There is not much to see in Ganapatipule. One can see the whole place in one day. But if some one wishes to stay for a couple of days for meditation and relaxation then Ganpatipule is the perfect destination. Ratnagiri is the district town of Ganpatipule (45 kms) and has a lot of places to visit. Ratnagiri is the nearest station serving to Ganpatipule. Most of the people visiting Ganpatipule prefer to stay at Ratnagiri.
Swayambhu Ganapati Temple: The temple is known for the distinctive idol of Lord Ganapati. It is believed that the idol has originated itself and is not man-made hence it is known as “Swayambhu” which means self-originated. The temple is believed to be about 400 years ago and is constructed on the foothills of a small hillock. A pradakshina (circumference) of the hill is taken instead of just of the temple. The pradakshina or the walk of 1 km is interestingly Ganapati Shaped. It is believed that Pradakshina is a way of paying homage and showing respect to the deity. It is said that Ganpatipule is one of the eight significant Ganapati's (Ashta Ganapatis) of India. The idol of Ganapati is made of copper.
Malgund : is a small village located at a distance of 1 km from Ganpatipule. Malgund, the small peaceful village is the birthplace of the famous Marathi poet, Krushnaji Keshav Damle (Keshavsoot). The house of the poet was renovated recently and has now been converted into a student’s hostel. A beautiful monument has been constructed by the Marathi Sahitya Parishad (Marathi literature society) in the memory of Keshavsoot known as the Keshavsoot Smarak. Utensils of the 19th century are preserved in the house. There is a gallery providing information and collection of all great Marathi Poets, there is also a small reading hall in the library.
Prachin Konkan: Entry Fee: Rs 15. Timings: 8.30 am to 6 pm through the week Another place for which Malgund is known for is the Prachin Konkan (Ancient Konkan). It is an open-air museum showing our old culture, basically old customs of Konkan areas. The museum is spread over an area of 3 acres on a hillside. The museum was constructed by a 27-year-old resident of Ganpatipule, Vaibhav Sardesai.
Jaigarh Fort: The fort is located on a cliff at the entrance of the Sangameshwar River, 30 km from Ganpatipule. The fort was built in the 17th century to guard the Jaigarh port. The fort offers a beautiful view of the sea. Some people still inhabit the fort. The view of the Sangameshwar River meeting up with the Arabian Sea is totally astonishing. Vehicles can reach up to the main entrance of the fort by a motorable road. There is a deep pit surrounding the fort on the eastern and northern sides. There are some rooms in the eastern part of the fort with some wells ranging depth of 75 to 100 feet. All the wells consist of a huge stock of drinkable water.
Bhatye: is a small village sited at a distance of 1 km from Ratnagiri. The village is known for its flat and straight 1.5 km long beach. The beach lies on the way to Pawas from Ratnagiri. The beach is visited by the tourists to see its black sand. There are regular buses run by MSRTC to Bhatye from Mumbai. The beach is not well maintained and is a bit dirty as compared to other beaches of the state. A beach is a favorite place for people who love Chat (snacks) Items.
Bhandarpule: is located at a distance of 3 km from Ganpatipule. Bhandarpule is known for its beautiful beach. The beach is less crowded and clean than Ganpatipule. It’s not permitted to swim into the water at the beach as the water is very deep. A beautiful view of the Ganpatipule and Bhandarpule beach can be seen from the viewpoint at the top of the hill before descending to Bhandarpule.
The Thebaw Palace: was constructed in 1910 – 1911 when the king and Queen of Myanmar were dethroned and were exiled. They stayed here in the palace from 1911 till there died in 1916. The palace was built under King’s supervision. The five years of their stay at the palace have been immortalized on the walls of their tombs. A constant debate is going between the government and private authorities to convert the palace into a regional museum and a heritage hotel.
Karhateshwar: Devsthan is located at a distance of 30 km from Ganpatipule is a small village, Nandiwade near Jaigarh fort. This wooden structured temple was constructed during the reign of Shilaharas. During the night the temple is closed for the visitors.
Home Of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak: The house where the freedom fighter Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born is now declared and maintained as a national monument. He was born on 26th July 1856 in the house. It was Lokmanya Tilak who gave the slogan that "Self rule is my birthright and I will achieve it. There is a full-sized statue of the freedom fighter erected. Lokmanya Tilak stayed in the house till 1866.
Ratnagiri Fort: The Fort is located on a hill by the seashore. The fort is constructed in the shape of half Circle like horseshoe. The fort is built on an area of 120 acres and is surrounded by sea from three sides. There is a lighthouse constructed on the western end of the fort. The main part of the fort has a Devi Bhagwati temple. There is also a small tank and a deep well in the fort premises. During the Navratri’s a ten-day festival is organized at the fort.
