Ratangad is a 400 year old fort in Maharashtra.
The fort is situated in Ratanwadi, a picturesque village that overlooks the stunning Bhandardara. As you make your way up the natural rock formation, you will come across an emerging tip at the top known as ‘Nedhe’ or ‘the eye of the needle’. And let’s not forget about the wells on the top, each located near the four gates of the fort – Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan, and Trimbak.
The fort provides a panoramic view of the Sahyadri range that can only be compared to paradise for the photographer in you. However, beware of the almost deadly monkeys that inhabit the area. Hire a guide, no matter how confident you are, to keep you on track and protect you from these vicious creatures.
The trek is quite jagged, and if you go during a foggy season, it’s easy to get lost. So make sure to wear a windbreaker for protection from the elements. Trust us, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
The trek is grueling, but the reward comes in the form of exotic fauna that you won’t see anywhere else. Most of the trek is alongside the river Pravara or Amrutavahini, and you’ll even come across two plateaus that fall in the middle of the trek. These plateaus are monumental for catching your breath and rejuvenating yourself.
The ladders you’ll find in the last leg of the trek will be a piece of cake to climb on, which will lead you to the Tryambak darwaja, the official entrance to the Fort. And once you reach the top, you’ll be awestruck by the number of caves that line the fort. The structure itself is intriguing and mysterious.
But before you start your trek, make sure to pay a visit to the Amruteshwar temple. It’s an essential part of the experience and without it, your trip is sure to remain incomplete.
Getting to the fort is relatively easy. The nearest railway station is the Igatpuri station, about 27 km away. You can also take a 6 km boat ride and 4 km walk to the village of Ratanwadi and then trek to the fort.
If you’re already planning a trip to Maharashtra, make sure to visit Ratangad during the December-January months. It’s the best time to visit, as the trek will be comfortable and enjoyable.
In the rainy season, the trek to the fort can get challenging, and in summer, it might be too hot. So pack accordingly, and don’t forget to hire a guide!
Ratangad has a natural rock peak with a cavity in it at the top which is called ‘Nedhe’ or ‘Eye of the Needle’. The fort has four gates Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan and Trimbak. The sculptures of Lord Ganesh and Hanuman are seen on the main gate.[3] It also has many wells on the top. The main attraction at Ratanwadi is the Amruteshwar Temple, famous for its carvings, dating back to the Hemadpant Era – roughly from the eighth century. The fort is origin for the river Pravara/Amrutvahini. The Bhandardara dam (Arthar dam) is built on this river. From the top of the fort neighbouring forts like Alang, kulang, Madan gad, Harishchandragad, Patta are seen easily. The view of entire Bhandardara dam( Lake Arthur) gives sheer pleasure. There are many rock cut water cisterns on the fort. Some of them store potable water throughout the year. There is a natural hole in the mountain top probably caused by wind erosion. It is 10 feet high and 60 feet wide. Due to its shape it is called Nedhe (or eye of the needle in Marathi).On the eastern side of the fort there are two caves, which can be used for overnight stay. This fort can be visited in any part of the year however the beast season is from October–February when the temperature is cool and the vegetation has not dried up.
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