With its gorgeous Sahyadri range and Arabian Sea with nubile white beaches, gushing waterfalls, hot water springs, palm plantations, stately structures, and the most renowned, Alphonso mangoes, Ratnagiri is a tourists dream turn out to be true location. Some of the most impressive forts constructed during the Shivaji period may be found in Ratnagiri. Ratnagiri is also known for being the home of Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, a member of the famed "Lal Bal Pal" trio. Ratnagiri, one of the Konkan region's pearls, is now a large district with various touristy little villages and towns, and it makes for a fantastic weekend getaway from Maharashtra's major cities, like Mumbai.
Numerous historical temples and monuments may also be found in Ratnagiri. Enjoy the splendour of Mandvi's black sand beaches or take a trip to the Ratnadurg Fort, which is surrounded on three sides by the sea. The fort, which is constructed like a horseshoe, has a Hanumanji shrine at its entrance. Several other idols, including Lord Ganesha and Goddess Bhagawati, are also revered here.

Delve into the Past of Ratnagiri

The fort near the port exists as a testament to Ratnagiri's domination by the Bijapur and Maratha empires. The province was taken over by the Satara monarchs in 1731, and the district was handed over to the British in 1818. During their banishment, the Pandavas of the Mahabharata are said to have lived in this region (then known as Viratnagari). Furthermore, during the historic Kurukshetra battle, the monarch of this region, Veeravat Ray, supported the Pandavas.
Various dynasties governed the region, including the Nalas, Mauryas, Chalukyas, Silaharas, Kadambas, Portuguese, Marathas, and the British. The state of Sawantwadi was combined with the Indian union in 1948, and subsequently with the region of Bombay in 1956, after India's independence. Ratnagiri became a standalone district in 1960, with the creation of the Maharashtra state. In 1981, the Ratnagiri district was divided, creating the Sindhudurg district.

The Colourful Culture of Ratnagiri

Ratnagiri's most well-known celebration is a ten-day Ganesh festival held every year during Shukla Chaturthi. The festival takes place from August 20 to September 15 and draws enthusiasts from all over the country. Apart from these, Ratnagiri's other well-known festivities are Holi, Dussehra, and Diwali. Alphonso mangoes are popular in this area. Don't miss out on the Konkani or Malvani cuisine of Ratnagiri, which is distinguished by the liberal use of coconut, kokum, and tamarind, as well as spices such as peppercorns, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds. The residents of Ratnagiri eat a lot of fish as part of their daily diet. The cuisine of Malvani is very similar to that of coastal South India and Goa.

Cuisine of Ratnagiri— Eat & Be Happy

Ratnagiri's food is well-known for its strong Konkani flavour. The delicious fish curry and Kokam curry will satiate your appetite. Also, the Konkan style of cooking fish is unique and worth trying. Kombdi Vade, a Konkani dish consisting of chicken and rice dumplings, would be a good example. Alphonso mangoes, Amboli, Cashews, Sandan, and several types of Sharbhats, such as the exclusive Kokam sharbat, Amba Panna, and Shahalyache Paani, are some of the most yummy and exotic beverages you will ever taste. Ambapoli, Mavani Mutton Curry, Solkhandi, Mori Masala Curry or Shark Curry, and more delights are also available.

Places to visit 

• Jaigad Fort: The ancient fort constructed in the 17th century, Jaigad Fort, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ratnagiri. This important sea fort rests atop a cliff at the Sangameshwar river's confluence with the Arabian Sea on the Western Coasts. The place is worth visiting because of its beautiful scenery. This fort, also called as the Fort of Victory, is now under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India. You may appreciate the clear vistas of the sea in addition to the fort's grandeur and design.
• Swayambhu Ganpati Temple: This 400-year-old beauty, which is a living proof of excellent art and remarkable effort, can only be described as stunning. The Swayambhu Ganesha Temple, which is made of white sand, is absolutely stunning and serene. Lord Ganapati's idol is reported to be self-made and was unearthed around 1600 years ago. This is a popular tourist destination in Ratnagiri, and Diwali is the busiest season, drawing visitors from all over the country.
• Thiba Palace: One of the most important destinations to visit in Ratnagiri is the residence of King Thiba, the king of Brahmadesh (today's Myanmar). The three-story palace, designed in the Bramhi architecture, was created for King Thiba. This palace, which covers 27 acres, features beautiful architectural features such as oak floors, coloured Italian glasses, a marble-floored dancing hall, and more. Aside from that, guests can enjoy and get a peek of the enthralling Arabian Sea from the palace's vantage point.
• Ratnadurga Fort: Ratnadurga Fort, also called as Bhagwati Fort, is an outstanding specimen of old masters and one of the finest locations to visit in Ratnagiri. This fort, which is bordered on three sides by the Arabian Sea, is without a doubt one of the nicest sites to visit in Ratnagiri. From the summit, tourists may relax and enjoy the magnificent views of the Arabian Sea. A lovely temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, as well as a modest Ganesha and Hanuman temple, are located within this fort.
• Pandre Samudra: Pandre Samudra, one of the most amazing beaches in Ratnagiri, is one of the most exciting places to visit in Ratnagiri, noted for its silvery sands, quiet environment, and tranquil ocean. If you enjoy the beach, you will enjoy this location even more. You can go to the surrounding beaches of Mirkarwada and Mandvi Beach. Another tourist destination is the Sai Mandir, which is located close.
• Velneshwar: Velneshwar is situated in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri region. It is a hamlet south of Guhagar town and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ratnagiri. It is known for a gorgeous crescent-shaped beach and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This beach is unspoiled, clean, and perfect for swimming. The Maha Shivratri Festival, which is held in Velneshwar in March, attracts a large number of visitors.
• Marine Aquarium and Museum: Marine Aquarium and Museum is without a doubt one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Ratnagiri. The Marine Biological Research Station founded it in 1985. It is home to some of the most unique and magnificent aquatic life, including sea horse fish, sea turtles, sea cucumbers, and ancient whale skeletons. There's also a gorgeously decorated freshwater aquarium with a variety of fish.

Things to do at Ratnagiri

• Embark on a Ferry Ride: Ratnagiri, as a coastal district, has a variety of beautiful rivers along which boating can be enjoyed. As the ferry voyage advances, enjoy the enchantment of calm and tranquility, abandoning the heavy pulse of city activity behind you at the shoreline. Instead of traveling all the way to other beach towns, you can take a ferry ride to cut the distance and enjoy a peaceful, gorgeous view. Various spots, such as the Bharja River near Kelshi, Dapoli, and along the Ganpatipule Creek, offer ferries.
• Stay in a Lovely Tree Hut in Dapoli: For most individuals, playing Tarzan has always been an especially memorable childhood dream. At Dapoli, you can wake up each morning and sleep every night in your personal treetop hut, allowing your childhood dreams to literally take root. When you're ready to descend, there are swings and loungers on the site, adventure sports to try, and outdoor pursuits like bird viewing and mountain climbing to enjoy.
• Spend a day in Guhagar at a hilltop farm house: This charming farm house is located in a little fishing village approximately 5 kilometers from Guhagar, atop a small hillside and far away from city life. It's tucked between woodland on one side and a breathtaking view of Guhagar beach on the other, and it's the perfect site to get a taste of Coastal Maharashtra's distinct flavor. The huge amount of activities available compensates for the rooms' austerity. Visitors can tour the village, take walks through the forest, and go on bird-watching trips with the pleasant host, who will also educate you about his village's agricultural endeavours.
• Spend the day at a nature preserve: The Chandoli National Park is situated at the crossroads of the Sangli, Kolhapur, and Ratnagiri Districts. The Park is home to almost 23 mammalian species, 122 bird species, and 20 amphibian and reptile species, all of which may be found in the Chandoli forests. Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bears, Indian Leopards, Indian Bison, Leopard Cats, and Indian Giant Squirrels are among the wildlife found here, allowing it to occupy its rightful place on your must-see list when travelling to Ratnagiri.

How to reach?

• By Road: Many prominent cities are well linked by road from Ratnagiri. You can take a bus to the city from Mumbai, Nagpur, or Pune, which is operated by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation. Ratnagiri is also connected to places such as Sangli, Nanded, and Kolhapur via National Highway 204.
• By Air: Ratnagiri is served by a domestic airport, which is 12 kilometres away from the city. Daily flights are accessible to and from major cities in India, including Pune, Mumbai, and other major cities. When you arrive at the airport, you can book a private cab to take you into town. The closest international airport is 340 kilometres away in Mumbai.
• By Train: Ratnagiri railway station is 6 kilometres from the city and is an essential railway station on the line as part of the Konkan railway network. There are multiple trains that run along the Konkan railway route, and you may take any of them to go to Ratnagiri from either the south or the north.