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Maharashtra Beaches
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Ganpatipule Beach
GANPATIPULE BEACH
Visit the vast strech of unpolluted silver sands
on the western cost of Maharastra, Bathed in the golden sunshine and silver
moonlight, Lapped by gentle foam-flecked waves from the expanse of the
arabian sea, Laced with the unforgettable aroma of fruits, flowers and
mangroves, Carrying the timid wispers of saying coconut trees.
This
is
Ganapatiphule Land of the 400- year old Swayambhu ganapati and
eager tourists. Set along the western coast of maharastra, is a small little
village called Ganapatiphule. It is known for it's scerene sedate beach.
Unlike most beaches which are spoilt by tourist traffic, the Ganapatiphule
beach is as natural and pristine as ever. Even today, the waters are blue
and the sands, white.
Travelling to Ganapatiphule by road is a
vacation in itself. The entire 'konan' region is paradise- for miles there
is something new to discover, in whichever direction you go: narrow roads,
red soil roofed houses, clean courtyards, innumerable fruit- bearing trees
(including mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, etc.) and casuarinas lining
the cost are a common sight. Meeting the ever-friendly and hospitable
'konkanis' and chatting with them could unearth innumerable delights of
holidaying in this naturally gifted countryside.
Besides the beach
Ganapatiphule is an important pligrimage centre. The temple of the
'Swayambhu
Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati and its
magnificient temple ('Swayambhu' or self originated, not manmade, 'Ganapati'
or the lord of 'ganas' or army. 'Pule' or sand dune. That's how the name
Ganapatiphule). The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock.
Most piligrims believe in taking a 'pradakshina' around the hill instead of
just the temple. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein
devotiees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple
in which the idol is housed ).
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 : BY ROAD : Mumbai to Ganapatiphule ( via
Mahad) is 375 kms. Pune to Ganapatiphule (via satara) is 331 kms. Kohlapur
to Ganapatiphule is 144 kms.
BY RAIL : The nearest
railhead is ratnagiri 50 kms on the Konkan railway.
By AIR :
The nearest airport is Ratnagiri, 50 kms away.
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