The sun-kissed beach and lush green of `Ganapatipule inevitably draws tourists back, year after year. The added attraction is a 400-year old temple which houses the Swayambhu Ganapati (a naturally formed idol) and a glittering white-sand beach
Some interesting excursions are: Malgund, the birthplace of Keshavsoot, the Marathi poet. Ratnagiri, the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, and Thebaw Place, where the deposed king of Burma was confined. Flanked by stretches of scenery, Ganpatipule is the seaside resort of today especially for families. Some interesting day-trips are the Jaigad beach and fort, the Velneshwar beach temple and  and Swami Swarupanand's Ashram in Pawas. Pawas are also worth a visit.

Ganapatipule is a sleepy hamlet on the Western coast of India in the state of Maharashtra. About 375 km. South of Mumbai, this tiny resort village boasts of 6 km of unspoiled white sand beaches, the only other white sand beaches other than Kashid in all of Maharashtra. Though Ratnagiri, famous for its Alphonso mangoes, is just 19 km. away, commercialization has yet to tarnish this rural resort. Unlike Goa, this virgin stretch of beach has not been tainted with huts, shacks and vendors all about.

Ganapatipule is famous for its 400-year-old Ganesha temple made from one massive rock. This temple holds the Swayambhu Ganpati shrine, which is a naturally formed or self-created monolith of Lord Ganesha. Pilgrims from all over and especially Maharashtra flock here to pay homage to Lord Ganesha at this temple. During the Ganesh Chaturthi festival and on other such festivals, this idol is taken out of the temple accompanied by a pujari or priest and a drummer.

There are three resorts that offer creature comforts to tourists looking for respite from the demands of everyday life. One can eat in the restaurants here or sample traditional Maharashtrian cooking. Many of the locals sell and serve food in their own homes. This tradition dates back to their ancestors who gave food to all the weary pilgrims that had arrived at the temple. The Maharaja of Baroda promoted this ritual and every year when he made his annual pilgrimage to this place, he would reimburse the locals for all their costs and efforts. This practice continued until independence.

Rest and relaxation are the key to this offbeat resort. You can amble along the peaceful beach, stroll through the village or wade across the shoals of a nearby creek. Boat rides upstream are also offered, sailing past swaying palm tress and then jungles.

Ganapatipule is an ideal place to forget all your worries and smile