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On the unruffled shore of Ganapatipule …
Life in a city sucks
sometimes. It appears as though we are struck inside a fixed frame,
lost in the mundane activities, and feel like coming out of the
congestion. Congestion created by work related stress, family
oriented pressures….After all we are poor human beings who need a
break to re-charge our energy. We need a peaceful place that keeps
you away from all worries, makes you forget the world and helps you
to rejuvenate yourself. If you are in need of such a retreat, then,
you must visit Ganaptipule.
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| Image credit:Prajna LS |
Ganapatipule
is a small village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India.
The region of Ratnagiri lies in the Konkan Maharashtra along the
western coastline. Ganapatipule provides a serene sea shore of a
recreational kind. The village is also known for an ancient Ganapati
Temple that lies near the seashore. It is located at 30 km away from
Ratnagiri city.
It
was in the last summer that we had planned for a weekend trip to
Ganapatipule. We had planned to reach the place via Kolhapur.
Kolhapur (140 km) is the nearest transport hub to reach Ratnagiri and
Ganapatipule. Ratnagiri is connected by Konkan rail to Mumbai. We had
hired a taxi from Kolhapur to Ganapatipule.
You
can’t call Ganapatipule a town. Due to increased number tourists
this remote Konkan village is expanding. Most interesting part of the
village is the MTDC beach resort facing the calm and quiet sea shore.
It is a huge campus comprising rooms and cottages facing the shore.
Book the room in advance during peak seasons. You may get private
hotels also, but, MTDC rooms provide direct sea view.
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| Image Credit:Prajna LS |
We had booked a sea view cottage. Our aim was to spend leisurely hours on the sea shore just like that idly. We had gone there to drench ourselves in the lap of nature. The beach was less crowded and it is one of the most untouched beaches of Maharashtra, one can say. We were blessed to have refreshing morning and evening walks on the shore. In fact, we were left to have our own time in the sea. I should say, I am enamoured by the profound serenity of the place, would love to go there again.
The
MTDC resort has a restaurant that provides good meals. There are
restaurants outside the MTDC compound if you want to try out.
Remember to taste the ‘Sol-khadi’ a local drink. It tastes like
flavoured buttermilk that is made up of Kokam fruits.
What
to do:
The
place is less modernised and it is solely for leisure trips. The
beach is the main attraction, but it is not a commercialised beach.
We enjoyed drenching ourselves in the unruffled seas reflecting the
clear blue sky in the noon. We just sat there for hours together
watching the playful waves. We gazed at the vast sea that turned
crimson as the sun made his way for another evening. It was heavenly
sight!
After
the sunset, we visited the Ganapati temple which was situated on the
other end of the same seashore. During high tide, the sea waves touch
the entrance of the temple it seems. It’s a beautiful temple in a
beautiful location providing a pious ambience to the place.
If
you have time, you can take a round of nearby locations. There is an
open air museum in Ganapatipule displaying the local Konkani
lifestyle. There is a small shop inside the museum if you want to buy
local products like Kokum, honey, pickles and snacks.
We
visited Malgund, the hometown of Keshavsut - the much revered poet
of Maharashtra. Malgund is just 10 minutes journey from Ganapatipule.
Poet Keshavsut’s residence has been converted into a memorial now.
In
brief:
Ganapatipule
provides best recreation for those who love tranquillity. MTDC is the
best available resort there. Autos are available for sightseeing.
Main attraction is the beach. Best for a weekend getaway from Mumbai,
Pune and Aurangabad. Good for all seasons except Monsoon. December is
the peak season, so book rooms three months before if you are
planning for December. Kolhapur is the nearest transportation hub.
Ratnagiri is the nearest railhead.
Mumbai-
326 km, Pune-308 km , Kolhapur -140 km, Ratnagiri -30 km
Tag :
Best of India,
Tripura: Land of Oranges
It was a
princely state in the colonial times. The state at present, is just
gearing up for the contemporary trends in tourism. Tripura, best
known for rich natural landscape, is quiet region compared to its
sister states in the North Eastern India.
Agartala,
the capital city of Tripura is the most visited city. Accommodation
with wide range of hotels and resorts and connectivity make Agartala
a possible tourist junction in Tripura.
People of
Tripura feel proud if you mention the name of Indian legendary music
composer late S.D. Burman. S.D. Burman, possessing a royal
inheritance in Tripura, was born and brought up in present day
Bangladesh. But, he is considered an icon of Tripura till today.
Another legendary personality, the poet Rabindranath Tagore also is
respected highly in this state. He seems to have great affinity with
the Manikya rulers of Tripura. So, you would win the hearts of
Tripura people by mentioning these two famous personalities!
Total 19
tribes live in the state. The Kokborok speaking community is the main
dominant tribe among all. At present the state houses mixed culture.
Influence of Bengali culture on food and festivities is apparently
visible.
Agriculture
is the main activity here. Tripura borders Myanmar in the east and
Bangladesh in the west.
How to
reach: Agartala is well connected by road,
rail and airways. Flights are available from Agartala to Delhi,
Kolkata, Imphal, Silichar and Guwahati. You would get connecting
flights to other cities. Agartala is connected to Assam, Dhaka and
Comilla by train. The state is connected by only one National Highway
and that is not in good condition.
What
to buy: Buy Bamboo and Cane products and
Tripuri traditional dress. Tripuri traditional dress consists of
three parts out of which only two parts are worn nowadays. The
pattern will be somewhat like wrap around and a top, but it is known
as Rignai (wrap around) and Risa (top).
What
to see: Most visited city in Trpura is
Agartala. Other parts of the state could be reached by buses and taxis. Interiors of the state can offer government guest houses and
low budget hotels.
Agartala:
The city boasts of having a rich historical connection with the Manikya rulers. The city was the capital of the Princely State that ruled over the region. Ujjayanta Palace, Museum, Sukanta Academy, and Purbasa Emporium are the main attractions in the city.
Unakoti,
It is at about 178 km from Agartala, is a place of attraction from archeological point of view. This place is known for stone carvings on a hill belonging to 7th/8th centuries. These rock carvings of Shiva and other gods are situated randomly on a hill. Imagine a hill comprising carvings on its huge rocks everywhere! Also visit Debtamura and Pilak sites.Tripura Sundari Temple:
it is considered one of the Shakti Peethas in India. The place is located about 55 km from Agartala.Gomuti Bird sanctuary:
This is located at about 40 km from Agartala and is a good place for bird lovers.Jampui Hill:
This is at about 250 km from the capital. This is a beautiful hill station comprising orange gardens. Visit during winter months to see orange trees bearing orange fruits.
Jampui Hill
(image credit:
Tag :
Best of India,
Explore North East India-Nagaland
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| Map of Nagaland image courtesy: wikimedia |
Nagaland, the land of 16 indigenous tribes and their unique traditions, is located between Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Myanmar. Kohima is the capital city. The city of Dimapur bordering Assam is the main city inside the state having good connection with other parts of the country by road, rail and Airways. It takes about one and half hour to reach Kohima from Dimapur by road.
Culture of Nagaland
comprises of indigenous tribes following the traditions of their
forefathers, but, most of them have been Christianized during the
Colonial rule. One can expect modernized cities and people over
there. However, the native culture is preserved through community
festivals and local rituals. The Great Indian
Hornbill festival is one such cultural gathering of all tribal
people.
It is the home for
Hornbills, Tragopan (State Bird of Nagaland), and Mithun
(domesticated Gaur species. The geographical terrain contains hill
ranges. The region experiences cool weather throughout the year. It
is one of the most hospitable destinations in North East India.
Nagaland is served by
one airport located at Dimapur. Connecting flights and direct flights
are available to Guwahati and Kolkata. Dimapur is the well connected
railway head in the state. Buses and rental taxis are available to
travel around the state.
You can stay either in
Dimapur or Kohima. However, do not miss to experience village stays.
Bamboo huts built in the model of the tribal huts provide you a
different experience. Do not worry about the amenities. The huts and
guest houses at the villages provide western facilities.
Indian tourists are
required to get Inner Lane Permit and foreign tourists no longer
require the Restricted Area Permit (barring tourists from Bangladesh,
China and Pakistan).
Destinations to visit:
- Dimapur: This is an ancient city known for Ahom rule and the Kachari Dimasa rulers. It is said that the region in which the present day Dimpaur is located was the place of Hidimba (wife of Bhima) from the Mahabharata. At present the city is the gateway to Nagaland. Ruins of old Kachari tribe are preserved in the city.
- Kohima: This city witnessed the famous battle between the Japanese and the British forces during the Second World War. Visit the war memorial and the Kisama Heritage Village here. Make a trip during the first week of December; you would get to participate in the famous Hornbill Festival.
- Mokokchung: This district is the home of Ao tribe. Visit the Mopungchuket village.
Mokokchung (image credit:stylesatlife.com) - Mon: It is the home for the Konyak tribe. You can find the tribal people appearing in traditional tribal dress. This district borders Myanmar. The district hosts Aoleong Monyu Festival in April.
- Wokha: This is the home for Lotha tribe. This is best known for landscape, and fresh farm products.
How to reach Nagaland:
By Air - The state has only one airport which is at Dimapur, It's connected with Dibrugarh, Delhi, and Kolkata by regular flights.
By Rail - Dimapur Railway station is the only railway station in Nagaland and it is connected to Guwahati and Kolkata.
By Road - Taking a road to reach Nagaland is best way to visit Nagaland because the state has a good network of National and state highway with other major cities of India. You can opt or book private taxi or cab online from Dimapur, Kohima and Guwahati.Tag :
Best of India,