Well-known for its alphonso mangoes, this Land of Mangoes has much more to offer than just these delicious-juicy fruits. Enriched and blessed with natural beauty, eye-pleasing sea coasts, architectural buildings, luscious jackfruits and what not to add to the list. If you plan heading to this blissful land of Konkan, here's a list of places you shouldn't give a miss-1.Kashedi ghat Known for its deadly curves, this ghat is situated near Poladpur in the Raigad district on NH-17. The deadly turns on this ghat makes it one of the most dangerous mountain ghat of Maharashtra. But the Spectacular and Scenic view it offers is something one shouldn't miss. Make sure you are with a really good driver while you drive on this way. Distance: 198 km from Thane 144 km from Ratnagiri
2.Shiv Shrusti (Derwan) This place built by social worker Sitarambuva Walavalkar is absolutely worth visiting. Its like a mini fort.The beauty of the pictures and statues sculpted depicting major life events of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj leaves you in awe of the sculpturer. The durbar area is open during 10 a.m. -12 p.m. & 2- 5 p.m. Distance: 245 km from Mumbai 89 km from Ratnagiri 20 km from Chiplun station
3.Karneshwar Temple (Sangmeshwar) This temple will leave you in appreciation for its architectural beauty. It is built from a single stone in one night by the Pandavas, although they left it incomplete due to sunrise. Also significantly known as Sambhaji Raje(son of Shivaji Maharaj) was captured by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb here. I can go on writing about this place as I was totally in love with it. You will lucky enough if you meet Gajanan Guruji, the one who looks after this place. Meeting him will surely get you know many more historically significant events about the temple. Distance: 13 kms from Sangmeshwar 44 kms from Ratnagiri
4. Marleshwar Blessed with abundant natural beauty, this place offers a panaromic view for nature lovers. Known for its Shiva temple situated in caves. Beware of the snakes inside the caves, although they are said to not harm anyone. The Dhareshwar waterfall at this place is another tourist attraction. Distance: 63 kms from Ratnagiri 40 kms from Sangmeshwar
5. Bhatye Beach Situated near Ratnagiri town, this beach offers you a calm, picturesque view of the sea. There's an agricultural research centre specializing in Coconut research located nearby. More beautiful if you visit during sunset. Distance: 2 kms from Ratnagiri
6. Thiba Palace Situated on a small hillock,this palace is one of the major attractions of Ratnagiri. The palace is beautifully constructed three storied structure with sloping roofs. Recommended visit to this place for its architectural beauty. Distance: 1.2 kms from Ratnagiri
7. Ganpatipule Located in the Ratnagiri district. The 400 year old Ganpati idol in this temple is said to have sprung up from soil (स्वयंभु ). The ganpatipule beach is one of the most spectacular beach along the Konkan coast & is rated as the best beach in Maharashtra. I personally loved the little golden mouse idol at the entrance of this temple, it being very cute :-p Distance- 52 kms from Ratnagiri
8. Jaigad Lighthouse Situated on the western side of Jaigad Fort. Being situated on the hill is said to give a breathtaking view of the sea. Although I couldn't visit this place as we ran out of time, I'll definitely visit it the next time I go there. If you plan to visit this lighthouse do keep ample of time at hand. Its open for visitors for an hour from 4-5 p.m. Distance: 48 kms from Ratnagiri