Ganpatipule-jewel in the konkan coast. Review on Ganpatipule

I had made this trip last summer but still have vivid memories about it. By far the best beach I have visited this side of Maharashtra. Been umpteen number of times to Goa but to tell u the truth Goa is a bit overated. Then again is ones personal views.

I decided to do this trip by train as at that time I had an omni and it was a bit of a long drive. Left for Mumbai the day before and stayed over at my sister-in-laws place. It was an early start the next morning, caught Mandavi Express from Dadar at 7am. The arrival time at Ratnagiri was to be 14:20 but we arrived at 15:30. Fair enough. The fare was 523/- per head for third a/c.

After arrival at Ratnagiri station it was a bit of a dilemma whether to take the autoricks to Ganpatipule or the bus. We decided to check out each option so took an auto to the bus station which is a 10-15 drive and costs 50/-. The ST bus station was a let down and with kids I decided to take an auto, after a little a fellow agreed to take me there for 250/-, a little over expectations but I guess all tourist spots have stifle expensive services.

Beautiful ride through the mountains even in an autorickshaw. Kids were thrilled to bits, mango trees were laden to the ground and so were the Jackfruit trees. After about ½ an hour you start to see glimpses of the greenish blue sea coast and golden beach. Breathtaking views atop the mountains, makes you want to stop and click away. Unfortunate, I did not have my digicam by then.

The road ends at the ST bustand at Ganpatipule and takes a turn to go past Ganpatipule towards Jaigad fort. On the turning is the entrance to MTDC Resort. I was awestruck by the huge layout of this resort. British architecture for sure, the goras must have had their holiday spot here. Perfect in every way. I had booked an a/c room prior departure Pune (1200 + taxes). Seaview cottages are (1400+taxes) but for bigger groups. Down on the beach itself are a/c and non a/c Konkani huts. I think the tents are on their way out, as there are not much takers but I am sure they will be required once season starts in mid September.

The Konkani huts are beautiful but at a little distance from the food joint. The non a/c rooms in the main complex is good enough for those going after the summers, the sea breeze is sure to keep you cool and half the rate of the a/c rooms. Along with the a/c room charges don’t forget to take the breakfast coupons, the usual poha,upma, toast butter omelette and if you are lucky puri bhaji. The restaurant here sucks, real bad grub.

Don’t ever make the mistake of ordering fish anywhere in Ganpatipule during summers. You will be robbed of every paisa till you get a decent size of fish steak. The fish all the restaurants give you have to have been sliced by machines cause human hands cannot slice them so thin. Stick to vegetarian or chicken diet.

The best thing at Ganpatipule is the beach, totally clean, serene and best of all golden sands. MTDC accommodation is the next best thing. So close to the beach with stairs going down, theres even a cute little shower halfway up the stairs. Most convenient with all the sand that sticks to you and helps a long way to keep the accommodation clean and free from sand. The beach well as I said, leaves me speechless, huge endless stretch, spic & span, not even a small packet/bag to be found, open seas meeting the horizon at a distance, nothing in between but water. Mind blowing. We got back after an hour at the beach with sips of tender coconut water and flesh, had showers, changed and sat down at the patio benches just outside our room, to see the sunset, awesome. To help us thru this romantic moment we had home made tea(electric kettle and Tetley tea bags) with mtdc pakoras. This is one of things they make well so try them out.

Next day we went out to the Ganesh temple, left of mtdc. Am not a religious buff so lets leave the temple description brief. The architecture is superb both external and internal and position is right on the sands of the beach. The temple floors were heated up so much I felt like those lizards in the Kalahari desert.

A few eating joints next to the temple obviously strictly vegetarian and much more reasonably priced and tastier than mtdc. A little unhygienic though for my liking.

Spent the whole morning at the beach. Take care to apply enough suntan (30 spf or more) especially neck and back. If suntan not available wear a thin t-shirt. The sun can be real deceptive here specially in combination with salt water, I got a bad sun burn and it took me 3 days to feel relieved after all the skin peeled off. Carry some lactocalamine lotion with you just incase.

In the evening we went for a stroll past the ST bus stand towards Jaigad fort. Lots of eateries in the homes of the locals you could try. Good stuff but none offered me seafood.

One thing I decided here is that I do not like kokam sherbet and soul kadi. Lots of mangoes for sale here outside the local houses, very reasonable but they put up their prices the moment they see outsiders. I bought a crate of mangoes on my way back at the Ratnagiri market which were real good and decent sized alphonsos. Came for 250-300 for the crate with 8 dozens mangoes. Both my son and daughter freaked out on tender coconut flesh and mangoes there.

Next day was early morn beach and waves before we departed for Mumbai. Unforgettable.