Situated amid the lush hills, Ratnagiri is surrounded by seashores, creeks, and beautiful ravines, hot springs, forests, and waterfalls. One of the highlighting features of Ratnagiri excluding its natural beauty is the production of Alphonso mangoes which are famous all across India.
Many don’t know but Ratnagiri is also famous for its magnificent forts which were built during the period of King Shivaji’s rule. Talking about history, this soil is the very birthplace of great leaders like Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak who was considered an integral part of the trio of Lal, Bal, and Pal.
Best Time to Visit Ratnagiri
The best time to visit Ratnagiri is between November and February. During this time, the overall weather conditions are quite favorable for sightseeing and exploring Ratnagiri to its fullest.
History of Ratnagiri
Historically, Ratnagiri is the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak and also has been the Karam Bhoomi (workplace) of leaders like Veer Savarkar.
Coming to contemporary times, Ratnagiri has been associated with Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, P.V. Kane, Maha Rishi Dhondo Keshav, and many others. Furthermore, it is also well-known for Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, who was a freedom fighter and was captured in Ratnagiri by the British government.
Major Attractions in and Around Ratnagiri
1. Jaigad Fort
This is a 16th-century fort that extends over an area of about 13 acres in the coastal region of Ratnagiri. The architecture of this fort is such that it was considered as one of the engineering marvels of those times. If you are looking for something really unique then do consider traveling to Jaigad Fort.
2. Thibaw Point
It is here that Thibaw palace was built for the exiled king of Myanmar. Apart from the palace, Thibaw Point offers you some of the most picturesque views of the sunsets at the Arabian sea. So, if you are looking to spend a great evening with someone special then do consider traveling to Thibaw Point.
3. Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
This is a Ganesha temple that is believed to be 400 years old. However, many experts claim that it was discovered about 1600 years ago. Due to its spiritual significance, the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple attracts a great number of visitors on an annual basis.
4. Ganpatipule Beach
Now, Ganpatipule is a clean and rocky beach with loads of silver sand and peculiar houses. If you are an adventurous kind then do try your hands at balancing a kayak on the vast waters. Overall, it is a very exciting place to visit with your loved ones. Ganpatipule beach is one of the best beaches in Maharashtra.
How to Reach Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is quite a great place to explore for its natural beauty and especially for the Alphonso mangoes. It is located at a distance of 1,745, 340, 2,208, 745 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check the deets below to see how you can reach Ratnagiri.
By Air
If you are planning on visiting here by air, then land at Ratnagiri Airport (RTC). This airport was built in 1973 and has overall good connectivity with other Indian cities with direct and connecting flights. Once you deboard at the airport, you will need to cover the remaining distance by some means of public transportation.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Ratnagiri
By Train
For traveling by train, you will need to deboard at the Ratnagiri Train Station. This particular railway station is considered one of the major railway stations on the Konkan Railway Line. It is also known for facilitating many premium quality services to passengers. Once you deboard at the station, consider taking some means of public transportation to reach your destination.
By Road
You can also consider traveling to Ratnagiri by well-maintained road networks. For this, you can travel by interstate/private buses, taxis, or if you find it suitable and are living in nearby cities or states, you can also self-drive here.
- From Panaji - 231 km via NH66
- From Kolhapur - 132 km via NH166
- From Margao - 264 km via NH66
Frequently Asked Questions about Ratnagiri
Q. What are the popular tourist destinations in Ratnagiri?
A. Some of the popular tourist destinations in Ratnagiri include the Shri Bhagavati Temple, the Ganapati Temple, and the Ratnadurg Fort. The beaches of Ratnagiri, such as the Ganapatipule Beach and the Aare-Ware Beach, are also popular among tourists.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
