Ratangad Fort: In India’s Maharashtra state’s Sahyadri mountain region stands the stunning fort of Ratangad. The breathtaking vistas of the surrounding hills, valleys, and woods make the journey to Ratangad Fort a favourite among trekkers.
The base hamlet of Ratanwadi, which is around 180 kilometres from Bombay and 215 km from Pune, is where the climb to Ratangad Fort often begins. The hike from Ratanwadi is around 16 kilometres long and takes 5 to 6 hours to accomplish.
How to Plan Your Travel for Ratangad Fort
The following advice will help you organise your trip to the Ratangad Fort trek:
Choose the appropriate moment: Winter, from November to February, offers the most beautiful weather and is the ideal season to explore Ratangad Fort. A nice time to travel is during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. The hills and valleys are covered with lush vegetation during this period. Avoid going during the summer since it may get quite hot and muggy.
Plan your transportation because there are few public transit options near Ratangad Fort because it is in a rural area of Maharashtra. To go to Ratanwadi’s base village, it is advisable to arrange for private transportation, such as a vehicle or cab. From Mumbai or Pune, you may alternatively take a bus to Igatpuri, where you can then rent a cab or a jeep to get to Ratanwadi.
Choose a lodging option: At Ratanwadi, there are a few different lodging choices, such as camping, guesthouses, and homestays. It is advised to reserve your lodging in advance, especially during the busiest times.
Employ a local guide: Although the Ratangad Fort hike is quite simple, it is always preferable to engage a local guide to show you the way and educate you on the fort’s significance and history. You may hire guides through tour companies or in Ratanwadi.
The necessities to bring are proper clothing for the weather, cosy hiking boots, a helmet or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellant, a first-aid kit, and enough food and drink to last the duration of the walk.
Best Time to Visit Ratangad Fort Trek
The winter months of November to February are the ideal time to travel to Ratangad Fort. Trekking is best during this season because of the cool, pleasant weather. The temperature varies from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius during the day, and it can get chilly at night when it drops to about 10 degrees Celsius.
When it rains, from June to September, Ratangad Fort is another great time to visit. Around the fort, the hills and valleys are clothed with luxuriant vegetation during this season, and the streams and waterfalls are in full flow. Yet, because of the slick and muddy paths, trekking during the rainy season might be difficult.
It is advised to stay away from Ratangad Fort from March to May since the weather can be hot and muggy during that time, making walking difficult.
Nearest Places to Visit
These are some local attractions to check out after the walk to Ratangad Fort:
Bhandardara:
Around 24 kilometres away from Ratanwadi lies the well-known hill town of Bhandardara. It is well-known for its tranquil lake, rolling hills, and waterfalls that cascade. It’s the ideal location for a weekend retreat or day excursion.
Kalsubai Peak
The tallest point in Maharashtra is Kalsubai Peak, which is around 30 kilometres from Ratanwadi. It is a well-liked hiking location for adventure seekers and provides breathtaking views of the nearby hills and valleys.
Sandhan Valley:
Around 35 kilometres from Ratanwadi is the lovely Sandhan Valley. It is a well-liked location for camping and hiking because of its tight rock formations and waterfalls.
Wilson Dam:
Around 40 kilometres from Ratanwadi lies the well-known tourist destination Wilson Dam. Overlooking the Pravara River, it is a sizable dam that provides breathtaking views of the valleys and hills in the area.
Arthur Lake:
Around 44 kilometres from Ratanwadi is the lovely lake of Arthur Lake. It is a well-liked location for picnics, boating, and fishing.
These are some of the local locations to visit surrounding the Ratangad Fort walk, which you may incorporate into your schedule to make your trip more thrilling and pleasurable.
Stay Option
There are several places to stay close to the Ratangad Fort hike. Here are a few examples:
Homestays:
Ratanwadi, the starting point for the Ratangad Fort walk, has a number of them. These homestays provide simple lodging options and home-cooked meals, allowing you to get a taste of the local way of life.
Tents:
Near the Ratangad Fort hike, there are a number of campsites where you may erect your own tent and spend the night outside. Basic amenities like bathrooms, running water, and bonfires are often available at these campgrounds.
Guesthouses:
At Ratanwadi, there are a few guesthouses that provide nice lodging amenities, such as tidy rooms, hot water, and food. For individuals who need greater comfort and seclusion, these guesthouses are a fantastic choice.
Resorts:
A few resorts that provide opulent lodging amenities, such as swimming pools, spas, and restaurants, are situated close to Ratanwadi. For those who wish to treat themselves to some rest and pampering after the hike, these resorts are a fantastic choice.
Rest Houses run by the Forest Department:
The Forest Department Rest Houses near the Ratangad Fort Trek offer inexpensive, basic lodging options. These rest stops are situated in beautiful areas and offer a special chance to spend time in the natural world.
Here are a few of the lodging choices close to the Ratangad Fort excursion. To avoid any last-minute headaches, it is advised to reserve your stay in advance, especially during high season.
FAQ about Ratangad Fort Trek
Here are a few of the Ratangad Fort trek’s commonly asked questions:
How challenging is the hike to Ratangad Fort?
The Ratangad Fort hike is around 12 km long and has a moderate degree of difficulty. There are some difficult sections of the path that require rock climbing. Yet, the journey is manageable for novices with the right planning and preparation.
Is the walk to Ratangad Fort safe?
Trekking to Ratangad Fort is safe. Like any hike, it is crucial to observe safety measures and safeguards, nevertheless. It is best to travel in a group, have enough food and drink, and dress appropriately for the terrain. Also, it’s critical to respect the customs and culture of the area and refrain from littering.
How much time does the Ratangad Fort trip require?
With an average walking time of four to five hours, the Ratangad Fort excursion may be finished in a single day. To prevent hiking in the heat, it is advised to begin early in the morning.
What time of year is ideal for visiting Ratangad Fort?
The winter months of November to February are the finest for visiting Ratangad Fort since the weather is mild and the terrain is great for hiking. While the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September, is a fantastic time to go, the hiking routes can be difficult owing to the slick and muddy terrain.
What sites are worth seeing close by after the Ratangad Fort trek?
The Ratangad Fort hike can be accompanied by visits to Bhandardara, Kalsubai Mountain, Sandhan Valley, Wilson Dam, and Arthur Lake, among other destinations. These locations provide a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, boating, and sightseeing.
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