Detailed Description

Location:  Ratanwadi / Akole Taluka / Ahmednagar
Distance from Pune: 215 km
Distance from Mumbai: 180 km
Trekking Duration: 1 day
Trekking Length: 3 hours to the summit
Starting point: Ratanwadi is the base village
Best season: Monsoon and winter
Difficulty: Easy / Medium
Height: 1142 mt (4250 feet) above sea level

 

 

 

What to see at the fort

 

-A small Ganesh temple within a cave.
-Big and small caves scattered around the fort
-Ruins of Rani Mahal
-Pravara river originates in Ratangad  
-The Amruteshwar Temple at Ratanwadi(base village)
-View of the scenic beauty surrounding the fort from the top

 

 

A brief history

 

 

The Ratangad fort is believed to be about 2000 years old. It was initially having a number of naturally formed caves, but gradually over the centuries, its inhabitants built the fort around the natural rock structures. The fort has a rock peak, with a cavity in it at the top, which is called 'Nedhe' or 'Eye of the Needle'.

 

 

In recent history the fort was captured by Shivaji Maharaj and it is believed that it was one of his favorite forts because of the natural scenic beauty surrounding the fort.

 

 

The base village Ratanwadi also has historic importance as it is home to the Amruteshwar temple whose origins can be traced back to Hemandpant era of the 8th century. The fort is also said to be the origin of the Pravara River and the Bhandardara dam has been built on this river.  

 

 

 

The Ratangad fort trek is a fairly simple trek, which passes through small fields and thick forests by the Pravara River. The trek is divided into 3 stages; each stage is separated by small plateaus.

 

 

 

Towards the end of the trek there are 2 iron ladders one after another, which takes trekkers to the top of the fort. For trekkers trekking Ratangad for the first time it is advisable to hire a guide from the base village (Ratanwadi) as during the rainy season the terrain can be confusing and also the actual fort may not be visible dueto the presence of dense fog from the base village.

 

 

 

Camping Info

 

 

Ratangad is a great location for camping. There are a number of caves at the fort and are spacious, there is a cave at the summit which is big enough to accommodate about 20 people and has an iron grill which can be closed at night for safety atop the fort, although carrying your own tent would always be advisable.

 

 

During weekends the villagers do set up small stalls and serve 'Pitla Bhakri' and tea but do not bank on it and carry enough water and food. Trekkers can also opt to camp near Bhandardara Lake or stay there as the place has some good staying options.

 

 

How to reach

 

Route from Mumbai to Ratangad fort

By Private Vehicle (Car/Cab)

Take the following route:

Mumbai - > Thane - > Padgha -> Shahapur -> Khardi -> Kasara -> Igatpuri -> Ghoti -> Bhandardara -> Ratanwadi -> Ratangad fort.

 

 

By Public Transport (Bus / Train)

 

From Mumbai there are ST (State Transport) buses or trains available to Igatpuri, distance between Mumbai to Igatpuri are 121 kilometers, from here there are ST (State Transport) buses and local transport available to Bhandardara or Shendi village, from here on there are local transport available to Ratanwadi village.

 

 

From Mumbai there are trains available to Igatpuri, from Mumbai to Igatpuri is around 121 kilometers, and then follow the same route from Igatpuri as mentioned above.   

 

Route from Pune to Ratangad fort

 

By Private Vehicle (Car/Cab)

Take the following route:

Pune -> Lonikand -> Shikrapur -> Ranjangaon -> Shirur -> Ahmednagar -> Rajuri -> Shendi -> Ratanwadi -> Ratangad fort.

 

By Public Transport (Bus / Train)

 

From Pune there are direct ST (State Transport) buses available from Shivajinagar to Rajuri (Ahmednagar), From Rajuri there are local transport are available to reach at Shendi village, from here there are taxi available to reach at Ratanwadi village.

 

 

 

From Pune junction there are trains available to Ahmednagar, from Ahmednagar there are ST (State Transport) buses and local transport available to Rajuri, and then follow the same route from Rajuri mentioned above.