Prachin Konkan Museum - History, Timings & Entry Fee

Museum / Gallery

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Ganpatipule Bus Stand): 0.6 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1-2 Hours

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 600 m from Ganpatipule Bus Stand and 1 km from Ganpatipule Beach, Prachin Kokan is an open air museum situated in Ganpatipule. It is one of the top places to visit in Ganpatipule.

Spread over an area of 3 acres, the museum has several exhibits depicting the traditional Konkan way of life. The museum was constructed in 2004 by Vaibhav Sardesai who succeeded in not only providing interesting information about Konkan to the tourists but also employment opportunities for the locals. One can get the glimpses of local rural life including the local deities, the lifestyle, barter trade of the olden days, various professions of the people, etc. inside the museum.

The museum showcases the ingenuity of the Kokan with sculptures of the Maratha hero Shivaji maharaj depicting historical moments, and models of the amazing sea forts in the Kokan region. Prachin Konkan has a counter for exhibiting the Sawantwadi wooden handicrafts, the first of its kind in Ganpatipule, where tourists can purchase memorabilia and souvenirs. In Prachin Kokan there is also a Nakshatra Baug - a garden of trees for each sun sign.

Set in a lush green locale the museum is also a paradise for bird watchers. The trees in the museum are home to many species of birds of the region. The museum also attempts to introduce the birds and fish found in this region by way of a small exhibition.

Entry Fee: Rs. 40 per person with guide.

Timings: 8.30 AM to 6 PM