Every once in a while it becomes imperative to break away from the humdrum routine of daily life and escape for a brief moment to a secluded haven far from the madding crowd. For those fond of the sun, the sands and the gentle sound of water lapping at ones feet, Ganpatipule (Ratnagiri, Maharashtra) seems to be an ideal retreat. Ganpatipule lies along the Konkan coast, approximately 375 kms south of Mumbai. Ganpatipule can be reached by road or by most renowned Konkan Railway Line (nearest railway station Ratnagiri). However, the most preferable way is to go by road, traveling by road is an experience by itself the more picturesque one and the added advantage in monsoon that you can see the waterfalls also The second route is definitely by train as you can see the lots of tunnels and landscaping. Ganapatipule is a small village, serene, sedate and unspoiled. The beach here is still as natural and pristine as ever.. The vast "Konkan" stretch abounds with scenic greenery. There are narrow mud-roads, the earth is red and the roofed houses with clean courtyards add a quaint touch to the panorama. The local vegetation includes fruit bearing trees like mango, betel nut, banana, jackfruit, coconut, etc. The entire western coast is covered with these trees. The locals are as warm and cheerful as their surroundings. Ever ready to chat with the visitors and make them feel at home. Any tourist accustomed to the bristle and bustle and crowds of vendors on the beaches of Mumbai and Goa, would be delighted to see the total absence of commercialisation. It’s a pure visual and auditory delight, a welcome surprise for anyone who had despaired to find such an unpolluted place. The sea is the most wonderful shades of blue with the purest sand, unspoilt even by human footprints sparkling blue waters, endless stretches of golden or silver sand, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothing in your ear. This is the land of Ganpatipule, one of Maharashtra's almost virgin beaches. On reaching Ganpatipule, We stayed at Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation Resort. It is a quite place with natural beauty around and the arrangements in the resort were excellent. We visited the beach on the next day of our visit early in the morning which was about 5 minutes walk from our place of stay. The overall experience was very good and till date we remember our days of trip. We really got freshened from the trip. and experience the hospitality and personal touch. Though provided with the most elementary necessities, the overwhelming presence of the sea, dominating all human presence is enough to compensate for the lack of amenities. The beach is also perfect for camping and bonfires. The weather is temperate, with warm days and cool nights, with a perpetual breeze and incessant music of the waves. The entire stretch of the beach is virtually deserted and a virtual paradise for collectors of shells and various colored pebbles that letter the shores. If one is looking for a truly restful holiday retreat, an idyllic Garden of Eden for tired minds, we need look no further. Here is a place where we can put ones feet up and really rest and feast.
