As the sun set slowly across the horizon, the birds flew to their nests. The sky was streaked in shades of orange like paint brush strokes on a canvas. Footprints of every size could be seen on the wet sand. I sat on the beach drinking in the scene.
It was almost dark by the time I started walking back to my hotel and the small town of Ganapatipule was already asleep. Located in Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, it is home to some of the most spectacular beaches in the country.
With only 100 houses lining the narrow dusty lanes, Ganpatipule is a perfect getaway. After a tiring train journey from Mumbai, I reached Ganpatipule late in the evening. The spacious rooms at the government guest house had a beautiful view of the sea. I had tea amidst the musical sound of waves crashing against the shore.
The next day was reserved for the famous temple of Swayambhu Ganesh.The temple is flooded with devotees throughout the year. I sat in a corner looking at the devotees who had travelled hundreds of miles to meet their elephant god.
Like every sea town, Ganpatipule has its own charm. The evening was booked for a relaxing ayurvedic massage. Leaving behind our materialistic possessions, one can relax in the tranquility of the place. After the massage I went back to the beach. A small man stood selling roasted peanuts on one side. The smell from the stall wafted through the air. I sat there till night, with my feet soaking in the water. The sound of the waves transported me to another land, where dreams come true.
The next morning I woke up early. I had planned to explore the town on foot. It is recommended to carry summer clothes as the place gets hot in the day time. The mud road was lined with coconut trees, palms, the shadow of its long leaves forming a patterned mesh on the ground. The villagers had finished their daily work and sat outside their thatched huts absorbing the warm rays, their skin dark and wrinkled. A family offered me lunch and I readily agreed. Puran Poli (a traditional sweet flat bread) was served with a spicy garlic pickle.
You can spend your entire day roaming around in this town. It is one of those places where you can just relax without bothering about sightseeing. This small town by the sea cannot be experienced in one visit. You have to keep coming back for more.