Ratangad Trek – A Complete Guide
Ratangad Fort Trek is one of Maharashtra’s most beloved treks and ideal for a weekend trek around Mumbai, Pune & Nashik.
For the ideal trekking experience, trek during monsoon and post-monsoon flower season. During these months, the Western Ghats transform into a lush paradise and offer many sights to behold.
Trekking to Ratangad is an ideal way to spend quality time with your loved ones and escape the hectic city life in Mumbai.
On this trek, you will have an unparalleled view of several mountains, such as Alang, Madan, Kulang and Katrabai cliff. Plus, you can make out Bhandardara lake in the distance.
Another reason to trek is the stunning sight of Sonki and Karvi flowers blooming in Ratangad. This rare phenomenon occurs once every seven years, covering the fort with fields of yellow while the Karvi blooms with vibrant purples and pinks – truly a sight to behold!
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Base Village: Ratanwadi, Maharashtra
- Altitude: 4255 ft.
- Best Season: October – February
- Ideal For: Beginners & Intermediate Trekkers
How To Reach Ratangad
Ratangad is located in the Kalsubai-Harishchandragad wildlife sanctuary. The base village for the trek is Ratanwadi, approximately 180 km from Mumbai. You can easily reach Ratanwadi via public as well as private transport. If you are in a group of 3-4, you should come via your vehicle.
Via Public transport:
The best way to reach the base village is by taking the local train to Kasara from Mumbai. After reaching Kasara, you can hire a private jeep which will drop you directly to Ratanwadi & will also pick you up & drop you back to Kasara after your trek is done.
The jeep fare is around INR 4000 – INR 5000; hence, it is important to travel in groups of 6-8 if you plan to go via public transport.
The distance from Kasara to Ratanwadi is around 80 kms and will take around 2.5 hours.
via Private Vehicle:
The distance from Mumbai to Ratanwadi is 180 kms, and it will take around 6 hours to reach via NH160.
The distance from Pune is around 180 kms as well and should take 5.5- 6 hours to reach.
What Is The Trek Route & Difficulty Level?
The trek to Ratangad Fort is considered to be of moderate difficulty level. The trek involves a gradual ascent through a dense forest, followed by a climb up a rocky patch to reach the base of the fort. From there, you need to climb a few rock patches and steep stairs to reach the top of the fort.
The total trek distance is around 8-10 km, and it can take between 4-6 hours, depending on your speed and fitness level. The trek involves some steep ascents and descents, which can be challenging for beginners. However, anyone can complete this trek with proper preparation, fitness, and guidance.
It’s advisable to wear comfortable trekking shoes, carry enough water and food for the trek, and follow the instructions of your trek leader/guide (you can hire a local guide from the village of Ratanwadi, he can also make your lunch arrangements). Taking necessary precautions and maintaining a steady pace can make the trek a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
The trek to Ratangad Fort can be divided into two parts:
Part 1: Ratanwadi to Ratangad Base
- Start from Ratanwadi village and head towards the Amruteshwar temple.
- Cross the stream near the temple and follow the trail on the other side.
- The trail will lead you through a dense forest and a few waterfalls.
- After about 2-3 hours of trekking, you will reach the base of Ratangad Fort.
Part 2: Ratangad Base to the Fort
- From the base, climb up the rocky patch to reach the first entrance of the fort.
- Walk through a narrow ridge and climb a few rock patches to reach the second entrance.
- From the second entrance, take a left and climb a steep set of stairs to reach the top of the fort.
- Explore the fort and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
You can check this link to see the GPX route of the entire trek. The GPX file can be downloaded and imported to your Google maps.
Two more adventurous treks in the Kalsubai-Harischandragad Wildlife Sanctuary
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Additional Information About Ratangad
The fort is believed to have been built during the Bahmani Sultanate era and later conquered by the Maratha Empire. The fort played a significant role in protecting the region’s trade routes and served as a strategic stronghold during the wars.
The fort has unique architecture and features several ancient structures such as temples, water cisterns, caves, and bastions. The main attraction of the fort is the Amruteshwar Temple, a 1200-year-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.
Ratangad boasts stunning views and a natural rock peak called ‘Nedhe,’ which looks like the eye of a needle and offers visitors an intriguing sight.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The trek to Ratangad Fort is considered to be of moderate difficulty level. The trek involves a gradual ascent through a dense forest, followed by a climb up a rocky patch to reach the base of the fort. From there, you need to climb a few rock patches and steep stairs to reach the top of the fort.
Ratangad is famously known for it’s natural rock peak called ‘Nedhe’, which looks like the eye of a needle and offers visitors an intriguing sight.
It is also special for its stunning sight of Sonki and Karvi flowers blooming in Ratangad. This rare phenomenon takes place once every seven years, covering the fort with fields of yellow while the Karvi blooms with vibrant purples and pinks – truly a sight to behold!
Yes, you can stay in the cave area of the Ratangad fort. It can easily accommodate around 20-30 people. However, one needs to carry their own food & cooking equipments if they wish to camp.
No Ratangad & Kalsubai are two different treks. Ratangad is a fort, situated in the Kalsubai range.
Video of the Ratangad trek
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