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Ganapatipule is one of the important beaches of
Maharashtra located near Kolhapur.
It is 375-km south of Mumbai
. Fine, sifted, silver sands, a gentle lapping sea, which soothes frayed
nerves, attracts large number of tourists. It is regarded as a beautiful
seaside resort of today-especially for families.
The waters are crystal clear and pristine. The entire stretch is
blanketed by fresh greens with a variety of shades. Ride to Ganapatipule
in itself is enchanting the 'Konkan' region is picture-perfect with narrow
roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit
bearing trees and casuarinas lining the coast are a common sight.
One cannot get a glimpse of the beach as they drive until they reach the
top of the hill. Once on the top of the hill one can see the entire beach
with white sand and blue waters. The beach has rocky stretches and it is
advisable to avoid swimming in these parts.
Ganapatipule is also a famous pilgrim centre known for its 400-year-old
temple of Swayambhu Ganpati or 'naturally formed' monolithic Ganesh. It
attracts thousands of pilgrims from all over India.
Malgund
Nearby
is Malgund the birthplace of the famous Marathi poet Keshavsoot.
Ratnagiri
Travelling another 15-km south from Malgund will take one to Ratnagiri,
the largest town on Maharashtra's south coast, which was the birthplace of
freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak and the place where the British interned
the last Burmese King Thibaw, from 1886 until his death in 1916. Other
interesting day-trips are the Jaigad beach and fort, the Velneshwar beach
temple and Pawas where Swami Swaruppnand's Ashram is located.
Air: Ratnagiri is the nearest airport, 50-kms away
from Ganapatipule.
Rail: The nearest railway station is at Kolhapur.
Road: Ganapatipule is well connected by road with all the places
in Maharashtra. MTDC ply buses regularly to this place.
M T D C resort offers a wide range of facilities including dormitories and A.C suites. Tents and water sport facilities are also available over here.
Climate of Ganapatipule is humid and moist but is considered to be healthy. The climate is most pleasant in winters with temperatures dropping at nights.