Fort

Ratangad Fort

Jewel of Sahyadri

Grade: Easy
Duration: 1 Night / 1 Day
Base village: Ratanwadi
First pickup: McDonald's, JM Road, Deccan Gymkhana · 8:30 pm

Overview

Over 2,000 years of history, linked to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Maratha Empire
The "Nedhe" (Eye of the Needle) natural rock window
Ancient rock-cut caves and bastions
Four gates — Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan and Trimbak — with their wells
Views of AMK, Kalsubai and Katrabai ranges and the Bhandardhara backwaters
Ancient Amruteshwar Temple at the base

Ratangad Fort, located in Maharashtra, India, is a historic fort dating back over 2,000 years, with connections to the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Known as the "Jewel of Sahyadri," it offers a panoramic view of the Sahyadri mountains and was strategically significant for defending the region.

The fort is notable for its ancient rock-cut caves, bastions, and natural features like the "Nedhe" or "Eye of the Needle," a natural rock formation that provides a unique view of the surrounding landscape. Discover a hidden mystery at each of the fort's four gates—Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan, and Trimbak—where wells stand watch, protecting untold legends.

From the top, view different mountain ranges including AMK, Kalsubai and Katrabai, the Bhandardhara backwaters, and the ancient Amruteshwar Temple at the base.

Photos & brochure

Join us from

₹1,400per person

Pickup points

McDonald's, JM Road, Deccan Gymkhana8:30 pm
Nashik Phata Metro Station9:00 pm

Brochure price: ₹1400 per person (group discount available)

Dates

Dates on request — WhatsApp us

We announce dates on WhatsApp every week. Ask for the next departure and we'll tell you what's open.

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Itinerary

Night departure, Ratangad trek & return to Pune

·Reach the base village and rest; freshen up and breakfast.
·Start ascending from Ratanwadi and reach the top.
·Explore the fort.
·Start descending.
·Reach the base village and visit Amruteshwar Temple.
·Lunch at Samrad village.
·Depart for Pune.
·Reach Pune with loads of memories (a 1–2 hr delay is possible depending on trekkers' speed and road traffic).

Meals: All meals during the trip

Times are indicative. A 1–2 hour delay is possible depending on the group's pace and traffic.

What's included

Included

Outdoor expertise charges
All meals during the trip
Pune to Pune private transport
Guide
Entry fee

Not included

Mineral water/cold drinks, day-two dinner, etc.
Camera & coolie (porter) charges
Personal expenditure of any kind
Medical expenses other than first aid
Any other charges not mentioned in "Fees Include"

Things to carry

Route & how to reach

Ratanwadi

19.500° N, 73.716° E · approximate pin

Loads OpenStreetMap

How to reach

We travel together from Pune by private transport to Ratanwadi, so you don't need to find the trailhead yourself. Pickup points and times:

McDonald's, JM Road, Deccan Gymkhana8:30 pm
Nashik Phata Metro Station9:00 pm

Directions in Google Maps ↗

Safety & grade

1Easy
2Easy–Moderate
3Moderate
4Moderate–Difficult
5Difficult

What Easy means

Well-trodden trail and gentle climbs. If you can walk 5 km at a steady pace, you can do this.

How to prepare: A week of brisk 30-minute walks, or taking the stairs every day.

Brochure grade: Easy · endurance: Medium.

Trek rules

Please do not expect any luxury during the trip.
No alcohol, no smoking and no loud music.
Strictly no throwing of plastics.
The plan/schedule may change due to weather conditions and unavoidable reasons. The trek leader's decision will be final. The Travel Firse team reserves all rights to cancel this trek at any time for any reason.

How we grade and keep you safe →

FAQ

Where is the pickup for Ratangad Fort?

Pickup points and times: McDonald's, JM Road, Deccan Gymkhana (8:30 pm); Nashik Phata Metro Station (9:00 pm). Please be there 10 minutes early.

Is Ratangad Fort good for beginners?

Yes. It's graded Easy on our five-step scale, which suits first-timers who can walk steadily for a few hours.

Are meals included?

Included: All meals during the trip.

Are there washrooms?

Not on the trails. We stop at the base village to freshen up before the climb and again after. Please don't expect luxury: these are treks, and our brochures say so too.

How much luggage can I bring?

One backpack (no sling bags) with the items on the trek's packing list. Wear your trek clothes and keep a spare set for the ride back.

What happens if the weather turns?

Plans can change with the weather. On the trail the trek leader's decision is final, and Travel Firse may reschedule or cancel a trek for safety. In the monsoon expect rain, slippery rock and leeches, and pack a poncho, not an umbrella.