Anjarle is a quiet fishing-and-farming village on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, best known for a wide beach where olive ridley sea turtles nest and for the hilltop Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple that looks out over the Arabian Sea. It sits in Dapoli taluka of Ratnagiri district, about 24 km from the taluka town of Dapoli, and rewards a slow, unhurried visit.
Anjarle, in Dapoli taluka of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, is a small Konkan coastal village with a clean, broad beach and the clifftop Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple. It is an olive ridley turtle nesting site, with a community turtle festival held roughly February to May, and is reached by road, about 24 km from Dapoli.
Key takeaways
- Anjarle is in Dapoli taluka, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, about 24 km by road from Dapoli and roughly 214 km south of Mumbai.
- The clifftop Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple is open daily 7 am to 7 pm and is known for a rare idol whose trunk curves to the right (Marathi: Ujvya Sondecha Ganpati).
- Anjarle beach is an olive ridley sea turtle nesting ground; a community turtle festival runs roughly February to May, with hatchling releases, per Wikipedia and Outlook Traveller (reconfirm dates).
- The olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, per RoundGlass Sustain.
- The nearest railway station is Khed, about 50 km away on the Konkan Railway; the nearest airports with scheduled flights are Pune (about 190 km) and Mumbai (about 215 km).
- Best season is roughly October to May; the Konkan monsoon (June to September) is heavy.
About Anjarle
Anjarle is a village in Dapoli taluka, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, on the Arabian Sea coast of the Konkan. According to Wikipedia, it sits at about 17.85°N, 73.09°E, carries PIN code 415714, and had a population of 1,654 at the 2010 census. Do not confuse it with other small Konkan hamlets of similar name.
The village runs on fishing, farming and orchards. Outlook Traveller describes an economy built on Alphonso mangoes, cashew, fishing and small-scale mango-pulp canning, with homestays adding seasonal income. It is a calm place rather than a resort strip.
Two things draw most visitors: the beach, which is a documented olive ridley turtle nesting site, and the Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple on the headland. The village is also a convenient base for the wider Dapoli coastline, including Harnai port and Suvarnadurg fort. For the broader region, see our Maharashtra travel guide.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| State / district / taluka | Maharashtra / Ratnagiri / Dapoli |
| Coordinates | About 17.85°N, 73.09°E (per Wikipedia) |
| PIN code | 415714 |
| Population | 1,654 (2010 census, per Wikipedia) |
| Nearest town | Dapoli, about 24 km |
| Headline sights | Anjarle beach, Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple |
Best time to visit Anjarle
The best time to visit Anjarle is roughly October to May, when the coast is dry and warm; the southwest monsoon from June to September brings heavy Konkan rain. If turtles are the goal, aim for the nesting-and-hatching window of about February to May, which Wikipedia and Outlook Traveller both give for the village’s turtle festival.
Ganesh Chaturthi, usually in late August or September, fills the Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple with devotees; it is atmospheric but busy. Summer (April–May) is hot and humid but overlaps the turtle season. Treat the monsoon as a green, wet off-season when sea activities largely stop.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Post-monsoon / winter | Oct–Feb | Driest, most comfortable; best for the beach and temple |
| Turtle season | Feb–May | Olive ridley nesting and hatchling releases; warm, humid |
| Summer | Apr–May | Hot and humid; mango season; fewer crowds midweek |
| Monsoon | Jun–Sep | Heavy rain, lush; sea activities limited |
How to reach Anjarle
Anjarle is reached mainly by road, since it has no railway station or airport of its own. According to Wikipedia and Outlook Traveller, it lies about 24 km from Dapoli, which is the practical transport hub; the village is connected to the main road by a bridge over the Anjarle creek (the Jog river), where ferries were once the only crossing.
By air: The nearest airports with scheduled flights are generally Pune (about 190 km) and Mumbai (about 215 km), per Wikipedia’s Dapoli page. Ratnagiri has an airport roughly 100–140 km away, but flight availability varies, so check current schedules before planning around it. From any airport, the final leg is by road.
By rail: The nearest railway station is Khed, about 50 km away on the Konkan Railway, per Wikipedia and Outlook Traveller; Ratnagiri station is roughly 65 km, per BhaktiBharat. From Khed or Ratnagiri, continue by bus or taxi via Dapoli.
By road: MSRTC state-transport and private buses serve Dapoli, and Outlook Traveller reports buses running from the Dapoli depot towards the Anjarle creek every 30 to 60 minutes. Self-drive or taxi from Pune or Mumbai is the most flexible option. For travellers routing through Pune, see our Pune travel guide.
| From | Distance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dapoli | About 24 km | Nearest town and bus hub (one source gives ~18 km) |
| Harnai | About 3 km | Fishing port and fish auction |
| Khed railway station | About 50 km | Nearest station, Konkan Railway |
| Ratnagiri station | About 65 km | Alternative railhead |
| Mumbai | About 214–215 km | Road, via NH66 and Dapoli |
| Pune | About 190 km+ | Road, via Tamhini or Varandha ghat |
Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple
The Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple (also written Kadyawaril Ganpati) is a clifftop Ganesha shrine in Anjarle, open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, according to BhaktiBharat and travel guides. It stands on a headland above the Arabian Sea, with coconut and betel-nut groves, Suvarnadurg fort and the sea visible from its upper level.
According to Wikipedia, the temple was originally built with wooden pillars around 1150 (the 11th–12th century) and renovated between 1768 and 1780; other guides place the renovation broadly in the 18th century, in a Peshwa-era style with a white exterior and dome. Wikipedia also notes its administration has rested with the Nitsure family since 1630, and that origin claims are largely undocumented.
The idol is unusual: its trunk curves to the right, which devotees call Ujvya Sondecha Ganpati and consider especially auspicious. The complex includes a small Shiva shrine and a pond with fish and turtles. These are matters of local faith rather than recorded history, and are described here as such.
The temple’s biggest occasions are the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi (August–September), ending with immersion, and Maghi Ganesh Jayanti in winter, both of which draw large crowds. Dress modestly, remove footwear at the shrine, and expect a short climb of steps.
Anjarle beach and the turtle nesting season
Anjarle beach is a long, open stretch of sand on the Arabian Sea and a recognised olive ridley sea turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) nesting site, per Wikipedia, Outlook Traveller and RoundGlass Sustain. The olive ridley is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, according to RoundGlass Sustain, which also names Anjarle among important nesting beaches in the Dapoli area.
Females come ashore to lay eggs mainly in March and April, per RoundGlass Sustain. Volunteers and local groups move eggs into protected hatcheries; after incubation (sources give roughly 45 to 60 days), hatchlings are released to the sea. Wikipedia dates the village turtle festival, when hatchlings are released, to about February to May.
Conservation here is community-led. Reports credit the NGO Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (also written Sahyadri Mitra Mandal) and local groups such as Kasav Mitra Mandal, working with villagers who guard the nests; RoundGlass Sustain notes a Maharashtra Forest and Fisheries arrangement that compensates fishermen for saving turtles caught in nets. Treat any specific festival date as provisional and reconfirm with organisers.
If you attend a release, follow instructions: keep back from the hatchlings, use no flash or lights on the beach at night, and do not handle the turtles. The beach is also good for quiet walks, swimming in calm conditions and watching coastal birds.
Top things to see and do
The two anchors are the beach and the temple, with the wider Dapoli coast adding forts, a working fishing port and caves. Below are the main options, with distances where confirmed; keep timings flexible and reconfirm locally, as many are village-run.
- Anjarle beach: swimming, long walks and, in season, turtle releases. Free; best early morning or late afternoon.
- Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple: clifftop views and the right-trunk idol; open 7 am–7 pm, free entry.
- Harnai port (about 3 km): early-morning fish auctions on the quay and views towards the sea forts.
- Suvarnadurg fort (about 3.2 km): an offshore sea fort reached by boat from Harnai; check boat availability and sea conditions.
- Panhalekaji caves: rock-cut caves inland from Dapoli, for a half-day detour.
| Experience | Where | Time needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach time / turtle release | Anjarle beach | 1–3 hrs | Free; releases seasonal (Feb–May) |
| Temple visit | Kadyavarcha Ganpati | 1 hr | Open 7 am–7 pm; free |
| Fish auction | Harnai port | 1 hr | Early morning; ~3 km |
| Sea fort | Suvarnadurg | Half day | Boat from Harnai; weather-dependent |
| Rock-cut caves | Panhalekaji | Half day | Inland detour via Dapoli |
Suggested itinerary
A relaxed weekend is enough for Anjarle itself; add a day to fold in Harnai, Suvarnadurg and the wider Dapoli coast. A sample two-night plan:
- Day 1: Arrive via Dapoli, settle into a homestay, and spend the evening on Anjarle beach. If it is turtle season, confirm any release timing with your host.
- Day 2: Early fish auction at Harnai and a boat look at Suvarnadurg fort; late morning at the Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple; afternoon at leisure on the beach.
- Day 3: Optional half-day to Panhalekaji caves or the Dapoli beaches (Karde, Ladghar), then depart.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Anjarle is mostly homestays and small guest houses, with more cottages and beach resorts in the wider Dapoli area, per Outlook Traveller. There are no large hotels in the village, so book ahead in the turtle season and around Ganesh Chaturthi.
The bands below are indicative planning estimates (as of October 2026) and were not confirmed against live tariffs; reconfirm directly with properties. Budget homestays typically fall in the lower band, with mid-range cottages and sea-view resorts in Dapoli, Karde and Murud at the higher end.
- Budget (homestay, per room/night): about ₹1,000–₹2,500 (indicative; reconfirm).
- Mid-range (cottage/guest house): about ₹2,500–₹5,000 (indicative; reconfirm).
- Higher-end (resort near Dapoli): about ₹5,000–₹9,000+ (indicative; reconfirm).
Food to try
Food here is classic coastal Konkan, leaning on fish and coconut. Outlook Traveller lists local favourites that most homestays and small eateries serve, often on request the day before.
- Fish thali / Koli thali (fisherfolk-style platter of fried and curried fish with rice bhakri).
- Fish fry (fresh catch coated in a chilli-and-semolina rub, pan-fried).
- Cashew curry (tender cashew in a coconut-based gravy; Konkan is cashew country).
- Modak (steamed rice-flour dumpling with coconut-jaggery filling, the Ganesh sweet).
- Kokum sarbat (tart, cooling drink made from dried kokum fruit).
In season, local Alphonso mango and cashew are worth buying at the source. Vegetarians are well catered to, especially around the temple.
Budget breakdown
A simple per-person estimate for a two-night Anjarle trip is below. These are indicative planning estimates (as of October 2026), not live quotes, and assume two people sharing, homestay lodging and local transport; reconfirm before you travel. Fuel for a self-drive from Pune or Mumbai would be extra.
| Item | Estimate (₹) | Assumptions |
|---|---|---|
| Stay (2 nights) | 1,000–2,500 | Homestay room split two ways |
| Food (2 days) | 800–1,500 | Homestay meals + a thali |
| Local transport | 600–1,500 | Bus/taxi Dapoli–Anjarle, Harnai hop |
| Boat / activities | 300–800 | Suvarnadurg boat, optional |
| Approx. total | 2,700–6,300 | Excludes long-distance travel from home city |
Permits and rules
No special entry permit is needed to visit Anjarle, its beach or the Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple; it is an ordinary coastal village open to all travellers. The important rules are conduct-based, especially around turtle nesting.
During the turtle season, follow organisers’ instructions on the beach: keep your distance from hatchlings, avoid bright lights and flash photography at night, and never touch or lift the turtles. At the temple, dress modestly and remove footwear. Carry out your litter; the Konkan coast has had problems with beach trash, per RoundGlass Sustain.
Practical tips
Anjarle is small and semi-rural, so plan for limited services. Outlook Traveller advises carrying cash, as digital payments may not work everywhere; keep enough on hand for homestays and local transport.
- Cash and connectivity: carry cash; mobile network and UPI can be patchy in the village.
- Medical: for anything beyond basic first aid, Dapoli (about 24 km) has the nearest larger facilities; confirm with your host on arrival.
- Footwear and sun: bring comfortable shoes for temple steps and short walks, plus sun protection for the open beach.
- Solo and women travellers: the village is quiet and family-oriented; stick to daylight for the beach and arrange transport through your homestay after dark.
- Packing: light cottons October–May, strong rain gear in the monsoon, and a torch for unlit lanes at night.
Nearby places
Anjarle pairs naturally with the rest of the Dapoli coast. The table below lists the closest worthwhile stops; distances are approximate and road-dependent.
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Harnai | About 3 km | Fishing port and early-morning fish auction |
| Suvarnadurg fort | About 3.2 km | Offshore sea fort, by boat from Harnai |
| Dapoli | About 24 km | Transport hub, markets, beaches (Karde, Ladghar) |
| Kelshi | North along the coast | Beach and Mahalaxmi temple |
| Panhalekaji caves | Inland via Dapoli | Ancient rock-cut caves |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Anjarle and how do I reach it?
Anjarle is a coastal village in Dapoli taluka, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, about 24 km from Dapoli. It has no station or airport, so most people drive or take a bus via Dapoli. The nearest railway station is Khed, about 50 km away on the Konkan Railway.
When is the best time to visit Anjarle?
The best time to visit Anjarle is roughly October to May, when the Konkan coast is dry and warm. For turtles, aim for the nesting-and-hatching window of about February to May. The June-to-September monsoon is heavy, and sea activities largely pause during it.
When is the Anjarle turtle festival and can I see hatchlings?
Anjarle’s community turtle festival runs roughly February to May, when olive ridley hatchlings are released to the sea, per Wikipedia and Outlook Traveller. Exact dates are not fixed and vary each year, so confirm with local organisers before you travel. Nesting peaks in March and April.
What are the Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple timings?
The Kadyavarcha Ganpati temple at Anjarle is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm, per BhaktiBharat and travel guides. Entry is free. The temple sits on a clifftop above the sea and is busiest during the ten-day Ganesh Chaturthi and at Maghi Ganesh Jayanti.
Is Anjarle good for families and swimming?
Yes. Anjarle is a calm, family-oriented village with a wide, open beach suited to walks and swimming in gentle conditions. Supervise children in the water, as there are no formal lifeguards, and avoid the sea in rough weather and during the monsoon.
Do I need a permit to visit Anjarle?
No permit is required to visit Anjarle, its beach or the temple. The main rules are conduct-based: during turtle season keep your distance from hatchlings, avoid night lights and flash, and never handle the turtles. Dress modestly at the temple and carry out all litter.
Last updated and sources
Anjarle suits travellers who want a quiet Konkan beach, a hilltop temple and, in season, a turtle hatchling release rather than nightlife or resorts. Go between October and May, and reconfirm turtle-festival dates before planning around them.
Last updated: 24 October 2026. Fees, timings and permits change — reconfirm with official sources before you travel.
Sources: Wikipedia: Anjarle; Wikipedia: Dapoli; Outlook Traveller: Anjarle; RoundGlass Sustain: Olive ridley turtles of Dapoli; BhaktiBharat: Kadyawaril Ganapati Temple. Accessed September 2026.
