A mango fanatic will smell the sweetness of Alphonso wafting in the air and taste its warmth at once upon the mention of Ratnagiri. But, limiting this Konkan district to its mangoes would be preposterous considering that nature has favored it with so much more. Dotted with forts, temples, and coconut plantations, Ratnagiri will welcome you with roads shaded by tall trees and the scent of fresh fruits. It has a little bit of everything sprinkled in its land to keep you wanting to come back. Along with spending quality time with nature, make sure to learn about the significance of the coastal city in history and explore its culture with traditional Konkan Cuisine. This Ratnagiri travel guide gives you an insight into everything you possibly need to know before enticing you to take a trip there.
History And Culture Of Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is the homeland of one of India’s greatest freedom fighters, Lokmanya Tilak, who grew up to change the country’s trajectory. To rewind the history even more, the first mentions of Ratnagiri can be read in the epic Mahabharata. It’s believed that the Pandavas spent their thirteenth year of exile in Ratnagiri after befriending Veeravrat Ray, the then king of the place.
Thibaw, the last king of Burma, was also exiled in Ratnagiri by the British who wanted to conquer Burma. Ratnagiri has also been shaped by the Maratha rule as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered the Ratnagiri Fort after fighting Adil Shah. He was also the one to build the protecting towers on the two commanding points for better protection.
Speaking of the culture, be prepared to be spoilt by top-notch hospitality and scrumptious Konkani food. You’ll find their dishes carrying flavors of coconut, tamarind, kokum, and flavorful spices. If you want to see the people of Ratnagiri in their element, you must visit during the Ganesh Chaturthi. They go all out on festivities for 10 days by preparing delectable sweets, dressing in traditionals, and hosting dance performances with roaring drums.
Best Time To Visit Ratnagiri
With its geography and weather, Ratnagiri has a unique experience waiting for you no matter what month you choose to travel. So, decide a time that aligns best with your schedule and begin planning the trip!
The Peak Season – November To February
The winter months may be the best time to visit Ratnagiri. The temperature is cool with an average of 19°C with low humidity and pleasant winds. This makes for the perfect weather to spend time on the beach and explore other sightseeing locations without worrying about the harsh sun.
The Moderate Season – March To May
Things are about to get hot as summer is at its peak during these months. The temperature in Ratnagiri rises all the way to 38°C with May being the hottest month. Make sure to carry sunscreen and breezy clothes. You can visit the beaches and other places during the morning and later in the evening when the sun doesn’t beat down on you. A plus point to visiting Ratnagiri during summers is that you get to feast on freshly produced Alphonso mangoes and witness the Velas Turtle Festival!
The Off-Season – June To September
To have the beauty of Ratnagiri all to yourself and avoid the tourists, visit in the monsoon months of June to September. You might have to face unpredictable and often torrential rainfalls, but they paint the landscape with the most vibrant green. The hilltops are covered with mist and gushing waterfalls pour down with all their might. The rather rough weather may make it the off-season to visit Ratnagiri, but it’s the best time to witness the best of Konkan’s beauty.
How To Get To Ratnagiri?
Take your first steps and figure out how you want to get to Ratnagiri. It’s a well-connected region, so you’ve got plenty of options to choose from.
By Air
If you’d like to get to Ratnagiri quickly, booking a flight is your best bet. There’s a domestic airport located 12 km away from the city, but the flights may not be too frequent. So, the popular choice amongst the tourists is to fly to Dabolim Airport in Goa instead and then take a car or a bus to Ratnagiri. You can also choose land in Kolhapur Airport and follow the same process.
By Train
As opposed to the bird’s eye view, if you want to travel through the Sahyadris and revel in the Konkan’s vistas, a train journey is the best! Ratnagiri Railway Station is 6 km away from the main city and has plenty of trains from the North and South. The best part is that you’d be passing tunnels built through the mountains and getting a close look at the Sahyadri ranges.
By Road
Nothing compares to a road trip with the right company and choice of music. The roads to Ratnagiri are well-connected to Mumbai, Goa, Pune, Kolhapur, and Bangalore via NH 204. There are sleeper buses available if you’re traveling from Mumbai, Pune, or Nagpur.
How To Get Around Ratnagiri?
You won’t have to worry about moving about in Ratnagiri as you’ll have plenty of transportation choices. There are local buses operated by MSRTC and private buses that drop you at the nearest bus stop to your desired destination. You can also hail a cab or an autorickshaw if buses aren’t your thing. Or, book a rental or a private car that stays with you throughout your journey.
Best Places To Stay In Ratnagiri
Sawant Palace Hotel
Stay in opulence because not everyday you get to put your routine life aside. With 65 rooms, all with blackout curtains, Sawant Palace Hotel is the perfect choice for unwinding. They have an outdoor pool where you can float around leisurely whenever you please. Choose from their Twin Room or the Deluxe Room; both have abundant space and basic amenities. If you’re too lazy to hunt for a restaurant outside, Sawant Palace Hotel has an in-house dining area and a cafe!
Price For One Night: Approx INR 4,834
Address: Tyre Remoulding Plant, MIDC Ratnagiri
K Farms
Have a cozy villa to yourself and open your windows to the scenic Ratnagiri. K Farms is an ideal choice if you’re traveling with your friends or family. They can accommodate up to four people and have a huge lawn for you to move about. There’s a fireplace for winters and barbecue facilities if you’re craving a BBQ night. If you’re visiting during summer, you can spend your entire afternoon playing fun indoor games. Step outside, you’ll be surrounded by mango orchards!
Price For One Night: Approx INR 2,926
Address: Dhokamale, Ratnagiri
Gayatri Homestay
To connect better with the locals, you have to stay with them. Book this MTDC-approved homestay that’s praised for large rooms and tidy spaces. The humble owners make sure you feel right at home upon arriving. Both the Superior Room and Deluxe Room come with a private entrance and a flat-screen TV. The best part about this homestay in Ratnagiri is the homecooked, authentic Konkani food you’ll be coddled with.
Price For One Night: Approx INR 1,692
Address: Gayatri Homestay, 3/259, 4th Bungalow, Behind Roopraj Furniture, Kuwarbav, Ratnagiri
Go Check Out!
Jaigad Fort
Jaigad Fort is a must-visit when you’re in Ratnagiri. Built in the 14th century by the Sultan of Bijapur, this was once a chief port in Maharashtra. As you’ll notice, the fort was built where the River Shashtri confluences with the Arabian Sea.
With remarkable architecture, the deep trenches were built for its protection. Even now, you’ll come across the remnant bastions that stood guard on the main entrance of the fort. Check out the Ganesh temple and Kanhoji Angre’s palace inside the fort that are still in good shape despite being centuries old.
Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
Located in Ganpatipule, this temple is said to have been constructed around the self-created (Swayambhu) monolithic of Lord Ganesh. While the temple is 400 years old, the idol is over 1,600 years old! Another unique feature of the temple is the west-facing idol. There’s only a handful of them in India and according to the legends, this one protects the Western Ghats.
After praying in the temple, you can go around for Parikrama (the act of circling a shrine or an idol in a clockwise movement) and take in the picturesque view of the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri mountains. Thousands of devotees come from all over the world to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi and Magh Shuddha Chaturthi with great zest.
Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
Ganapatipule Beach
Known for its beaches, don’t forget to have a riot of time at Ganapatipule. You can watch a spectacular sunset or a sunrise and lie down under the shades of tall coconut trees. For snacks, local vendors gather to sell dishes like Ambapoli, Phanspoli, Kokam kadi, and fish curries. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try the water scooter rides, paragliding, and motorboat rides. Despite so many tourists visiting the beach, it’s still unspoiled and pristine.
Summing Up
By now we hope that you’re drooling either for the mangoes or the breathtaking view Ratnagiri has to offer. Either way, this Ratnagiri travel guide is going to be your best friend while planning a trip! You can choose to mix a little bit of repose, history, and culture and make the best vacation salad, or you can enjoy a laid back time and laze around on the beaches.
FAQs
What Is The Famous Thing About Ratnagiri?
It goes without saying that Alphonsos makes Ratnagiri quite the topic to discuss. Apart from that, the district is also known for its clean beaches, Konkani food, and historical sites.
What Is Famous In Ratnagiri For Shopping?
When in Ratnagiri, make sure to shop for freshly produced mangoes, tamarinds, and jackfruits.
Which Sweet Is Famous In Ratnagiri?
Modak and Rasmalai are the famous sweets of Ratnagiri. You’ll find different flavored modaks being prepared in all homes during Ganesh Chaturthi.
What Is The Special Food Of Ratnagiri?
Kombdi Vade is the specialty of Ratnagiri. It’s a Konkani dish made out of chicken and rice dumplings.
Why Is Ratnagiri Called Ratnagiri?
In Marathi, Ratnagiri means ‘Mountain of Jewels’. Rightfully so, Ratnagiri is surrounded by the Sahyadri Ranges and was home to great personalities like Veer Savarkar and Lokmanya Tilak.
Which Fruit Is Grown In Ratnagiri?
If you visit Ratnagiri during the summers, you’ll see Alphonso mangoes hanging from the trees. Ratnagiri is one of the biggest producers of these mangoes.
