Ratangad (meaning Jewel Fort) is a 400-year-old fort overlooking the scenic Bhandardara lake reservoir in Ahmednagar district. It is famous for its natural geographical rock formations, particularly a large rock cavity near the peak known as Nedhe (the eye of the needle). It was one of the favorite forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and holds scenic, historical significance.
Route Technical Details
Difficulty
Easy to Moderate
Trail Distance
5.0 Kilometers
Fort Altitude
1,297 Meters
Key Attractions at Ratangad Fort
Trekkers climbing Ratangad will encounter these unique structures:
- Nedhe (Rock Needle Eye): A large natural hole in the top ridge of the cliff wall caused by wind erosion. It is large enough for 4-5 people to sit inside, offering windy weather and panoramic views of Bhandardara lake.
- Amruteshwar Temple: Located at the base village of Ratanwadi, this is a beautiful 1,200-year-old stone temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, reflecting the ancient Hemadpanthi style architecture.
- Kalyan Darwaja & Caves: The main entrance gates, large rock-cut caves that serve as shelter points during heavy storms, and ancient drinking water cisterns.
Trek Route & Accessibility
The trek starts from Ratanwadi base village. Ratanwadi is 185 km from Mumbai and 165 km from Pune. ST buses and shared jeeps run to Ratanwadi from Igatpuri or Shendi village (Bhandardara Center).