The beaches beckon at any time of the year, but are phenomenally beautiful during the monsoons and just after the monsoons when few people think of visiting. Ganpatipule is idyllic.... sparkling waters against silvery shores; jagged palm fronds framed against magnificent sunsets. This is the spot where you can soak in hours of sun and sea-spray, watch time drift by, wonder at sunrises, marvel at sunsets, drink in the moonlight and dance on the moonbeams. And if you are looking for a spot of action, Ganpatipule is a venue for paragliding.

Part of the excitement of going to Ganpatipule is the scenic drive through the Western Ghats - the chain of green hills along the Konkan coast. The beaches on the coastline are amazingly clear - clear of rocks and hordes of visitors. The Konkan Railway line that connects Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka, follows an astoundingly beautiful trail through the picturesque west coast. It’s a great idea to take this line to Ganpatipule; just sit back and enjoy the scenery.

While in Ganpatipule, make a pilgrimage to the ancient Swayambhu Temple of Ganpati, the elephant-God, worshipped by all Hindus, and loved especially by the Maharashtrians. The 400 years old Ganpati idol at Ganpatipule is said to have sprung up from the soil. This deity faces the West, so as to guard the western gates, unlike deities in other Indian temples who face the east. The temple is at the base of a hill, and pilgrims walk around the hill as a mark of respect.

Besides fabulous beaches and the ancient temple, Ganpatipule affords a number of opportunities for excursions into remote fishing hamlets, villages and towns of the Konkan. The entire coastline is breathtakingly beautiful, with pristine beaches, overhung by cliffs, and interspersed by pretty little creeks. Here and there, isolated lighthouses light up the ruins of forts built during the reign of the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji.

So move over Khandala, Ganpatipule is here to stay!

Getting there: Ganpatipule is 375 km away from Mumbai, the closest metro with an international airport. Ganpatipule is 30 km off the Mumbai-Goa Highway, 50 kms short of Ratnagiri. You can take an overnight MTDC from Mumbai's Nariman Point. Or catch the magnificent Konkan Railway from Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (Victoria Terminus). Disembark at Sangameshwar and take a bus to Ganpatipule.

Getting around: Ganpatipule is a small town, and you do not really require transport to get to the beaches. Rickshaws are available for short distances, but be prepared to haggle over fares. The State Transport buses are not particularly recommended. If you are making longer excursions, your best option is to hire a vehicle. The tourist taxis and cars are reliable though you do need to fix the fare in advance