Ganpatipule

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Ganpatipule | type = city | latd = 17.1448 | longd = 73.2666
locator_position = right | state_name = Maharashtra
district = Ratnagiri
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altitude = 0
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = | population_density =
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postal_code =415 622
vehicle_code_range =MH-08
sex_ratio =
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Ganapatipulé (गणपती पुळे in Marathi) is a small town located in the district of Ratnagiri on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. The town of Chiplun is to its north.According to local folklore, the Hindu god - Ganapati गणपती, taking umbrage by a remark made by a native lady, moved to Pulé पुळे (a few km ahead of the town) from his original abode of Gulé. Thus the region was named Ganpati-pulé.

400 years old Ganpati idol at Ganpatipule is said to have sprung up from the soil. This deity faces the West, so as to guard the western gates, unlike deities in other Indian temples who face the east. The temple is at the base of a hill, and pilgrims walk around(pradakshina) the hill as a mark of respect.

Places of interests

A clean and breathtaking clear-water beach is one of the main attractions for tourists, along with the Ganapati Temple. The Hindu temple is reconstructed in special Rajasthani style stones and look, and attracts thousands of devotees from all parts of Maharashtra, other states, and foreigners. The seashore is lined with a number of low budget cottages and frequented by many as a cheap getaway. Ganapatipule has a Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) resort as well along with other privately operated resorts and home stays. MTDC resort also offers bamboo house stay and tents and offers small boats for rides. Maharashtrian pickles, seafood, coconuts and mangoes are some of the gustatory delicacies in the town. A nearby place called Paawas is known for its spiritual importance.

Malgund - Birthplace of Kavi 'Keshavsut' the famous Marathi poet

Malgund is famous as the birthplace of famous marathi poet 'Kavi Keshavsut' he was born here in 1866. He is termed as a poet who heralded the dawn of modern Marathi poetry. There is a very beautiful monument at Malgund dedicated to his work and also a museum where you can find information on most of the modern day poets of Marathi language. The Memorial is a real treat for people who are interested in Marathi literature.

Reaching there

The town is easily accessible from the port city of Ratnagiri, which also has a railway station and an airport. By Road: While moving towards Ratnagiri, on Mumbai Goa National Highway No. 17 (NH-17), after Sangameshwar a small village placed on this highway is Nivali. From Nivali one has to take right turn for Ganapatipule (32 km). Alternatively, one can continue on NH-17 till Hathkhamba (Nivali - Hathkhamba: 4km) and then take a right turn to go to Ganapatipule. Ample number of State Transport buses are available from Ratnagiri bus depot. Frequency is good for fast journeys. Ganapatipule is also connected with other cities by state transport buses. By Rail: There is no railway station at Ganapatipule. One has to get down either at Ratnagiri station or at "Karbude". All the express and local trains stops at Ratnagiri, being a city. "Karbude" is a small village and only passenger trains will stop.

External links

* [http://www.kokanyatra.com/ganpatipule/trip.html Ganpati Temple and beautiful white sand beach]
* [http://www.journeymart.com/getaways/india/Ganpatipule Journeymart.com]
* [http://www.konkandarshan.com/ratnagiri/map_ratnagiri.htm Map showing the location of Ganapatipule]
* [http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/Beaches.aspx?strpage=beaches-Ganapatipule.html Mahrashtra Tourism Department Website-Also gives tourist details]

You may also Disembark at Sangameshwar and take a bus to Ganpatipule.