The best hidden beaches in Ratnagiri are Velas, Anjarle, Ganeshgule, Aare Ware, Bhatye, Pandhra Samudra and Guhagar, with Ganapatipule as the famous temple beach. Further south, Kunkeshwar and Devgad in Sindhudurg are worth adding. Visit between November and March, or February to April for the turtle festivals.
Ratnagiri sits on Maharashtra’s Konkan coast, about 330 km south of Mumbai. Its beaches are cleaner and quieter than Goa’s, with red laterite cliffs, coconut groves and old temples. We have updated this guide for 2026, corrected district details and completed the list to ten beaches.
Quick facts: Ratnagiri beaches at a glance
| Beach | Area | Known for | Best time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Velas | Mandangad, Ratnagiri | Olive Ridley turtle festival | February to April |
| Anjarle | Dapoli, Ratnagiri | Cliff-top Ganesh temple, turtles | November to May |
| Ganapatipule | Ratnagiri | Swayambhu Ganpati temple | November to May |
| Ganeshgule | Ratnagiri | Quiet, long beach | November to March |
| Aare Ware | Ratnagiri | Twin beaches, coastal road views | October to March |
| Kunkeshwar | Devgad, Sindhudurg | Shiva temple on the shore | October to March |
10 hidden beaches in Ratnagiri and the Konkan coast
1. Velas Beach
Velas, in Mandangad taluka in the north of Ratnagiri district, is famous for Olive Ridley turtles. Females nest on this beach, and local villagers and conservation groups protect the eggs until they hatch.
The Velas Turtle Festival, held as the hatchlings are released into the sea, draws visitors who stay in village homestays. Hatchlings are released early in the morning and evening, and sightings are never guaranteed.
Best time: February to April.
2. Anjarle Beach
Anjarle, in Dapoli taluka, has a clean, unspoilt beach lined with coconut and betel nut trees. The Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple on a cliff above the village is believed to date to the 11th or 12th century, and it gives views of the sea and Suvarnadurg Fort.
Anjarle also holds a turtle festival from February to May, when Olive Ridley hatchlings are released.
Best time: November to May.
3. Ganapatipule Beach
Ganapatipule, about 26 km from Ratnagiri city, is the region’s best-known beach. Its Swayambhu Ganpati temple stands right by the white sand, and pilgrims walk around the hill behind it.
Malgund village, about 1 km away, has a memorial to the Marathi poet Keshavsut. Swim only in marked areas, as currents here can be strong.
Best time: November to May.
4. Ganeshgule Beach
Ganeshgule is a long, quiet stretch of sand south of Ratnagiri city, with an old Ganesh temple nearby. It sees far fewer tourists than Ganapatipule, which makes it good for long walks.
Best time: November to March.
5. Aare Ware Beach
A new addition to this list. Aare and Ware are twin beaches on the coastal road between Ratnagiri and Ganapatipule. The road climbs over the hill between them, and the viewpoint at the top is one of the best sunset spots in the Konkan.
Best time: October to March.
6. Bhatye Beach
Bhatye is close to Ratnagiri city but stays calm, with a long line of casuarina trees. It suits early-morning walks and family picnics.
Best time: All year, except heavy monsoon days.
7. Pandhra Samudra Beach
Pandhra Samudra, which means white sea, lies in Ratnagiri city near Ratnadurg Fort. It is the easiest beach to reach if you are staying in town, with food stalls and a view of the fort’s lighthouse.
Best time: Monsoon for the green cliffs, winter for the beach.
8. Guhagar Beach
Another new addition. Guhagar, in the north of Ratnagiri district, has a long, clean beach and a quiet town with old Konkani homes. The Vyadeshwar temple here is an important Shiva temple for many Konkan families.
Best time: November to March.
9. Kunkeshwar Beach (Sindhudurg)
Kunkeshwar is in Devgad taluka of Sindhudurg district, south of Ratnagiri. It is known for the Kunkeshwar Shiva temple that stands right on the shore, with clear water and rocky edges.
Best time: October to March.
10. Devgad Beach (Sindhudurg)
Devgad, also in Sindhudurg, is known for its fort, lighthouse and the windmills on the cliff, and for the Devgad Alphonso mango. The beach is calm and good for evening walks.
Best time: October to March, or April to May for mango season.
How to reach Ratnagiri
- By train: Ratnagiri is a major Konkan Railway station, and all express trains stop here. It is the easiest way to travel from Mumbai.
- By road: Ratnagiri is about 330 km from Mumbai via the Mumbai-Goa highway (NH 66). Parts of the highway have been under widening work, so plan extra time.
- Getting around: Hire a car or rickshaw locally. Velas, Anjarle and Guhagar are best covered from Dapoli or Guhagar rather than Ratnagiri city.
Tips for visiting Ratnagiri beaches
- Avoid swimming during the monsoon (June to September), when the sea is rough.
- Keep beaches clean and do not use flash or touch hatchlings at turtle festivals.
- Try local food: solkadhi, fish thali, ukadiche modak and Ratnagiri Alphonso mangoes in season.
For more travel and entertainment lists, see our listicles. Planning a beach weekend with films? Check Bollywood picks too.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the most beautiful beach in Ratnagiri?
Ganapatipule is the most famous. For quieter beauty, Aare Ware and Anjarle are hard to beat.
When is the Velas turtle festival?
It usually runs between February and April, when Olive Ridley hatchlings are released. Exact dates depend on nesting, so check with local homestays.
Are Kunkeshwar and Devgad in Ratnagiri?
No. Both are in Devgad taluka of Sindhudurg district, south of Ratnagiri, but they are often clubbed into Ratnagiri trips.
How many days are enough for Ratnagiri beaches?
Three to four days cover Ratnagiri city, Ganapatipule and Aare Ware. Add two days for Dapoli, Anjarle and Velas.
Sources: Wikipedia: Ganapatipule, Wikipedia: Anjarle, Wikipedia: Ratnagiri district.
