Road Trip to Ganeshgule - Kasheli - Purngad - Ratnagiri
We have done several weekend trips to Ratnagiri & covered most of its coastal side.
This time we chose Ganeshgule as our base and visited its nearby region.
Ganeshgule is located at a distance of 350km from Pune.
Route
Pune - Karad - Malakapur - Amba Ghat - Sakharpa - Pali - Pawas - Ganeshgule
We chose same route on return but as the Karad - Malkapur road was not in good shape, we chose Malakapur - Wathar detour and joined the NH4.
Alternative Routes
Pune - Karad - Amba Ghat - Sakharpa - Lanja- Pawas - Ganeshgule
Pune - Bhor - Varandha Ghat - Mahad - Lanja - Pawas - Ganeshgule
Pune - Wai - Mahabaleshwar - Poladpur - Lanja - Pawas - Ganeshgule
Pune - Umbraj - Patan - Kumbharli Ghat - Chiplun - Lanja - Pawas - Ganeshgule
Pune - Tamhini Ghat - Mangaon - Pali - Ganeshgule
Day 1 - Pune to Ganeshgule
We left Pune at 7AM and reached Satara by 9.30AM. This was our first road trip with FASTag. It made the toll pasing very smooth. At Satara, we took a breakfast halt at MileStone food mall. We had brought breakfast for Paloma. We left the food mall by 10.30AM and reached Karad by 12.00
Ketki took the drivers seat from Satara to Karad. We left the highway at Pachwad 5km after Karad. Karad - Malakapur patch was very rough. Around 2PM we took a lunch break at Kasturi Restaurant in Amba. Kasturi Resort also offers accomodation and can be a good spot to visit during monsoons. We resumed our journey, passed Sakharpa, Dabhole, Nanij and joined Mumbai - Goa highway at Pali. There was one more option at Dabhole, take a left turn and go via Lanja. However we checked with the locals there and got to know that the route was very rough. As the holiday season was yet to start, the Mumbai - Goa highway was less crowded during our journey. Once you leave the Mumbai - Goa highway, the road till Pawas is very smooth. Around 6.30PM we reached Ganeshgule, where the setting sun was just waiting for our arrival.
We checked in and settled in our room.
Ganeshgule
This small village is situated south of Pawas at 5km. The village offers a raw feel of a coastal village. An extremely secluded, clean and beautiful beach of Ganeshgule is stretched for almost 2km. There are couple of options available in the village for accommodation but there are no restaurant or food joints available. The village is well connected to Pawas by road.
Pawas is well known for Swami Swaroopanand Ashram. A pilgrimage location for his followers, Pawas is equipped with all the necessary services like medical store, ATM, food stalls etc.
Oceano Pearl Homestay,Ganeshgule
What can i say about this property. I can describe it in just one word, Amazing!! Ganeshgule is a very small village located 5km from Pawas, where the public transport bus comes only 4 times every day. No medical facility or food facility is available in the village. The village offers a raw Konkan experience to us. In such a raw location, Oceano Pearl offered us an extremely comfortable stay. This beach facing property has 10 rooms with 3 categories (Standard, Delux & Premium). The premises is very clean and beautiful. The approach to beach is easy & safe. Food was good too. During our 3 nights stay we tasted variety of food items there out of which I would definitely reccomend Bhajani Thalipeeth & Ghavan for breakfast and Kombdi Wade for lunch or dinner. As we were the only visiter during our stay, we got very personalised service from the staff as well. The cooking staff was kind enough to prepare special food for Paloma. This kindness remained the same till the last day. There is sufficient parking and the premises is under CCTV. Hard Drinks or Smoking is not allowed in the property.
Day 2 - Ratnagiri
It was a lazy morning. I had a quick visit to the beach. It was isolated. We had our breakfast cooked food for Paloma & went to a short trip to explore Ratnagiri town.
1) Thiba Palace
Located at 2.5km from city center, Thiba Palace was built as an official residence of the last ruling king of Brahmdesh, King Thiba. The king Thiba ruled the country of Brahmdesh for 7 years before getting captured by the British who then transferred him to first Madras and then to Ratnagiri in 1885.
In 1910, a 3 storied palace with having Brahmi style architecture was built for the king. The king lived there for 30 years till his death.
The palace is now converted into a museum.
Time to visit - 10AM to 5PM. (Monday closed)
Fee - Rs. 5 per head.
Photography is not allowed inside the palace.
2) Lokmanya Tilak Birthplace
This was an emotional affair for me. Having been educated from the school started by this great man, I felt a sense of pride while standing outside this place. Located at the heart of the town, this place if a must visit spot for everyone. The city of Ratnagiri has given the country some of the great personalities. Bal Gangadhar Tilak is undoubtedly the one of them. A nationalist, thinker, lawyer, educationist, social reformer; Lokmanya Tilak played a key role during the freedom fight.
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bal_Gangadhar_Tilak
His birthplace, where he lived for 10 years, is now converted in to a museum by the state government. You can see old photos, press clippings and some of the original items used by the great man. Personally I found the place less maintained & poorly managed. It should be clean, well illuminated and managed by well informed person.
Time to visit - 10AM to 5.30PM (Monday closed)
No entry fee.
Photography is not allowed inside.
3) Mirya Bandar
4) White Sand Beach
5) Ratnadurga Fort
6) Bhagwati Temple
We had our lunch at Amantran Malvani Restaurant. Located just as you enter the city, the restaurant offers variety of Malvani food. We tried Kombdi Wade with Chicken Masala & Chicken Sookha. Surmai Fry and Solkadi was also very tasty.
Day 3 - Kasheli - Purngad
The morning witnessed the usual Konkan ritual of paying visit to the beach. We had our breakfast a little early and left to explore the southern side of the town.
1) Ganesh Temple, Ganeshgule
The temple is located couple of kilometres from Oceano Pearl Resort. On the way up to Pawas from the resort a left turn at the T junction takes you to the temple. Hosting a Swayambhu idol of lord Ganesh, the temple is situated on the slope hill and offers beautiful view of the valley. There is a small well dating back to the Pandav period situated outside the temple. The approach to the temple is good.
2) Purngad Fort
3) Gavkhadi Beach
4) Kanakaditya Temple, Kasheli
We returned to our resort late noon where the lunch of Kombdi Wade was waiting for us. Took some rest and went to the beach to enjoy sunset.
Day 4 - Ganeshgule to Pune
We had our breakfast and checked out the property by 10AM. We took a halt at Konkan Product Store near Swami Swaroopanand Ashram, Pawas to buy some konkan food. We took the same route with slight detour at Malakapur. As we had experience a bad patch while coming, instead of Malakapur - Kokrud - Pachwad we took Malakapur - Vathar route for our return to connect to NH4. Again Ketki took control of the wheel for around 50KM on the highway. With small break at Hotel Aaram near Khandala tunnel, we reached Pune by 8PM. We faced couple of hours delay thanks to heavy traffic on the highway near Nasarapur diversions.
It was a fantastic trip where we were able to test our patience as we were travelling with a kid. We were very happy as Paloma supported us throughout the vacation. She was very comfortable during the drives. We were able to make sure that her meal & sleep routine was not disturbed. Also, the property offered her variety of opportunities to have fun.
Things to do while taking a 2 year kid on a road trip.
1) Carry enough clothes and preferably soft clothes.
2) Have the kid well fed and hydrated during the road journey.
3) Try not to change sleeping schedule of the kid.
4) Avoid loud music while driving.
5) Carry all the medications and Mosquito protection.
6) Carry fruits, dry food like Chivda, Chips, Chocolates. These things help when the kid gets cranky due to long travels.
7) Carry sufficient boiled water for the kid.
Contacts
1) Kasturi Resort, Amba - 9422513797
2) Oceano Pearl Resort, Ganeshgule - 8605599789, 8007336699, 02352-237800
3) Amantran Malvani Restaurant, Ratnagiri - 741494724
4) Bhaktaniwas at Kanakaditya Temple, Kasheli - 9021696991, 02353-226466, 7588258512, 9403260466
5) Swami Swarupanand Medical Store, Pawas - 9767537685
6) Hotel Aaram, Vele, Satara- 9881799999, 98220552896
Expenses
Fuel - 3000/-
Pune Toll - 95/-
Satara Toll - 65/-
Karad Toll - 65/-
Kolhapur Toll - 65/-
Food - As per order.
This time we chose Ganeshgule as our base and visited its nearby region.
Ganeshgule is located at a distance of 350km from Pune.
Route
Pune - Karad - Malakapur - Amba Ghat - Sakharpa - Pali - Pawas - Ganeshgule
We chose same route on return but as the Karad - Malkapur road was not in good shape, we chose Malakapur - Wathar detour and joined the NH4.
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| Sunset at Ganeshgule Beach |
Pune - Karad - Amba Ghat - Sakharpa - Lanja- Pawas - Ganeshgule
Pune - Bhor - Varandha Ghat - Mahad - Lanja - Pawas - Ganeshgule
Pune - Wai - Mahabaleshwar - Poladpur - Lanja - Pawas - Ganeshgule
Pune - Umbraj - Patan - Kumbharli Ghat - Chiplun - Lanja - Pawas - Ganeshgule
Pune - Tamhini Ghat - Mangaon - Pali - Ganeshgule
Day 1 - Pune to Ganeshgule
We left Pune at 7AM and reached Satara by 9.30AM. This was our first road trip with FASTag. It made the toll pasing very smooth. At Satara, we took a breakfast halt at MileStone food mall. We had brought breakfast for Paloma. We left the food mall by 10.30AM and reached Karad by 12.00
Ketki took the drivers seat from Satara to Karad. We left the highway at Pachwad 5km after Karad. Karad - Malakapur patch was very rough. Around 2PM we took a lunch break at Kasturi Restaurant in Amba. Kasturi Resort also offers accomodation and can be a good spot to visit during monsoons. We resumed our journey, passed Sakharpa, Dabhole, Nanij and joined Mumbai - Goa highway at Pali. There was one more option at Dabhole, take a left turn and go via Lanja. However we checked with the locals there and got to know that the route was very rough. As the holiday season was yet to start, the Mumbai - Goa highway was less crowded during our journey. Once you leave the Mumbai - Goa highway, the road till Pawas is very smooth. Around 6.30PM we reached Ganeshgule, where the setting sun was just waiting for our arrival.
We checked in and settled in our room.
Ganeshgule
This small village is situated south of Pawas at 5km. The village offers a raw feel of a coastal village. An extremely secluded, clean and beautiful beach of Ganeshgule is stretched for almost 2km. There are couple of options available in the village for accommodation but there are no restaurant or food joints available. The village is well connected to Pawas by road.
Pawas is well known for Swami Swaroopanand Ashram. A pilgrimage location for his followers, Pawas is equipped with all the necessary services like medical store, ATM, food stalls etc.
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| My co-travelers recovering their sleep |
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| Paloma in travel mood post nap |
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| Breakfast at MileStone Mall, Satara |
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| Vitthal Temple, Malakapur |
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| at Kasturi Resort, Amba |
What can i say about this property. I can describe it in just one word, Amazing!! Ganeshgule is a very small village located 5km from Pawas, where the public transport bus comes only 4 times every day. No medical facility or food facility is available in the village. The village offers a raw Konkan experience to us. In such a raw location, Oceano Pearl offered us an extremely comfortable stay. This beach facing property has 10 rooms with 3 categories (Standard, Delux & Premium). The premises is very clean and beautiful. The approach to beach is easy & safe. Food was good too. During our 3 nights stay we tasted variety of food items there out of which I would definitely reccomend Bhajani Thalipeeth & Ghavan for breakfast and Kombdi Wade for lunch or dinner. As we were the only visiter during our stay, we got very personalised service from the staff as well. The cooking staff was kind enough to prepare special food for Paloma. This kindness remained the same till the last day. There is sufficient parking and the premises is under CCTV. Hard Drinks or Smoking is not allowed in the property.
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| Facade of Oceano Pearl Resort, Ganeshgule |
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| Lush green backyard stretching all the way to the beach at Oceano Pearl Resort, Ganeshgule |
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| Interiors of Premier Room - 1 |
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| Interiors of Premier Room - 2 |
Day 2 - Ratnagiri
It was a lazy morning. I had a quick visit to the beach. It was isolated. We had our breakfast cooked food for Paloma & went to a short trip to explore Ratnagiri town.
1) Thiba Palace
Located at 2.5km from city center, Thiba Palace was built as an official residence of the last ruling king of Brahmdesh, King Thiba. The king Thiba ruled the country of Brahmdesh for 7 years before getting captured by the British who then transferred him to first Madras and then to Ratnagiri in 1885.
In 1910, a 3 storied palace with having Brahmi style architecture was built for the king. The king lived there for 30 years till his death.
The palace is now converted into a museum.
Time to visit - 10AM to 5PM. (Monday closed)
Fee - Rs. 5 per head.
Photography is not allowed inside the palace.
2) Lokmanya Tilak Birthplace
This was an emotional affair for me. Having been educated from the school started by this great man, I felt a sense of pride while standing outside this place. Located at the heart of the town, this place if a must visit spot for everyone. The city of Ratnagiri has given the country some of the great personalities. Bal Gangadhar Tilak is undoubtedly the one of them. A nationalist, thinker, lawyer, educationist, social reformer; Lokmanya Tilak played a key role during the freedom fight.
Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bal_Gangadhar_Tilak
His birthplace, where he lived for 10 years, is now converted in to a museum by the state government. You can see old photos, press clippings and some of the original items used by the great man. Personally I found the place less maintained & poorly managed. It should be clean, well illuminated and managed by well informed person.
Time to visit - 10AM to 5.30PM (Monday closed)
No entry fee.
Photography is not allowed inside.
3) Mirya Bandar
4) White Sand Beach
5) Ratnadurga Fort
6) Bhagwati Temple
We had our lunch at Amantran Malvani Restaurant. Located just as you enter the city, the restaurant offers variety of Malvani food. We tried Kombdi Wade with Chicken Masala & Chicken Sookha. Surmai Fry and Solkadi was also very tasty.
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| Bhatye Creek, Ratnagiri |
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| White Sand Beach, Ratnagiri |
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| Mirya Bandar, Ratnagiri |
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| Lokmanya Tilak Birthplace, Ratnagiri |
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| Thiba Palace, Ratnagiri |
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| Bhagwati Temple on Ratnadurg Fort, Ratnagiri |
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| Mirya Bandar view from Ratnadurg Fort, Ratnagiri |
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| Meals at Amantran Malvani Restaurant, Ratnagiri |
Day 3 - Kasheli - Purngad
The morning witnessed the usual Konkan ritual of paying visit to the beach. We had our breakfast a little early and left to explore the southern side of the town.
1) Ganesh Temple, Ganeshgule
The temple is located couple of kilometres from Oceano Pearl Resort. On the way up to Pawas from the resort a left turn at the T junction takes you to the temple. Hosting a Swayambhu idol of lord Ganesh, the temple is situated on the slope hill and offers beautiful view of the valley. There is a small well dating back to the Pandav period situated outside the temple. The approach to the temple is good.
2) Purngad Fort
3) Gavkhadi Beach
4) Kanakaditya Temple, Kasheli
We returned to our resort late noon where the lunch of Kombdi Wade was waiting for us. Took some rest and went to the beach to enjoy sunset.
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| Ganesh Temple, Ganeshgule |
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| Swayambhu Ganesh Idol, Ganeshgule |
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| Ancient Well near GaneshTemple, Ganeshgule |
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| Approach to Purngad Fort |
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| Entrance of Purngad Fort |
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| Stairs to the Fort Wall, Purngad Fort |
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| viewed from the arch, Purngad Fort |
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| Restoration work in progress inside Purngad Fort |
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| Goddess Temple at the base of Purngad Fort |
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| Light Tower near the temple |
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| Sabha Mandap at Kanakaditya Temple, Kasheli |
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| Interiors of the Sabha Mandap at Kanakaditya Temple, Kasheli |
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| Idol of Lord Sun inside Kanakaditya Temple, Kasheli |
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| Gavkhadi Beach |
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| Kobdi Wade for lunch |
We had our breakfast and checked out the property by 10AM. We took a halt at Konkan Product Store near Swami Swaroopanand Ashram, Pawas to buy some konkan food. We took the same route with slight detour at Malakapur. As we had experience a bad patch while coming, instead of Malakapur - Kokrud - Pachwad we took Malakapur - Vathar route for our return to connect to NH4. Again Ketki took control of the wheel for around 50KM on the highway. With small break at Hotel Aaram near Khandala tunnel, we reached Pune by 8PM. We faced couple of hours delay thanks to heavy traffic on the highway near Nasarapur diversions.
It was a fantastic trip where we were able to test our patience as we were travelling with a kid. We were very happy as Paloma supported us throughout the vacation. She was very comfortable during the drives. We were able to make sure that her meal & sleep routine was not disturbed. Also, the property offered her variety of opportunities to have fun.
Things to do while taking a 2 year kid on a road trip.
1) Carry enough clothes and preferably soft clothes.
2) Have the kid well fed and hydrated during the road journey.
3) Try not to change sleeping schedule of the kid.
4) Avoid loud music while driving.
5) Carry all the medications and Mosquito protection.
6) Carry fruits, dry food like Chivda, Chips, Chocolates. These things help when the kid gets cranky due to long travels.
7) Carry sufficient boiled water for the kid.
Contacts
1) Kasturi Resort, Amba - 9422513797
2) Oceano Pearl Resort, Ganeshgule - 8605599789, 8007336699, 02352-237800
3) Amantran Malvani Restaurant, Ratnagiri - 741494724
4) Bhaktaniwas at Kanakaditya Temple, Kasheli - 9021696991, 02353-226466, 7588258512, 9403260466
5) Swami Swarupanand Medical Store, Pawas - 9767537685
6) Hotel Aaram, Vele, Satara- 9881799999, 98220552896
Expenses
Fuel - 3000/-
Pune Toll - 95/-
Satara Toll - 65/-
Karad Toll - 65/-
Kolhapur Toll - 65/-
Food - As per order.
Informative blog with all the required deatils, cant wait to try this trip.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
ReplyDeleteVery detailed blog. Nice pictures
ReplyDeleteThanks Kishore
Delete