Ganapatipule -A unique Tourist Destination in Ratnagiri

In june 2007 we four friends visited Ganapatipule for second time with special purpose in our mind. My family and my friend sanjays family were expecting arrival of our first babies . I and Sanjay offered prayer in Ganesha Temple of Ganapatipule for safe delivery of our wives.At the end of the August both of us became father of a baby boys. Our wish was full filled.
In between due to financial problems and sons sickness it was not possible to visit again to Ganaptipule.My wife stood firmly behind me and we visited again on 18th of October 2008.
Located in western coast of Maharashtra. Ganapatipule is about 375kms from Mumbai,331kms from Pune,150 kms from Kolhapur and about 250 kms from Goa. If you are travelling by road then you will find right diversion at Hatkhamba(NIVALI). From Hatkhabha the distance is about 32 kms. Otherwise if you go to Ratnagiri there are ample number of buses plying to Ganapatipule
Temple of Lord Ganesha is known to be 400 years old and situated at the foot of the hill adjacent to beautiful sea shore.Idol of Ganapati is SWAYAMBHU(sprung from soil).Pilgrims walks (PRADAKSHINA) around the hill as a mark of respect. At one side of temple there is small lake. Temple is reconstructed using special Rajastani style stones and look in recent years, which now attracts thousands of tourist from India and abroad.
For staying at Ganapatipule there are cottages of MTDC as well as small hotels. Local people also offers stay at their homes by charging little less.
After returning from Ganapatipule do not forget to visit Sai Temple at Ganapatipule. Smiling Idol of Saibaba is made from white marble.After taking little break in the Sai temple make move to Ratnagiri. Your tour is incomplete if you not give visit to PAWAS. Distance from Ganapatipule to Pawas is around 38kms.In this 38kms drive you will experience natural beauty of sea shore. After reaching PAWAS things around you changes rapidly. From crowdy environment you enters in to cool silent zone of Shree Swarupanand Swami Math. Vitthal Rakhumai Temple and Swarupanand Swami's Samadhi is main attraction of PAWAS. Here you will find pin drop silence in math campus.It is known that any one who comes to visit Shree Swami Swarupananda, Swami tells them to read one page of holy book 'DYNANESHWARI'. The same routine is still followed . You will find copies of 'DYNANESHWARI' in the Samadhi temple. Also any one can meditate in underground chamber of samadhi. Do not forget to taste local drinks like kokam sarbat and raw mangoe drink which is known as kariche panhe which is readily available at stalls outside samadhi temple.
After visiting PAWAS you can return to your residence with peaceful mind.