Trek Lovers Adda Group

The main aim of Trek Lovers Adda Group is to promote the spirit of adventure along with creating awareness about preservation of environment and the rich cultural and historical heritage of Maharashtra. Read in detail about us, salient features.

Maharashtra has been gifted with the Sahyadri ranges. This range is well populated with many forts and dense forest (thanks to our ancestors). These forts and forest offer us a chance to observe the beauty of nature, skills of our ancestors and allow us to add a little thrill to our life. There are numerous such forts in the vicinity of Thane and Pune which are ideal for an one day or two day trek, to name some are Raj Machi, Harischandragad, Mahuli, Nane Ghat, Dhak Bahari. Etc.

2011-09-25

Ratangad


Ratangad is an important fort in Ghanchakkar ranges near Igatpuri. The base village Ratanwadi has a beautiful Amruteshwar temple which is famous for its carvings. The fort is origin for the river Pravara. The Bhandardara dam is built on this river. Main attraction on Ratangad is the ‘Nedhe’, the natural hole in wall of the mountain. One can go & sit in it & see beautiful views around. The Khutta pinnacle which is adjacent to Ratangad is also worth seeing. The origin of Pravara river is at about 45 mins distance from Nedhe.

Ratan gad is a huge fort in the beautiful bhandardara region near Nashik(Nasik) district AhmedNagar, it lies near harishchandragad and kalsubai peak. It lies 20 kms away from the bhandardara dam and 4255 feet high.There is a temple of Ratna Devi in cave at top of fort.
The base village is also by same name called Ratanwadi where the beautiful temple shiva is situated.
The enroute to fort is very full of lush greenery with different small flower and insects which is treat to photographers.
 
The Most thrilling part of this trek is climbling the two ladders and narrow staircase type entrance (ghal in marathi).It is not advise to look down in the valley which is very scaring but it is not that difficult. But crossing this we land to entrance of fort and here on is the paradise follow . The Ratangad at top has a citadel and Nedhe (natural hole to the hill) hole in mountain from which one can have a good view of Kalsubai Peak , kotha Pinacle, Alang etc mountains.After declining from Nedhe towards the main entrance
comes the ugam of Pavara River which is Cirsten and also Ratna Devi temple in a cave.The cave near Ratnadevi temple is used for overnight stay.
The whole Ratangad is covered with green grass which has little blue flowers and as water cistern too.
The panoramic view of Bhandardara Dam area is really enticing

It take about 3 hrs to climb and 2.5 hrs to decend down

Way To Reach:
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 on the Mumbai-Nasik highway about 130 km from Mumbai, overlooking the picturesque locale of Bhandardara, one of the oldest artificial catchment area

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