We arrive on a night bus from Pune in the early hours of the morning to be welcomed by a cool sea breeze and stretches of golden sands. Ratnagiri is a relatively unknown area on the west coast of India but is slowly becoming recognised for its relaxing atmosphere and untouched forests and beaches.
Atithi
Parinay is an eco-friendly home stay in Ratnagiri which prides itself
on offering a unique tourism experience. Set within deep forestry and
accessed by scenic winding roads, the place is a true example of
responsible tourism today; the food is grown and supplied from local
businesses and all cooked on site. All the building materials are
locally sourced, from the tree house to the luxury tents and huts,
the cow dung floors and clay roof tiles. These last two are used in
effect to keep the rooms cool when hot and warm when cold.
The
exquisite scenery and peaceful ambience is a complete blessing; in
the morning haze you are encouraged to dip your feet into the stream
nearby where you can be treated with a natural fish pedicure. You are
completely immersed in the natural surroundings and humbled whilst
being joined by a bull on the opposite side of the stream, quenching
its thirst under the rising sun. Woven hammocks are dotted around the
area in between the tall tree trunks, perfect for dozing in the
afternoon sun through the canopy of leaves above. A distinct
highlight of the stay is the exceptional service offered by the owner
Medha and her family. In the evenings, Medha introduces
delicious traditional Marathi style food and teaches how to eat it.
Each portion of the meal should be presented on a banana leaf in
precise areas depending on what piece of food it is and should be
eaten with bare hands. Afterwards, it is custom to give the banana
leaf to the cows as the aromas of the food are absorbed during the
meal, making the leaves tastier.
The
secluded beaches of Ratnagiri, so empty and vast, are the jewel in
the crown of this charming place. Apart from the plodding of a
couple horned cows, owner in tow, and the slight prancing of curious
deer, you are completely in solitude. In order to reach Aare Waare
beach a precarious climb over rocks is in order but it is worth it
for the sought after seclusion which is so rare on picturesque
beaches like this at peak season. The Ganesh Gule beach is also an
extraordinary sight, empty stretches of golden sand and clear blue
sea, lined by towering green coconut trees. A refreshing drink
of fresh coconut milk from the forests fringing the beach rounds the
day off nicely. A local man meticulously carves the fruit with a
machete-like knife to make a hole in the top from which to drink and
then carves it in half and scrapes out the coconut flesh to eat.
Great
forts and religious monuments are dotted around the area, such as the
awe-inspiring Purnagad
Fort
and temple which looks out to the ocean for miles. Ratnagiri has
become popular for a place to stay for people visiting Ganpatipule,
where thousands of tourists go to see the
Hindu temple of Swayambhu. A special touch about this place is that
you are encouraged to tell a wish to the rat deity at the entrance of
the temple, it is said if you do not divulge this secret with anyone,
it will come true. Another interesting place to visit is Prachin
Konkan, a quirky life-size museum depicting life and stories of the
past in Konkan. There is a handicraft shop where visitors can
purchase souvenirs to remember this intriguing attraction, not that
you would need one!
To
sum up, Ratnagiri is an ideal place to visit if you are seeking a
true off the beaten track experience in India. Especially for those
who enjoy the outdoors with the comforts of luxury accommodation,
with exciting and novel experiences.
Pippa Davies
Travel Consultant at Kanoo Travel Haymarket, London
for more information about India, and unique travel experiences please visit www.kanootravel.co.uk, or call us on 0800 458 3412, or email webbookings@kanootravel.co.uk
