Ganapathi Pule
( गणपतीपुळे )
ऊं गं गणपतये नम:
Ganpatipule is a renowned Hindu pilgrimage place in Maharashtra.
Thousands of devotees of Lord Ganpati visit this small town in the district of Ratnagiri in western Maharashtra.
Ganpatipule is a beach town lying on the coast of the Arabian Sea with the temple of Lord Ganpati, Swayambhu Ganpati Mandir lying right on the pristine white-sand beach that is 3 km in length.
The temple is around 4000 years old with a self manifested orange idol of Lord Ganpati.
The unique feature of the idol being that it faces the west and hence is referred as the Paschim Dwarpalak ( To guard the western gates )
The darshan of the Lord involves a pradakshina of the hill at the base of which the temple lies.
The top of the hill provides a panoramic view of the beach up to Malgund, Tivari, Kotwade and Varawade
Swayambhu = Self Originated
Ganapati = Lord of Ganas ( Army )
Pule = Sand dunes
Ganpatipule beach is rated as the best beach in Maharashtra due to its natural beauty and unique white sand.
The pristine, unspoilt beauty of the konkan beaches and the coast, clear sparkling sea water, coastal mangroves,coconut palms, dense greenery, quaint villages and serene beaches add to the allure.
How to reach
By road - State run and private buses are the easiest and preferred modes along with private cabs and vehicles with easy connection to major cities of Mumbai, Pune, Sangli, Sholapur, Belgaum, Goa and Kolhapur running up to Ratnagiri. From Ratnagiri, it's about 25 km to Ganpatipule.
By train - Nearest railway stations are Ratnagiri and Bhoke. Ratnagiri station is well connected with all the major rail networks with all express and passenger trains halting here.
By airplane - Nearest airport being Ratnagiri
Distance from Major Cities
Mumbai - 375 km
Ratnagiri - 26 km
Pune - 325 km
When to visit
Winter months - October, November, December, January and February
Months to avoid
Summer months - April and May
Monsoon months - June to September
Where to stay
MTDC resort , private resorts , budget hotels
Local Cuisine
Includes Seafood like fish curry and rice, kokum curry, Modaks, Amba Poli,Phanas Poli, Alphonso mangoes,Sabudana khichdi
What to do
Visit the temple, sight-seeing, sun-bath, water sports, nature walks and treks
Tourist attractions
Ganpatipule beach
Swayambhu Ganpati Mandir
Prachin Konkan museum
Bhandarpule beach
Ware beach
Aare Ware park
Malgund beach
Magic garden
Ksb water park
Shree Mahalakshmi's House of wax
Kavi Keshavsut Smarak
Kajirbhati beach
Jaigad fort
British built lighthouse
Palanquin procession of the Lord ( 17 in a year )
Tourist activities
Shopping in the local markets for mango and mango articles like amba poli , jackfruit and phanas poli, homemade mango pickles, gooseberry pickles.
Water sports ( Swimming is discouraged due to rocky stretches )
Nature walks
Watching the Sunset over the Arabian sea
Temple Schedule
5 a.m to 9 p.m.
Aarti time - 5 a.m, 12 noon , 7 p.m.
Prasad distribution ( Khichdi ) - 12.30 p.m to 2.30 p.m.
Festivals celebrated :-
Bhadra shuddha pratipada to panchmi
Magha shuddha
Dassara
Deepotsav
Vasant puja
Gauri Ganpati
Magh Chaturthi
