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Brief -
  
 
Sparkling blue waters, endless stretches of golden or silver sand, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothings in your ear, is the land of Ganapatipule, one of the almost virgin beaches, of Maharashtra. A small village, serene and unspolit, it abounds with scenic greenery. And nestled in this greenery is an almost 4000 year old land -mark-the Swayambhu Ganapati temple ( Swayambhu means self - made, this is a temple of the self- originated idol, Ganapati ). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year.
  
     
 
History -
 
 

Ganpatipule is set on a landmark that is almost 4,000 years old; the Swayambhu Ganapati temple. Swayambhu means 'self made' or created by nature, which is how the Ganpati idol got here. It also explains the origin of the village name. Ganpati, the lord of the 'ganas,' army or and 'pule,' which means sand dunes. Ganpatipule is one of the 'Ashta Ganpatis' of India and is known as 'Paschim Dwar Dewata' or the 'Western Sentinel God.'

  
     
 
Culture - Climate & Geographical Location -
 
 
The coastal climate is mostly hot and humid, but it is healthy and devoid of pollution. The climate is pleasant in winter and the temperature often falls at night. Ganapatipule lies along the Konkan coast, approximately 375 kms south of Mumbai.
  
     
 
How to Reach -
  
 
Rail, Road and Air connect Ganapatipule. By Air, the nearest airport is Belgaum 299 kms. By Rail, on the Konkan Railway route Bhoke is 35 kms. However the convenient railhead Ratnagiri is 45kms. By Road, Ganapatipule is connected by good motorable roads with Mumbai, Pune, Belgaum and Ratnagiri.
  
     
  : T O U R I S T   P L A C E S :  
     
  Malgund -  
 
Just a kilometre away from Ganapatipule, Malgund village is the birthplace of the famous Marathi Poet Keshavsoot. This small, yet beautiful village, is frequented by visitors, who come to see the renovated and converted house of the poet, which is now a students hostel. The Marathi Sahitya Parishad or the Marathi Literature Society has constructed a beautiful monument called Keshavsoot Smarak, in the memory of the great son of the soil.
  
 
 
 
Velneshwar -
  
 
This small and dreamy village, around 170 kms away from Ratnagiri, is the place to be, for water sports - thanks to its beautiful clean beach and rock- free sea. Also an old Shiva temple, near Velneshwar, is frequented by pilgirms and tourists. The whole place has a mystic aura in the presence of the master mystic, Lord Shiva.
  
 
 
 
Others -
  
 
 
 
DERWAN - 85kms from Ganapatipule, it is well known for its Shiv Shristi - an exhibition on Chhatrapati Shivaji.
  
 
 
 
JAIGAD FORT - This legendary fort, stands high and proud on a cliff with a spectacular view of the sea. The fort is at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river and is 35 kms away from Ganapatipule.
  
 
 
 
MARLESHWAR - 60kms from Ganapatipule, it is famous for its Shiva temple and waterfall.
  
 
 
 
PARSHURAM - Known for the Parshuram temple, it is 112kms away from Ganapatipule.
  
 
 
 
PAWAS - Pawas is naturally beautiful and serene. The place is also prominent, for the ashram of Swami Swaroopanand, a spiritual leader, who influenced an entire generation of Maharashtrians. A visit to the place, is a journey through time.
  
 
 
 
RATNAGIRI - The Konkan is a vast, beautiful western coast. One of its districts, is the well known Ratnagiri. It is the home of the great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who led the Swadeshi Movement against the British. His house Tilak Smarak is a landmark now.