Ganapatipule:-
Ganpatipule Land of the 400- year old Swayambhu Ganapati and eager tourists. Set along the western coast of Maharashtra, is a small little village called Ganpatipule. It is known for its serene sedate beach. Unlike most beaches which are spoiled by tourist traffic, the Ganpatipule beach is as natural and pristine as ever. Even today, the waters are blue and the sands, white.
Traveling to Ganpatipule by road is a vacation in itself. The entire 'Konkan' region is paradise- for miles there is something new to discover, in whichever direction you go: narrow roads, red soil roofed houses; clean courtyards, innumerable fruit- bearing trees (including mango, betelnut, banana, jackfruit, etc.) and casuarinas lining the cost are a common sight. Meeting the ever-friendly and hospitable 'konkanis' and chatting with them could unearth innumerable delights of holidaying in this naturally gifted countryside.
Besides the beach Ganpatipule is an important pilgrimage center. The temple of the 'Swayambhu Ganapati' is known for its unique idol of Lord Ganapati and its magnificent temple ('Swayambhu' or self-originated, not man made, 'Ganapati' or the lord of 'Ganas' or army. 'Pule' or sand dune. That's how the name Ganpatipule). The temple is 400 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. Most pilgrims believe in taking a 'pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple. (Pradakshina is a form of showing obeisance wherein devotees walk in a circle around the idol of the deity or around the temple in which the idol is housed.
Ganapatipule is a small village on the Konkan coast with a series of beaches and vantage points offering some stunning views of the sea. The Swayambhu Ganpati Temple, on the Ganapatipule beach itself is the primary attraction in Ganapatipule that draws thousands of pilgrims every year to this village. The tranquility of the temple percolates in the whole village and there is an aura of peace to Ganapatipule which is hard to miss.
Ganapatipule is approximately 375 km. south of Mumbai, along the Konkan Coast. It is a very small town with about 100 houses, having one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast – an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike. The temple of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesh is frequented by thousands every year. The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwarpalak (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who visit Ganpatipule make it a point to pay their respects to this deity. In addition to its clean beach and clear waters, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms.
