Jan 02, 2012 05:54 PM
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Ganpatipule is a superb place with clean beaches. It is easily accessible from Ratnagiri (take the Aare-Ware route, which is the shortest and the most beautiful route as it runs parallel to the sea). There are in fact 3 routes to Ganpatipule from Ratnagiri.
The best place to stay there is MTDC resort (rooms are great but the restaurant and service is so so) Don't expect much and you will be happy. There are a lot of virgin beaches around Ganpatipule on the aare-ware route. Some nice high end resorts are also there on that route.
The best thing about the place is the Temple. The temple is situated just at the foot of a small hill on the beach. It opens at 5 am and is open till 9 pm. One can do the the pradakshina around the hill and it takes 15-20 mins to cover that 1 km.
If one is interested to know the historical places around ganpatipule, he can also take the 1 day long tour by Kelkar travels which covers Pavas and Ratnagiri. Its okay for 250 bucks. But honestly, the places can be very boring for those like me who are not very interested in visiting birth places of poets, etc.
There is a nice supermarket near Durvaankur Hotel. In all, a nice place to be for a couple of days. A step by step guide to all those who want to travel by Public Transport: Reach Ratnagiri by Train/Bus. From Ratnagiri Railway Station, local buses take you to the ST Depot (There is a bus every 30 mins).
Autos will take 20 rs per share seat while bus charges 8 rs to ST Depot. AT the ST depot, wait for a small mini bus to Ganpatipule as that mini bus will take you through the aare was route which is shorter, the most beautiful and the cheapest (24 rs per person).
While coming back, the first bus to Ratnagiri via the aare ware route starts at 8:05 am from the ST Stand at Ganpatipule.