Ganpatipule: Ganapatipule is approximately 375 km. south of Mumbai, along the Konkan Coast. Ganapatipule is a very small town with about 100 houses, having one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast – an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. The temple of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesh is much frequented by thousands every year. The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who visit Ganapatipule, make it a point to pay their respects to this deity. Aside from its clean beach and clear waters, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms.
Rajapur Ganga :The “Ganga of Rajapur” is a natural phenomenon believed by many locals to be a miracle. Nearly every 3 years the well forms 14 small pools of water of different temperatures about 3 ft apart. It is believed that the holy Ganga Mata appears to the devotees there. Geologists have theorized that this is a rare case of a large natural syphon from a nearby mountain.
Pawas : 15 km from Ratnagiri City, 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.
Velneshwar : 170 km from Ratnagiri is the sleepy, village of Velneshwar. Its adjoining beach is clean and natural and is lined with coconut trees. It is possible to swim there as the beach is free from rocks. There is an old Shiva temple near Velneshwar which is frequently visited by pilgrims; a haven for those in search of quiet mysticism in the ethereal presence of the master mystic – Lord Shiva.
Ratna Durg: Built during the Bahamani rule. Later to become the property of Adilshah. In 1670, Shivaji conquered the fort. 1761 saw the fort fall into the hands of a man impersonating Sadashivrao Bhau. In 1790, Dhondu Bhaskar Pratinidhi rebuilt the fort and strengthened its ramparts. The fort never was witness to any decisive, or historically magnificent battles.
The fort is horseshoe-shaped, with a length of 1300 metres and width of 1000 metres. Surrounded by sea on three sides, with land touching it on the fourth side. On one of the sea-facing sides, part of the cliff has collapsed to reveal a cave. One of the fort’s bastions, the ‘Siddha Buruj’, still has a lighthouse, that has stood here for years. A picturesque temple of The Goddess Bhagwati is one of the important places of worship in the area of the fort. A well near the temple has steps leading down.
Marleshwar temple: This is the temple of Lord Shiva situated in sayadri hill. The main attraction is the waterfall of Marleshwar. This is near to Maral village, 16 km from Deorukh village. Ratnagiri is well known for education purpose. We see in Ratnagiri there are various points just like beautiful scenes and various colleges in Ratnagiri or in Chiplun there are big big colleges. Ratnagiri is under the Kokan area. Ratnagiri is well known for its beauty, and there are various points and scenes to see in Ratnagiri.
Thiba Palace : Constructed in 1910-1l, the Thibaw Palace was built for the exiled king and queen of Burma (now Myanmar). They lived in this palace from 1911 till their death in 1916. The five years of their stay are now immortalised in stone with their tombs. In future, this palace might be converted into a regional museum or a heritage hotel.
Malgund : Birthplace of the famous Marathi poet, Keshavsoot. Itis a small peaceful village about 1 km away from Ganapatipule. The poet’s house was recently renovated and converted into a students’ hostel. The Marathi Sahitya Parishad (Marathi Literature Society) has constructed a beautiful monument called Keshavsoot Smarak in memory of him.
Velas Beach Velas might look like any other beach, but what makes this beach special is that it happens to be a nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles. The Olive Ridleys migrate across thousands of kilometers to lay eggs on these shores every year. About 20 – 60 nests are found every year onshore. Velas Turtle Festival is an event organized by two non-profit organizations called Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra and Kasav Mitra Mandal.
Jaigad Fort : Nestled on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river and 35 km from Ganapatipule is the Jaigad Fort. This 17th-century fort offers a commanding view of the sea. Jaigad’s sea fort is situated at a sheltered bay. Its beach is small and safe.