This town is situated in southern Maharashtra and is home to a range of shores of the Konkan Coastline. Ratnagiri is a historic town, and there are great places to visit here. If you would like to search about places to see at Ratnagiri, I will list down that you must visit when seeing Ratnagiri. This town has a rich history since the famed Maratha Ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji had dominated it. There are many historical places, museums, parks, temples, and masjids are here to visit that will make your trip memorable.
Here are the Top Tourist Places to Visit & See in Ratnagiri:-
1. Bhatye Beach
This beach is 3 kilometers from the Ratnagiri Bus Stand. This beach is among the most prestigious beaches of the Konkan coastline. The beach is renowned for its scenic views of the Sahyadri mountain ranges from the backdrop. The most notable aspect of this beach is that the creek divides the Mandvi shore from the Bhaye Beach. If you’re a nature lover, then you’d love this location. Aside from the panoramic view this shore offers, there’s a temple of Zari Vinayak situated at the end of this. This beach is a favorite picnic area for tourists and families.
Aspect | Details |
Location | Bhatye Beach is located around 3 kilometers from Ratnagiri city. It is easily accessible by road and is known for its scenic beauty and tranquility. |
Activities | Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports. Take leisurely walks along the shoreline. Water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing may also be available. |
Attractions | The beach is known for its soft, golden sand and clear blue waters. It is surrounded by lush greenery and offers picturesque views of the Arabian Sea. |
Best Time to Visit | The best time to visit Bhatye Beach is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for beach activities. |
Nearby Attractions | Ratnagiri city offers other attractions such as the Ratnadurga Fort, Thiba Palace, and Ratnagiri Lighthouse, which are just a short drive away. |
Local Cuisine | Enjoy fresh seafood and local Maharashtrian delicacies at nearby eateries. Fish curry, vada pav, and kokum sherbet are must-try dishes. |
How to Reach | Bhatye Beach can be reached by auto-rickshaw or taxi from Ratnagiri city center. It is around 3 kilometers away and is well-connected by road. |
Read Also: 10 Best Camping Sites in Maharashtra
Mumbai Maharashtra Itinerary:
2. Mandavi Beach
Mandavi Beach is just 2 kilometers from the Ratnagiri Bus Stand. This beach is located across the Konkan coastline. This beach is among the most crowded places in Ratnagiri. The famed Rajiwanda Port is situated at the end of the beach. Mandavi Beach delivers a gorgeous and smooth shore where you can come and unwind. The most notable aspect of this beach is its black sand and therefore is known as the Black Sea. This beach has a bastion in the entry, and thus it’s known as the gateway to Ratnagiri.
Aspect | Information |
Location | Mandavi Beach, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra |
How to Reach | Easily accessible by road, located in Ratnagiri city center |
Best Time to Visit | October to March for pleasant weather |
Attractions | Beautiful sandy beach, clear waters, scenic views |
Activities | Sunbathing, swimming, water sports, beach walks |
Local Tips | Carry sunscreen and a hat; avoid swimming during monsoon |
Nearby Attractions | Ratnadurga Fort,
Thiba Palace, and Ratnagiri Marine Museum |
Read Also: Top National Parks and Wildlife in Maharashtra
3. Marine Aquarium & Museum
This museum is situated alongside Mandavi Beach. Back in 1985, this lovely Marine Museum was made by the Marine Biological Research Station of Ratnagiri. This tradition cum aquarium shelters a number of those uncommon species of marine creatures. These specimens are Lionfish, Sea turtles, Triggerfish, Lobsters, Sea horse fish, Sea cucumbers, sea lions, Eels, Starfish, and many more. The museum hosts a vast wall skeleton arrangement that measures around 55 feet in length and 5000 kg in fat. This colossal structure awes everyone who visits this particular museum. Since people love visiting the museum and turning it into one of the most wanted tourist spots in Ratnagiri, the museum has just made a new segment according to freshwater aquariums. This section has a lot of freshwater plants and fish.
Aspect | Details |
Location | Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India |
Operating Hours | Typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. |
Main Attractions | – Over 100 species of marine life on display, including fish, crabs, and mollusks. |
– Collection of seashells and marine artifacts. | |
Interactive Exhibits | Touch tanks and interactive exhibits for visitors to engage with marine life safely. |
Nearby Attractions | – Ratnagiri Beach: Relaxing beach nearby. |
– Thibaw Palace: Historical palace of the last King of Burma (Myanmar). | |
– Ganpatipule Temple: A famous temple located a short drive away from the museum. |
Read Also: Best Marathi Local Cuisine and Dishes
Some more other articles of Maharashtra:
- Maharashtra Ellora Caves
- Maharashtra Hill Stations
- Kamshet, Maharashtra
- Historical Monuments in Maharashtra
- Temples in Maharashtra
- Matheran, Maharashtra
- Karla Caves in Lonavala
- Facts About Mumbai
- Nashik Temples
- Maharashtra Honeymoon Destinations
- More Mumbai Facts
4. Thiba Palace
It is among the significant tourist attractions in Ratnagiri. This is a historic building that’s located 2 Km from Ratnagiri Bus Stand. It was constructed by the British in 1910. This palace has been used by the King before his departure from 1910 to 1916. The palace comes with windows that are semi-circular in shape and contains carvings on them. These windows will be the principal reason tourists come to see this place. On the first floor of the palace, there’s a dance hall with marble floors. There’s a statue of Lord Buddha purchased by King Thibaw himself on the rear of the palace. The palace is renovated regularly, and ASI now preserves it. The palace also has a museum that shows each of the artifacts and things employed by King Thibaw.
Aspect | Details |
Name | Thiba Palace |
Location | Near Ratnagiri Beach, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India |
Architecture | The palace features an elegant combination of Burmese and European architectural styles, with ornate woodwork, spacious rooms, and beautiful gardens. |
Visitor Experience | Visitors can explore the palace’s large rooms, observe the well-maintained furniture and artifacts, and learn about the history of King Thibaw’s exile. The beautiful gardens around the palace provide a peaceful retreat. |
Opening Hours | Typically open from morning to late afternoon; confirm timings before visiting as they may vary. |
Best Time to Visit | Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day and enjoy the serene surroundings. |
Nearby Attractions | Ratnagiri Beach, Ratnadurg Fort, and local markets are close by for further exploration. |
Accessibility | Accessible by road; parking is available. Ensure accessibility for those with mobility challenges. |
Read Also: 10 Facts about the Ajanta and Ellora caves, Maharashtra
5. Ratnadurg Fort
The Ratnadurg Fort is located on the shore of the Arabian Sea. Constructed in the 16th century, the Fort was one of those monuments constructed by Bahamani Sultans. It was commanded by Kanhoji Angre and was afterward introduced to the Peshwas. In conclusion, in 1818 AD, the British captured this Fort by the Peshwas. The Fort is distinctively constructed with different bastions and tunnels. There’s a tube that connects the upper and lower areas of the Fort. The Fort signifies strength as it was developed to resist the power of these waves of the Arabian Sea. Until now, the walls are still intact, showing how robust the design of this Fort. The Fort can be known as Bhagawati Fort due to a Bhagawati Goddess’s idol in it. Each year devotees celebrate the festival of Navaratri in the temple located in the community.
Category | Information |
Location | Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India |
Type | Historical Fort |
Overview | Ratnadurg Fort is a historical fort that offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding area. It is known for its horseshoe shape and the Bhagwati Temple within the fort. |
Attractions | – Bhagwati Temple: A popular temple dedicated to the goddess Bhagwati.
Lighthouse: Offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the city. Fort Walls: Walk along the fort walls for spectacular views of the coastline. Nature Walks: Explore the fort’s lush greenery and natural beauty. |
Best Time to Visit | The fort can be visited year-round, but the best time is between November and March when the weather is pleasant. |
Accessibility | Accessible by road, approximately 2 km from Ratnagiri town. Parking is available at the entrance. |
Photography | Photography is allowed, providing ample opportunities to capture the scenic views. |
Nearby Attractions | – Thiba Palace Mandvi Beach Ratnagiri Marine Museum |
Popular Maharashtra Packages:
Conclusion
Ratnagiri is a location where you can enjoy nature to the fullest. There are various places to go to in Ratnagiri and is fantastic for a family holiday, and the several beaches also offer a place to unwind and destress yourself. The above is the best and popular place to visit while touring Ratnagiri.
Read more about Maharashtra:
- 11 Best Places to Visit in Aurangabad
- Lonavala Popular Places to See
- Famous Places to Visit in Nashik
- Places to visit near Pune within 100 Km
- Top 10 Most Popular Tourist Places around Shirdi
- 10 Places to See in Khandala to Enjoy a Splendid Weekend
- Places to Visit Near Mumbai for 2 Days
- Top 10 Romantic Places in Mumbai for Couples
- 20 Best Places to Visit in Mumbai
- 5 Star Hotels in Mumbai
- Best Resorts Near Mumbai
- What to see in Mumbai in 2 days?
- Trekking Spots near Pune