The history of district Ratnagiri dates back to 1670 when it was under the control of Maratha King Chattrapatti Shivaji. During 1731 it came under the dominance of Satara Kings and after the interference of British government it was finally handed over to British government.
The district is located in south western part of Maharashtra on the coast of Arabian Sea. The area of district is surrounded by the Sahyadari Hills on the east, Arabian Sea on the West. The region falls in the Konkan area of the Maharashtra. This region had been under the control of various rulers the Mauryas, the Nalas, the Silaharas, the Chalukyas, the Kadambas, the Portuguese, the Marathas and subsequently the British.
After independence the state of Sawantwadi was merged into Indian Union in 1948 as a part of Bombay province. With formation of Maharashtra as the Indian State the district of Ratnagiri came into existence in 1956. However, as the result of administrative reforms some portions of Ratnagiri were separated from it to form a new district Sindhudurg.
The district of Ratnagiri comprises of Mandangad, Dapoli, Khed, Chiplun, Guhagar, Sangameshwar, Ratnagiri, Lanja and Rajapur. District is also famous for being the birth place of Lokmanya Tilak. The major rivers in the district are Shastri, Bor, Muchkundi, Kajali.
Statistical Information about Ratnagiri
Facts & Figures
|
Area
|
8,249 sq km
|
|
Latitude
|
16°30’ N and 18°04’ N
|
|
Longitude
|
73°02’ E and 73°52’ E
|
|
Temperature
|
Max.: 33.2 °C; Min.: 18 °C
|
|
Average Rainfall
|
3225 mm
|
|
Population
|
1,696,482 (2001 census)
|
|
Population Density
|
207 per sq. kms.
|
|
Literacy Rate
|
75.35%
|
|
Sex Ratio
|
1135/1000
|
|
No. of Tehsil
|
9
|
|
STD Code
|
02352
|
Tourist Attractions: The major tourist destinations of the district are:
Ganpatipule: It is situated on the western coast of Maharashtra 375Km south of Mumbai, along the Konkan coast. Ganapatipule is one of the most spectacular beaches of Konkan Coast and attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike.
Swayambhu Ganapati Temple - Ganpatipule is an important pilgrimage centre. It is said that the Lord Ganesh (self originated) here. Since then the temple is known for it's unique idol of Lord Ganpati. The temple is 40 years old and is at the foot of a hillock. Most pilgrims take a 'pradakshina' around the hill instead of just the temple.
Apart from this there are several other fascinating destinations located in the district. A brief description of them is given below:
1. Places of worship : Ganapatipule, Velneshwar, Marleshwar, Hedvi, Hatis, Parshuram [Chiplun], Rajapur
2. Caves: Panhalekazi, Sangameshwar
3. Palace: Thibaw Palace [Ratnagiri]
4. Sea Shores: Kelshi, Murud, Guhaghar, Palshet, Ganpatipule, Velneshwar
5. Beaches: Mandovi [Gateway of Ratnagiri], Bhatye, Guhagar, Anjarla, Ganapatipule
6. Birth Places of eminent personalities: Ratnagiri, Malgund, Dapoli, Palgad
7. Forts: Bankot, Mandangad, Ambolgad, Jaigad, Ratnadurg, Mahipatgad
8. Sea Forts: Ratnadurg, Harne, Purnagad, Jaigad
9. Bird Sanctuaries: Vanadi valley, Anaskura Ghat
10. Exotic forests: Pat Panhale, Bavnadi valley
11. Timeless Landscapes: Goval, Hatlot Ghat, Tivare Ghat, Amba
12. Hill and Hill Ranges: Sahyadrian Ranges
13. Rivers: Jagbudi, Vashisti, Kasavi
14. Irrigation Projects: Natuwadi, Nandivali, Kolkewadi
15. Water Falls: Parshuram, Prachitgad, Marleshwar
16. Hot water Spring : Unhavare, Aravali, Tural, Rajapur
Connectivity: The district is connected by various means of transport.
Air: The nearest airport is situated at Ratnagiri itself. It is about 50 kms away. Other airport nearer to Ratnagiri is Kolhapur (129 kms). Mumbai (356 kms) and Pune (323 kms) are the other airports close by.
Rail: Connected by rail (broad gauge line), with a station at Ratnagiri.
Road: National highway No 17 passes through the district. State highways and roads link district headquarters at Ratnagiri to all 9 tehsils (sub-districts) and towns.
For more information about Ratnagiri, explore here