Prachin Konkan is an incredible open-air museum located in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra. The sprawling complex depicted Konkan's life 500 years ago. The museum provides fascinating insights into Konkan's social, economic, cultural, and religious history. The museum is about 2 kilometres from the famous Ganapatipule Temple and is a short walk from the bus stop. State transport buses and rickshaws run from Ratnagiri bus depot to Ganpatipule. The nearest railway station is 22 kilometres away in Ratnagiri, and the nearest airport is in Dabholin, Goa.
This place will transport you to a bygone era of Konkani glory, with life-like sculptures of the Maratha hero Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and models of the amazing sea forts of the Konkan region.
There's even more! They have a section called 'Nakshatra Baug,' a tree garden for each sun sign. It's one-of-a-kind, personal, and inspiring.
Visit Konkan Museum Now:
Ganpatipule is well-known for its historic Ganesha temple. Few people realise, however, that it is also a lovely coastal retreat surrounded by mountains. The beach is pristine, with a breathtaking coastline. The sand is crystal clear, and the water is the colour of mouthwash.
Prachin Kokan is an open-air museum in Ganpatipule, 600 m from Ganpatipule Bus Stand and 1 km from Ganpatipule Beach. It is one of the most popular attractions in Ganpatipule.
The museum has exhibits depicting the traditional Konkan life spread across three acres. Vaibhav Sardesai built the museum in 2004 with the goal of not only providing interesting information about Konkan to tourists but also providing employment opportunities for locals. Inside the museum, one can glimpse local rural life, including local deities, lifestyles, barter trade, various professions of the people, and so on.
The museum celebrates the Kokan's ingenuity with sculptures of the Maratha hero Shivaji Maharaj depicting historical moments and models of the region's amazing sea forts. Prachin Konkan has the first counter in Ganpatipule for displaying Sawantwadi wooden handicrafts, where tourists can purchase mementoes and souvenirs. There is also a Nakshatra Baug in Prachin Kokan, a garden of trees for each sun sign.
See The Historical Beauty Here:
Set in a lush green setting, the museum is also a bird watcher's paradise. Many species of birds from the region live in the museum's trees. A small exhibition at the museum also attempts to introduce the birds and fish found in this region.
At Prachin Konkan Museum, a life-size open-air museum demonstrating various aspects of life within rich local traditions and customs, you can admire traditional Kokan handicrafts and learn about the region's ancient culture. Explore old-style houses and artefacts, as well as restored interiors set among lush greenery and rare birds.
See shoemakers, basket weavers, millers, snake charmers, traders, soldiers, and royal family members cast in plaster and dressed in period and traditional robes. The guide will tell you about the museum's rich history, and you can enjoy a traditional meal at the museum's restaurant. Our Ganpatipule trip planner simplifies visiting Prachin Konkan Museum and other Ganpatipule attractions and assists you in creating a personalised travel itinerary.
Places To Visit Near Konkan Museum:
Ratnagiri Fort:
Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Arabian Sea, Ratnagiri Fort is a historic fortification known for its architectural grandeur. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and is a popular spot for history enthusiasts.
Ganapatipule:
Located approximately 25 kilometres from Ratnagiri, Ganapatipule is a coastal town famous for its pristine beaches and the ancient Swayambhu Ganpati Temple. The beach here is serene and offers a relaxing ambience.
Situated around 45 kilometres from Ratnagiri, Jaigad Fort is a 16th-century fort located at the Sangameshwar and the Arabian Seas confluence. It offers splendid views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.
Pawas:
Pawas is a small village located approximately 20 kilometres from Ratnagiri. It is renowned for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand, a prominent spiritual leader. The tranquil surroundings and spiritual ambience attract devotees and visitors seeking peace and tranquillity.
Ratnadurga Fort:
Ratnadurga Fort is a sea fort built during the Bahamani Sultanate era in the town of Ratnagiri itself. The defence offers panoramic views of the sea and Ratnagiri town.