Hello dear friends! If you are looking for Best places to visit in Ratnagiri, you are at the right place. In this article, we have brought you complete details of the Top 12 Ratnagiri Tourist Places. From Swayambhu Ganpati Temple and Ratnadurga Fort to Ganapatipule Beach and Thebaw Palace and Bhatyachi Khadi, we’ve got all the details you need. Also, we will share information about Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Smarak and more exciting places to visit in Ratnagiri. So, let’s get to know about these amazing destinations!
Ratnagiri, situated in western India along the Arabian Sea, is a vibrant port town. It boasts the historic Ratnadurg Fort with its Bhagwati temple and lighthouse. To the northeast, you’ll find a fascinating fish museum and aquarium featuring turtles and even a whale skeleton. Thibaw Palace, once the abode of the exiled Burmese king, stands as a testament to history. Venturing north, you’ll discover the revered Ganpatipule Temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh. And in the northeast, the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, a lush forested area, provides sanctuary to majestic tigers and diverse wildlife.
12 Best Places to Visit in Ratnagiri
Searching for Ratnagiri? Here are some must-see places, which are known as top tourist attractions in Ratnagiri –
- Tilak Birth Place
- Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
- Ganapatipule Beach
- Patit Pawan Mandir
- Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Smarak
- Thebaw Palace
- Ratnadurga Fort
- Bhatyachi Khadi
- Bhagwati Bunder
- Mirya Bunder
- Jaigad Fort
- Jaigad Lighthouse
1. Tilak Birth Place
This is the hometown of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a celebrated hero of India’s fight for independence.
2. Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
Nestled in the heart of Ratnagiri, the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This revered temple is known for its unique self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesh, which is said to have naturally emerged from a hill.
It’s a serene and spiritually enriching place, offering not only a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Ratnagiri but also a sense of peace and devotion to those who visit. Don’t miss the chance to witness the grand celebrations during Ganesh Chaturthi, a festival that brings the temple to life with vibrant colors and joyous festivities.
3. Ganapatipule Beach
A lovely beach located about 30 kilometers north of Ratnagiri, where you’ll find a Ganpati temple meticulously reconstructed using beautiful Rajasthani stones.
4. Patit Pawan Mandir
The Patit Pawan Mandir is a sacred place of worship and reflection, inviting all to find peace and spiritual solace.
5. Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Smarak
The Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak Smarak is both a memorial and the former residence of the man who initiated the ‘Swadeshi Movement’ and spearheaded the fight against British colonial rule.
6. Thebaw Palace
Thebaw Palace in Burma is where King Thebaw was once held in captivity. This palace boasts a unique pagoda-inspired design. Today, a section of the palace has been allocated for use by the Polytechnic College through government authorization.
7. Ratnadurga Fort
Nestled along the coastline, Ratnadurga Fort stands as a historical gem, offering a glimpse into India’s past. With scenic views of the Arabian Sea, it’s a perfect spot for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the fort’s intriguing architecture and imagine the stories it holds within its walls.
8. Bhatyachi Khadi
Bhatyachi Khadi – Khadi signifies the spot where a river merges with the sea. Bhatye, or Bhatyachi Khadi, is a charming nearby village renowned for its picturesque setting, offering views of both the river and the sea. Along the coastline, you’ll find thriving casuarina farms, and nearby, a regional research center focusing on coconuts and spices adds to the area’s allure.
9. Bhagwati Bunder
Bhagvati Bunder, an old harbor now retired from service, has transformed into a charming white sand beach worth a visit. Meanwhile, Mandvi Bunder offers a contrasting experience with its striking black sand beach nearby.
10. Mirya Bunder
In Ratnagiri district, around 85% of the land is covered by hills. The district’s rivers begin their journey in the Sahyadri mountains, flowing from east to west before meeting the Arabian Sea. This region boasts a 167-kilometer-long coastline, offering numerous beaches, forts, and attractions.
The Sahyadri hill range, stretching over 180 kilometers, is home to scenic hills, historic forts, diverse wildlife, and more. There are pristine streams perfect for safe water sports, boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and various outdoor activities.
Travelers are drawn to Ratnagiri by its captivating mix of hills, seashores, streams, rivers, hot springs, forests, waterfalls, and sacred sites. The region is renowned for its exquisite Alphonsa Mangoes (Hapus), Cashewnuts, Kokum, Coconuts, and other tropical fruits.
For food enthusiasts, the non-vegetarian Konkan cuisine offers delectable dishes featuring fish, prawns, and shellfish, adding to the region’s rich and flavorful culinary offerings.
11. Jaigad Fort
Location:- Located near Jaigad village, it is about 20kms to the north-west of Ganpatipule
Timings:- Tourists can visit the place from 8am to 7pm
Distance from Ratnagiri bus stand:- Jaigad Fort is 42.6 km from Ratnagiri bus stand
Jaigad Fort, often referred to as the ‘Fort of Victory,’ stands as a remarkable 16th-century architectural wonder in Maharashtra. Perched on a cliff, it commands a majestic view of Jaigad creek, where the River Shastri gracefully meets the Arabian Sea. Once a pivotal port on the Western Coast, this historic fort is currently overseen and preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.
12. Jaigad Lighthouse
Location:- It is located at a distance of 19km from Ganapatipule beach
Timings:- The lighthouse is open from 4pm to 5pm
Distance from Ratnagiri bus stand:- It is 42.6km from the bus stand
The Jaigad Lighthouse is a must-see attraction in Ratnagiri, perched on one of the bastions of Jaigad Fort’s western side. Visitors flock to this spot to savor breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. This architectural marvel from the past offers couples a romantic setting to spend quality time together.
Best Time to Visit in Ratnagiri
The best time to visit Ratnagiri is during the coolest months, from July to February. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool and comfortable for exploring the various attractions in the region.
How to Reach Ratnagiri
By Road
You can easily reach Ratnagiri from Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and Kolhapur.
- Pune – Ratnagiri -> 365Kms
- Mumbai – Ratnagiri -> 356Kms
- Kolhapur – Ratnagiri -> 130Kms
- Goa – Ratnagiri -> 240Kms
- Bangalore – Ratnagiri (via Kolhapur)-> 730Kms
By Train
The Konkan Railway links Ratnagiri to Mumbai in the north and Mangalore in the south, making travel between these destinations convenient and scenic.
By Air
The nearest airport is Mumbai’s Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
Best Hotels and Restaurants in Ratnagiri
- Hotel Matsyam
Address: Shop No 8 & 9 Asmant Heights, Airport Road, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415639
- Hotel Viva Executive
Address: Maruti Mandir Circle, NH204, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415639
- Hotel Ganesh
Address: X7RR+PHH, Kaushik Apartment, near Joshila Wine Mart, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415612
- Hotel Amantran
Address: Opp. Gandhi Petrol Pump, Juna mal naka, near Vihar Deluxe Hotel, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415612
- Hotel Kokani Angan
Address: Karwanchiwadi, Maharashtra 415612
- Mithila Only Veg
Address: Shanbhag Plaza, Maruti Mandir, Abhyudhya Nagar, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra 415612
FAQ
Q. What is the famous of Ratnagiri?
Ans. Ratnagiri is a treasure trove of attractions, including Jaigad Fort, Thiba Palace, Swayambhu Ganapati Temple, Jai Vinayak Temple, Jaigad Lighthouse, Ratnadurga Fort, Bhatye Beach, Tilak Ali Museum, and Thibaw Point. With such a wealth of places to explore, it’s no wonder that Ratnagiri ranks among the top destinations to visit in Maharashtra.
Q. Which hill station is near to Ratnagiri?
Ans. Dapoli, nestled in the Konkan region, combines the charm of a coastal hill station with serene beaches. Situated in the Ratnagiri District, this emerging destination provides a delightful blend of hill station vibes and picturesque shorelines. It’s becoming increasingly popular among tourists seeking new places to explore.
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