Best 15 Places To Visit in Ratnagiri

Overview of Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is a district that offers something for everyone. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, a spiritual seeker, or a foodie, you will find plenty of attractions to explore and enjoy in Ratnagiri. Some of the highlights of Ratnagiri are:

• Historical forts: Ratnagiri has many forts that showcase the glorious past of the region. Some of the most popular forts are Jaigad Fort, Ratnadurg Fort, and Thiba Palace. These forts offer stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape, as well as a glimpse into the history and culture of the region.
• Temples: Ratnagiri is a place of pilgrimage for many devotees, as it has many temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. Some of the most famous temples are Shri Ganpatipule Temple, Patit Pawan Temple, and Kavi Keshavasut Smarak. These temples are not only places of worship, but also architectural marvels that reflect the art and craftsmanship of the region.
• Beaches: Ratnagiri has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches that offer a relaxing and rejuvenating experience. Some of the best beaches are Ganpatipule Beach, Areware Beach, Mandi Beach, and Bhatye Beach. These beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and enjoying the sunset.
• Museums: Ratnagiri has some interesting museums that showcase the flora, fauna, and culture of the region. Some of the notable museums are Marine Fish Museum, Prachin Kokan Museum, and Ratnagiri Lighthouse. These museums are informative and entertaining, and provide a unique insight into the life and history of the region.

How to Reach Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa, which is about 220 km away. The nearest railway station is Ratnagiri Railway Station, which is about 6 km from the city center. Ratnagiri is also accessible by bus from Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, and other major cities in Maharashtra. The distance from Mumbai to Ratnagiri is about 330 km, and the journey takes about 7 hours by road.

Best Time to Visit Ratnagiri

The best time to visit Ratnagiri is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the mango season is in full swing. The temperature ranges from 20°C to 32°C, and the humidity is low. This is the ideal time to enjoy the beaches, the forts, the temples, and the mangoes. The monsoon season, from June to September, is also a good time to visit Ratnagiri, as the rain enhances the beauty and freshness of the region.

However, some of the beaches and roads may be closed due to high tides and landslides. The summer season, from April to May, is the hottest and most humid time of the year, and the temperature can go up to 40°C. This is not a very comfortable time to visit Ratnagiri, unless you want to experience the heat and the crowds.

Best Things to Do Ratnagiri

The city is a place where you can do a lot of things, depending on your mood and preference. Some of the best things to do in Ratnagiri are:

• Visit the forts: The city has many forts that are worth visiting, as they offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the region. The most famous fort is Jaigad Fort, which is located at the mouth of the Shastri River, and overlooks the Arabian Sea. The fort was built by the Marathas in the 17th century, and has a lighthouse, a jetty, and a Ganesh temple.
• The fort also offers a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding area. Another fort that is worth visiting is Ratnadurg Fort, which is located on a hill near the city. The fort was built by the Bahamanis in the 16th century, and was later captured by the Marathas. The fort has a shape of a horseshoe, and has three bastions, namely, Siddha, Parkot, and Padmagad. The fort also has a temple of Bhagwati Devi, and offers a splendid view of the sea and the city.
• The third fort that is worth visiting is Thiba Palace, which is located on a hill near the city. The palace was built by the British in the 20th century, and was used as a prison for the exiled king of Burma, Thibaw Min. The palace has a museum, a library, and a garden, and offers a view of the sea and the city.
• Visit the temples: The city has many temples that are worth visiting, as they offer a spiritual and cultural experience. The most famous temple is Shri Ganpatipule Temple, which is located on the Ganpatipule Beach. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and is one of the eight Ashta Ganapati temples in India. The temple is believed to be self-originated, and has a swayambhu idol of Ganesh, which faces the west. The temple is visited by lakhs of devotees every year, especially during the festivals of Ganesh Chaturthi and Magh Chaturthi.
• Another temple that is worth visiting is Patit Pawan Temple, which is located in Ratnagiri city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, and is the first temple in India that was built for the untouchables. The temple was built by Swatantryaveer Savarkar in 1931, and has a statue of Rama, Sita, and Lakshman, along with the idols of Savarkar and his brother. The temple is a symbol of social equality and justice, and is visited by people of all castes and religions.
• The third temple that is worth visiting is Kavi Keshavasut Smarak, which is located in Malgund village, near Ganpatipule. The temple is dedicated to Kavi Keshavasut, who is considered to be the father of modern Marathi poetry. The temple has a statue of Keshavasut, along with his poems and paintings. The temple also has a library, a museum, and a garden, and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
• Visit the beaches: The city has many beaches that are worth visiting, as they offer a relaxing and refreshing experience. The most famous beach is Ganpatipule Beach, which is located near the Shri Ganpatipule Temple. The beach is one of the most beautiful and clean beaches in Maharashtra, and has white sand, clear water, and coconut trees. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, boating, and enjoying the sunset.
• Another beach that is worth visiting is Areware Beach, which is located near the Jaigad Fort. The beach is one of the most scenic and secluded beaches in Ratnagiri, and has black sand, blue water, and rocky cliffs. The beach is ideal for photography, birdwatching, and admiring the nature. The third beach that is worth visiting is Mandi Beach, which is located near the Ratnadurg Fort. The beach is one of the most lively and crowded beaches in Ratnagiri, and has golden sand, green water, and fishing boats. The beach is ideal for shopping, eating, and mingling with the locals.