Relaxing trip to Ganeshgule, Ratnagiri

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.

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.  

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.

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. 

Ganeshgule Temple Arch

Ganesh Temple, Ganeshgule

Undir mama (Mouse)

Lord Ganesh, Ganeshgule

Information Board in Temple

You can see picturesque view of a village from the temple.

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.

Laxmi Narayan Temple, Ganeshgule

Garud (Eagle)

Traditional Tulashi Vrundavan

Laxmi Narayan

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.

Devghali beach, Kasheli

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 

Quick ride to Pabe Ghat, near Pune

It was Sunday morning when I came to the balcony, and the weather was overcast which was so perfect for travel. I quickly came inside and asked Kiran, shall we go somewhere? He gave me a look like what's this now! But I managed to convince him, and we decided to leave in an hour. I quickly searched for location and thought to drive through Pabe Ghat as its near to Pune, we left home around 9am. 

Pabe Ghat point is 35 km from Pune, it is situated near Panshet. We get beautiful view from the top which is surrounded by mountains and greenery. 

Panshet Dam seen from Ghat road

At Donaje Phata, once you take right to follow road to Velhe village and drive few kms further you can see amazing scenery & natural beauty. It’s perfectly green now. The cloudy weather gives the perfect landscape and photography feel. 

The road unwinds through beautiful countryside with lush green scenery, paddy fields and amazing landscapes.

ही वाट दूर जाते...सह्याद्रीच्या कुशीत ⛰️ ⛰️

Ghat road is very narrow, the climb is very steep, so you need to ride a very carefully, but the route is scenic, a lovely ride up the ghat and the climate is awesome in monsoon. Once you reach at the top you can see the breathtaking view of mountains and near by villages. It is surrounded by three forts - Sinhagad fort, Torna fort and Rajgad fort. There is one point from where you can see these three forts at single place. 

After spending 30-40 minutes at the top, we descended and headed towards our return journey. 

Pabe and all the surrounding locations are excellent getaway spots for a weekend. A great treat for photography.

Sinhagad Fort

The best place for picnic, very calm and quiet. One can feel the melodious chirping of birds. 

Take a moment to stop and listen to the birds singing today!!

Awesome location with zero crowd to spend some quality time. Must visit during monsoon season. It’s a good short drive option especially during monsoons. 

My Travel Buddies

After eating Misal at Shivar Garden near Donaje Phata, we were back home around 2 pm. 

Highlights - 

Trip duration - 1 day (19 January 2024)

Distance travelled - 85Km

Budget - 1K

A day trip to Dhom-Balkawadi dam, Wai during Diwali holidays

My sister in law was asking to have a quick morning trek to Sinhgad on Sunday, 15^th November, as there was no ritual for Diwali that day. But we were not sure whether Sinhgad is open for tourists or not, so decided to visit Dhom-Balkavadi dam in the early morning.  

We were planning to leave Pune at 5am but were 30 minutes late. After picking up my sister-in-law, her husband and my nephew from Sinhgad road started our journey towards Wai. We wanted to reach there around 7am to watch a beautiful sunrise, to watch sunlight reflections in dam water and the mountain ranges is a visual treat and never miss from there. Reached the farm without any pit stop though missed sunrise and reached there around 8am. A selfie was the first thing we did as soon as we got down of the car.

Immediately after reaching there, 4-5 peahens come on our way that came in the search of food and then returning home.  We roamed here and there which increased Vitamin D and eating a few amla fruits had increased vitamin C intake in our body. Indeed a healthy trip after COVID-19 lockdowns!!  

Climate was very pleasant, we could see gems of the morning i.e. dew drops on the grass. There is a banyan tree, so hanging to the strong roots of the tree is a must and enjoyable too. 

We went to the farm and spent some quality time there, a view of mountains and the dam is completely mesmerizing, one can just sit and watch it for a whole day. You can see various birds, flowers, fishes there. The place is not at all polluted; it is free from air-sound-water pollution, completely natural. Dam water is also crystal clear and very clean, could see the bottom and spot fishes. 

We sat down at the katta which is made around a tree. Once the dam is full; you can easily put your feet in the water by just sitting on the katta, small fish will give a good pedicure to your feet. We had brought Diwali faral, fruits and salad made by Parth(my nephew), which all finished while discussing our previous visits to the place.  Every time I could discover a new thing there; this time spotting rabbits and monkeys was a surprise, but could not capture them in the photograph. 

Dam and mountains view from the katta is a delight that anyone can see for a long time. 

Picturesque view of the Balkawadi Dam

After spending almost 3 hours we decided to leave because we had to go to a relative on the way. Our plan was to reach home by 5pm to make some arrangements for the next day Padva and Bhaubeej celebration.

A selfie is mandatory before leaving the place J J

While returning we enjoyed misal at Bhairavnath Hotel, Khambataki ghat; misal and buttermilk were awesome. They served plenty of onion and lemon along with misal, usually, it is served in less quantity in most of the hotels.

After Ambegaon we went to Dhankavadi to visit the in-laws of my sister-in-law and reached home around 7 pm.  It was much much-needed trip as for the last few months no travel due to COVID-19. It was really an amazing break from the daily routine.  

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Happy travelling!!

Much needed break after COVID-19 lockdowns to my hometown-Tisgaon

Tisgaon is a village in Ahmednagar district which is my birthplace and where I spent my childhood. Since the last 15 years, I have been not there due to education and then a job. But whenever there is a chance to visit the place I never miss it. Love my village very much. 

 

Historical gate(Vesh)

The village is known for its 30 historical gates. Places of religious importance in the area include Mohata Devi temple, 24 km distance; Vriddheshwar Temple, 15km distance; and Chaitanya Kanifnath temple in Madhi, 4 km distance. 

We had a traditional house (Wada) built from soil & stones and was having a chowk in the centre of the house. But recently my parents and uncle built houses; we still miss our Wada, though were not liked it very much when we were living in it. But now after realizing the importance of the way how the traditional house was built. I love a peaceful life there; especially after spending 10+ years in Pune. Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of our WADA. 

It feels great when you meet the people there who adore you and greet you proudly.

Our house

We have a big farm there; we(me, my brother & cousin)used to go to the farm almost every day when we were young. Playing water, climbing trees and eating tiffins on the farm were our favourite things to do. There are lots of Tamarind, Custard apple, Jujube(bor) and a few of Wood apple and Amla trees. We enjoyed corn and sugar cane from the farm. Earlier there was a bullock cart and we used to enjoy the ride every day. 

In the summers we used to sleep at the terrace and count stars, those days were awesome. I miss those days badly.

Post COVID-19,  I was really seeking a break from the daily routine. I got bored as for the last 9 months have not visited any of the places and are at home. Hard to believe!! It was a quick plan to visit my native place for 4 days on the upcoming weekend (29th Oct to 1st Nov) and we all were very excited and immediately started packing our bags. 

Our journey starts at 7am in the morning and reached there by 11am. It takes 4 hours from Pune to reach Tisgaon via Ahmednagar. It really felt good as I was there after 2 years, all were very happy to see us there. I had enjoyed lunch as it was all as my choice, bharali vangi, bhakri, varan bhat, green chilli thecha, peanut chutney, pickle, papad and curd. Ahh hh ha...Too good!! Food made by Aai is like heaven. I ate too much, my stomach was full and asleep was must :P

In the evening, we visited our farm and a few temples in that way. After returning from the farm all sat in the porch and had discussions on various topics. 

Next day, we again went to the farm for morning walk, our farm is just 0.5km from home, so we used to go 2-3 times a day there.  When we went to the farm my uncle was there and some farming related activity was going on, so a bullock cart was also there and My Son - Aaravya did not miss a chance to get a quick ride. He had a lot of fun and enjoyed playing in the water, soil and of course a ride. We came back home after spending 2 hours there. 

Sarja- Raja Jodi

Next day we decided to visit Vriddheshwar, Madhi and Mohata temples, but the temples are still closed for devotees. We tried to call and check the trustees who are our family friends if it is possible to take darshan from outside or not; they said you can come and take the darshan from the entrance. it was decided to go & try and managed the darshan at Vriddheshwar and Madhi from the main entrance but could not make it at Mohata.

Vriddheshwar is a holy place of Lord Shiva in the beautiful deep valley. Temple is maintained very well and it's clean as well. It's like must visit to spend some good time. The place is famous for various Ayurveda plants as there is a small jungle around the temple. And hence you will find lots of monkeys there. There is a huge rush in the month of Shravan; especially on Mondays, there is a fair on 3rd Shravan Monday. You can avoid visiting the place in Shravan but the surroundings are very beautiful at that time due to monsoon and it would be a visual treat to eyes, so a choice is yours!!

Vriddheshwar Temple

Village Madhi is famous for a samadhi place of Kanifnath. Kanifnath is one of the nine mahayogis of navnath sampradaya. The Kanifnath fair(yatra) is held on holi till Gudhi Padva. More than 7 lakhs bhakt visit the place on rangpanchami. 

Kanifnath Temple, Madhi

Mohata is famous for a temple of Renuka Mata. The temple is at height and earlier there are almost 500 stairs to climb on to reach the goddess, but the temple is recently constructed and the car can go till the temple bypassing the stairs. One must-visit for a divine experience. Navratri is a major festival there. There are few options available for a stay in Mohata but you can stay in Pathardi, a tehshil place, you will get good options there.

Mohata Devi Temple

Please note the photos of Vriddheshwar, Madhi and Mohata are old as temples are closed due to COVID-19 spread. 

There are a few more tourists places such as Paithan or Jayakwadi dam on Godawari River, Bhagwan Gad, Hanuman Takali nearby my village but could not visit all these due to the time and all the places were not opened due to COVID-19. I will try to visit these places in my next visit and offer you an interesting blog to read. 

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