Ratnagiri

Encircled by the mighty Sahyadri mountains, Ratnagiri is a thriving Konkan city. It is known as the Home of Happandavus, a variety of mango that is very popular all over in India!

Legend has it that the Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic had settled in Ratnagiri briefly during their long exile. Its recorded history is no less fascinating. It was ruled by the Bijapur rulers who also constructed a mighty fort here. The fortifications were later strengthened by the great Maratha King, Shivaji. The British gained control of the town during the early nineteenth century.

Ratnagiri has a 5,00,000 strong population, most of whom are engaged in agriculture. Due to its geographical location, the town receives abundant rainfall and is extremely fertile. The fruits and cashew nuts cultivated here are of extremely high quality and exported around the world. Fishing is an important industry and the catch is exported to Mumbai, Goa, Bangalore and Mangalore. The Government of Maharashtra has set up the Marine Biological Research Station to provide a fillip to the industry.

Sightseeing:
Bhatye Beach - This beach is a little away from the main town, so rest assured it is clean and secluded. You can capture glorious sunrises and sunsets or take a walk down the beach to the temple of Zhari Vinayak. Ganapatipule- This is an ancient pilgrim center. Located about 25 kms from Ratnagiri, it is rich in history. On your visit here, do make it a point to pray to Swayambhoo Temple which has a naturally formed idol of Lord Ganapati.

Thiba Palace - Built in 1910, this palace houses the tombs of the King and Queen of Burma who were detained here for a period of five years. Check out the treasures of Thiba Museum or troop along to Thiba Point for a bird’s eye view of the city.

Jaigad Fort - Built in the 17th century, this fort is located on a cliff. It offers a panoramic view of Sangameshwar River as well as the sea. Surrounded by a moat, the fort is in ruins though its outer walls still stand as a glorious reminder of the past.

Top News

Double Chinnai

Double Chinnai

Classic Run 2012 team 'double chinnai' describing their great rickshaw adventure. 'Here we are on the last day of our epic journey. It might have only been 8 days of driving, but it was a mighty effort by all in the Double Chinnais team. Janelle and Toni have shown they both have the potential for a bit of road rage. They we...
24 Jan, 2012 by admin  0
Auto adventures

Auto adventures

Nice piece from The Hindu on the Classic Run 2012 titled 'Auto adventures' 'There are a lot of ways to ‘discover' India. As Dave Alefail, Tim Douros, Toni Csermelyi, and 30 other foreigners – including 11 women – from nine different countries found out, one of the best ways to get up close and personal with India, its ...
24 Jan, 2012 by admin  0
Taking Up Rickshaw Challenge For Brotherhood

Taking Up Rickshaw Challenge For Brotherhood

Hindu Coverage of the Classic Run 2012 in Thanjavur. 'People are extremely helpful and friendly in India, said Ben from the United States. He was one of the participants in the Rickshaw Challenge Classic Run 2012 organised by CEMS consecutively for the sixth year now. Ben along with his other friends from nine countries a...
24 Jan, 2012 by admin  0
The World

The World's Local Rickshaw Challenge

A 2012 Classic Run piece form the Deccan Chronicle, titled 'Southern sojourn on tuk-tuks' 'It is not the whizzing sound of a plane or the noisy beats of a train they chose. The 33 participants of Rickshaw Challenge bobbed up and down through the roads of south India in 15 auto rickshaws. In a 10 day exhibition, the tea...
18 Jan, 2012 by admin  0
It

It's a Rickshaw Challenge Adventure

The 2012 Classic Run is on the way and the press is all over it. Below is a piece form the Deccan Chronicle, titled 'Get in an auto, give to society' 'The thought of taking the auto to work today may faze you, but you won’t be thinking twice before jumping behind the wheel of one at the Auto Rickshaw challenge. With the pr...
2 Jan, 2012 by admin  0
Team Tuk and Roll

Team Tuk and Roll

Getting ready for the Classic Run 2011/2012, team 'tuk and roll' eagerly anticipating the flag off: 'Once upon a time, four men living in Seattle, Washington decided to enter an autorickshaw challenge taking place along the southeastern coast of India over a ten day period. The rickshaw rally would entail driving a glorified g...
12 Dec, 2011 by admin  0
What is it like to drive an auto rickshaw almost 3000km in deep South India?

What is it like to drive an auto rickshaw almost 3000km in deep South India?

Q&A from Quora about the Rickshaw Challenge. The Question What is it like to drive an auto rickshaw almost 3000km in deep South India? Answer 'It takes a rather... special person to decide, hey I want to travel in a really rickety vehicle, and see one of the most loved (and hated) countries in the world. Even if you kn...
30 Nov, 2011 by admin  1
29 Nov, 2011 by admin  0
The White Tricycle

The White Tricycle

From the white tricycle: 'try the very special effect of a vehicle with personality! To entertain the public at trade fairs, exhibition fairs and other public events. To announce your events, cultural or other. The White Tricycle, whose only appearance will raise interest, its dancing movements will catch the attention an...
7 Nov, 2011 by admin  0
An Amazing Race for the Clinically Insane

An Amazing Race for the Clinically Insane

Great piece from The Local on the Rickshaw Challenge. 'Hanging from the side of a less-than-100%-reliable three-wheeler may not be the most comfortable way to see India, but it’s surely one of the most exhilarating. Which is precisely why every year, hundreds of hardy souls pay for the privilege of risking life and limb...
2 Nov, 2011 by admin  0
Page 1 of 3112345102030...Last »
Like Rickshaw Challenge on Facebook
Close