Ganpatipule Beach - Ganpatipule has a fine blend of religion and recreational activities. This is the land of the 400-year old Swayambhaoo (a naturally formed idol) Ganpati and a glittering white sand beach. Ganapatipule is ideal for family outing. The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. Most pilgrims believe in taking a 'Pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein devotees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple in which the idol is housed). Lord Ganpati of Ganpatipule is also called as the ' Paschim-Dwar Devata' (Western Sentinel Go

). Two grand festivals are celebrated every year - one is Bhadrapad Shuddha Chaturthi (Ganesh-Chaturthi) and another is Magh Shuddha Chaturthi (Vinayaki Chaturthi).

Ganpatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever and traveling by roads is an experience by itself. There is something new to discover, in whichever direction you go: narrow roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit-bearing trees (including mango, betel nut, banana, jackfruit, etc.) and casuarinas lining the coast are a common sight. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings - ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home.

This is very renowned tourist destination in Ratnagiri district. Distance from Ratnagiri is 15-20 kms. There is pleasant seashore with scenic plantation of cypress trees. It is not advisable to venture in the deep sea alone as the level suddenly deeps to dangerous depth. Many a drowning accidents happen due to over-enthusiasm of the tourists. One can have a panoramic view of beautiful seashore up to Kotwade at one side, seashore of Malgund Varawade and Tivari port at other side of Ganpatipule from the hill behind the temple. Nearby villages are worth visiting. Ganeshgule, Kotwade, Malgund, Jaigad, Tivari Port, Kolisare etc. can be visited from Ganapatipule.

Accommodation in Ganpatipule :
Hotels and cottages are available in Ganaptipule and Ratnagiri.

Best Time to Visit Ganpatipule :
November to February is the best time to visit Ganpatipule because of the cool climatic conditions. Ganpatipule can be spectacular during the monsoon showers making it a delightful time to visit for rain lovers. However, the water sports would not be functional between June-October. In March, it starts to get hot and a little humid, with temperature soaring upto 38 Celsius degree mark.

Things to Do in Ganpatipule Beach :
Ganpatipule is one of the perfect places for a relaxed beach holiday. If you are looking for some interesting things to do here, then you must try the following activities:

Adventure Water Sports:
Adventure freaks may enjoy paragliding, swimming, going for motorboat, water scooter and pedal boat rides, camel rides, etc., which are some of the popular adventure water activities in Ganpatipule and everyone should enjoy here.

Sightseeing in Ganpatipule:
If you don't want to indulge in adventure activities, then you may simply sit and relax on the beach as you may enjoy a picturesque view of sunset or go for a long leisurely walk on the beach. Or else, visitors can also visit to the local Velneshwar beach temple and Swamyambhoo Ganpati Temple, where all programs are held every year. You can also go for romantic beach walks along the coastline of Konkan, with your loved ones by holding hand of each other. You may also have moonlight picnic on the silvery sands.

Shopping and food in Ganpatipule:
Want to do some shopping in Ganpatipule? Just spend some quality time by doing shopping in the local markets where you'll get all types of household and decorative items at reasonable cost. Apart from shopping, Ganapatipule also offers plenty of tasty and mouth watering cuisines like ambapoli, phanspoli, fish curries, Kokam kadi, etc., which are worth trying. If you are here during summer, you can enjoy the popular variety of mangoes in the world.