Today was the second day of my Konkan bike trip. Yesterday, we started from Mumbai and stopped in Guhagar for night stay. Mumbai to Guhagar was very scenic particularly Dapoli and Dabhol. Today, we were ready to take the adventure to next level. Guhagar to Ganpatipule was going to be riding in the ghats and rural roads.
Guhagar to Ganpatipule coastal road Route
Scarred with the horror of yesterday night, we wanted to leave the place as early as possible. Took the ice bucket challenge in the morning and left the room. Mountains were misty and winds were chilly. Silent hills and curved ghats made the ride more interesting.
Ghat roads just after Guhagar
Misty morning
Bagulas
Morning life
Shallow and silent river before Tavsal jetty
Konkan scene which has always been in my mind
What a beautiful place it was 🙂
We were targeting Vengurla for today but didn’t want to compromise with nice spots.
Tavsal jetty
Tavsal Jetty
Reached Tavsal jetty and had our hot chai and spicy kanda pohe. Frequency of the Ferry is good here. Ferry takes around 10 minutes end to end. Loaded our bike on the Ferry destined for Ganpatipule jetty.
On jetty
Ganpatipule jetty or Jaigadh
Sun was up there. People near the jetty were busy with their daily chores. We had to fuel up the tank. The petrol pump was very close to the jetty but they didn’t accept cards and we didn’t had cash. Luckily found an ATM around 500 meters from the pump.
Coconut all-around at Ganpatipule jetty
At Tavsal jetty
Morning scene at Ganpatipule jetty
Ganpati pule jetty
Ganpatipule Temple
Reached Ganpatipule temple around 2 PM. As it was an extended weekend we were expecting good amount of devotees and tourist near the beach and temple. We weren’t wrong though. Got a parking spot and it was free 🙂 Took darshan and some photos.
OM inside Ganpatipule mandir
Ganpatipule Temple
This metal mouse is kept at the entrance of the temple. People close one of the ears with their hand and whisper their wishes in the other. Do try it. You must be thinking what did I whisper. Nothing 🙂
Went to the small restaurant inside the temple. They served some delicious snacks.
Left the temple and started towards Ratnagiri by mistake we took the wrong road. Not far from the temple we spotted concept tourism from Konkan Tourism Development Board. They had named it Prachin Konkan. A must visit place.
Prachin Konkan Ganpatipule
Prachin Konkan is a concept tourism designed to make the tourist aware of the history of Konkan. It was a treat for people like me who travel to learn. Although it was not in the plan but we decided to take the tour. They charged around 50/person. A lady guide gave us a nice walk-through through the
They charged around 50/person. A lady guide gave us a nice walk-through through the human-made forest. Prachin Konkan gives a glimpse of the old Bharatiya social structure where each Village had groups of people organized in particular jobs.
I found a traditional fish catching instrument used by Kolis very interesting. It was a big basket with one end open. It was designed in such a fashion that the fishes can come inside but cannot escape.
Paakshala was the other thing which caught my eyes and brain. Simple and handy instruments employing a nice amount of scientific principles.
Prachin Konkan entrance
Some apparatus of Konkani fishermen
Paakshala or traditional kitchen
Hope you enjoyed my trip to Ganpatipule.
How many hours did it take to travel from Guhagar to Malvan and were the roads good?
Hi Gurpreet,
Thanks for coming here 🙂
You will not take more than 8 hours if you ride/drive at 40kmph. We consumed a day from Guhagar to Malvan, this includes lots of photo, lunch and photo breaks.
Roads are relatively good in this stretch, particularly from Ratnagiri to Malvan. Hope this answer your query.
-Niraj