![]() Location of Ratnagiri District Ratnagiri district is located in the south-western part of Maharashtra State on the Arabian Sea coast. It is a part of the greater tract known as Konkan. It lies between 16. 98 degrees north latitude and 73.3 degrees east longitude. With a coastline of 237 Kms, the district stands at an altitude of 11 metres. Apart from the coast-line of the Arabian Sea forming its western limit, the Savitri river in the north separates, over the major portion, this district from that of Kolaba. The Sahyadrian scarp, ending abruptly in some places, also serves as a boundary between Ratnagiri on one hand and Satara district, Sangli and Kolhapur districts on the other. History of Ratnagiri District The district of Ratnagiri has had a rich history filled with many events. This region was under the rule of the Mauryas, the Nalas, the Silaharas, the Chalukyas, the Kadambas, the Portuguese, the Marathas and subsequently the British. In 1731 Ratnagiri came under the control of the Satara kings; in 1818 it was surrendered to the British. A fort was built during the Bijapur dynasty and strengthened in 1670 by the Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shivaji, which is located on a headland near the harbour. It is one of the ports of the Konkan coast. It has a palace where the last king of Burma, Thibaw and later Veer Savarkar were confined. It is also believed that the Pandavas of Mahabharata having performed their pilgrimage in the 13th year had settled in the adjourning territory of the Ratnagiri district and when the Pandavas and the Kauravas had the famous war at Kuruskshetra, the king of this region Veeravat Ray had accompanied them there. In 1948 the independent princely state of Sawantwadi was merged with the Indian union and in 1956 with Bombay Province. In 1960 with the creation of Maharashtra, Ratnagiri became a district. In 1981 Ratnagiri district was bifurcated and the new district of Sindhudurg was created. Geography of Ratnagiri District ![]() Tourism in Ratnagiri District There are many places of rest and relaxation located in the district of Ratnagiri. These include a number of beaches since the seashore extend throughout the length of the district. Thus one can find here the Mandovi beach, Bhatye Beach and Velneshwar Beach where one can sit back and relax. Opportunities for water sports avilabale here can add a lot of excitement to the trip. Part for the beaches, there are also many places of pilgrimge here. These include the the Ganapatipule, Pawas and the Ganga of Rajapur. While the idol of Lord Ganesha at Ganapatipule is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta, the Ganga of Rajapur exhibits a natural phenomenon that is considered a miracle by the locals. Every three year, 14 different pools of water of varying temperature are formed here, and this is considered to be a sign of the appearance of Ganga Mata to her devotees. |
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Ratnagiri District