Ganpatipule

Ganpatipule, a charming little town along the Konkan coast in Maharashtra, is important to Indian nationalists as the birthplace of the leader Lokmanya Tilak. It is also of significance to Hindus as the site of a famous Ganpati temple. But what really sets Ganpatipule apart from the numerous other coastal towns and villages along India’s seashores are the unbelievably beautiful beaches of the place.
Ganpatipule is idyllic… sparkling waters against silvery shores; jagged palm fronds framed against magnificent sunsets. This is the spot where you can soak in hours of sun and sea-spray, watch time drift by, wonder at sunrises, marvel at sunsets, drink in the moonlight and dance on the moonbeams. And if you are looking for a spot of action, Ganpatipule is a venue for paragliding.
Part of the excitement of going to Ganpatipule is the scenic drive through the Western Ghats – the chain of green hills along the Konkan coast. The beaches on the coastline are amazingly clear, of both rocks and hordes of visitors. All along the way are tiny fishing villages; groves of casuarina and tropical fruit; and stretches of clean, golden sand. Whether you go to Ganpatipule by rail or road, the route is as breathtaking as the destination itself.
Besides fabulous beaches and the ancient Ganpati Swayambhu temple, Ganpatipule affords a number of opportunities for excursions into remote fishing hamlets, villages and towns of the Konkan. The entire coastline is breathtakingly beautiful, with pristine beaches, overhung by cliffs and interspersed by pretty little creeks. Enthusiastic beach-lovers can actually hire a car and drive along the coast- it’s lovely all the way.
Access:-

Ganpatipule is 375 km away from Mumbai, the closest metro with an international airport. It lies 30 km off the Mumbai-Goa Highway, 50 kms short of Ratnagiri, which is the nearest railhead. You can take an overnight MTDC bus from Mumbai's Nariman Point. Or catch the magnificent Konkan Railway from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus). Disembark at Sangameshwar or Ratnagiri and take a bus to Ganpatipule.
Ganpatipule is a small town, and you do not really require transport to get to the beaches. Rickshaws are available for short distances, but be prepared to haggle over fares. The State Transport buses are not particularly recommended. If you are making longer excursions, your best option is to hire a vehicle. The tourist taxis and cars are reliable though you do need to fix the fare in advance.
Best time to visit:-

Though winter is the touristy time to get to most beaches in India, Ganpatipule can be spectacular during and just after the monsoons (June to October). This is also the time when fewer tourists come to Ganpatipule, so accommodation will be easier to get, and crowds don’t inundate the beaches.
Accommodation:-

Low-to-middle budget accommodation is freely available in Ganpatipule. MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) has a resort right on the beach itself. It offers accommodation ranging from tents, dormitories and comfortable air-conditioned suites at affordable prices starting from about Rs 250 for two beds. Other accommodation, much of it privately owned, is off the beach; in most cases private properties offer more amenities and are proportionately more expensive. Other accommodation options include renting a room from the locals, who are geared for the tourist influx.