Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri district is located in the southwestern part of Maharashtra State on the Arabian Sea coast. The surrounding area is bordered by the Sahyadri Hills on the East and Arabian Sea on the West. It forms a part of the greater territory known as Konkan. It is one of the ports of the konkan coast. This region was under the rule of the Mauryas, the Nalas, the Silaharas, the Chalukyas, the Kadambas, the Portuguese, the Marathas and subsequently the British.In 1960 with the creation of Maharashtra, Ratnagiri became a district. In 1981 Ratnagiri district was bifurcated and the new district of Sindhudurg was created.

How to reach :

By Road :

Mumbai - Ratnagiri -> 356Kms
Pune - Ratnagiri -> 365Kms
Goa - Ratnagiri -> 240Kms
Kolhapur - Ratnagiri -> 130Kms

Mandavi Beach

The Gateway of Ratnagiri - is surrounded by the west by the Ratnadurg fort, and the Arabian Sea lies to its south. It is the most scenic beach of Ratnagiri, Mandavi beach offers glossy black sand and so it is renowned as the 'Black Sea’. Mandavi is gifted with a massive line of seashore right up to Rajiwada Port. It gets fairly crowded in the evenings and on weekends, it gets crowded with local visitors who get off buses about a kilometer away and pour onto the beach.

How to reach :

By Local bus or private vehicle

Thibapalace  

Who does not like to visit mysterious and haunted places? After all, those places are the one which adds extra "pepper" to one's stereo 'n' monotonous life. We all had grown up listening to the stories of Kings n their kingly lives. The royal monarchy and it's never ending aura. Many kings in the past had been famous for their wealth and power. But mysterious and fatally attractive was that king's life that is known for the tragedy he faced. King Thiba was such king who once ruled Myanmar. Just try to google about Thiba palace n see what you get. Hardly any worthless info about where it is located and how old it is, etc. But has anybody ever tried to know why that place is famous for? Not just because it's standing there for more than nine decades. Not because it's beautifully made with famous purple coloured Jambha rock. Or not for its Manglorean roof. Thiba palace is famous because it also lives with one thing like many such places in all over world, i.e. a story. Indeed every corner, every wall, everything that is present in thiba palace narrates a story. A story about a king who spent his last days of his life, in this place, thinking about the choices that he made for his life!  After all life is all about making choices, and that is what king thiba did. Marrying his own sister or accepting his fate which leaded to a house arrest was part of that. Thiba was put in a house arrest in 1885 at Ratnagiri. Later in 1910, a palace was built for him, i.e. Thiba palace. Adding to attractions, you can find an unforgettable view of sunset in Arabian Sea. But that should not divert your attention from the story which Thiba palace is still narrating tirelessly.

How to reach :

Suruban

Here, sand, sea and sky blend in enchanting natural harmony unspoilt by man. Swimming is pretty safe at this beach and visitors can really have a gala time at this beautiful place.

How to reach :

By Local bus or private vehicle

Pawas

Besides its natural beauty and serenity, Pawas achieved prominence when Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians) had made it his abode. The place where he used to reside is now converted into an ashram. A visit there is still like a journey through time.

Following the great saint Dnyaneshwari tradition Swami Swarupanand too tried to spread his teachings in the cannon people. Now due to Swami Swarupanandas work Pawas has become a major place of tourists attraction. He made a new big family of devotees all over Maharashtra by chanting the Mantra 'Om Ram Krishna Hari'. He stayed here for a period of 40 years. Pawas is now one of the important holy places of Konkan. Samadhi of Swami Swarupananda is there in the Pawas & also temple has been built for his devotees. The special variety of eatables of Konkan like 'Fanaspoli', Ambapoli, Amras & other different Konkans items are available to the tourists at a very reasonable rate. Near Swarupanandas Samadhi on the Avala tree lord Ganesh Statue has appeared. People definately visit this place & also the house 'Anant Niwas' where Swami Swarupananda stayed. It is 20 km. from Ratnagiri.

How to reach :

Patit Pawan Mandir & Sawarkar Smarak

Patit Pawan Temple proves itself to be a pioneer in several ways. Back in late 20’s, when no one can even think about building a temple for untouchables, Patit Pawan Temple proved to be the first one of its kind. In other way it’s a symbol of a new beginning. And the name itself speaks it out loud. Patit which means lowest, humblest and most downtrodden man in the society Pawan which means holy, purified, awakened and enlightened persona, together, attributes this holy place. The name itself suggests that it’s a place for those who are deprived of their rights to get a new birth, a new life and also which restores their rights as human being. The temple allowed the dalits and untouchables to perform their poojas and worshipping, which offered a new breeze of freedom to them. And this was arranged in those times when a shadow of an untouchable could make a upper caste to take bath. That proves significance of being temple at its place. No wonder this temple created storms in the social circles of those times. But it was quite expected as the man behind it was stormy enough. That was no other than Vinayak Damodar Sawarkar. He was against all this caste system and discretion in the society which was fully exploited by the British in order to take advantages out of it. That was their Divide and Rule policy, we all know.

Patit Pawan temple shows its presence in many of popular cultures too. It is mentioned in many of literary works. A hindi film on the life of Sawarkar has been shot here.

So why not live the history again? Why not be a witness to all those stormy events that were seen by this place? Time to pay our tribute to those who paid a price of their lives to bring present era of freedom you are living in! Don’t you think?

How to reach :

By local bus or private vehicle

Nivali waterfall

One the way from Sangameshwar to Ratnagiri after crossing the Bav river we approach the Nivali ghat. While crossing this ghat we see the beautiful waterfall. It is seen only in the rainy season.

How to reach :

18 kms from ratnagiri.You can reach there By local bus or private vehicle

Aare ware beach

Situated just about 15-kms from Ratnagiri City. Its among the virgin beaches of Ratnagiri. However, it couldn't escape from the eyes of the tourists. There is the belt of Suru trees coming fairly close to the water’s edge.

How to reach :

By Local bus or private vehicle

Ganeshgule beach

It is an isolated stretch of beach coastline and is known for its isolation, rocky and sandy terrain. The inhabited area around this beach is dotted with coconut palms. Ganeshgule is a relaxed and fairly undeveloped place. It has an excellent, hassle-free atmosphere. If one wants to have a good time on the beach and enjoy the nature to the maximum, this is definitely the place to go.

How to reach :

6 kms. from Pawas.You can reach there by Local bus or private vehicle

Prachin Konkan

Prachin Konkan is a sort of open air museuem located at a distance of 1 km from Ganapatipule. It is situated on a small tekdi (hill) and showcases the old Konkan culture.

How to reach :

About 2 kms from Ganapatipule, at Malgund.

Lokmanya Tilak Janmastan

Ratnagiri is the birthplace of Sri Lokmanya Tilak. Tilak's Janmasthan has been converted into a museum in his honor. It is open through the day. The house has been preserved as it is.His topi & a few clothes are also on display within the museum.

How to reach :

By Local bus or private vehicle

Raanpat  waterfall

Raanpat waterfall is beautiful offering of nature during rainy season.If you are the kind of person least bothered about venturing out in the woods during the rainy season and is ready to take some risk and watch a waterfall in its full glory. In and around the Raanpat waterfall, it is an ambiance that defies words.

How to reach :

You can reach here only by private vehicle.Ratnagiri to Nivali,Nivali to Narbe phata,from there right turns towards Raanpat.

Marleshwar Waterfall Devrukh

On Makar Sankranti every year people of Konkan celebrate 'Marleshwar Yatra' near Devrukh. On this day wedding of God Marleshwar is celebrated. The God of Marol village is known as Marleshwar. The temple is situated in a cave. Near it there is a waterfall of Dhareshwar. It is said that Lord Parshuram did the foundation of the temple. The wedding of Lord Marleshwar is performed with Goddess 'Girijadevi' of Sakharpa village. There are many snakes in the cave by they have never bitten any of the devotee who came to visit this temple; in the cave, as a result the faith of devotees has increased.

The Sahyadri Mountains ranges can be seen from here. This spot is being developed by the govt. as the tourist attraction centre. The govt. is also planning to make arrangements of accommodation at the footsteps of the cave. It is one of the imp. Tourist visiting place.

How to reach :

By Road : From Sangameshwar 38km. From Devrukh 21 km

By Rail : konkan railway

By Air : Mumbai

Chiplun

Parshuram - Chiplun

The ancient Parshuram temple which is famous for the 6th 'Avtaar' or incarnation of Vishnu & is situated near Chiplun. It is located near Mumbai-Goa National high-way. There are steps from the ghat which lead to the temple. It is surrounded by stone walls & there are 3 idols in it. It was built 300 years ago by Brahmendra Swami Konkan land is known as Parshuram Bhumi. It is believed that Parshuram created Konkan land & so he is deity of the Konkan. The houses of Adilshah period are seen here. The temple was constructed by Portuguese & funds for it were provided by Janjirekar & Siddhi so European, Hindus & Muslim styles are noticed in the construction work. It is 2 Hrs. From chiplun. Accommodation facility is available from the recently built Review Hotel. There is temple of Goddess Renuka behind parshuram temple. At this place water source was created on land by Parshuram's powerful 5 arrows. This is the Bandganga Lake.

How to reach :

S.T buses and private transport vehicles from Khed and Chiplun.

By Road : Mumbai to Chiplun and from Chiplun 12 km. 
By Rail : Konkan Railway Chiplun Station.
By Air :  Nearest Airport Mumbai

Derwan - Shivshrushti - Chiplun

It is a great historic museum. there are so many sculpture on Shivshai & Peshweshahi. Dont forget to visit this historic musium you will get history of maharashtra.

Thousands of tourists come to see the exhibition at Dervan which gives details of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's life.

How to reach :

S.T buses are available from Chiplun to Savarda and also private vehicles do passenger services to Dervan.

Location: 14 km from Chiplun

Gowalkot Fort - Chiplun

It is situated in Chiplun on a small hill. It covers an area of about two acres. According to local report the fort was built about 1690 by the Habshi of Janjira. Shivaji Maharaja renewed the fort in 1670 From Now the fort is almost ruined and within the fort are trees, building and dwellings.

Savathsada waterfall - Chiplun

Konkan region's real beauty can be watched only in rainy season. Due to marvelous water fall, Savathsada is famous. This water fall is situated on the way of Chiplun to Parashuram on Mumbai Goa Highway. In rainy season many visitors come here to watch the scenic beauty.

How to reach :

ST Buses and Private vehicles from Chiplun.

Location: 6 Km from Chiplun City.

Dapoli

Dapoli is a pleasant town situated at a height of about 800 feet above sea level in Ratnagiri district, Konkan on the west coast of Maharashtra.

Panhalekazi - Dapoli

It is an archeological place also known as Pranaldurg. This is near Kotjai and Dhakti rivers meeting point. This is the best example of cultural & architecture. Buddhist as well as Hindu artistic works can be seen on this. Like Ajantha this place is also having historic as well as Architectural Importance.
Location: 40 Km from Dapoli.

Anjarle

As we traverse across the vast Konkan terrain, the gritty Sahyadris to the east and the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea to the west constantly keep us company. This combination of the hills and the sea gives the Konkan landscape an extremely unique character. Nowhere else can one see this great blend of than at Anjarle – a village tucked away in the heart of Konkan.

Proceeding from Dapoli, the road to Anjarle passes through some of the most famous beaches like Murud & the port of Harne. Just before Harne, the sea which was till now mysteriously invisible, suddenly greets you. After Harne, the road begins to climb winding its way through thick foliage and increasing the altitude with every turn. From here, till you reach Anjarle, the route provides you some of the most majestic & breathtaking views of the sea and the fisherman-village of Harne below.

The famous “Kadyavarcha Ganpati” (a Ganesh temple) and the scenic beach are the two biggest attractions of Anjarle. The Ganesh temple attracts large number of devotees as well as tourists each year. The deity is greatly revered by the locals as well as the visitors. The temple sits atop a cliff overlooking the vast Arabian Sea spread ahead, which makes it fascinating and lends the temple its name.  

Like many other beaches in Konkan, the Anjarle beach too is popular among tourists. While at the beach, it is great to watch the local fisherman go about their job of catching their daily clutch of fishes and taking the fresh booty to the local market.

Exploring the village is also a great idea as the tiny paths provide glimpses of typical Konkani homes, orchards of tall coconut, mango & betelnut trees and the peaceful lives of the simple villagers. For all this, Anjarle would definitely prove to be a rewarding experience.

Velneshwar - Guhagar

North of the Shastri river lies the idyllic village of Velneshwar. The quiet, coconut-fringed beach offers the visitor the ideal opportunity for swimming or just relaxing. There is an old Shiva temple in the environs which is often frequented by pilgrims. Velneshwar is the focus of attention once a year in March, when the Maha Shivaratri fair is held in honour of the God Shankar of Shiva.

How to reach :

Tiware waterfall - Sangameshwar

Tivare waterfall is situated in Paj forest and it is flows from a height of 200 feet. It is the origin of Shastri river and we can see summer season also the waterfalls is present.

Location: 15km from Sangameshwar on Nayri-Tivre road.

Chatrapathi Sambhaji Smarak - Kasba-Sangameshwar

This is in a village called Kasba. Sambhaji Maharaja was arrested by Mughals at this place. So for his remembrance a statue is kept there.

Karneshwar Temple

This temple was built 1600 years ago by Karna of Kolhapur. This is one of the important place in Sangameshwar taluka. The statues and carvings of many hindu Gods can be seen on the walls of Karneshwar temple.

Location: 4km from Sangameshwar.

Matru Mandir - Devrukh

Shrimati Malathibai Halbe had started the Matru Mandir which is working in a co-operative basis. Under the Matru Mandir society many hospitals, farms, hostels, orphanages are working in an efficient manner. It is doing the social service from the last 40 years.

Location: In Devrukh city.

Prachitgad - Sangameshwar

It is also called as Uchitgad, one of Sahyadri forts, on rising grounds at Shringarpur in Sangameshwar between mala and south Tivra passes. Due to the guns and swords present in this fort this is treated as historic one. From Prachitgad visitors can have the complete view of Ratnagiri District.

How to reach

Up to Shringarpur visitors can go by bus and later by walking for 3 hrs they can reach the fort.

Yashwant Gad - Rajapur

Velas  - Mandangad

Velas is the birth place of Nana Phadnis, one of the great prominent personalities in Maratha history. Velas beach is an exciting place and it is situated near Bankot Bay. There is an old temple of Shri Bhairi- Rameshwar and in this temple .A statue of Nana Phadnis is present outside his house. In Velas Mahalakshmi temple and Nana Phadnis house are the places to visit. Gokulashtami Festival is one of the important festival in Velas.

Location : 36km from Mandangad

Himmatgad Fort

This fort is also called as Bankot fort, Victoria fort or Himmatgad. This fort is having square shape. Bankot lies at the foot of the Rocky head land in the extreme north of the district.

Location: Near Mandangad

Jaigarh Fort

Jaigarh is known as a safe harbour on the western coast. The river Shastri flows nearby the fort. The fort is quite spectacular. The lighthouse and the channel are two major attractions found here. There is a story about the name of the fort. When is was under construction, the front gate could not be built though all efforts were put. It used to get collapsed as soon as it was built. So a solution came in the form of sacrifice of one human life. In those times it was believed that such sacrifices help in getting rid of such problems. So an outcast Jaibd Mahar decided to be the one on one condition that the fort should be named after him. So it was named Jaigarh. The sultan of Vijapur built it around 200 years ago. Kanhoji Angre, who used to look after Shivaji's nevi forces, was in charge of Jaigarh fort. In 1818, the British took it over.

Another feature of the fort is the temple of Mahamai Sonsakhali. Jaigarh fort indeed is a must watch in your trip to Ratnagiri.

How to reach

You can reach Jaigad by local public transport or private vehicle.The fort is 35kms from Nivali phata.

Ratnadurga Fort - Bhagwati Mandir

Ratnadurga fort with the temple of Bhagwati, is one of the most desirable destination in ratnagiri surroundings. The fort is located on the seashore and has a picturesque circular share. Bahamani, Adilshah, Maratha and Peshwa are the four monarch that reigned over this mighty fort.

The fort occupies area of a hundred and twenty acres and has its three sides exposed to the sea. There is a light house on the west side of the fort. All this give a splendid view to the fort.

Bhagwati Temple:

The temple is quite spacious and has a closed architecture. At the case of th temple, there are few rocks in th sea which are known as 'Bhagwati Harbours'. A view of commuting ships from there is an unforgettable experience.

How to go:

Rajapur Ganga

Rajapur Ganga, a miracle of nature, is 3 km from Rajapur where the Ganga appears in the pool, Kashikundh, with great force. There are 14 pools, prominent being the Kashikundh, Herakundh, Varunkundh, Narmakundh and Vedikakundh.when Ganga appears there is lot of rush and Rajapur becomes pilgrim Centre.Devotees believe that a dip here will relieve one from all sins.

Kanakaditya Mandir - Kasheli

The only old temple of Suryanarayan in Ratnagiri district is in Kasheli village. This was built 800 years ago. This temple is famous for its 80 foot length and 40 foot width community hall. This temple is having copper covering on its top. The festival is on Kartik Ekadashi and Ratha Saptami.

Prachitgad

It is also called as Uchitgad, one of Sahyadri forts, on rising grounds at Shringarpur in Sangameshwar between mala and south Tivra passes. Due to the guns and swords present in this fort this is treated as historic one.

Jakmatha Mandir

jakhmata devi mandir is very old temple which is 2km from Sangameshwar. Shimpane is the festival in this place which is celebrated on a large scale

Hedavi - 'Dashabuja Ganapati'

The idol is made from Marble. Goddess Laxmi is seated on the laps of Lord Ganapati. On the body of Ganapati there is a sacred thread in the form of a snake. Bow, Trishul,  are the weapons in the hands of Lord Ganesh.  This temple is of the time of Peshwas.

Ganapatipule

Ganpatipule is known as the most important place for the pilgrims on the western sea coast of India. The legend says that it is one of the eight gates of India, mythically known as Ashtadwar. The place is a famous religious destination blessed by nature. The legend says that the god Ganesha itself came in one of resident's dream and told him to build a temple for him as he wished to reside there. The hill behind the temple is actually an avatar of the great Ganesha itself. So people have to worship it, too. Recently the temple has been renovated by the trust. The records say that Maratha king Shivaji visited the temple and helped it to get renovated. Thereafter he appointed a person to look after it.

Sankashti Chaturthi is considered as the holy day to be there. So the place can be seen crowded on this occasion. Now the temple has been computerized in order to maintain it. The security of temple is also above par. There is an accommodation available by the trust with a nominal charge. The electricity is provided to the temple using green sources like windmill and solar cells. Apart from this spiritual attraction, Ganpatipule is blessed by various scenic beauties. Bhandarpule beach is quite near from there, which is a magnificent place. People are advised not to go into deep waters here.

A website for Ganpatipule is in the making. After that pilgrims from all over the world can actually worship their lord Ganesha virtually.