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Ratnagiri

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Maharastra

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          Situated in the south-western region of the state of Maharashtra, Ratnagiri is a small yet beautiful port city on the coast of the Arabian Sea. After Shivaji Maharaj’s rule in this part of India, Ratnagiri was under the Satar Kings’ territory in and around 1731 before the British took over the place in 1818. Mythological stories claim that post their 12 year exile, the Pandavas, of the Mahabharata fame, spent quite some time in Ratnagiri. The King who ruled the place back then had supported their fight against the Kauravas by personally participating in the battle of Mahabharata. The Jaigad fort will interest its tourists with its magnanimity. Located at the peninsular tip of Ratnagiri, this sea fortress is a marvel to look at. Close by is the accompanying Jaigad Lighthouse. Closer home is the Ratnadurg Fort which is almost 600 years old. If beaches complete your idea of a perfect vacation, choose from the many beaches that can be found here. The Mandavi Beach is a stunning beach with black sand, while the Ganpatipule Beach and the Ganeshgule Beach are two spots that need to be visited to be appreciated. The ancient temple of Swayambhu Ganpati is located near the Ganaptipule Beach and is also popular by the same name. This place of worship is an astounding 400 years old - a spectacular spot that will re-instil your faith in the supreme power. While you’re here, check out the local fish curries preparation and the Kokam Curry – another personal favourite amongst the locals here. If you happen to be a shopaholic, prepare yourself for the treat you are in while at Ratnagiri. From ancient artefacts to memorabilia, this place offers many options for the perfect souvenir for you to take back home. If you are fortunate enough to be in this region during the summer months, try out the world famous Devgad Hapus – Alphonso Mangoes without fail. Stock up your bags and cars with the different tangy recipes of mangoes available in the local market here, like Ambapoli, etc.

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The Madavi Beach

           The Madavi Beach is a vast expanse of seashore that is situated in the town of Ratnagiri. The beach extends till the Rajiwada port and meets the Arabian Sea in the south. The beach is known as the Black Sea due to the abundance of black sand found there. It is popularly referred to as the Gateway to Ratnagiri. The beach of Mandavi is an attractive tourist spot given the host of water sporting activities available here. It is the place to be if you are a natural sports enthusiast and are seeking for some adrenaline rush.

The fort of Ratnadurg

          The fort of Ratnadurg will prove to be a source of delight to all kinds of history and art lovers. Based in the region of Ratnagiri, it was built more than 600 years back in the 16th Century. This chief attraction is located around 5 km away from the heart of the town. The fort stands tall at a height of 1,300 m and is almost a kilometre wide. The fort is also known as the Bhagwati Durga fort. The fort was under the rule of the Mughals for several decades after which it was taken over by Chattraoti Shivaji’s dynasty. The fort also accommodates a lighthouse in its premises.

Swayambhu Ganpati Temple

          The temple is at a distance of around 20 km from Ratnagiri. It is placed on the beautiful Caribbean-esque beach of Ganpatipule. The interesting fact about the Ganpati idol in this temple is that it is made of white sand that is believed to originate on its own, that is, not artificially made by man. Astride on top of a lion, there is yet another idol of Ganpati made in copper. It is located in the Sanctum Sanctorium. Situated near a hillock, this temple’s interiors are intricately designed, with the deities facing the west, instead of the usual east. The temple is close to four centuries old. It is open on all days except on Sundays, from 5.00 am to 9.00 pm.

The Ganeshgule Beach

           The Ganeshgule Beach is one of the many serene spots that can be found close to Ratnagiri. It is a popular beach amongst nature lovers. It is around 25 km away from Ratnagiri and offers a splendid view of the distant sunset. The sand of the beach is rocky white and the crystal clear water makes for a great view. It is ideal for a quiet walk down the beach along with your loved one or to spend an evening unwinding from a hectic life.

The Gateway of Ratnagiri

          The Gateway of Ratnagiri is a huge, imposing structure that overlooks the majestic Arabian Sea. It is situated on the Mandavi Beach in Ratnagiri. The structure is fortified with plenty bastions and is designed by Pratinidhi Dhondu Bhaskar for the purpose of defending Ratnagiri’s shoreline. The sea breeze here is brilliant, as it enamours you on a quiet stroll, espying the tranquil seashore and the magnificent horizon.

How to Reach

Air

          Ratnagiri is very conveniently located in terms of air travel. It has its own Domestic Airport, about 12 kms away from the heart of the district. It is well connected by daily flights to Mumbai and Delhi and all other major towns and cities across Maharashtra. Mumbai's Chattrapati Shivaji Airport is the nearest International Airport, at a distance of 370 km from Ratnagiri.

Rail

          The stations of Ratnagiri lie on the Konkan Railway. It is well linked to almost all cities and towns throughout in India via regular trains. There are daily trains that leave Mumbai to reach Ratnagiri. Kolhapur and Pune are the two nearest and most important railhead junctions.

Road

          Ratnagiri is easily accessible from the major cities of Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Kolhapur and many more. The NH-17 highway passes through this district. The Ratnagiri-Nagpur National Highway, named NH-204, links Ratnagiri to the eastern cities and towns of India like Solapur, Nanded, and of course, Nagpur. There are regular buses available as well from Mumbai to Ratnagiri state-owned and private tourist travels. The average fare is about Rs. 1500; however it might vary according to the type of bus you choose.

NearBy Places

Ganpatipule

          A fascinating beach town along the Konkan Coast, Ganpatipule is the Indian answer to the Caribbean Islands! This place is at a distance of approximately 375 km from Mumbai, and belongs to the district of Ratnagiri. This small village in Maharahstra is untouched by the frantic commercialization of urban life and successfully retains its charm of an idyllic holiday destination. The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple at Ganpatipule is a massive attraction of this sleepy village. The idol of Ganpati in this temple is allegedly 400 years old, and carved fom a monolithic rock. It attracts thousands and thousands of pilgrims who throng the temple site to seek Lord Ganpati’s blessings each year. Ganpati is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta. It is believed that the local people who reside in Ganpatipule are blessed and looked after by the Lord himself. The beaches of Ganpatipule are not only pristine and replete with clear, virgin water, but the region is blessed with abundant flora. Mangroves and Coconut palms line the entire stretch of the beach, making it a luscious view from afar. The Raigad Fort and Raigad Lighthouse are two other sites in the area that must not be missed. A few delicacies to be tried out while in this town are Ambapoli and Phanaspoli – a dried mango papad and jackfruit papad respectively. Kokam Kadi is another favourite amongst the locals. The world-famous Devgad Hapus (a variety of mango) originates from here, and if you happen to travel to Ganpatipule during the summer season, be sure to try them out. Modak, Lord Ganpati’s favourite food item is an absolutely delicious sweet dish recipe that yoou can’t possibly miss out on while there.

Durshet

          Durshet is a great place to experience the gentle brush of the cool wind and to witness the dazzling lights in the sky. The monsoons are the best time to smell in the wet earth and feel close to Mother Nature. Durshet is a quiet village found on the banks of the River Amba, perched between the two holy Ashtavinayak Temples of Pali and Mahad. It is sprawled over more than 42 acres of forest land. Durshet is comfortably nestled in the lap of the Sahayadri Ranges, off the highway near the village of Khopoli. This tourist site is mainly enveloped in verdant green forests of Mango and Mahu. It provides for an ideal weekend get away for city dwellers to unwind and relax in nature’s arms. The proximity of Durshet to the major cities of Mumbai and Pune has earned itself a lot of tourists waiting to break away from the maddening city crowd.

Vijaydurg

          A small town located in the Maharashtra state, Vijaydurg lies along India’s coastline. It is at a distance of around 485 km from Mumbai and lies in the district of Sindhudurga. It was formerly known as Geriah. Its idyllic location between the Arabian Sea on one side and the Sahayadri Ranges on the other make it a place worthy of visit. The town of Vijaydurg and the district of Sindhudurg as a whole served as a naval base during the Maratha rule. Even today it is a functioning seaport. Vijaydurg poses as an ideal place to de-stress after a hectic weekend. Virgin, untouched beaches, historical forts – Vijaydurg has a lot to offer to the quintessential tourist. The beaches are lined by a thick green forest rich with Coconut trees and palms. Mango plantations fill the entire region with the heavenly smell of juicy Alphonso mangoes ever summer. There are typical houses made of red wood and stapled roofs that increase the beauty. Vijaydurg is famous for the Vijaydurg Fort – also known by the name Fort Victor – that was built by Maharaj Shivaji during his Maratha Rule in India. It was built more than 300 years back, in the 17th century. The Fort was also called Gheriya as it was surrounded on three out of the four sides by sea. The fort was a force to be reckoned with during the Peshwa and Maratha rule, and considered to be invincible by the penetrating foreign enemies who attempted their very best to ravage the place. The fort has three layers of walls built around it, and several towers and buildings within the vicinity, making the fort formidable. It is stretched out on an area of 17 acres. Built on a massive scale, this fort was captured at one point by the Britishers, who renamed the Fort to Fort Augustus or the Ocean Fort. Architectural enthusiasts will delight in the charm that this centuries-old structure still manages to captivate visitors with.

Guhagar

          A tiny little town set on the west coast of India, Guhagar lies within the state of Maharashtra, under the Ratnagiri District. Flanked by the mighty Arabian Sea on one side and the majestic Sahayadri Mountain Ranges on the other, Guhagar literally means a ‘Cave House’, in the local dialect. Guhagar is famously known as the Temple Town given the number of prominent Hindu Temples that feature here. There are several temples dedicated to different Avatars of Lord Shiva like the Balkeshwar Temple, the Udaleshwar Temple, the Vyadeshwar Temple, the Velneshwar Temple and the Talkeshwar Temple. The Chandika Mandir is a well known shrine that can be found here. The same goes with a holy shrine dedicated to Lord Ufrata Ganpati that is situated along the Guhagar Beach. The Sri Dasabhuj Lakshmi Ganesh Devasthan and the Uma Maheshwari Temple are amongst other temples that can be seen here. Annually, the town sees hordes of ardent devotees and worshippers thronging the area to seek Lord Shiva’s and other Gods’ blessings. Guhagar is especially crowded during the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri when the festival is celebrated with great aplomb. A fair is also arranged in the vicinity around this time.

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