Ideal for a weekend getaway, places near Ratnagiri offer natural beauty and serene escapes. The attractions offered by the nearby areas promise adventure and relaxation. From exploring ancient forts to hiking scenic trails, places to visit near Ratnagiri cater to the varied interests of travellers. With so many attractions near this port city, you can come across some of the best spots for local delights. So, if you are a culture vulture seeking serenity and natural beauty, this is the place for you.
10 Places To Visit Near Ratnagiri
Some of the best places to visit near Ratnagiri that are meant to leave you with a remarkable experience.
1. Ganpatipule Beach
Photo: Sanjaybhagwat / Wikimedia Commons
One of the best tourist attractions near Ratnagiri is Ganpatipule Beach. Along with pristine white sands and turquoise waters, the beach provides a peaceful haven for tourists. Further, the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple is located here, making this a perfect blend of spirituality and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply relaxing by the shore. For adventure lovers, water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing are also available. Beauty and spiritual flavour make Ganpatipule a destination definitely worth visiting.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Distance From Ratnagiri: 26 km
Entry Fee: NA
2. Jaigad Fort
Photo: Pradeep717 / Wikimedia Commons
Located at the confluence of the Shastri River and the Arabian Sea, Jaigad Fort offers some of the most stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Dating back to the 17th century, this fort holds historical significance as a strategic point during the Maratha era. The old ruins of the fort-the mighty walls, gateways, and the watchtowers speak of the architecture of the times. From the top, one can experience panoramic views over the Arabian Sea and the nearby Jaigad Lighthouse.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Distance From Ratnagiri: 53 km
Entry Fee: NA
3. Ratnadurga Fort
Photo: Omar AV / Wikimedia Commons
Ratnadurga Fort is an important historical location near Ratnagiri situated atop a hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. Once spread over 120 acres, the horseshoe-shaped fort acted as an essential defence point in Maratha and Mughal times. Along with beautiful vistas of the coastline, one can also see along the bastions and temple pathways while visiting this fort. The fort also houses a lighthouse, which adds to the charm of the visit. It is an excellent place for history enthusiasts and people who love trekking and sightseeing the ancient ruins.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Distance From Ratnagiri: 4 km
Entry Fee: NA
4. Velneshwar Beach
Photo: Ankur P / Wikimedia Commons
Velneshwar Beach, a secluded stretch of pristine sand lined with coconut groves, is one of the best places to see near Ratnagiri. This beach is a tourist destination for those who look for solitude away from populated tourist destinations. The beach is quite renowned for the Velneshwar Shiva Temple, which attracts tourists for religious reasons. The peaceful waters here are ideal for swimming and boating, making it a perfect destination for families. It is especially suitable for a relaxed beach visit near Ratnagiri, offering the serene environment of Velneshwar Beach.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Distance From Ratnagiri: 80 km
Entry Fee: NA
5. Purnagad Fort
Photo: ज्ञानदा गद्रे-फडके / Wikimedia Commons
An offbeat destination for history enthusiasts near Ratnagiri is Purnagad Fort, where the river meets the Arabian Sea. Being built to protect the coastline, it has two significant gateways, several towers, and a temple for Lord Hanuman. The trek up to the fort is breathtakingly beautiful, with lush greenery along the path, providing a glimpse of nature’s beauty alongside historical architecture. The fort offers excellent sea views, and it is a good location for lovers of historical exploration combined with nature.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Distance From Ratnagiri: 25 km
Entry Fee: NA
6. Marleshwar Temple
Photo: Pranav011 / Wikimedia Commons
There is this secret place hidden in the Sahyadri mountain range near Ratnagiri. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this cave temple offers a serene and spiritually significant experience to its visitors. The main attraction for any visitor would be the very mystical Dhareshwar waterfall, which falls from the cliffs on one side of the temple area. Trekking to the temple forms part of the adventure, and for nature lovers, there is room to indulge in the lush greenery along with the serene surroundings. This is a perfect stopover for those who seek spiritual solace alongside adventure.
Best Time To Visit: July to February
Distance From Ratnagiri: 198 km
Entry Fee: NA
7. Karhateshwar Temple
Photo: Dineshkannambadi / Wikimedia Commons
Situated near Jaigad, Karhateshwar Temple is an ancient Shiva temple. The stone architecture constructed temple is situated atop a hill, giving a serene ambiance to devotees and visitors alike. Its surroundings consist of a nearby beach and lush vegetation; thus, it has become a peaceful vacation for visitors. It offers calmness, examines the temple’s structure, and allows visitors to enjoy the view of the Arabian Sea scenery. The spiritual ambience and natural beauty make Karhateshwar Temple, one of the best places to see near Ratnagiri.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Distance From Ratnagiri: 40 km
Entry Fee: NA
8. Pawas
Photo: Nikhil More / Wikimedia Commons
Pawas is a small village near Ratnagiri; it has religious significance, mainly because it accommodates the venerated saint Swami Swaroopanand. The peaceful environment and the calm ambience make it one of the best tourist attractions near Ratnagiri. It is mainly drawn by Swaroopanand Ashram, where one can meditate and imbibe the saint’s teachings. Apart from its religious importance, it offers scenic landscapes with lush green fields and a calm atmosphere, which is perfect to escape city life’s hustle and bustle.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Distance From Ratnagiri: 20 km
Entry Fee: NA
9. Anjarle Beach
Photo: Dey.sandip / Wikimedia Commons
Anjarle Beach is considered quiet and untouched, and it is very much noted for its long stretch of clean nearby Kadyavarcha Ganpati Temple. Situated amidst coconut palms, this is a quiet retreat for those who cherish peaceful and natural surroundings. Birdwatchers will appreciate the place, too, as Anjarle Beach houses several species of migratory birds. Being the beach, it is not commercialised, making it a good isolation place with little happening in it compared to most tourist destinations.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Distance From Ratnagiri: 80 km
Entry Fee: NA
10. Tsunami Island
Photo: Shivssr / Wikimedia Commons
Tsunami Island, off the coast of Malvan, is a perfect weekend retreat with stunning beauty and a peaceful environment. Crystal-clear waters surround the tiny island; it is an excellent destination for water sports, such as snorkelling and kayaking. Visitors can head to local shacks that offer freshly cooked seafood, relax on the beach, or take a boat ride around the area. It came to have the name from the 2004 tsunami that reconfigured the place and made it one of the best places to see near Ratnagiri.
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Distance From Ratnagiri: 100 km
Entry Fee: NA
A perfect mix of scenic beaches, ancient forts, serene temples, and historical landmarks lies within Ratnagiri, one you can explore at your own pace. From the tranquil shores at Ganpatipule and Anjarle to Tsunami Island, it’s all here, and so are the rest of the historic forts, including Jaigad. All in all, there are many places to visit near Ratnagiri that you must see. Plan your visit with us to these beautiful places, experience the best natural splendour of Maharashtra, and make unforgettable memories.
Cover Photo: Nikhil More / Wikimedia Commons