Ratnagiri :

Ratnagiri is historically famous for it long coastline and convenient harbours, together with it comparative nearness to the Arabian Sea. The surrounding area is bounded by the Sahyadri Hills on the West; the heavy rainfall results into highly eroded landscape in the coastal region. The beaches in and around Ratnagiri are both beautiful and preserved in their pristine form.

A fort was built during the Bijapur dynasty and strengthened in 1670 by the Maratha king Shivaji, which is located on a headland near the harbour. It is one of the ports of the Konkan coast. It has a palace where the last king of Burma, Thibaw was confined.

Facts

Population : 1544057(1991 Census)
Climate : Tropical
Clothing : Cotton Clothes
STD code : 02352

Sights  

Ganapatipule

The serene beach of Ganapatipule bathe in the golden sunshine and silver moonlight, lapped by gentle foam-flecked waves from the expanse of the Arabian Sea. It’s laced with the unforgettable aroma of fruits, flowers and mangroves. And the timid whispers of swaying coconut tress carry you away into a land, that’s serene, sedate and unspoilt.

Ganapatipule is an ancient pilgrim centre located in Ratnagiri district. It has a lot of history behind it while being a very beautiful sea town. Ganapatipule is about 25-km from Ratnagiri.

Ganapatipule is untouched by commercialism; the pastoral beauty of the village is enhanced manifold by six kilometers of virgin beach on the breathtaking Konkan coastline.

Thebaw Palace

Constructed in 1910-1l, the Thebaw Palace was built for the exiled king and queen of Burma (now Myanmar). They lived in this palace from 1911 till their death in 1916. The five years of their stay are now immortalized in stone with their tombs. In future, this palace might be converted into a regional museum or a heritage hotel.

Jaigad Fort

Nestled on a cliff, at the entrance of The Sangameshwar River and 35 kms from Ganapatipule is the Jaigad Fort. This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea. Jaigad's sea fort is situated at a sheltered bay. Its beach is small and safe.

Ratnagiri Fort

Built during the Bahamani rule, later to become the property of Adilshah. In 1670, Shivaji conquered the fort.1761 saw the fort fall into the hands of a man impersonating Sadashivrao Bhau. In 1790, Dhondu Bhaskar Pratinidhi rebuilt the fort and strengthened its' ramparts. The fort is horseshoe shaped, with a length of 1300 metres and width of 1000 meters. Surrounded by sea on three sides, with land touching it on the fourth side. On one of the sea facing sides, part of the cliff has collapsed to reveal a cave. One of the fort's bastions, the ' Siddha Buruj ', still has a lighthouse that has stood here for years. A picturesque temple of The Goddess Bhagwati is one of the important places of worship in the area. A well near the temple has steps leading down.

External links :

www.greatestcities.com/Asia/India/Maharashtra_State/
Ratnagiri_town.html
www.answers.com/topic/ratnagiri-district www.indiasite.com/maharashtra/ratnagiri/