A bit of Burma

HIT THE ROAD

You might think that a strange title for a piece on Ratnagiri, but a Burmese connection exists there all right. In 1885, when the British invaded and took control of Burma, they exiled King Thibaw to Ratnagiri, where he spent the rest of his days.

His palace still exists, although it's rather run down. Thibaw Point, a short walk from the palace, offers great views of Ratnagiri, though. Also take a look at Ratnadurg fort, or what is left of it anyway "� the remains give an indication of how impressive it once must have been. Round it all off with a walk on one of Ratnagiri's beautiful beaches.

Ratnagiri is 373 km from Mumbai via Chiplun and Sangameshwar.Try Hotel Landmark (Ph: 02353-2220120, Rs 500 onwards) or Kohinoor Samudra Resort (Ph: 02352-2235231, Rs 2,500 onwards with meals).

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