Ganeshgule is a small village in Ratnagiri district, very close from well known village Pawas. It is the place to go if you want to take a break from the city and reconnect with nature. Ganeshghule Beach is popular among nature lovers and is known for its clear sunset view. The beach is 1.5 km long and is flanked by mountains on both sides. The rocky, white sandy terrain and clear emerald sea of the secluded beach. The beach is a bit out of the way, it's worth to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
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| Ganeshgule Village (old photo taken during monsoon) |
We travelled to the place from Ganpatipule. You can follow below route if you are traveling from Pune.
How to reach Ganeshgule?
Amba Ghat Route
Pune - Karad - Take right at Narayanwadi after McDonald's and drive towards Kokrud village - Reach Malkapur follow Amba ghat route - Sakharpa Town - Pawas - Ganeshgule
Varandha Ghat route via Chiplun
Pune - Bhor - Varandha Ghat - Mahad - drive to Khed (skip Poladpur via Kashedi Ghat) - Chiplun - Sangameshwar - Ratnagiri - Pawas - Ganeshgule
Tamhini Ghat Route via Chiplun
Pune - Paud - Mangaon - Mahad - drive to Khed (skip Poladpur via Kashedi Ghat) - Chiplun - Sangameshwar - Ratnagiri - Pawas - Ganeshgule
Kumbharli Ghat route via Patan and Chiplun
Pune - Satara - Umbraj - follow Umbraj Patan road - Patan - Kumbharli Ghat - Kherdi - Chiplun - Sangameshwar - Ratnagiri - Pawas - Ganeshgule
We followed Kumbharli Ghat route as we wanted to visit Dervan and then Ganpatipule. Road condition was good except few rough patches. We were started our journey around 5.30 am early morning and reached the ghat section around 10 am, there was no traffic at all. We reached Ganpatipule around 2pm and stayed there.
Next day after visiting Swami Swaroopanand Math at Pawas, we reached Rama Niwas around 2pm. As we stepped into the property, we were greeted by a sense of tranquility and relaxation. The hosts were friendly and made sure that we had a memorable experience. The room was spotless and well-maintained, offering everything we needed for a comfortable stay. There are only two rooms, owner stays at ground floor and rooms are at first floor. If you have a senior citizen accompanying with you then you should not choose the place as you need to climb iron staircase to reach the room and that staircase is not easy to climb for old person.
What really set this homestay apart was the private beach access. It felt like our own secluded paradise, away from the crowds. We enjoyed every moment of our stay and would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a serene beach retreat. They do not provide food, but their Aunty staying next door who provides authentic konkani food. We ordered Kala Watana Usal, Rice Bhakri, Phanas (Jackfruit) Bhaji and obviously Modak. Food quality was awesome. We were tired and very much hungry so forgot to click photos. 😛
One more wonderful option to stay at Ganeshgule is Oceano Pearl, a property of hospitality firm O’Nest, that gives you the comfort of a hotel. I did not get the booking as due to some event whole property was booked on these dates. Megha Dhade's Villa Mangoes and Seashells is also few steps away from Rama Niwas, there you can experience a stay at perfect konkani house.
But if you are looking for good accommodation in a reasonable rate then Rama Niwas is the best choice.
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| Ganeshgule Beach (Photo taken from Google) |
After taking rest for 2 hours, as the evening approached, we went to the beach and it looked just beautiful. We walked up and down the beach, feeling the softness of the sand beneath our feet and cool mild breeze in hair. It was Saturday still there was nobody except us, that feeling itself was very wonderful. The experience was so soulful, it felt as if the time just stands still.
Ganeshgule Beach is considered a perfect place for those who want to relax and spend peaceful moments. Swimming and sunbathing are the favorite activities at the beach. No water sports are available on the beach, at least it was not available when we visited.
One should not miss the sunset here, the golden hours cast a spell in the environment like Midas Touch, turning everything to Gold. The beach is an isolated beach that gives a divine experience with a quiet and peaceful environment.
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| Sunset at Ganeshgule Beach |
Next morning we left room around 8am to visit well-known Ganeshgule Temple which is located 1.5 km from the beach and is situated on a hill near the beach. This temple contains the idol of Lord Ganesha that is known as Swayambhu. The trunk of Lord Ganesha is towards the west in the temple. In addition, this temple contains an ancient well of the Pandava era.
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| Ganeshgule Temple Arch |
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| Ganesh Temple, Ganeshgule |
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| Undir mama (Mouse) |
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| Lord Ganesh, Ganeshgule |
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| Information Board in Temple |
You can see picturesque view of a village from the temple.
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| Hill seen from Ganesh Temple |
From Ganesh temple we went to Laxmi Narayan Temple in Ganeshgule, I got to know about this temple from one of my friend and wanted to visit since long time. This is very old temple surrounded by mango trees and made up of woods. There is beautiful wooden carving inside the temple, crafted wooden pillars, it gives feel of typical konkani temple. It is very calm and peaceful place. Beside this temple there is another temple of lord Shiva made of stone.
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| Laxmi Narayan Temple, Ganeshgule |
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| Garud (Eagle) |
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| Traditional Tulashi Vrundavan |
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| Laxmi Narayan |
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| Deepmal |
For breakfast we have chosen Hotel Kshanbhar Vishranti near Kasheli Phata. This is a small hotel beside the bay of Kasheli, right next to the back waters of Muchkundi River, this place is scenic and windy. It’s a place for breakfast and snacks, they serve simple home style food. We enjoyed Cut Wada, Wadapav, Poha and Misal, taste of food was amazing.
This small restaurant in the village outskirts is a good option for travelers.
After breakfast we went to visit Devghali beach which is in Kasheli village and approximately 25 kms from Ganeshgule, it took us an hour to reach the beach. Devghali beach in Kasheli village is a hidden beach, the recent photos on social media attracted many tourists and I was one of them. Kasheli is a hidden village in the Ratnagiri district. Many people are still unaware of it. Since it is a hidden beach, it is very clean and scenic.
This beach is majorly known for its sunset. If possible, plan to spend an evening there so you can capture spectacular view of sunset from the hill. Swimming on this island is strictly prohibited. From local folk we got to know that entry to this beach is restricted during monsoon. The beauty of Devghali beach can not be expressed, it can only feel.
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| Devghali beach, Kasheli |
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| Sea view from Devghali Beach |
Then we went back to the room around 1pm, after having lunch we checked out and travelled to Vijaydurg Fort.
Please check the blog for Vijaydurg Fort -https://bhaktitakalkar.blogspot.com/2024/03/quick-trip-to-vijaydurg-fort.html
Useful Info -
Dinner at Rama Niwas, veg thali at 200 Rs. per person
Stay at Rama Niwas - 2500 Rs per day for AC room with wifi
Useful Contacts -
Rama Niwas, Ganeshgule - 9405069665
Aunty at Rama Niwas for food - 9673249735
Hotel Kshanbhar Vishranti, Kasheli - 9403838725
O'NEST Oceano Pearl - 8378957789
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