As the name suggests, Ratangad Fort is truly a ‘jewel’ amidst the forests in the region. It lives fully up to its name as some regard it as a little paradise. It has so much to offer to visitors. Right from the historical links where it was the most cherished possession of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to its association with the Amruteshwar temple; Ratangad Fort become a place of reverence and respect.
Ratangad fort is a part of the Kalsubai range, which consists of some of the highest peaks in the Sahyadris. It commands an excellent view of all surrounding areas, overlooking the Konkan plains, Bhandardara lake, Alang, Madan, Kulang, and the huge wall of Katrabai cliff & Ajoba hills. Experience the colossal cliffs unfolding in front of your eyes, one behind the other as you walk on the edge of the fort.
Besides this, Ratangad Fort has something to delight the trekkers as well as the photographers who are completely mesmerized by its scintillating beauty.
A steady uphill climb of about 3 hours leads to the top of the Ratangad fort. A thumb-like pinnacle (Khunta of Ratangad) facing Alang at 1230 m – 4037 ft, is an interesting proposition. Ratangad has a natural rock peak with a cavity at the top which is called “Nedhe” or “Eye of the Needle”. From there they get astonishing views of nature. The fort has four gates known as Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan, and Trimbak. There are two caves in the Ratangad Fort, one of the caves is smaller and can accommodate 8-10 people, while the other cave is larger and can accommodate 40-50 people. It is an interesting fortress, situated at the edge of the ghats with numerous water cisterns and caves.
According to the local legend, Ratangad Fort’s historical link with Agastya Rishi is equally engrossing. The rishi meditated here and performed penance. As a reward, two drops of ‘Amrut’ were dropped on Ratangad. Since then there is a continuous flow of water from Ratangad Fort, which has resulted in the origin of the river Pravara. This is the reason why the river is also known as ‘Amrutvahini.’
Trekkers find themselves completely transformed once they have the experience of visiting Ratangad Fort. The trekkers flock to Ratangad from August to February as they can capture the beautiful scenery during this period.
Geographically Ratangad is at the banks of the Bhandardara lake in the Ahmednagar district. With views of the lake and highest mountains in the Sahyadri looks very much lost in time. This fort offers fabulous views of majestic Sahyadri ranges. Right from Katrabai till Sandhan Valley. One of the most beautiful forts in Flowering September, Ratangad, seems to be shadowed by yellow “Sonaki” flowers.
Many trekkers are visiting the fort post-monsoon as the fort is covered in a carpet of yellow flowers. Once in seven years, the Karvi flowers bloom, Karvi includes the fort in the purple color carpet not to miss for any Sahyadri explorer. You can also camp inside the caves you will need to carry your food and cook your food.
The Ratanwadi village has Amruteshwar Temple which is famous for its carvings. This is a 1,200-year-old Hemadpanti temple. The walls of this temple are adorned with beautiful and intricate stone carvings and sculptures. The Pravara river flows by the temple.
Deccan > Aundh > Nashik Phata > Sangamner > Bhandardara > Ratanwadi (Base)
23:30 – Deccan
23:45 – Aundh
23:59 – Nashik Phata
