Serene, sedate and unspoiled – these are the words often used to describe Ganapatipule, a place that not only beckons the faithful to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh but also provides for a perfect holiday because of its beach with an almost endless stretch of silver sand and the sparkling blue waters of the ocean. In addition to that, the town itself has lots to offer by way of its typical Konkani culture and cuisine.

Approximately 375 kilometers south of Mumbai along the Konkan Coast, the name of this picturesque town is derived from the temple of Lord Ganesh or Ganapati which is built on the fine white sand of the beach. The idol of Ganesh, carved from a massive rock, is ‘swayambhu’ (self-originated) and the temple itself is almost 400 years old. What makes the temple all the more interesting is that the sanctum sanctorum is daily lit by the golden rays of sunrise and sunset that also illuminate the idol.

The beach at Ganpatipule is one of the most relaxing getaway places for those who wish to spend a weekend or even a few days in peace. With the temple adding an amazing backdrop to the beach, this is where spirituality and nature come together in a harmonious whole. This experience grows upon you even as you travel by road to Ganpatipule with the Western Ghats forming a chain of green hills along the coastline. Situated in the evergreen ranges of the Sahayadri, Ganapatipule is rich in flora and has an abundance of trees like the mango, cashew, betel nut, jackfruit, coconut, palm and casuarinas, to name just a few.

The tiny town with just about 100 houses is mainly marked by neatly drawn roads, red soil and roofed houses which have clean boundaries. Apart from the beach, Ganapatipule offers many other interesting spots for the tourists to explore, as for instance, the backwaters. Also, the MTDC offers a variety of water sports like row boats, motorboats, aero boats, pedal boats, etc. for recreation. Tourists can even enjoy paragliding. Meanwhile, the cuisine too is what adds to the appeal. Fish curries and the ‘kokam kadhi or sol kadhi (a pink–coloured digestive drink) are the specialty of the region. ‘Modak’, a sweet (and a favourite of Lord Ganesh), is a ‘must try’ delicacy.

Distance from Mumbai: 327 kms