Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Ratangad Fort

The historical monument of Ratangad Fort has lured trekkers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers to this part of the globe by dint of its presence in Maharashtra's lush green Sahyadri range. Ratangad lies within a kilometer of Ratanwadi village in Ahmednagar district. The fort is approximately 4,255 feet (1,297 meters) above sea level. This old fort is believed to be over 400 years old and affords some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the ranges: Alang, Madan, Kulang, Kalsubai, and the vast Bhandardara reservoir. The fort has a sobriquet the "Jewel of the Sahyadris" aptly so because of its history and beautiful surroundings. It is one of the favourite adventure destination sites for trekking journeys through dense forests and cascading waterfalls, crossing rugged terrain to reach the top.

Historical Significance

Ratangad Fort holds great historical importance since it was one of the numerous forts conquered and used by the great Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, during his conquests. It was a Bahmani Sultanate-origin structure that after falling to Mughals saw them taken by Marathas in the 17th century. Ratangad is very strategically placed with regards to dominating all the trades as well as areas nearby hence quite an ideal strongpoint to execute military maneuverings. This wonderful fort still stands today as a witness to the glorious past of this edifice and speaks to an era when fortifications, bastions, water cisterns, and caves formed architecture. Nedhe is perhaps one of the attractions of Ratangad; it is popularly known as the "Eye of the Needle" natural rock cavity.

Best Time to Visit (Seasonal Conditions)

Ahmednagar and its surrounding Sahyadri region primarily depend upon the tourist's preference to visit it. However, during the season from October to March when the climate is cool and pleasing, it is best for trekking and sightseeing.

• Winter (October to February): Probably one of the best periods to go outdoors, as the temperatures range between 10°C and 25°C. The post-monsoon greens are fresh and lively. Such a setting presents beautiful landscapes. Sahyadri trekking is not very challenging. The camping grounds have clear, starry skies. Harishchandragad and Kalsubai show their best during these seasons.

• Summer (March to June): This is one of the harsh summer months as it is always sunny with scorching heat rising to 40°C during the time of summer months, especially in Ahmednagar plain but the Sahyadris, however, is significantly cooler with temperatures at an elevation of Bhandardara and Kalsubai. Try to plan early in the morning or late evening hours to escape from the scorching midday sun.

• Monsoon (June to September): At the time of monsoon, the place resembles a heaven full of flowing waterfalls, misty mountains and overflowing lakes. The rain will make trekking dangerous as they are very slippery and have a lot of leeches too, but when it is really beautiful. Beauties like waterfalls and the misty surroundings attract tourists such as Bhandardara and Malshej Ghat to their places.

How to Reach Ratangad Fort

Ratangad Fort is one of the most beautiful hill forts in Maharashtra. It is a paradise for trekkers and history enthusiasts alike. Located in the Western Ghats near the Bhandardara region, Ratangad offers mesmerizing views of the Sahyadri ranges and has rich historical significance. There are multiple ways to reach Ratangad via rail, road, and public transport coming from Mumbai, Pune, or Nashik.

Nearest Railway Stations: Igatpuri and Kasara

The two closest railway stations to Ratangad are Igatpuri and Kasara; the two connect perfectly to reach cities like Mumbai and others, where one gets Igatpuri Railway Station roughly 50 kilometres from Ratangad which happens to lie in the train route from Mumbai-Nashik for people approaching Mumbai and Nashik. Other similar railway stations from where it is easier to alight and walk to Ratangad are Kasara Railway Station located about 65 km from Mumbai and the Ratangad trek begins from Ratanwadi/Shendi. From these two stations, private taxis could be hired or shared jeeps or state transport buses could be taken respectively to reach the base village.

Road Route from Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik

• From Mumbai: NH 160, Approx. 180 km from Mumbai towards Nashik via Mumbai-Nashik Expressway. This takes us close to Igatpuri. Then we take the Bhandardara road from Ghoti, with a short drive to Ratanwadi, which is where the trek begins. Another way is taking the Mumbai-Kasara route, and then onwards to Bhandardara.

• From Pune: From Pune around 200 Km, which is by travelling through Pune - Nashik Highway (NH 60) from Pune towards Sangamner move towards Bhandardara via Rajur. Further, you move towards Ratanwadi; it is roughly 25 km from here. The tour is a spectacular view of Sahyadri and green scenery all over when the rains start or winter ends.

• From Nashik (About 80 km): The approach from Nashik to Ratangad is extremely easy. Travel towards Ghoti and take the road towards Bhandardara and Ratanwadi. Nashik is the nearest major city to Ratangad, so it forms one of the best points for a short weekend trek.

• Private transport: Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation buses are available from Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik to Igatpuri, Kasara, and Bhandardara. From there, local jeeps and private cabs will take you to Ratanwadi, the base village of the trek.

The best option is private transport, which saves you time, especially while travelling in groups. You can hire a taxi from Mumbai, Pune, or Nashik to reach Ratanwadi directly. Independent travellers also enjoy self-drive cars and bikes, which are convenient for adventure-loving travellers. Accessibility to Ratanwadi may be difficult during the monsoon season as the road is bad and boats from Bhandardara Dam are often used to reach this village; trekking is an exciting but challenging activity during the monsoon season as trails may get slippery. However, the journey to Ratangad Fort itself is an adventure, with different options of routes according to your starting point and the vehicle you prefer. Whether you opt for a private vehicle or even the jeep joyride by the locals, the journey to Ratangad is as good as the trek itself.

Trekking difficulty and challenges

It is a moderate level of trekking. The moderate treks consist of gradual ascents, steep climbs, and rugged terrain, which require a reasonable level of fitness and endurance. Overall, this trek is far from being one of the most difficult but still contains obstacles that require preparation and determination. The prominent challenge that this involves is the steep climbs, which could be a tough test for the person's stamina and leg strength. These sections will need occasional breaks, especially for novice trekkers or those who are not used to high-altitude treks. The inclines could run along for long periods and can be taxing in some spots, requiring careful pacing to avoid exhaustion. Then, there is the rocky patches segment where the ground is uneven, requiring exact foot placements. Loosely spread boulders, slippery surfaces, and sometimes narrow pathways add technical flavour to Trekking poles are useful at these points in maintaining balance and not straining the knees much. The trail can be treacherous as well due to the rocky stretches, especially on rainy or snowy days when it is slippery and hard to keep a footing on. One needs to be cautious every step of the way and not tread too slowly so as not to tread in the wrong spots where one would tend to get bruises or go panting.

Campsite at Ratangad Fort

The treasure trove of trekkers and campers, Ratangad Fort in the Western Ghats, Maharashtra. Located at an altitude of 4,255 feet, it gives panoramic views of the Sahyadri ranges. It is one of the best places to experience overnight camping. The ancient caves, sunrise views, and historical importance are the main attractions of this fort. Camping here at Ratangad is exhilarating as the travellers can closely get in contact with nature while being away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Best Places to Camp

The beautiful Ratangad Fort offers so many amazing sites for camping safely and delightfully. The location is very much in demand, which lies inside the fort's naturally crafted caves. Large in size and protecting from windy storms, downpours, or wild animals and giving an old feel with camping, those are just awesome. There are several camps by the entrance to the fort where the ground is relatively flat. The Nedhe or Eye of the Needle site is one place of great scenic beauty from where one gets an unparalleled view of the peaks and valleys surrounding this place. Camping at this location can be dangerous due to strong winds.

Other Treks and Places around

• Harishchandragad Fort

  Harishchandragad is one of the historical hill forts situated in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. It is one of the best hill forts, which offers breathtaking landscapes and adventurous trekking routes. The fort is situated at an elevation of around 4,670 feet, and it holds deep historical significance that dates back to the 6th century under the rule of the Kalachuri dynasty. One of the favourite destinations for trekkers and adventure lovers is Harishchandragad with multiple trails to the top. The toughest track leads through Khireshwar village covered in dense forests and steep climbs as well as rugged patches. Here at Harishchandragad, there is an attractive place that remains a wonderful Konkan Kada great cliff that gives eye-catching views of the Konkan region.

• Kalsubai Peak (Highest Peak in Maharashtra)

  Kalsubai Peak is the highest mountain peak in Maharashtra, about 5,400 feet and a dream place for trekkers and lovers of nature to visit. It is an unforgettable trek set in the mountain range of Sahyadri, which could provide spectacular views. It begins from Bari village, which would take approximately 3-4 hours to reach the peak. The tracks are mainly boulder patches with metal ladders and steep ascends, which form a thrilling climb for adventure lovers. Atop the Kalsubai Peak lies a little temple dedicated to Goddess Kalsubai and that is why the name is said to have originated. Lots of devotees flock there for worship during the Navratri, a nine-night Hindu festival.

Sandhan Valley Trek

Sandhan Valley also translates into a canyon-like "Valley of Shadows" or perhaps one of the most thrilling and personalized experiences in treks throughout the entire state of Maharashtra. Placed between two vast ranges of hills at Bhandardara, the Sandhan Valley trek would offer great rappelling along with fantastic campsites around Samrad. Starting from a simple village from here, descend on narrow rocky stretches and waters gives an almost breathtaking experience during your trek through there.

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