The district of Ratnagiri, located in the southwestern part of Maharashtra offers some of the most diverse attractions. It is nestled in the midst of the Sahayadris and the Arabian Sea. The beaches in and around Ratnagiri are not just beautiful, but also relatively unexplored. The numerous beaches of Chiplun, Dapoli and Guhagar contribute to the unparallel beauty of Ratnagiri. Rich in verdant natural beauty, it is blessed with hills, forests, sea shores, rivers, and waterfalls. With its exotic agricultural produce including mango, cashew and beetle nut and its famous Warli art it attracts a steady stream of visitors.

• Beaches: There are many beaches in and around Ratnagiri. Talk a walk down to Ratnagiri beach, a lovely tranquil unspoilt beach. Also famous for their beauty and serenity on the coastline of Konkan, are the beaches of Chiplun, Dapoli, Guhagar and Ganapatipule.

• Ratnadurga Fort: Located on the sea shore of Ratnagiri and spread across an area of about 120 acres, the fort is horseshoe shaped. Surrounded by sea on three sides part of the cliff is now a cave. Pay a visit to a temple inside the fort called the "Bhagwati Mandir" which is dedicated to the Goddess Bhagwati. This ancient temple is quite famous among the locals as well as tourists who come here to pay respects.

• Tilak Smarak: It is here that the great freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak was born. The ancestral house of the great freedom fighter of India is now a landmark and open to visitors.

• Thibaw Palace: This was built for the exiled King and Queen of Burma in 1910-11 and now houses the Ratnagiri Sub-center of the Mumbai University.

• Jaigad Fort: It is set high up on a cliff with a spectacular view of the sea. Situated at the entrance of the Sangameshwar River, it has a sheltered bay.

• Chiplun: This is a serene little town situated on the banks of the Vashisthi River. A major stop for the Konkan Railway, Chiplun is easily accessible. Literally meaning "The abode of Lord Parshuram”, here you can find the famous Parshuram Temple. This ancient temple is famous for the incarnation of Vishnu. Located off the road to Guhagar, Velneshwar and Hedvi are other beautiful temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ganesh respectively. A ride in the Vashisti River or a trek in the nearby hills is the perfect way to chill out. The monsoon brings in the best time to check out the Sawatsada waterfalls.

• Ganapatipule: An ancient pilgrim center, it is located about 25 kms from Ratnagiri district. Its coastline is abundant with scenic greenery and, it is also home to one of the most pristine beaches along the Konkan coast. Head out to see the mysterious Swayambhoo (a naturally formed idol) of Lord Ganesh.

When in Ratnagiri the best food to try out is Malwani seafood; there are some great food joints that one can head out to. Visit Hotel Vivek that serves a variety of cuisine in its popular garden restaurant called DownTown. Hotel Ratnagiri has a restaurant along with an outdoor garden dining experience. MDTC Resort has a pleasant open air restaurant that severs good food and is moderately priced.