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As someone who loves exploring new places, I recently had the chance to visit the beautiful beach town of Ganpatipule. Nestled along the Konkan coastline in Maharashtra, Ganpatipule is known for its gorgeous beaches, ancient Ganesh temple, mouthwatering local cuisine and more.
Getting there from Pune was easy once I figured out the route. In this post, I'll share my personal experience of how to reach Ganpatipule from Pune in the simplest way possible. I'll also offer some tips to fellow travelers planning a trip to this seaside gem of Maharashtra.
Overview Of The Route From Pune To Ganpatipule
The total distance between Pune to Ganpatipule is around 331 kilometers. The route passes through the towns of Kohlapur, Vaibhavwadi, Kankavali among others along the way.
One can cover the entire journey in 6 to 7 hours depending on the mode of transport. Buses and personal vehicles are the most convenient options for getting from Pune to Ganpatipule.
Here's a quick overview of the route:
Pune > Kohlapur > Vaibhavwadi > Kankavali > Ganpatipule
I took a bus from Pune's Shivajinagar bus stand which directly went to Ganpatipule. Buses start early morning and one can easily get seats even during weekends.
Tips For Reaching Ganpatipule From Pune
By Bus:
Check bus timings in advance and book tickets 1-2 days before the journey to get seats
Buses take breaks for food and washroom about midway
Carry some snacks as the bus stops may not have many food options
Keep motion sickness medicines if needed
By Car:
Start early morning to avoid traffic near Kohlapur
The Mumbai-Goa highway near Kankavali has lots of food stalls to stop for chai-samosa
Fill fuel beforehand as petrol pumps are scarce along certain stretches
Watch speed limits to avoid fines, especially near towns
General Tips:
Carry enough cash as ATMs may be far in between past Kohlapur
Don't keep valuables openly accessible while traveling
Carry some basic medicines for nausea, headaches etc
My Experience Of Traveling From Pune To Ganpatipule
I booked a semi sleeper Volvo bus from Pune to Ganpatipule one night prior to my journey. The bus was scheduled to leave at 7 AM from Shivajinagar.
After an early start from home, I reached the departure point on time. The bus started right on the scheduled time which I really appreciated. We crossed through towns like Kohlapur where the bus stopped for a quick breakfast break.
The roads were decent, but as we passed Kolhapur, it did get bumpy over some stretches. The bus stopped once for lunch at a dhaba just before Vaibhavwadi. Food was nothing fancy but decent enough.
We reached the edges of the Konkan region by late afternoon. The landscape started changing - from dry plateaus to lush green vistas and palm trees as we neared the coast.
After Kankavali, the bus finally entered Ganpatipule region. The clean air and views of pristine beaches from the window got me excited! We reached the Ganpatipule bus depot by 6 PM - right on time.
Why Travelers Will Love Visiting Ganpatipule
The highlight of my Ganpatipule trip was undoubtedly its gorgeous beaches. I absolutely loved the tranquil vibe of the place, especially beaches like Ganpatipule Main Beach with its clear blue waters and smooth sand.
No wonder it is called the 'Konkan Goa' sometimes. The seafood also deserves a special mention - super fresh and flavorsome unlike anywhere else. Local desserts like Gavache Ladu are simply melt-in-the-mouth.
Apart from beaches, I'd also suggest visiting the ancient hilltop Ganesh Temple which gives a spiritual touch to the trip. The charming MTDC Resort with its cosy cottages and friendly staff also makes for a wonderful stay option.
Also read - What is Igatpuri Famous for
Final Takeaway - Why Take This Coastal Route From Pune
I'm so happy I took this trip from Pune to experience the beaches and laidback culture of Ganpatipule. If you love nature, good food and unwinding by the sea - this is an offbeat destination not too far from Pune.
The six hours bus journey was comfortable and the roads were decent for the most part. Reaching Ganpatipule from Pune is easier than you'd imagine for a small coastal village.
With its postcard-perfect beaches and friendly locals, Ganpatipule gives tough competition to even Goa I'd say! So the next time you plan a getaway from Pune, do consider this route for a scenic ride to remember.
I hope this travel guide helps you reach Ganpatipule hassle-free. Do share your own experiences in the comments once you visit this beach paradise of Maharashtra.
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