Ganapatipule has a tropical climate. It experiences constant weather that nearby cities in and around the district of South India do. While you can visit this town all year round, the best time to visit Ganapatipule is between October and March, when the weather is not too hot and humid. The beach town experiences wholesome downpour and low temperatures during monsoons.
With the mercury dropping between 12°C and 25°C, winter brings the best weather to the coast. With barely any rain, outdoor activities are a given during this time of the year. Gaiwadi beach in Malgund is famous for watersports – from paragliding to banana boat riding, this beach is perfect for adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies to let their hair down. Couples are sure to enjoy some private time together at Aare-Ware beaches. These twin beaches house white sands and pristine, turquoise waters that are sure to rekindle their romance. Indulge in a romantic date and watch the sunset with your significant other at this secluded beach. Don’t miss the Sunset Point at Aare Beach – an incredible panorama is guaranteed!
The Prachin Konkan museum offers a fascinating insight into the local Konkani culture, as it takes you back in time to show you a comprehensive picture of life on the coast. Take a walk down memory lane as you explore the nuances of this diverse culture. Visit the Jaigad Fort, a seventeenth-century monument which overlooks the Arabian Sea. Take along a picnic basket and delight in the spectacular views of the sea. Walk along the beach to the lighthouse, and enjoy a birds’ eye view of the whole region.
October and November see two important Hindu festivals – Navratri and Diwali. Navaratri is celebrated for nine nights and ends with the Durga Puja and Dussehra. Traditional dance nights are held, and the air of celebration is palpable. Diwali, the festival of lights, is a delight to enjoy by the beach side, as people light lamps and enjoy the festivities. The revelries make for stunning photo-ops too! If you feel up to it, ring in the New Year by the beach as you celebrate and party with your loved ones at Ganapatipule beach or Ril Beach.
This is the best time for families and adventure enthusiasts to visit Ganapatipule. Keep in mind that prices usually get more expensive during this time since there is a maximum influx of tourists in winter. Remember to book your accommodation and travel beforehand, as hotels get overbooked by November. Take appropriate clothing, as nights may get cold.
Ganpatipule in Monsoon (July - October)
The South-west monsoon strikes at the end of June, following the hot summer. The coastline is subjected to heavy rainfall for four months, and there is not much to do outdoors during this time. While the beach looks breathtakingly beautiful in the monsoon, it is difficult to visit many places because of the rain. This is the off-season time when prices are at their cheapest in Ganapatipule, but there’s not much to do. You can visit the many temples and historical sites close by, and get a healthy dose of fascinating local history as well. The village of Malgund is located two kilometres away from Ganapatipule. This charming village is the birthplace of Keshavsut, an acclaimed Marathi poet and writer. A memorial to the poet has been built in Malgund. A museum of Marathi writers is also housed here – connoisseurs of Marathi literature are bound to love a visit to this site. The Karhateshwar temple and Lakshmi Keshav temple, besides the famous Ganapati temple, are worth a visit. The Jaigad Fort offers a spectacular view of the ocean in the rain too. Witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Ganapatipule in the monsoon, as the coconut trees sway in the breeze.
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which commemorates the birthday of Lord Ganesha, is a popular celebration in August-September. The entire town comes alive in week-long festivities, and huge idols of the elephant-faced God are taken in procession all around the city. Unique delicacies – especially modaks – are prepared, and there are pomp and joy all around. The colourful festivities last for an entire week, and there is a lot of singing and dancing involved too! Do not miss this festival if you plan on visiting Ganapatipule this time of the year.
Ganpatipule in Summer (March - June)
The Maharashtrian summer is balmy and hot, with temperatures soaring to 38°C on the hottest days. The charming town of Ganapatipule is located on the Konkan coast, which is famed for its tropical summers and sweltering heat. While the days are hot, the evenings are pleasant and breezy, with the sea breeze cooling the entire town up. With a minimum temperature of 22°C, the evenings and nights are comfortable. Keep in mind that the heat may be too much for some, so summer is not recommended for a family trip to Ganapatipule. This is an off-season, which means that the prices are cheaper.
There are many luxury resorts situated right on the beach – including the Maharashtra Tourism Development Board Guesthouse – that are much more affordable in the summer. This is the best time for tourists on a budget to visit Ganapatipule, as you can enjoy the sights at a lesser price. If you plan on visiting Ganapatipule in summer, avoid going out in the afternoons as the heat may be too intense. Load up on sunscreen and take an umbrella along too. Don’t forget to stay hydrated – most places may not provide drinking water, so take along a bottle of water. Ganpatipule Beach is cool and comfortable at night, as is Gaiwadi Beach in Malgund, a mere two kilometres away. The Ril Beach is a must-visit if you’re one for a serene and idyllic walk along a picture-perfect beach.
Events in Ganpatipule
Diwali In Swayambhu Ganpati Temple
6th - 9th November
The 4000 year old Swayambhu temple in Ganapatipule is the landmark of this small beach town. It is flooded by thousands of tourists and devotees every year, especially during the festival of Diwali.
Mahashivratri In Old Shiva Temple, Velneshwar
8th March
Mahashivaratri is a much celebrated Hindu festival which marks the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. During this festival, the tiny village of Ganapatipule is full of devotees, local and ou (Read More)tsiders who join the celebrations at the old Shiva temple.