Discover India: Ganpatipule

Around 360km south of the hustle and bustle of Mumbai city lies the calm and quaint little town of Ganpatipule. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it is home to one of the few beaches in the country that remain clean, serene and unpolluted. The winding coastal roads of Ganpatipule are an experience in themselves. Further inland, there are tapered mud-roads lined with coconut trees, the earth is red and the brick-roofed houses add an antiquated touch to the picturesque panorama.     

The winding road after Sangameshwar is truly striking. It is compressed between hills and a river and the views are as pretty as a postcard. After 16.5km, take a right on Ukshi Road on State Highway 106. This will take you across a narrow bridge and finally result in a ‘T’ junction. Here, the road to the left is a 5km longer stretch to Ganpatipule, but since it’s in better shape, we recommend you take it. There’s a 1.5km section of steep climbs here, as well as numerous blind spots coupled with patches of rough roads, so stay alert. Follow the road and you will reach a major intersection. Take a right here and you are on the home stretch to Ganpatipule – a long, twisting road through open spaces and mild forests. The entire drive from Mumbai should take around eight and a half hours, including a lunch stop. 

Ganpatipule greets you with a dramatically sudden view of pristine blue waters dotted with small colourful boats and white sands laden with coconut trees – the quintessential beach picture. The MTDC resort in Ganpatipule is just a few metres away from the town’s main temple. It offers a good blend of value and comfort. The rooms are large and, importantly, very clean. The option of air-conditioning is also available. Each room has its own balcony with an unrestricted view of the ocean. Apart from accommodation, MTDC offers thrilling watersports-based activities too. The campus houses a restaurant that serves delicious fresh local seafood which is a must-try for seafood aficionados. A great staying experience coupled with good value for money makes the resort very popular, so book ahead through the MTDC website.

If you would like a more secluded place, Bhandarpule beach lies just a couple of kilometres away and is probably one of the best beaches on the Konkan coastline. This is a relatively unknown beach, and the sands and waters are in pristine condition. The lack of vacationers here adds a touch of serenity to the already picturesque panorama around you. This is a great beach to have a quick swim at but beware as the waters are known to be rough. 

Just a kilometre and a half from Ganpatipule lies the small village of Malgund. This is the birthplace of Kavi Keshavsut, considered one of the pioneers of modern Marathi poetry. The patio of the complex that houses his birthplace is made of compacted cowdung, a common practice in the region. Once you get used to the peculiar smell, you are suddenly overcome with the charm and serenity of the place. The silence is broken only by the occasional chirping of birds. The complex also houses a beautifully maintained back garden that is surrounded by granite slabs inscribed with Kavi Keshavsut’s Marathi poems. The house itself is a typical Konkani structure. Behind the house lies a small library with sketches of other Marathi poets along with some of their works. Overall, this site makes for a thoroughly enjoyable visit, especially if you are a fan of Marathi literature.