuram" is divided into two parts. One part of village is around the Parshuram temple and having 1500 population. The other part is situated near the river ?Vashisthi" with 1200 population. Then is a short cut walk way of 3km length from chiplun. This way is through hilly region, called ?pakhadi", constructed by shri.Chandrakant more at the time of chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's rule.

There is a ?Hanuman" temple within the promises of Parshuram temple. This temple is ?Hanuman" themple within the promises of Parshuram temple. This temple is constructed by ?Samarth Ramdas Swami" when he was here at parshuram with Ch.Shivaji Maharaj. Also there are so many other small temples of Lord Ganesha, Ganga Devi etc. There is a small pond named ?Banganga" with a beatiful garden.

Purnagad Fort

Purnagad fort is situated on a mountain which is at the origin of Muchakundi creek. This fort is having a small area but the bastions are having a very strong construction. One can view the entire fort premises in a sight. The fort is having two doors, one facing east and the other facing west directions. The fort is very close to the village- Purnagad. It's a ten minutes walk. The main entrance door is a very robust structure between the two bastions. There is a Hanumanji's deity and a well at the entrance. The well is presently dry and in startled condition.

Pictures of Moon, Sun and Lord Ganeshji are carved onto the main entrance door. A vestibule of security guards are present on the either sides of the main entrance door. There are stair cases from four sides up to the top of the fort. A mind blowing scene of Sindhusagar (Arebian sea) can be clipped from the top. According to some evidences, this fort was constructed by Ch. Shivaji Maharaj, but some evidences suggests that, it was constructed by Shri. Sakhoji Aangre, son of Kanhaoji Aangre.

Ratnadurg Fort

Besieged by the charming Arabian Sea on the three sides, the massive Ratnadurg Fort presents a splendid look. A massive structure in the shape of a horseshoe, with a length of 1,300 meters and a width of 1,000 meters, Ratnadurg Fort was once a strong hold of the Maratha Empire. Spread over a vast area of 120 acres, Ratnadurg Fort was under the Muslim rule for so many years. Now a collapsed structure, lying across two hills, Ratnadurg Fort gives a decrepit look.

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Ratnadurg Fort offers the dazzling view of the sun going down the sea and the sweet sound of the pounding of the waves against the rocks makes a perfect symphony. Another specific attraction in the fort is the marvelous lighthouse situated in the bastions of the fort. Once in the fame of glory, Ratnadurg Fort on the coastal line of the Konkan region is a perfect place to getaway from the trappings of the city life.

Sangameshwar

Sangameshwar is a town in Ratnagiri subdivision of Ratnagiri district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Sangmeshwar is situated at the confluence of the two rivers Sonavi and Shastri. In fact, the very meaning of Sangama in Marathi is confluence, and so the name Sangmeshwar. This is a historical place where Sambhajiraje, son of Chhtrapati Shivaji was captured and killed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. You can also go to Marleshwar Shiv Temple. Marleshwar is a beautiful cave temple located in the Shayadri range about 17 km from Devrukh and 44 km from Sangameshwar Station (Konkan Railway).

Shri Dev Bhairav Temple

Dev Bhairav is the Demy God from the lineage of Lord Shiva. The ancient temple of Shri Bhairav is constructed by Gujar family members. Dev Bhairav is a prime God for the people of Rajasthan state. This God is known by two names in Rajasthan as Kalbhairav and Gorabhairav. Not only Hindus but also devotees from Jain and Islam religion worship Dev Bhairav. Dev Bhairav is also known as ?Ashtabhairav" in Indian scriptures. ?Ashta" is a Sanskrit word which means eight. This God is having eight different names as follows Asitang, Sanhar, Ruru, Kal, Krodh, Tamrachood, Chandrachood, Mahabhairav.

Shri Devi Bhagwati Mandir

A magnificent temple located inside the massive Ratnadurg Fort, Bhagwati Mandir is a famous pilgrim center in Ratnagiri. Bhagavadti Temple is one among the ancient temples in the state of Maharashtra. Situated on the shores of the Arabian sea, the temple is blessed with a calm and serene ambience that provides a divine feeling to the devotees.

The deity is adorned beautifully and the temple architecture is marvelous. Other deities like 'Veer Vignesh' and 'Ashtadashbhuj' Ganapati are unique for their sculptural works. This temple is crowded with devotees during Navratri festival, which is one of the sacred festivals celebrated all over India. In Devi Bhagavathi temple, Navarathri festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and vigour and big yatras are conducted as a part of the festival.

Sri Kanakaditya Temple, Kasheli

There are only few temples of God Sun. Hindu philosophers and believers consider Sun as a God. There is an ancient Sun temple at Prabhas Pattan near Veraval in Sourashtra region.

Kasheli, a very small village in Rajapur Taluka of Ratnagiri district, is the prime attraction for devotees due to a famous and ancient temple of Sri. Kanakaditya (Name of Sun God). Kasheli is at a distance of approximately 30 kms from Ratnagiri. The temple is having a bright historical background. The deity of God Aditya (one of the names of God Sun) was brought from Prabhas Pattan Sun temple before 800 years. Prabhas Pattan is Lord Krishna's place. Sri. Kanakaditya is very famous spiritual place from Ratnagiri district. Many devotees from all over India are visiting the temple every year. The temple trustees are celebrating five days festival of Ratha-saptami every year. Many spiritual programs like Kirtan, Pravachan, Aarati, Palakhi etc are organized during the festival period.

Swami Swaroopanand, Pawas

Pawas(20 kms from the city ), a village with captivating natural beauty. This is a prime spiritual place in Ratnagiri district due to a very long stay of Swami (saint) Swaroopanand. Swami Swaroopanand was a follower of Warkari Sampraday ( Tradition). The real name of Swamiji is Ramchandra but he was popularly and affectionately recognized as ?Appa" or ?Rambhau" . He born on 15th December 1903 at Pawas. His father's name was Shri. Vishupant Godbole and mother's name was Sou. Rakhamabai Godbole. Rambhau (Appa) had his primary education up to fifth standard at Pawas and secondary education at Ratnagiri. For his higher secondary education he had admitted to Aaryan Education Society's high school at Mumbai in 1919. The special ?Spiritual and Religious training" was offered in this school.

In the premises of Swamiji's beautiful temple at Pawas, there is a Dhyangumpha (Contemplation Room) and a Lord Ganeshji's deity into a tree of Emlica. Swamiji's home ?Anant Niwas" is being preserved nicely by the temple trustees. The temple trustees celebrates many festivals like Swamiji's Birth Day, Gurupoornima etc. Many followers not only from Ratnagiri but also from all parts of India believes in Swamiji's Teachings.

Thibaw(Thiba) Palace

Thibaw Point is the place where the lovely mansion, The Thebaw Palace is located. Built in the year 1910, the palace is famed as the exile shelter of the king and the queen of Burma (Myanmar). Thibaw Point also is a thriving spot of picnickers, and it gives a panoramic view of the entire city. People gather here in large groups to see the stunning view of the sunset.

The Thibaw Point, nestled in the lap of majestic Arabian Sea, presents a picturesque view of a dense village. Situated at the hem of a hill, this point is a fast emerging tourist destination in Ratnagiri that offers delightful sceneries of a virgin land.

Tilak Ali Museum

Tilak Ali Museum in Ratnagiri is the ancestral home of the illustrious Indian, Lokmanya Tilak. His old house has been turned into a museum and contains lots of pictures of the great freedom fighter. This memorial is maintained by the State Archaeological Department.

The museum tries to depict the significant moments in the life of Thilak through magnificent photographs. The house is a classic example of native Konkani architecture. Tilak Ali Museum is a genuine effort to put alive the memories of the famous Indian and a visit to this monument provides ample information about the struggles for freedom.

Velneshwar Beach

Velneshwar is about 170 km from Ratnagiri, in Maharashtra, India. It's a sleepy, quiet village with a nice, clean and beautiful beach lined with coconut trees. It is possible to swim there as the beach is free from rocks. There is an old Shiva temple near Velneshwar which is frequently visited by pilgrims; a haven for those in search of quiet mysticism in the ethereal presence of the master mystic - Lord Shiva.

Water Sports, Ganapatipule

The Ganpatipule beach is a good place for water sports. It has a lagoon near by in the vicinity of the beach. There is a hot spot for water sports which is arranged by the MTDC. The water sports complex is closed between June and October. Tents on the beaches are also an attraction to the tourists. The different types of water sports that can be enjoyed here are row boats, water scooters, and motor boats. In addition to this the aero boats and the pedal boats also form part of the water sports. The beach side stalls serve delicious regional cuisine.