Ratangad (4250 ft)
Ratangad a 400 year old fort at a height of 4250ft is, as per folklore also one of the favourite forts of Shivaji Maharaj. The Wilson dam and Arthur lake, Kalsubai Peak, The Amruteshwar temple and the Randha Falls - the region in the Sahyadris sorrounding Ratangad is truely a little paradise, a secret well kept, and Ratangad true to its name is like a jewel in its majestic crown.
The trek to Ratangad from Ratanwadi, base village of Ratangad trek, would take about 3 to 4 hours. Its a simple trek and the undulating trail will take you through small feilds and thick forests by the Pravara river. You might have to cross the river more than once depending on the trail taken. Towards the end of the trek there are two ladders one after the other. Be careful while trekking up as one of the trails leads to Harishchandragad instead of Ratangad!
Ratanwadi is the base village of Ratangad trek however Bhandardara with good stay options can also be a base to Ratangad Trek. Ratnwadi is about 25 kms by road however one can also take a boat across the Bhandardara lake to reach Ratanwadi. Ratangad trek can be an exciting outdoor activity during a Bhandardara holiday especially if you are in a group.
The best time to visit Ratangad is post monsoons. Ratangad is approximatly 180 Km from Pune. The route from pune is same as the one to Bhandardara. Ratanwadi the base village of Ratangad fort is about 25 Kms from Bhandardara. The route to Ratanwadi is a deviation just before Wilson dam. The Amruteshwar temple a 8th century architectural marvel is on the way to Ratangad near Ratanwadi.
Pravara River..
Pravara river orginates in Ratangad. The local legend has it that Agatya rishi meditated and performed penance in Ratangad. At that place two drops of ‘Amrut’ was dropped and water started flowing out from Ratangad continuously resulting in the river Pravara hence the name ‘Amrutvahini’.
In the Ratangad fort there are many interesting points. Nedhe’ a natural orifice in the rock is a special attraction with a splendid view of the adjacent mountains. There is a Ganesh temple in a small cave. There is another bigger cave spacious enough to accommodate about 20 people. Rani Mahal is a structure of which only some broken walls are remaining. Pravara river orginates in Ratangad.
Distance from Major cities..
