During our Konkan trip last month, we went to see Ratnadurg Fort at Ratnagiri .
After breakfast, we started from our hotel to explore Ratnadurg Fort ..... about 4 km from Ratnagiri town.
This fort is also known as Ratnagad or Bhagawati Fort . The fort is designed to look like a horse shoe shaped from the top and has an area of 1300 x 1000 mtrs. on the side of the Arabian sea.
As the fort is surrounded by sea from three sides, the scene looks very picturesque....
The Ratnadurg fort is hardly at a height of 100 mtrs. from its base and is very easy to climb which leads directly to the main entrance of Goddess Bhagawati temple (or Devi temple) . At entrance full plan of the fort is available .
Every day the temple is open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm .
You can see a mirror gifted by Burmese king in exile, a very old wooden pole and statue of Kanhoji Angre - the neval chief of Maratha army . One well of potable water is present on the left - side of the temple in-spite of surrounding sea .....
The fort has parking facilities with a few hotels .....
The fort had a broken cliff , but the walls are still very strong to resists the strong waves of Arabian sea .....
One interesting thing is a ‘Bhuyar’ or Secret tunnel that connects the fort to the adjoining sea .
This can be seen from outside also.
You will get to see entrance to secret route (Chor Vaat) , Bastions (Buruj) & Kedelot Point (about 10 mins walk from the fort) and Baskya Buruj ....
There are several bastions on this fort gives tremendous scenic views of the Arabian sea !
Visitors can walk along the narrow road built beside the fort walls on the top of the fort to view the vast Arabian sea .....
From the West side of the fort, bewitching scene of the blue Arabian sea can be enjoyed ..... the waves of the sea hitting very strongly on to the walls of the fort .
You can also see Narmada Jetty and little bit behind it .... the Fisherman's Jetty (simply, the Civilian's jetty) from the top of the fort .
Indeed a beautiful breathtaking view .....
The cool breeze from sea will give you an additional feel of comfort !!
To the left of Narmada Jetty , you can see another big jetty named ... the Brick Water Jetty ...... this jetty prevents big waves lashing on the Narmada & Civilian Jetty.
Over-all, a charming & scenic beauty of the Arabian sea that can be enjoyed from the top of the fort .....
A brief history of the fort :
The fort was built during the Bahamani period . Later, it was conquered by Adilshah that in turn was own by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1670.
From 1710 to 1755, it was kept by Angres and then upto 1810 it was possessed by the Peshwas.
The Queen of Janshi had visited this fort before the battle of 1857.
So, Bahamani, Adilshah, Maratha and Peshwa are the four monarch that reigned over this mighty fort ....
How to reach the fort :
You can reach upto the fort by your own vehicle .
There are MSRTC buses from Ratnagiri bus stand with decent frequency to reach upto the fort ....
Lastly, you can also hire a Tuk Tuk (Auto-rickshaw) from Ratnagiri town.
Important Notes :
- Carry your own water bottle and some snacks , as needed.
- Avoid afternoon visit to the fort ... you won't enjoy the views in blazing sun
- Carry your sunglass, goggles and hat .
- Carry your sunscreens .
- No entry fees required.
In short, definitely worth a visit ....
I recommend this place to visit if you are in Ratnagiri ....