Ambeshwar Temple

An ancient temple of Shree Ambeshwar, which is considered active enough to respond to devotees prayers.

Amba Ghat

The location of Amba Ghat is quite well known for its beautiful natural surrounding and pleasant cool weather.This is the reason large number of national and international tourists are visiting this tourist centre almost in every season. Its height from sea level is 2100 ft.It is located on Kolhapur-Ratnagiri national highway NH 166 (Old NH 204) and this is the highest spot in Kolhapur district. Region beyond this is Konkan. In April & May daytime temperature of this area is 24 to 28 °c. While at night it 16 to 18 °c. There are a considerable number of places worth visiting and tourists feel a special pleasure of plucking and eating fruits like java plums or rose-apples.

Manoli Dam / Manoli Waterfall

Located between Amba gaon and Vishalgad forest fringe. Enjoy the scenic view of backwaters, and splendid view lush evergreen forest. The backwaters make it a wonderful spot for picnics.

Best Season :
For Water Fall : July-September
For Dam : January-December

Waghzara

Waghzara is a place where wild animals (especially tigers) come here to drink water. The region is rich in flora and fauna. It is on the high plateau area and is the natural water sources throughout the year.

Vishalgad (Fort)

Locally called “Khelna” the Vishalgad Fort was one of the most prominent forts of the Maratha emperors. The Fort is established at a majestic elevation of 3,500 ft above the ground and the views that it extends will just melt your heart away.

The word Vishal means grand and the fort justifies its name. The fort was built in 1058 by Chhatrapati Shivaji and after being passed away to the Deccan rulers, it came back to the Maratha Empire. From all the corners it is surrounded by the lush green boundaries and extends a perfect mélange of history and nature.

Marleshwar Temple / Dhareshwar Waterfall

Maraleshwar is the temple of Shiva in the high peak of Sahyadri ranges. You can take your car until the base of the hill but from there you have to climb approximately 530 steps to reach the Marleshwar temple.

Other than the holy lanterns, you are not allowed to light any other kinds of lights in the temple caves. Within the rock cavities of the caves, the non-venomous ‘Boa’ snakes can be found but they have never been known to harm anyone. Lord Shiva is famously known for possessing a snake around his neck. We get to witness this as a symbol at the Maraleshwar temple.

Right in front of the temple, the pure white and beautiful Dhareshwar waterfall flows like the Ganges which is held safely by Lord Shiva on his head. But during rainfalls, the sight of this huge waterfall is terrifying. This waterfall is a major attraction for all the devotees and tourists. A big fair, locally called as yatra is organized here during Makarsankranti. Almost 4-5 lakh devotees attend this yatra each year. The alluring scenic spots, the grand waterfall in front, the surrounded dense forests and the mysterious silence tends to create a long term impression on your mind.

Panhala Fort

The Panhala Fort lies 20 km away from the main city of Kolhapur, situated at its north-west. This fort holds its position amongst the most massive location in the country and is the largest one in the Deccan region. It was built in a strategic position where a major trade route ran within Maharashtra from Bijapur to the coasts of Arabian Sea. This place is not only a must-visit for the people who love exploring historic locations but also for those who love to trek.

Looking over the green slopes of Sahyadri, it has around 7 kilometers of fortifications along with full proof protection guaranteed by three double-walled gates which are humongous in size. The entire stretch of Panhala Fort is dotted with parapets, ramparts, and bastions and styled with motifs of different dynasties that ruled over the fort - the Marathas, Bahamas, Mughals and so on. The old Panhala Fort was founded in the late 12th century by Raja Bhoja. It was constructed during the period 1178-1209 AD to be later modified by the Marathas. The Indo-Islamic style fort is famously known for being residences to the great Maratha ruler Shivaji and the Queen Regent of Kolhapur - Tarabai.

Pawas

Pawas, a village with captivating natural beauty. This is a prime spiritual place in Ratnagiri district due to a very long stay of Swami (saint) Swaroopanand. Swami Swaroopanand was a follower of Warkari Sampraday (Tradition).

The real name of Swamiji is Ramchandra but he was popularly and affectionately recognized as "Appa" or "Rambhau" . He born on 15th December 1903 at Pawas. His father's name was Shri. Vishupant Godbole and mother's name was Sou. Rakhamabai Godbole. Rambhau (Appa) had his primary education up to fifth standard at Pawas and secondary education at Ratnagiri. For his higher secondary education he had admitted to Aaryan Education Society's high school at Mumbai in 1919. The special "Spiritual and Religious training" was offered in this school.

Ganpatipule

Sparkling blue waters, endless stretches of golden or silver sand, sun beams dancing through the swaying palms, waves playing with the sand dunes, a cool breeze whispering sweet nothings in your ear. This is the land of Ganpatipule, one of Maharashtra's almost virgin beaches. Nestled in the greenery is a nearly 4000 year old landmark the Swayambhu Ganpati Temple (Swayambhu means a self-originated idol, Ganapati). It is flooded by thousands of devotees and tourists every year. Ganpatipule, the Lord of the 'ganas' or army and "pule" means sand dunes. It is one of the 'Ashta Ganapatis' (eight Ganpatis) of India and is known as 'Paschim Dwar Dewata' (Western Sentinel God). Ganapatipule is a small village, Ratnagiri District.

Kerle Waterfall

One of the most beautiful and underrated waterfall in Kolhapur District (Maharashtra). Waterfall is open only during the rainy seasons. The waterfall is extremely beautiful as it breaks down to many streaks as it flows down.

Pawankhind

There is a history that the Shivaji Maharaj and his army walked over this road while the enemy was chasing. Pawankhind is the historic canyon where Baji Prabhu trapped from the chasing Mughal army. Veer Baji Prabhu Deshpande became a martyr during this war.

Gelawade Dam

Attractive Gelawade Dam Backwater. Located between Amba gaon and Vishalgad forest fringe. Enjoy the scenic view of backwaters, and splendid view lush evergreen forest. The backwaters make it a wonderful spot for picnics.

Nanij Dham Ashram

If you want perfect relaxation from routine life tension than here is the best place for your complete meditation & mind relaxation Nanij dham Ashram in Ratnagiri.

Jagadguru Narendracharyaji Maharaj was born at 10:30pm on Friday, October21, 1966, in the village of Nanij in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra, India. His parents were Baburao Surve and Subhadra Devi. Being born in the Capricorn zodiac, the child was slated for a monastic way of life. As Saturn governed over the birth sign, the child was predicted to possess valour, fame and oration skills. Narendra spent time in spiritual pursuits from his early childhood. He became a devotee of the revered Saint Gajanan Maharaj. He became so engrossed in his beloved deity that not only did he think about Gajanan Maharaj at all times but also dreamt of him. His parents arranged for him to be married in order to bring him back to the mundane. His marriage took place on October 15, 1985. He was blessed with son, Kanifanath, on October24, 1988. After the birth of his son, Narendra felt that he had fulfilled his duties to the family and gave his life completely to spirituality.

Mahalaxmi Temple

The Mahalakshmi temple was built in the 7th century by Chalukya rulers and is one of the six abodes of 'Shakti' (Goddess of Power) from where one can attain fulfillment and salvation of desires.

Mahalakshmi is also known as Goddess Ambabai and is a revered Goddess among Hindus. The temple enjoys a status of one of the most important pilgrim sites in India. The temple is situated about 5km from the Railway station and Central Bus depot of the Kolhapur city. Near the temple, there is a temple in honor of Goddess Bhavani.

Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Museum (The New Palace)

The New Palace located on the Kasaba Bavda Road (Kolhapur). it was constructed in 1877-84 and has been the residence of Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj. The ground floor of the palace is converted into a museum that houses artifacts belonging to those times when the king ruled and his own possessions.

The beautiful palace is built in black polished stone and is a marvelous architectural feat to have been accomplished in that period. You can witness the royal lifestyle through the pictures and artifacts displayed in the museum.

Mandvi Beach

Mandavi Beach is located in the vicinity of Ratnagiri Town of Maharashtra. This is one of the most crowded beaches in Ratnagiri region. Mandavi Beach is blessed with beautiful seashore, which extends right up to Rajiwanda Port. This fabulous beach is surrounded by Ratnadurg Fort in the west and the majestic Arabian Sea to the south. The beach is known for its black sand and hence, the beach is often referred to as Black Sea. This beach is also known as Gateway to Ratnagiri, owing to the presence of the bastion situated at the head of the bay.

Mandavi Beach although appears a little unattractive because of the black sand, compared to other beaches, yet it is the most sought after picnic spot in Ratnagiri. The popular belief is that this structure is the work of the Pratinidhi Dhondu Bhaskar. It is a fabulous construction overlooking the majestic Arabian Sea and provides a unique opportunity to walk through the seashore and enjoy the cool breeze that gently flows from the sea. Mandavi Beach is located in the vicinity of Ratnagiri Town of Maharashtra. This is one of the most crowded beaches in Ratnagiri region. Mandavi Beach is blessed with beautiful seashore, which extends right up to Rajiwanda Port. This fabulous beach is surrounded by Ratnadurg Fort in the west and the majestic Arabian Sea to the south. The beach is known for its black sand and hence, the beach is often referred to as Black Sea. This beach is also known as Gateway to Ratnagiri, owing to the presence of the bastion situated at the head of the bay.

Ratnadurg Fort

The Ratnadurga fort was built in the 12th century is situated near the Ratnagiri docks. This huge fort is spread over 120 acres of land and is almost 1211 meters in length and 917 meters wide. It is located just 1 km to the west of Ratnagiri. The small fort has 9 bastions whereas the entire fort has a total of 29 bastions. Ratnadurga fort is divided in to three parts of Peth, the small fort, and the lighthouse. As the fort is surrounded by sea from three sides and the light house on the fourth side the scene looks very picturesque. The Ratnadurga fort is hardly at a height of 100 meters from its base, is very easy to climb and leads directly to the Goddess Bhagawati temple.

Jyotiba Temple

The beautiful temple of Kolhapur, known as the Jyotiba Temple lies near the village of Wadiratnagiri in Kolhapur (Maharashtra) . The temple is constantly laden with 'rang which translates to colour, implying the colour used to play Holi. This is because the gulal is offered to Lord Jyotiba as a token of sincerity by the pilgrims. The glorious temple is built for Lord Jyotiba as its name suggests who was believed to be an embodiment of three different deities. It is believed that this temple should be visited after visiting the Mahalaxmi Temple. Standing 3124 feet above sea level, the view from the temple is beautiful and breathtaking. The serene environment along with the divinity of the structure gives a feeling of peace and calm to all the pilgrims and visitors.