Tourist Places in Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is a port city on the Arabian Sea coast located in the Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra, India. The district is part of Maharashtra's Konkan division. The Hapus or Alphonso mango is a symbol of the city. Lokmanya Tilak, one of the most renowned and respected freedom fighters, was born in Ratnagiri. The city was home to Thibaw, the exiled monarch of Burma (now Myanmar).

The city of Ratnagiri is renowned for its silvery beaches, calm water, seashells, and general peaceful atmosphere for tourists, making it one of the most significant tourist destinations. If you are someone who is interested and planning a gateway, here we got a list of some famous Tourist Places in Ratnagiri.

1. Pandre Beach

There are various beaches in Ratnagiri Town, but Pandre Beach is the one that tourists frequently advise because of its silvery sands, crystal-clear water, and seashells. Although the beach offers little to see or do, yet it is still a good place to go if you want a peaceful environment. Additionally, you can go to the eateries near the shore or even reserve a hotel room close to the beach. Although the main bus stop is only a short distance from the beach, getting there is fairly challenging. In order to find the beach's simplest access, it would be wise to seek out local assistance.

It might also be thought of paying a visit to the Sai Mandir, which is located not far from the shore. The monsoon season, which runs from April to July, is the ideal time to visit.

2. Pawas

Swarupanand Swami's tool samadhi at this place known as Pawas. The distance to Pawa from the town of Ratnagiri is 20 kilometers. Ramchandra, sometimes referred to as "Appa" or "Rambhau," was Swami's birth name. Swami, who committed self-immolation in Pawas and had lived here for 40 years before that, was born on December 15th, 1903.

Born in Pawas to parents Vishnupant and Rakhmabai Godbole, The memorial contains a residence before Swamiji took self-immolation. It was on 15th August 1974 when he undertook self-immolation. In Pawas, the days of Swami's Samadhi and Guru Purnima are revered as important occasions. Currently, his home has been transformed into an ashram that serves as a place for followers to stay and eat.

3. Ganpatipule Beach

On the Konkan coast in the Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra, southern India, the magnificent and breathtaking beach known as Ganpatipule Beach is located. This splendid beauty is also known for its 400-year-old Ganesha Temple, whose idol was allegedly made by itself and was rediscovered more than 1600 years ago. A variety of magnificent vegetation, including dense coconut palms and mangroves, can be found along Ganpatipule Beach's breathtaking and captivating coastline.

Couples, families, and groups of friends can all enjoy a trip to this scenic area because of the peaceful surroundings and great escape from the boring and busy everyday lives of the inhabitants of Mumbai and the nearby districts. Since the location offers a variety of adventurous activities during certain months of the year, it is also a favorite destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. To make the most out of your trip, you can enjoy numerous activities available at Ganpatipule Beach. Adventure sports, including paragliding, swimming, boat trips on motorboats, water scooters and pedal boats, camel rides, etc., are available for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Fortunately, the commercialization of Ganpatipule Beach hasn't had a major impact yet, and it still maintains its pristine state. This is the reason the beach still draws tens of thousands of visitors each year from throughout the nation who come in great numbers to the beach to take in some quiet time in the midst of nature.

The Ganpatipule Beach is accessible all year round and has a tropical environment. beach lovers looking for adventure should go there between November and May as it mainly offers water activities during these months

4. Shri Devi Bhagwati Mandir

Sri Devi Bhagwati Mandir, which is a portion of the enormous Ratnadurga fort, is one of India's oldest temples. Unique sculptures of gods like "Veer Vignesh" and "Ashtadash Bhuj" can be found inside the temple. You can also enjoy the beautiful view of the Arabian Sea while visiting the temple.

The temple is located inside Ratnadurga Fort, formerly known as Bhagwati cha Killa (Bhagwati's fort). And this is how the temple came to be known as Sri Devi Bhagwati Mandir, as the temple is a section of Ratnadurga Fort. So, after a quick trip to the beach, one can tour Mirkarwada Jetty and the fort, which has the best views of the Arabian Sea. Hanuman's temple is also located inside the fort.

The Navratri festival is the ideal time to visit the temple because, at this time, the temples are adorned with flowers and other decorations. During the Navratri celebration, the temple draws a large number of visitors; therefore, if you wish to avoid crowds, avoid visiting during this time.

5. Bhatye Beach

A wonderful, long, and spotlessly clean beach, Bhatye Beach is perfect for a peaceful vacation. The abundant flat sea showers in Bhatye, a small town adjacent to Ratnagiri, are well-known. It is flat, straight, and clear for 1.5 kilometers of the beach's length. Bhatye Beach offers a view of the Ratnagiri lighthouse as well as the renowned Madavi beach in Ratnagiri city.

One can gain a wonderful understanding of the many cultural traditions of Ganapatipule by visiting Bhatye Beach. You can take a morning stroll, relax, play football and beach volleyball in the sand, gather shells, or enjoy the magnificence of this beach. One must go to Kohinoor resort to view the dawn or sunset since it is a breathtaking sight that will leave you spellbound. The sand is as soft as velvet; it won't even stick to your body and can be effortlessly dusted off. You will feel as if you nearly have your own private island at the Bhatye beach because it is so tranquil and quiet. You may engage in a variety of interesting activities at Bhatye, thanks to its water sports facilities. This location will undoubtedly become a sports enthusiast's paradise thanks to the abundance of water-based activities and sports. There are caves that you can explore if you are not scared of the dark or caves that date back to ancient times. An important port may be found at Jaigadh Bandar, a well-known location. With your family members and friends, go fishing and have a boat ride.

Keep your swimsuits, sunscreen, and other items close by. For a tour of the town, hire a guide. Any season of the year is suitable for visiting this beach. All twelve months of the year have quite pleasant weather here.

6. Gateway of Ratnagiri

The Ratnagiri Gateway is a massive, towering building that overlooks the magnificent Arabian Sea. It is located in Ratnagiri on Mandavi Beach. It is a building in the Ratnagiri jetty area near Mandavi beach with a sloped roof. The beach is beautiful in itself. Pratinidhi Dhondu Bhaskar created the fortified building, which has numerous bastions, to protect Ratnagiri's coastline. The sea wind in this area is excellent, lulling you on a peaceful stroll as you take in the serene beach and the breathtaking horizon.

7. Velneshwar

Velneshwar is a village south of Guhagar town in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district. It is an amazing place to visit is Velneshwar, which is located north of the Shastri River. In addition to having a magnificent half-moon beach that is fresh, untouched, and perfect for swimming, Velneshwar is also known for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. When the Maha Shivratri Celebration is conducted in Velneshwar in honor of Lord Shiva in the month of March, the city enjoys a lot of attention. The Velneshwar Beach in Maharashtra is the right location for you if you're looking for a great water spot where you can enjoy the wonders of nature while swimming and sunbathing.

The local fishing community makes up a substantial portion of the population. The nearby villagers are warm and welcoming. The most extensively used language is Marathi. Locals in this area are able to understand and speak both Hindi and English. Even if there aren't many marketplaces close by, for a more authentic experience, one could always visit Chitni Bazaar, Mahaveer Market, etc.

The beach is highly appealing due to its smooth shoreline and vibrantly green coconut trees. For a quick journey into tranquility or a weekend family vacation, Velneshwar is the ideal destination. Velneshwar experiences tropical weather as it is a beach community. All year round, there is dampness. The months of the winter season, from November through February, are the finest times to visit Velneshwar. Summers can be extremely hot. Contrarily, the rain is captivating and delightful.

8. Velas Turtle Festival

The Velas Turtle Festival is hosted on the Velas beach in Ratnagiri, which is 200 kilometers from Pune. One of the most well-known eco-festivals in India is the Velas Turtle Festival, which attracts volunteers, visitors, and travelers from all over the world. Some visitors come to help the small turtle hatchlings, others photograph the creatures as they make their way into the sea, and still others enjoy a relaxing eco-tourism experience on the shore. Travelers will remember the experience since it allows them to have fun while simultaneously giving back to the community and the environment. Unsurprisingly, the quantity of sea turtles has increased consistently since the festival's introduction, contributing to the economic improvement of the settlements along the Velas beach.

For kids, participating in the turtle fest is ideal. This event is a pleasant break from the digital world of tablets and smartphones for the younger generation.

For those who wish to witness the complete process of turtle breeding, hatching, and release into the sea, as well as take advantage of the ecotourism activities provided by the village community, a 2- to 3-day schedule is recommended. Visit the beach in the early morning or late at night to see the beautiful sight of newborn turtles making their way toward the water. The hours are 7 AM to 7:30 AM and 6 PM to 7 PM. If you are too excited about seeing the birth of a turtle, go for a walk on the beach around midnight to see the turtle's eggs hatch.

9. Ratnagiri Fort

The Ratnagiri Fort, also known as Ratnadurg Fort or Bhagawati Fort, is situated 2 kilometres from Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. In the Ratnagiri district, this fort is a significant fort. Due to the presence of the Bhagawati Temple within the fort, it is a major tourist destination.

It was constructed during the Bahamian era. Adil Shah of Bijapur lost control of the fort to Maratha King Shivaji in 1670. King Shivaji had constructed defense towers at two strategic locations, one to the south as well as the other close to the former courthouse. Admiral Kanhoji Angre of the Marathas reinforced citadel defense between 1750 and 1755. During the Peshwa era, Dhondu Bhaskar Pratinidhi made a few modest repairs to the fort (1755-1818). The British eventually took control of the fort in 1818. In 1950, the Bhagavati temple underwent renovation.

On one side of the fort, there is a lighthouse. There is a Bhagawati temple, a pond, and a well inside the fort. Below the fort, there is a cave. Rede Buruj is the bastion that is the strongest of all.

10. Patit Pawan Mandir

In Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India, there is a Hindu temple called Patit Pawan Mandir. On February 22, 1931, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar founded it, and Shriman Bhagojisheth Keer constructed it. The construction of the temple caused a stir in a time when untouchables were frequently dehumanized since it is a sanctuary in which even untouchables can worship their God as other people do. The Patit Pawan Mandir was used for parts in a Hindi movie directed by Sudhir Phadke about the life of Savarkar. Phadke actually finished singing and composing music for this movie as his final project.