13 May 2022

It’s summertime and the vacation vibes are on! With minimum or no restrictions, people are enjoying their summer vacations in the best holiday destinations overseas. Ever wondered, what treasure does Konkan hold for you to explore? Yes, we are talking about the Jewel of Konkan and the Sahyadri Mountains, which has ‘Ratna’ in its name – Ratnagiri! This blog would elaborate on the perks of enjoying your vacation in the heart of Konkan, and why this is the ideal place to make it your home.

The Crown Jewel of Konkan

It’s quite an escapade as you enter the city of Ratnagiri. Geographically, Ratnagiri is a port town on the West Coast of Maharashtra overlooking the Arabian Sea. The district comes under the ‘Konkan’ region and as proudly mentioned earlier, it is the Crown Jewel of Konkan. We all know what pops in your mind when we say ‘Ratnagiri’ – HAPUS! It is a regional term for Golden Alphonso Mangoes, and they indeed taste divine. The combination of summer, Konkan & Ratnagiri is truly classical. One can only imagine the feeling. Our mouths already begin to water, the moment we talk about mangoes and the authentic Konkan cuisines.

Holidaying in the paradise

When you are in Ratnagiri, you are pampered with options to visit the most splendid of the destinations nearby. Here are a few places in and around Ratnagiri that would add more zing to your summer vibes at Konkan.

Ratnadurg Fort

Located on a hilltop in Ratnagiri, Ratnadurg Fort is embraced by the Arabian Sea on three sides. It was built during the Bahamani rule in 1670 when Chhatrapati Shivaji conquered the fort overthrowing the Bijapur ruler, Adil Shah. The fort was rebuilt and the ramparts were strengthened in 1790 by Dhondu Bhaskar Pratinidhi. It is also popularly known as Bhagwati Mandir because of the presence of Bhagwati Mata Temple on the fort premises. The fort was used as a watchtower to keep pirates at bay. A lighthouse, situated in the fort guides the ships and vessels, was added to the "Siddha Buruj" bastion and rebuilt in its present form in 1962. This is where trekkers and adventure enthusiasts can spend a day exploring the rich history of this wonderful fort.

Mandvi & Bhatye Beach

For all the beach-lovers, Ratnagiri is blessed with two of the most pristine beaches. Mandvi beach is meant to be the ‘Gateway to Konkan’ whereas Bhatye beach is a picturesque one by the forest Bhatye Suru Ban. Both these beaches are perfect for those who love to spend their time relaxing on the beach and admiring the beauty around them.

Bal Gangadhar Tilak Birthplace

For the history admirers, this place would appeal the most. Ratnagiri is the birthplace of Maharashtra’s decorated statesman and freedom fighter, Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The modest two-storeyed house where he was raised, is now a museum that displays his personal belongings and accomplishments.

Thibaw Palace

Another round of a little history can happen at Thibaw Palace. It was built by the exiled King & Queen of Burma (today’s Myanmar) in 1910-11. The palace is said to host a spectacular view of the sunset and a panoramic view of Someshwar Creek. Within the palace, it is a museum with portraits of the king and his personal belongings.

Aare-Ware Twin Beaches

Located on the Ratnagiri-Ganpatipule route, these twin beaches are divine white sand beaches in a secluded region. For those who love to spend their holiday in peace, away from the hustle and bustle of crowded places, this place is quite a paradise.

Ganpatipule

About 20 km from the narrow serpentine roads, there’s a village in Ratnagiri that will leave you awestruck. A 400-year-old temple at Ganpatipule is also famous for the beach exquisitely caressing the temple’s premises. For the spiritual lot, this place would be the most important one on their bucket list. The kids along get to enjoy the horse and camel rides by the beach.

Rajapurchi Ganga

Adding another historic place to your bucket list, Rajapurchi Ganga is quite a popular place in the folklore of Konkan wherein the story has it as Goddess Ganga appears to see Lord Shiva in the nearby Dutpapeshwar Temple and therefore devotees never miss a chance to have a bath in this holy water. The pilgrims first pay their visit to "Ushnodak Tirth" which is a continuously flowing hot water spring located in the Unhale village, below Rajapur Ganga.

Ratnagiri Marine Aquarium & Museum

Established in 1985 by the Marine Biological Research Station, the marine museum has some exotic specimens like a sea horse, lionfish, triggerfish, sea turtles and many more. It is indeed a paradise for the aquarists.

When you are finally done soaking in all the summer vibes, getting tanned on the beachside, exploring the forts and hills, and hunger strikes, the authentic Konkan seafood and cuisines are ready to satiate your hunger pangs. Let’s not forget the authentic Ratnagiri Hapus Mangoes.

In 2020 before the exports stopped, India sent more than 1000 tonnes of mangoes to the US valued at $4.35 million. Exporters are confident of topping that figure this year. In the current year, exporters have reported greater demand for Alphonso mangoes, compared to the traditional Kesar, in American markets. Ratnagiri, being the birthplace of Alphonso (Hapus) mangoes, is set to welcome a flourishing business this year.

Imagine you own a home in such a utopian land where even the business feels nothing short of a fairytale. If you wish to own a home for your next summer vacation, Paranjape Schemes Meghpushpa is one such project that offers you a great view of the sea, as well as the project, is embraced by the best of nature’s boundless gift. Visit www.pscl.in to know more about us.