Cool Travel Magazine

Ratangad – A Fort Hidden In The Sahyadri Greens

Ratangad is a perfect destination for those who like adventure travel. This is a fort about more than 400 years old, located in Ratan Wadi, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India. This fort lies in the Ajoba mountain range which is surrounded by mountains of Alang, Kalsubai,Kulang, Katarabai etc. Ratangad fort is around 4500 ft above sea level and and has a natural rock with cavity, which is known as ‘eye of the needle’,in the peak of the fort. It is simply amazing to watch the entire region from the peak. The fort as its name indicates, is really a jewel among all hill forts in sahyadri. The fort is located on the banks of Bhandardara lake in Ahmednagar. The journey through the fresh water lake with the great hills on the sides is actually a visual treat. It will take around 3 hours to reach the top from the base. The climb to the fort is not so steep, and merely before the final climb there are two steel ladders and some rock steps before reaching the door of the fort. There is a chance of losing the way at this point and better to hire local guides to show the route. From here route right leads to the fort where the route left leads to Rani Mahal. The rock steps are slippery and dangerous and should take care in this point. This oldest contrived catchment area with its beautiful locale of Bhandardara is really amazing. An ancient temple about 1000 years old is located at the base of this fort. This well preserved temple of Lord Shiva at Amurteshwar is really an apotheosis of architectural skill of ancient civilisation.

Getting There

By Air : Nearest airport Mumbai or Pune.

By Rail : Igatpuri is the nearest railway station. This is about 50 km from Ratangad.

By road : This fort is located on the Munbai-Nasik highway about 130 km from Mumbai, overlooking the picturesque locale of Bhandardara, one of the oldest artificial catchment area

Picturesque Views Of Ratangad
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