Hubs and I decided to visit this beautiful place, to unwind and relax. This was a long awaited break and we were looking forward to it. Ratnagiri did not let us down. We travelled by our car to Kolhapur to meet family and stopped over at Ratnagiri for 2 days on our way back .
The Western coast of Maharashtra is dotted with pristine beaches and you can just go in to a trance looking at the Sea. There are many untouched places and you can have the whole beach to yourself, especially in the off season. Here are some photos of our trip.
What is a beach holiday without a Pina Colada, eh?
We stayed in 'Ratnasagar Beach Resort' which is bang on Bhatye Beach. It is a lovely place which has cottages right next to the beach and one can hear the roar of the ocean very clearly. You can walk to the beach in a matter of minutes.
Not a soul to be seen- Bhatye Beach (Beach adjoining our Resort)
Relishing Surmai Masala Thali at 'Amantran Restaurant' in Ratnagiri Town
It is served with Kokam Kadhi or Sol Kadhi (Pink coloured) which is a
digestive drink made from the Kokam fruit.
POMFRETTTTT!!
The birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak
History of Ratnagurg Fort
A pier jutting out in the sea
Lighthouse atop the Ratnadurg fort
The scenic route between Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule
One of the many beaches on the way to Ganpatipule
The Ganpati temple at Ganpatipule
A typical fishing village
You can enjoy authentic Malwani food here which is spicy and delicious. There is a generous use of Coconut in all the dishes.
Hubs and I had come for our Honeymoon to Ganpatipule more than 12 years back. We had visited Ratnagiri that time too. Things have definitely changed, but Ratnagiri still has the charm of a coastal town that is yet to be totally commercialised like Goa.
If you want a relaxing holiday and to enjoy good food, Ratnagiri is the place. Slap on that Sunscreen, wear those flowery beach shorts and be ready to lose yourself, as you walk the empty beach, singing ' Zindagi, kaise hai paheli hai', just like Rajesh Khanna, in the Movie 'Anand'.