RATNAGIRI

Ratnagiri Ratnagiri district is located in the southwestem 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 tract known as Konkan. 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 1948 the independent princely state of Sawantwadi was merged with the Indian union and in 1956 

with Bombay Province. 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. Ratnagiri has nine tahsils; Mandangad, Dapoli, Khed, Chiplun, Guhagar, Sangameshwar, Ratnagiri, Lanja and Rajapur. Chief rivers in Ratnagiri are the Shastri, Bor, Muchkundi and Kajali. Ratnagiri is the birth place of Lokmanya Tilak and many other erninent personalities. Noted for the delicious golden Haapus (Alphonso) mangoes, Ratnagiri receives heavy rainfall resulting into highly eroded landscape in the coastal region. Fertile alluvial valleys in the region produce abundant rice and coconut as the main crops; fruits and cashew nut cultivation is being promoted. Fishing is an important industry in Ratnagiri. A few illustrious Indians, including "Lokmanya" Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a prime leader in the nation's freedom movement in the British Raj days; Bharat Ratna "Maharshi" Dhondo Keshav Karve, a social reformer and educationist; and Wrangler Raghunath Purushottam Paranjpe, a mathematician and educationist, were born in Ratnagiri or its vicinity. 70% people in Ratnagiri are Hindus and around 20% are Muslims. Ratnagiri is connected by road to Mumbai, Mangalore, Madgaon, Karwar, Udupi and Cochin by National Highway number 17 (NH-17). The Konkan railway also connects to these places by train along with Delhi and Jaipur. Ratnagiri-Nagpur National Highway NH-204 connects Ratnagiri to important cities like Kolhapur, Sangli, Solapur, Nanded, Nagpur and eastern parts of India. Ratnagiri also has a small sea port. MSRTC runs intercity bus service from Ratnagiri to Mumbai, Pune, Sangli, Kolhapur and Goa. Mandavi Mandav Beach is also known as the Gateway of Ratnagiri. The Gateway of Ratnagin is a preposterous structure with a slopped roof in the Ratnagiri Jetty in Mandav Beach A booming hot spot of tourists, Mandavi Beach is the most crowded beach in the Ratnagin region. The prettiest beach in Ratnagiri, Mandavi is gifted with a vast line of seashore right up to Rajiwanda Port. The proximity of the beach to the town makes it a favourite holiday spot of the water enthusiasts. Bhatye Beach Bhatye is the biggest town in Konkan and one of the immediate suburbs of Ratnajpri town. A wonderful beach in the background of the jagged Sahyadri mountain ranges provides a panoramic view of the surroundings. The bluish water, vast expansion of silvery sands and the clean environs sprinkled with casuarinas, Bhatye beach gives exciting opportunities for water sports. The beach is less crowded and secluded as it is a little away from the main city. Mirkarwada Beach It is the coastal station for marine professionals; all the fishing boats and trawlers land here. It is the major trading spot in Ratnagiri for marine industry. Most of the fishes from here are exported to other city markets such as Mumbai, Pune, Goa, Bengaluru, and Mangalore. Velneshwar Velneshwar is located 170 km from Ratnagiri, Its adjoining beach is clean and lined with coconut trees. It is possible to swim in the nearby sea because it is free of rocks. There is a well-known Shiva temple near Velneshwar. Ganpatipule The Ganapatipule Beach is clean with fine silvery white sand. The beach is not safe for swimming because it contains stretches of rocks. The adventurous tourists can try their hands at balancing a kayak. The place is fit for the entire family to enjoy a holiday or a vacation. At the end of the beach there is a small cliff. The view from atop is really enchanting. Trails of cashew and mango trees can be seen lined along the beach. MTDC resorts are right beside the beach to stay. Ganeshghule Beach Situated in the outskirts of the city, Ganeshghule beach is a perfect place to spend the leisure time in a calm and quiet ambience. Ganeshghule beach provides a sure way to rejoice the romantic sunset in a serene atmosphere. The shining emerald water, vast stretch of silvery sands and the undulating waves give Ganeshgule a majestic look. Pandre Samudra Pandre Samudra is a beach with a long, clean stretch of sand whose name means 'White sea. Situated very near to Ratnagiri town, Pandre Samudra allures people with its silvery charm. A dip in the crystal clear water and viewing the marvelous sunset on the background of beautiful surroundings is a wonderful experience. With the emerald water in front, and the swaying palm groves in backdrop, Pandre Samudra exhibits an ethereal experience and it is a perfect destination for tranquil holidays. Marleshwar Waterfalls: Shri Kshetra Marleshwar is a 'Swayambhu' Temple of Shankar and is situated among high mountains and cliffs. The whole area is very beautiful and lots of people come here. The Marleshwar temple is in a natural cave and further down from the cave there is a beautiful waterfall known as 'Dhareshwar'. The water drops down from a height of 200 feet and the view is very beautiful. The whole area is covered with dense forest and is a favorite spot of tourists.Marleshwar is 11 Kms. from Angavali village near Sangameshwar and 21 Kms. from Devrukh. Thibaw Point: Thibaw Point is the place where the lovely mansion, The Thebaw Palace is located. Built in the year 1910, the palace is famed as the exile shelter of the king and the queen of Burma (Myanmar). Thibaw Point also is a thriving spot of picnickers, and it gives a panoramic view of the entire city. People gather here in large groups to see the stunning view of the sunset. The Thibaw Point, nestled in the lap of majestic Arabian Sea, presents a picturesque view of a dense village. Situated at the hem of a hill, this point is a fast emerging tourist destination in Ratnagiri that offers delightful sceneries of a virgin land. Marleshwar This is a holy place for Hindus where the temple of Lord Shiva is located 70 km away from Ratnagiri. The temple which is inside a cave has a waterfall located nearby. Hindus believe that Lord Shiva moved from Maral village to Marleshwar when the Mughal emperor attacked the Konkan region and was threatening to destroy Hindu temples. Pawas Pawas achieved prominence after Swami Swaroopanand, a recent influential religious leader in Maharashtra, settled in this town. His residence has now been converted into an "ashram". Atulit Bal Dham Atulit Bal Dham is a holy place. It is located at TRP, near petrol pump, just 1 km off the main road in Ratnagiri city. Panchamukhi Hanuman is the deity in this Dham. Devotees believe they get incredible Bal (physical, mental and spiritual power) after visiting this Dham. The total area is of around 2 acres. Dakshinmukhi' Maruti Temple The Dakshinmukhi Maruti temple in Ratnagiri city is one of the very few temples of south facing maruti. This temple was built by Swami Samartha Ramdas and later renovated by Shivaji Maharaj. Sangameshwar Sangameshwar is located on the Mumbai - Goa highway at a distance of about 62 Kms. from Ganpatipule. There is an Ancient temple dedicated to lord Shiva at Sangameshwar on the confluence of two rivers Sangameshwar (Shastri) and Alaknanda Rivers. The beautiful ancient temple is constructed in the old Hemadpanthi style. There are very fine-looking carvings been done on the walls of the temple. A small memorial is constructed in the memory of Sambhaji Maharaj who was captured here by the Mughals. Ganpatipule Temple The idol of Ganapati at the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is built of pule which is nothing but white sand and is believed to be self originated it is not man made. Another idol of Ganapati which is made of copper is placed in the Sanctum Sanctorum. It depicts the Lord astride on a lion. The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is about 20 km from the town of Ratnagiri. The rhythmic beat of the nagaras is heard in the early morning. The chaughadas rhythms can be heard in the evenings when the clothes on the idol is changed Bhagwati Mandir A magnificent temple located inside the massive Ratnadurg Fort, Bhagwati Mandir is a famous pilgrim center in Ratnagiri. Bhagavadti Temple is one among the ancient temples in the state of Maharashtra. The deity is adorned beautifully and the temple architecture is marvelous. This temple is crowded with devotees during Navratri festival, which is one of the sacred festivals celebrated all over India. Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, the temple is blessed with a calm and serene ambience that provides a divine feeling to the devotees. Parshuram Temple The Parshuram Temple is an ancient temple in Chiplun. The temple is famous for the 6th incarnation of Vishnu. The architecture of the temple incorporates both the Hindu & Muslim styles. The Parshuram Temple is surrounded by stone walls and it has three idols inside the temple. This temple is an excellent example of ancient sculpture. In the innermost part of the temple there are idols of Kal, Kam and Parshuram. The atmosphere of this temple fascinates everyone. On the day of Parshuram Jayanti (i.e. Akshaytrutiya) there is a huge ceremony, where thousands of devotees gather for the occasion. Thiba Palace The Thiba Palace was built in 1910-11 for the 1911-16 stay there in exile of the king and the queen of Burma (Myanmar). The place has tombs of the royal couple. The Government Polytechnic Ratnagiri functioned from Thiba palace has been subsequently shifted to its own premises for a few years. Malgund The Marathi poet, Keshavsut, was born in the village of Malgund. His house has recently been renovated and converted into a students' dormitory. The "Marathi Sahitya Parishad" (Marathi Literature Society) has constructed a monument called "Keshavsut Smarak" in Malgund. Jaigad This 17th century fort is located on a cliff at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river, and it offers a view of the sea. Jay Gad's sea fort is situated at a sheltered bay. The Fort is cuddled on a cliff which overlooks a bay. The bay is formed where the Shastri River enters the Arabian Sea. A lighthouse and a jetty port is situated near the fort. A deep fosse fences the fort side which is not facing the cliff edge. But no fortification on the east side is visible. Ratna Durg This fort was built during the Bahamani rule. In 1670, Shivaji conquered the fort from Bijapur ruler Adil Shah. In 1790, one Dhondu Bhaskar Pratinidhi rebuilt the fort, and strengthened its ramparts. The fort has the shape of a horseshoe, with a length of 1,300 meters and a width of 1,000 meters. The Arabian Sea surrounds it on its three sides. One of the fort's bastions, "Siddha Buruj", has a lighthouse which was built many years ago in 1867 and rebuilt to its present form in 1962. A temple of Goddess Bhagwati is located inside the fort. Purnagad Fort Located at 25 Kms. from Ratnagiri after Pawas, Purnagad fort is spread in an area of 22 acres. The fort is located at the mouth of Muchikund river creek. The fort is in good condition and you can find some cannons in the fort. A walk along the fort will give you a good view of the surrounding area and you will find lots of squirrels running around. The Jaigad light house The Jaigad light house was built in the year 1832. The Jaigad lighthouse is situated in one of the bastion. This bastion is known as Siddha Buruj. It is located on the western edge of the Jaigad Fort. The Jaigad lighthouse has stood here for years and is still strong now. The lighthouse is open to the visitors 4-5 pm on all week days except on Sundays when it remains closed. Tilak Ali Museum Tilak Ali Museum in Ratnagiri is the ancestral home of the illustrious Indian, Lokmanya Tilak. His old house has been turned into a museum and contains lots of pictures of the great freedom fighter. This memorial is maintained by the State Archaeological Department. The museum tries to depict the significant moments in the life of Tilak through magnificent photographs. The house is a classic example of native Konkani architecture. Tilak Ali Museum is a genuine effort to put alive the memories of the famous Indian and a visit to this monument provides ample information about the struggles for freedom. Rajapur Ganga The site of Rajapur Ganga is three km from nearby Rajapur. According to a theory by some geologists, the Ganga is a rare phenomenon of a large natural siphon from a nearby mountain. There are fourteen blackstone "kunda" (pools), each about 2.25 feet (0.69 m) deep, mutually about three feet apart in the region. Fragrant waters of Rajapur Ganga appear once about every three years in great force from one of the pools, and stay for about two months. The temperature of water is different in the fourteen pools. Shivasamarth Gad Caves Contains sculptures from Shivaji's times. Caves in Chiplun, Khed, Dabhol, Sangameshwar, Gauhani Velgaum, and Vade Padel: The Buddhist legend in the Papanch, Sudan, and Srath Appakasini records the conversion of Konkan residents to Buddhism during the lifetime of Gautama (BC 560-481). Caves in Chiplun, Kol, and Pabol indicate that the "sarthawalas" (caravan-men) rested in some of them. Panhalekaji Caves Panhalekaji, the famous rock-cut caves are situated on the bank of the river Kotjai which further meets the Dabhol creek. These historical man-made caves are believed to be more than 1000 years old and are the great examples of ancient culture and architecture. There are a total 29 rock cut-caves, both big and small spread along the river bank. One can find Buddhist as well as Hindu religious rock hewn sculptures similar to Ajanta caves. There are sculptures of Ganesh, Saraswati and scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana on the walls. The carvings in these rock-cut caves create a unique blend of history of that period and natural beauty. One can also take a walk along the river bank to enjoy the flora and fauna on both sides. Every visitor feels in harmony with the nature, which breathtakingly unfolds around the river. Bird enthusiasts will not be disappointed as this is an excellent area for bird watching. One may even get a chance to spot Asian river otters. Reaching Panhalekaji Panhalekaji is situated around 20 km from Dapoli. State Transport (ST) buses run between Dapoli and Panhalekaji. One can also hire an auto rickshaw or drive down. Rented jeeps/cars are available. Derwan Museum Derwan is a historic museum located at Chiplun. The museum has several sculptures of Shivshai & Peshweshahi. The museum represents the history of Maharashtra. An exhibition at Derwan is on display which gives details of the life of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It took more than 15 years to complete the museum. All the events representing Shivaji's life like coronation ceremony, attack of Shahiste khan, Shivaji's Soldiers, Elephants, Horses and conservation between Samarth Ramdas and Shivaji, have been exactly picturised. Exhibition timings are 8 am to 6 pm. The museum also has paintings made by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. One has to dress up in Indian Costume to enter into the museum.