RATNAGIRI

Ansal Plaza Mall is one of the oldest and most prominent shopping centers in Ratnagiri. Known for its expansive and well-designed spaces, it provides an ideal setting for relaxation and socializing. The mall boasts impressive infrastructure that has set a benchmark for other shopping centers in the region. Visitors can enjoy a variety of high-quality restaurants and bars, making it a popular destination for both shopping and leisure.

Apna Bazaar is a popular retail spot in Shivaji Nagar, Ratnagiri, offering a wide range of household items, groceries, and daily essentials. Its convenient location and diverse product selection make it a favored choice among locals for their everyday shopping needs. The market’s accessibility and variety ensure that residents and visitors alike can find everything they require under one roof.

Chiplun has long served as a vital trade center in the Konkan region, largely due to its strategic location on the banks of the Vashishti River. Historical references suggest that Chiplun was recognized as a port town as early as the 8th century. This legacy continues today in the form of its bustling markets, which remain central to the town’s social and economic life.

The main market is situated along the Chiplun-Karad road, which runs through the center of the town. According to shopkeepers, this road has hosted commercial activity for generations. Over time, the market has expanded beyond this central street, spilling into surrounding lanes and residential areas. Shops now line even the narrow by-lanes, and the definition of the “main market” has grown to include nearby streets with gyms, ice cream parlors, medical shops, and eateries.

Further, Ratnagiri is known for its marine produce. Most shop owners live close to or above their stores, contributing to a strong sense of local community and continuity. The market is characterized by a mix of open-air sections for vegetables and fish, and permanent structures housing a variety of shops. Certain items like fish and vegetables are sold in clearly designated cluster markets, while other commercial spaces are often grouped by category. Shops for clothing, sweets, watches, and hotels are typically adjacent, sometimes even sharing walls.

Clothing shops stand out with bright, decorative lighting, while medical stores are easily identified by their signature green or cyan signage. Locals note that the number of medical shops has noticeably increased in recent years.

Chiplun Fish Market lies within the central market area and is the designated spot for fish vendors. This space is primarily run by the wives of local fishermen from the Agri and Katkari communities, as well as Muslim traders. It is a vibrant, crowded place where fresh seafood is sold daily, offering a snapshot of Chiplun’s coastal economy and fishing traditions.

The vegetable market in Chiplun is another designated section within the main market. It is operated by a mix of local farmers and traders who bring fresh produce from nearby districts. This ensures a regular and varied supply of seasonal vegetables to local residents. The vegetable market not only meets the town’s daily nutritional needs but also supports local agriculture.

Friday Market, also known as Shukravar Bazaar, is held every Friday in Pirlote, Ratnagiri district. It is a weekly open-air market that draws crowds from across the district. It features major sections for vegetable and fruit vendors, dry fish sellers, hardware items, cloth vendors, and toast-khari sellers. The market operates with light regulation from local authorities, maintaining a traditional and community-driven atmosphere.

Maruti Mandir Market is situated in the Maruti Mandir area of Ratnagiri and is a bustling retail hub open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday through Saturday. It is renowned for its wide range of products, including fabrics, dress materials, children’s wear, and men’s clothing. Shoppers can explore popular stores such as Ashapura Collection, Swag Clothing, and Aarti Collection, each offering a unique selection of garments and accessories.

Markets outside Parshuram Mandir offer a specialized shopping experience, focusing on Konkani religious and food items. Visitors can find Pooja Thalis, Aampolis, Phanaspolis/Vadis, concentrated Kokum Sharbat, Sol Kadhi, and local Konkani vegetarian food in these markets. Additionally, vendors sell refreshing treats like Nimboo Sharbat, ice creams, Kokum Sharbat, coconut water, and ice golas, making it a cultural and culinary hotspot.

New Market refers to the expanded areas around Chiplun’s main market, where newer businesses have emerged on the outskirts. This area includes eateries, sweet shops, medical stores, and general retailers. It is marked by modern establishments such as Pooja Theatre and Indira Gandhi Sanskrutik Kendra, reflecting the district’s evolving commercial landscape.

Ratnagiri Market is a lively and dynamic marketplace that offers a unique glimpse into the local culture and commerce of the coastal town. Its narrow lanes are filled with shops selling traditional handicrafts, fresh produce, and popular street foods like Vada Pav and Pani Puri. The market serves as both a shopping destination and a social gathering place, providing an authentic experience of Ratnagiri’s daily life.

Reliance SMART in Ratnagiri, part of the well-known Reliance chain, is a modern shopping center that offers a comprehensive retail experience. It provides a wide range of products, from groceries to electronics, catering to the daily needs of both locals and visitors. The mall ensures quality and convenience, making it a one-stop destination for all shopping requirements.

Tuesday Market, or Mangalwar Bazaar, is a weekly market held every Tuesday in Khed taluka, Ratnagiri district. It sells a variety of goods, including vegetables, fruits, dry fish, spices, and small household items. This market is essential for the local community, offering a diverse selection of products in a traditional setting.

Yojak is a popular destination for those looking to experience authentic Konkani flavours. Run by the Bhide family, this shop is known for its wide range of products made from regional fruits like mango, kokum, jackfruit, and karvand. Yojak offers a variety of jams, jellies, pickles, and barfis that reflect the culinary traditions of the Konkan region. Over the years, it has earned a strong reputation for quality and consistency.