"Yippee!", I exclaimed in an euphoric tone when Dad told me about our new trip to Ganpatipule. Perched on the coast of Konkan, Ganpatipule is an idyllic getaway, a sedate and serene village situated 322 km from Mumbai, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. Clean air to breathe in, healthy food to eat and a tranquil atmosphere to sojourn. What else does a person who's mind has crumbled with quotidian stress yearn for? Konkan is infallibly a calming abode for a ragged soul. The undefiled shoreline, coconut tress swaying over the sandy beach and an endless sunshine make Ganpatipule one of Konkan's most scenic beach. Ganpatipule is prominent for its revered Swayambhu Ganpati Temple. Repleted with numerous vantage points, the immaculate beach of Ganpatipule is the most favoured attraction for pilgrims.

We embarked on our journey in 2013 summer. The decision of traveling through Konkan Railway was mine because I knew that this would be the most gratifying experience of exploring the uncontrived Konkan. So we started off from Panvel station. I had booked our ticket beforehand, so we were able to procure four seats. Lush greenery and cultivated fields embellish the journey. I would alight at some station just to click pictures of the verdant mountains. The Karbude tunnel (6.5 km long) is the longest on this route and 2nd longest in India.

We disembarked at Ratnagiri station, had our first ambrosial lunch at a local hotel and then continued towards Ganpatipule via bus which is about an hour away from Ratnagiri. All the lassitude evanesced once Ganpatipule arrived. As soon as the road bents to right, a few metres before Ganpatipule arrives, the amazing scenery engrosses you. The panoramic view of the sea and the glistened sand is as soothing to the mind as an icecream in summer. My eyes were keen to ingurgitate the view in our immediate vicinity and mouth remained agape with astonishment. The day concluded procuring a room for us. We had our dinner at a nearby restaurant. The alarm was set for 5am

The alarm started ringing at 5am but unlike any other day, I wasn't willing to put it on snooze mode for my redundant sleep. So we woke up voluntarily, donned our woolen sweaters and went to the beach whilst rubbing our cold palms. It was a frigid day. The moon shone bright and its reflection into the water of the sea captivated us completely. We all sat on the sand and started gazing at the sea. The surrounding was lull except the splashing waves. Soon, the day dawned, the sunlight started mitigating the darkness.

After having our breakfast, we returned to our room. The breakfast comprised of scrummy misal and poha followed by a cup of hot coffee. We filled our bag with clothes, towels and most importantly, our camera and walked our way back to the beach.

The gorgeous sunrise

The entrance which was barely discernible earlier, manifested quite gloriously. We descended down the steps and the vista in the immediate vicinity was gripping. To beat the summer thirst, nothing can be better than coconut water, so we had some and refreshed ourselves naturally. The waves seemed to be cuddling the strand. People had started foregathering and kids were splashing water at one another. Unlike other beaches where I had been to, this beach was clean and the water was clear. "Don't go too far in the water" warned my mom. "Don't worry mom, we'll be careful!" I affirmed.

The sun was shining bright. Mom sat at the shore and me, my bro and dad went near the sea. A cool wave touched my feet and that very moment, I felt utterly appeased with the idea of visiting this divine place.

Without wasting much time, we started clicking photos of each other swimming in the water. After having fun in the water, we spent some time sauntering and lazing around on the golden sand.

Relishing the sea

Its believed that the Tsunami which hit Indian shores last decade had also affected this place. The sea has eroded the shores, resulting in heavy water currents alongside the shore. Due to this, the waves which hit the shore, return back with double force which has made it a dangerous place to swim in. Warning signs could be seen at all places including the hotels. Although you should refrain from going deep inside the sea, there's no harm at the shoreline.

At about 12pm, we went back to our room. We visited the Ganpati temple in the evening, which is alongside the beach. A pavement has been built around the temple for the worshipers to circumambulate it and venerate the God.

   

  The beach at the sunset was surely a sight to contemplate at !

The food we had at Ganpatipule was one of its kind. The cuisine is characterised by extensive use of aromatic spices and coconut oil, with each item having an inimitable taste. Fish curry served with rotis and kokam kadi were served on banana leaf just like any other South Indian restaurant. The vegetarian fare included vegetables, dal, rice, chapati. Home cooked Modaks, stuffed with coconut and jaggery are served also served, if ordered afore meal. We bought ambapoli (pancakes prepared from crushed & dried mango) and phanaspoli while shopping at the local market

I'd often leisurely meander around the village and at the beach. Nature has endowed us with such tremendous resources which we are exploiting avariciously. The apprehension of losing this unbiased nature fretted me ever and anon.

No doubt, the impeccable escape had replenished our soul with much wanted vigour and happiness. The trip has left an indelible imprint in our mind and this escape diary has made me nostalgic once again

Thank you !