“Ratan” means jewel. Ratangad is known as the jewel fort. It is situated in dense forests of Kalsubai – Harishchandragad range and offers a very beautiful view from the top.
Fort Type: Hill
Maximum Height: 4255 ft.
Region: Igatpuri
Base Village: Ratanwadi.
Difficulty: Medium
Cost: Rs. 750/- {It includes Morning Breakfast, Travelling from Dadar to dadar by private Non Ac Bus , Guide & expertise charges}.
History:-
The fort is origin for the river Pravara / Amrutvahini . The Bhandardara dam is built on this river. Ratangad has a natural rock peak with a cavity in it at the top which is called 'Nedhe' or 'Eye of the Needle'; formed by natural erosion, it is big enough to accommodate a group Of ten people and the view of the entire region from here is absolutely amazing. Ratangad was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle and was one of his favourites. The base village Ratanwadi has a beautiful Amruteshwar temple which is famous for its carvings.
The entry to the fort is through two ladders & the ladders are in poor shape. One of them has the railing of a complete side hanging, while the other has no railings for the last 5 rungs. Besides they are supported by apparently flimsy supports. And another entrance of the fort is called Tryambak darwaza, this is Main Entrance. The steep way down from the Tryambak darwaza are little risky. A chor darwaza ("Secret entrance") the fort lies below the walls. A water tank on top of the mountain. Ratangad had one of the largest rain water catchment areas for its day.
Trek Schedule:
Pick Up points:
@ Dadar TT – Swami Narayan Temple – 11.50 pm.
@ Thane - Nitin Company – 12.30 am.
Tentative Schedule:
03.30 am: Via Kasara will reach to base village Ratanwadi.
05.30 am: Will rest in bus itself.
06.00 am: Wakeup call.
07.00 am: Intro with Breakfast & tea.
07.30 am: Will start the trek.
12.00 am: Reach to top of the fort & explore fort and lunch.
01.30 am: Will start descending via Tryambak Darwaja route (Thrilling Route).
04.00 pm: Will back to base.
04.30 pm: will start return journy to Dadar.
09.30 pm: Back to Dadar.
Here is a list of all the things that we need to carry for the trek: -
Compulsory items: Sunday Lunch.
A proper two sided haversack to put all the things, So that one has hands free while trekking, id proof, approx 3 ltr water, Torch with extra batteries, some snacks, Should wear good trekking shoes, full sleeve shirt/T-shirt & Full Pant, if you have any medical issue please carry your own medicine as we carry only First aid, carry some extra cloths.
Non-compulsory items but helpful:
Cap, Sunglasses, Woolen Jacket, Camera , Avoid wearing Gold and other jewelry mosquito’s repellent, Electoral / Energy powder, 2 Lemon, & 2 plastic bags for weight distribution. (It’s totally self-responsibility to take care of things.)
For Reg. & more details, contact our "Rangers”
Ananda:- 98922 19155.
Registration will be done by phone call only, so if call not received then please sms your name & mail-id.
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