This Tourist Map Guide of Ratnagiri is designed as a single, complete reference for first-time tourists and city visitors. It covers places, routes, transport, food, shopping, safety, tips, and planning so visitors don’t need to search anywhere else.
1. About Ratnagiri
- Location: Konkan coast of Maharashtra, India
- Famous for: Beaches, forts, temples, Alphonso mangoes, seafood
- Best for: Family trips, spiritual travel, history lovers, nature tourism
- Climate: Tropical coastal (hot summers, heavy monsoon, pleasant winters)
2. Ratnagiri Tourist Zones
Coastal & Beach Zone
- Ganpatipule Beach
- Aare Ware Beach
- Bhatye Beach
- Mandavi Beach
Heritage & Fort Zone
- Ratnadurg Fort
- Jaigad Fort
- Thibaw Palace
Spiritual & Cultural Zone
- Ganpatipule Temple
- Bhagwati Mandir (Ratnagiri)
- Pawas (Swami Swaroopanand Ashram)
Nature & Scenic Zone
- Thiba Point
- Tilak Ali Museum Garden
- Sahyadri viewpoints (monsoon season)
3. Major Tourist Attractions – Table Guide
| Attraction | Category | Popularity | Avg Time | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ganpatipule Temple | Temple/Beach | Very High | 2–3 hrs | Free |
| Ratnadurg Fort | Fort | High | 1.5–2 hrs | Free |
| Thibaw Palace | Palace | Medium | 45–60 min | Nominal |
| Jaigad Fort | Fort | High | 1–2 hrs | Free |
| Aare Ware Beach | Beach | High | 1–2 hrs | Free |
| Bhatye Beach | Beach | Medium | 1–2 hrs | Free |
| Pawas Ashram | Spiritual | Medium | 45 min | Free |
4. How to Reach Ratnagiri
By Train
- Ratnagiri Railway Station (Konkan Railway)
- Well connected to Mumbai, Goa, Pune, Mangalore
By Road
- MSRTC buses from Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur
- NH-66 runs through Ratnagiri
By Car
- Mumbai → Ratnagiri: ~330 km (8–9 hrs)
- Scenic coastal drive via NH-66
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Goa (Dabolim)
- Upcoming: Chipi (Sindhudurg) Airport
5. Local Transportation
| Mode | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Auto Rickshaw | Short distances | Meter + bargaining |
| City Buses | Budget travel | Limited frequency |
| Taxis | Day tours | Ideal for forts & beaches |
| Self-drive Car | Families | Best flexibility |
6. Food Guide (What & Where to Eat)
- Must-try dishes:
- Fish Thali
- Kombdi Vade
- Malvani Curry
- Sol Kadhi
- Best areas:
- Ratnagiri city center
- Ganpatipule road
- Beachside local eateries
7. Shopping & Souvenirs
- Alphonso Mango products
- Kokum syrup & dry kokum
- Cashews & local spices
- Handicrafts from Konkan markets
Main Shopping Areas:
- Maruti Mandir area
- City main market
- Ganpatipule stalls
8. Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Ideal weather, sightseeing
- April to May: Mango season
- June to September: Monsoon beauty (limited access to forts)
9. Important Tourist Tips
- Start beach visits early morning or evening
- Wear good footwear for forts
- Carry cash for rural areas
- Avoid swimming during monsoon
- Respect temple dress codes
10. Emergency & Useful Contacts
- Police: 100
- Ambulance: 108
- Railway Enquiry: 139
- Local Tourism Office: Ratnagiri MTDC