Ganpatipule is a small pilgrimage & beach town located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Known for its famous 400 year old Ganapati Temple and white sand beaches, Ganpatipule is one of the top Maharashtra Tourist Places and also one of the best Places to visit near Pune. Ganpatipule Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast in Maharashtra. Untouched by commercial activities, Ganpatipule is a great destination for peace-seekers, beach lovers and pilgrim alike. Ganpatipule is one of the only two white sand beaches in Maharashtra, the other being Kashid Beach. There are many other tourist spots in Ganpatipule apart from the beaches and the Ganapati Temple. Here are some of the top tourist places to visit in Ganpatipule.
Ganpatipule Beach
Ganpatipule Beach is a charming beach along the Konkan Coast of Arabian Sea in the state of Maharashtra. It is one of the prime places to visit in Ganpatipule. It simply looks stunning with the Ganapati Temple on the shores that offers a soothing atmosphere. Though the beach is clean, swimming is not advisable because of the rocky stretches. However, it is an ideal place for sunbathing, horse riding and camel rides. One can get the mesmerizing sunset at Ganpatipule Beach. Ganpatipule also offers water sports between the months of November and May.
Swayambhu Ganapati Temple
Ganpatipule Temple is an ancient temple which is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The temple is about 400 years old and is one of the major places to visit in Ganpatipule. The idol of Ganesh is believed to be a monolith which was self-incarnated and discovered over 1600 years ago. It is one of the Asta Ganapati Temples of India and is known as ‘Paschim Dwar Devata’. The temple attracts large number of devotees as well as tourists every year to get the blessings of God. Ganesh Chaturthi and Magh Shuddha Chaturthi are the two grand festivals celebrated at this temple.
Prachin Konkan Museum
Prachin Konkan Museum is an open air museum in Ganpatipule. The museum has several exhibits depicting the traditional Konkan way of life. Built by Vaibhav Sardesai in 2004, it is one of the best places to visit in Ganpatipule. Visitors can get the glimpses of local rural life including the local deities, the lifestyle, barter trade of the olden days, various professions of the people, etc. inside the museum. There is also a Nakshatra Baug – a garden of trees for each sun sign and a store of Konkan handicrafts and local products. The museum also attempts to introduce the birds and fish found in this region by way of a small exhibition.
Aare Ware Beach
Aare Ware Beach is a secluded beach situated near Ganpatipule in Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the beautiful places to visit in Ganpatipule and one of the best places to visit near Pune. Aare Beach is one of the lesser known beaches of Ratnagiri district. This is a very long beach having length approximately 3 km and is mostly an untouched beach. A beautiful and dense plantation of suru dotted the sea shore. This quite long beach is an isolated one covered with smooth sand and offers a breath taking view of the sunset. The beach is still unspoiled and virgin, making it the best place for travelers seeking sheer solitude and tranquility.
Bhandarpule Beach
Bhandarpule Beach is one of the gorgeous beaches on the Konkan coast and is nestled amidst two hillocks near Ganpatipule. Lined with suru trees, the beach is 2 km long with soft sun kissed sand and clear blue waters. One can get anenthralling view of Ganpatipule Beach and Bhandarpule Beach from the top of the hill near the beach. Since the beach is less crowded, it is an ideal place for people seeking tranquility and also one of the best places to visit in Ganpatipule.
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