Ratnagiri: A Coastal Pearl

Situated on the coast of Maharashtra, Ratnagiri is a quaint little town complete with its bucolic charm. It is one of those places where you can go away from the hustle and bustle of the city to pause, reflect and enjoy the serenity of nature. Whether you are willing to work remotely or to have a chilled out weekend, you should visit Ratnagiri for all that it has to offer. This was precisely the premise that led to yours truly picking up the keys heading for a long drive that led straight to this place.

Situated off NH-66, Ratnagiri can be reached by road or via train. If travelling via road, it is advisable to reach the city within the confines of daylight as a part of the road is hilly and there are a few sharp turns too. Buses are available from Mumbai in the north as well as Panjim in the South. Within the city, people can use autos to go from one place to another. For accommodation there are a number of options available for tourists to suit their budgets.

The same goes for food too. Food for Indian tourists travelling within India is not a problem. Ratnagiri can be sea food lover’s paradise. Because of the proximity to the sea, the catch is rarely stale. The fish-thali is one platter that can be found almost everywhere. The small eateries cook fresh food and serve it hot. There are ample options for vegetarians too. The cuisine itself is slightly spicy. One good thing about the food is that it is served with solkadi. This is a local beverage made from kokam and coconut. It is a natural digestive that aids in balancing the spices. Almost every local eatery prepares and serves this.

The people are warm and welcoming. The locals are happy to guide and assist you. They genuinely want their guests to have a good time. While in Ratnagiri, a good way to plan the trip would be ask any local about the tourist attractions.

As a traveler and a tourist one can never really “see” all the places that a city has to offer. The culture, the history, they can never be absorbed in a small frame of time. It is the richness of the air that makes one breathe in the legacy of the place. In this article we have taken an attempt to highlight the major tourist attractions of Ratnagiri. If you have visited these places, do let us know which one amongst these is your favourite.

Ratnadurg Fort

Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Ratnadurg (or Bhagwati) Fort was built in the 12th century. The majestic structure is surrounded by sea on three sides while one overlooks the lighthouse. There are several points on the wall from where one can view the sea and the sky. The inside of the fort is rich with flora. The fort itself is well maintained. However, the road from the city leading up to the fort can use some repairs. The Bhagwati Temple is built inside the fort. From a distance, one can see the saffron flag flying high. This makes for an interesting sight.

Marine Biological Research Station

A short distance from the fort is the Marine Biological Research Station (MBRS). It houses the aquarium and the museum dedicated to various aquatic species. Visitors can see several rare and exotic fishes. While some of the species are native to the region, others have been bought from far off places such as Central America and Africa. At the center of the aquarium is the mounted skeleton of a whale. Tourists can also go for a boat ride in the small pond inside the premises.

Tilak Smarak Mandir

This is the place where the nationalist Indian leader and freedom fighter Shri Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born. The place is a house built in line with the architectural designs of the time. In the courtyard stands the statue of Tialk Ji.

The house contains photographs depicting important events from his life. Standing there, one feel what life in those days would have been like. It is humbling to see the roots of the man who would go on to leave a legacy of “Swarajya” behind him. The place also has a family tree that has the names of his ancestors as well as his successors.

Thibaw Palace and Thibaw Garden

In one word: mesmerizing. This was the British-sanctioned residence of the exiled King Thibaw of Myanmar. After their capture, this was the place where he and his wife lived out their lives. In fact, there is so much to talk about the palace that it will be covered in a separate blog post.

Ganapati Pule temple and beach

A highly revered holy site dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Ganapatipule Temple sees visitors coming to pay a visit from far off places too. The idol inside the temple is believed to be some 400 years old. The temple is situated on the beach from where one can enjoy the view of the sunset. The beach also has provisions for water activities. The road leading to the temple has several shops that sell snacks, eatables and memorabilia. The temple and the beach are situated about 20 kilometers away from the city center. The drive from the city to the temple is beautiful. People can view small beaches and natural sights along the way. If people do not wish to stay in Ratnagiri then staying near the temple is another alternative. Rooms and facilities are available for all budgets.

These were just some of the many places that one can visit in Ranagiri. There are many other places to visit in and around the region. The charm of Ratnagiri is bound to make you come back for more.

Visiting a new place is always an enthralling experience. It makes you step out of the bubble and look at things in a different perspective. Ratnagiri makes you achieve both, a feeling for gratitude for what we already have as well as an outlook on how simplistically we can lead our lives. Do visit Ratnagiri and share your travel stories with us.