Friday, August 3, 2012

Ratangad - A secret paradise

Ratangad a 400 year old fort at a height of 4250ft is, as per folklore also one of the favourite forts of Shivaji Maharaj.  Overlooking the locale of Bhandardara, the Wilson dam and Arthur lake, Kalsubai Peak, The Amruteshwar temple and the Randha Falls - the region in the Sahyadris sorrounding Ratangad is truely a little paradise, a secret well kept, and Ratangad true to its name is like a jewel in its majestic crown.

Ratangad has a natural rock peak with a cavity in it at the top which is called 'Nedhe' or 'Eye of the Needle'.

Ratangad was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle and was one of his favorites. The base village Ratanwadi has a Amruteshwar temple which is famous for its carvings. The fort is origin for the river Pravara/Amrutvahini. The Bhandardara dam(arthar dam) is built on this river.

Ratangad trek is counted as one of the best treks in western ghats. This trek has everything required by a common trekker. You get to travel through dense jungle, you get to have fun in cool streams, you face a rock patch and climb it with the help of rickety metal staircase. You get to sleep in caves and while you are having morning tea peep over a thousand feet valley. Nowhere else you will find all this clubbed together. September is best season to visit Ratangad as weather is pleasant, water abundant, reduced rainfall, flowering all around. Do not miss the chance to visit Ratangad.
































































































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