Ratnagiri is located in the southwestern part of Maharashtra State on the Arabian Sea coast. Ratnagiri became the administrative capital under the Bijapur rulers. It forms a part of the greater tract known as Konkan. This tract is historically famous for it long coastline and convenient harbours, together with it comparative nearness to the Arabian Sea.

The surrounding area is bordered by the Sahyadri Hills on the West; the heavy rainfall results into highly eroded landscape in the coastal region. Fertile alluvial valleys produce rice and coconut as the main crops; fruit and cashew nut cultivation is being promoted.