Ratnagiri may be best known as the home of the famous Alphonso mango, but this stretch of Maharashtra’s Konkan coast offers much more than its famous fruit. Among Ratnagiri’s most fascinating attractions is Thibaw Palace, a reminder of an unexpected chapter in Indian and Burmese history. Built in 1910, the elegant red brick structure was used by the British to exile Thibaw Min, the last king of Burma, now Myanmar. Distinguished by its symmetrical design and Burmese pagoda-style roofs, the palace today houses a small archaeological museum that sheds light on the history of the region.
A short distance away stands Ratnadurg Fort, also known as Bhagwati Fort. This imposing horseshoe-shaped fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides, creating dramatic coastal views. Visitors can walk along its wide stone walls taking in panoramic views of the coastline. Within the fort complex lies the peaceful Bhagwati Temple, an important local place of worship. Further north, Jaigad Fort occupies a commanding position where the Shastri River meets the Arabian Sea. Dating back to the 16th century, the castle overlooks the estuary from a rugged cliff-side setting. Adjacent to it stands an impressive British-era lighthouse built in 1932, adding another layer of maritime history to the landscape.
