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Ganapatipule
 The waters of Ganapatipule are crystal clear and pristine. The entire stretch of beach is covered with fresh greeneries. The roadside sceneries on the way to Ganapatipule are captivating with narrow roads, red soil, roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit bearing trees and casuarinas lining.
Ganapatipule is regarded as one of the most important beaches of Maharashtra. It is 375 km south of Mumbai. Fine, sifted, silver sands, a gentle lapping sea, which soothes frayed nerves, attracts large number of tourists are the features of this beautiful beach. It is regarded as a beautiful seaside resort, especially for families in Maharashtra.
One can see a glimpse of the entire beach, which is covered with white sand and blue waters from the top of the hill. Ganapatipule is also known as a pilgrimage site for its 400-year-old temple of Swayambhu Ganpati (naturally formed monolithic Ganesh). Malgund and Ratnagiri are other attractions, which are worth to be visited near this beach.
Ratnagiri is the nearest airport, while nearest railway station is at Kolhapur. Ganapatipule is well connected by road with all the places in Maharashtra. Government resort offers a wide range of facilities including dormitories and A.C suites. Tents and water sport facilities are also available over here.
Geographic location
Approximately 375 kms south of mumbai, along the 'konkan' coast.
Climate:
The climate is moist and humid but healthy and devoid of pollution. From march, the temprature starts rising but rarely crosses 38 C.May is the hottest month. Monsoon is between June and October. Rains are usually plentiful and regular. The winter season is perhaps the most pleasant with temperatures dropping at nights.
Languages spoken
Marathi is the most widely spoken language along with local dialect of 'konkani'.
Local Festivals
Gauri Ganapati, Magh chaturthi (on the 4th day of the lunar month of Magh, equivalent to approximately February, which most locals believe is the actual birth date of Lord ganapathi) and Dashavtar are the most important events not just in Ganapatiphule but the entire 'konkan' region. Other festivals like holi, Gudi Padva and Diwali are also celeberated. Don't forget to carry your swimming costumes!
What to Eat
Local fish curries (since Ganapatiphule is a piligrimage destination, you may get non-vegetarian food just on the outsklirts of the village), rice and 'konkam kadi'(a pink coloured liquid, either to be drunk after food or had with rice ; the 'kokam kadi' is a highly digestive drink and neutralises all effects of spicy food ). Vegetarians can also feast on simple but tasty fare: dal, vegetables prepared with coconut base and 'modak' (a favorite dish of Ganesh). Besides the MTDC resturant Tarang offers some of the finest vegetarian food in the region.
What to Buy
The 'Konkan' blessed with some of the finest horticulture fruits offers you a variety of local preprations. Like ' ambapoli' (thin pancakes of dried and crushed mango). 'phanspoli' (thin pancakes of dried and crushed jack fruit). Cashewnuts, coconuts etc. If you're in Ganapatiphule in summer don't leave without buying the most famous variety of mangoes in the world in the world - the devgad' hapus' mango.
How to get There
Air : The nearest airport is Ratnagiri, 50 kms away
Rail : The nearest railhead is ratnagiri 50 kms on the Konkan railway.
Road : Mumbai to Ganapatiphule ( via Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune to Ganapatiphule (via satara) is 331 kms. Kohlapur to Ganapatiphule is 144 kms.
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