If you are looking for a scenic and historic fort on the coast of Maharashtra, you should definitely visit the Ratnadurg Fort in Ratnagiri. This fort, also known as the Bhagawati Fort or the Ratnagiri Fort, is a 16th-century fort that was built by the Bijapur Sultanate and later occupied by various rulers like the Maratha, the Mughal, the British, etc. The fort is located on a hill that overlooks the Arabian Sea and the Ratnagiri town. The fort is spread over an area of 120 acres and has a shape of a horseshoe.

Ratnadurg Fort is known for its bastions, walls, gates, lighthouse, temple, and museum that offer a glimpse of its history and culture and famous tourist attraction in Ratnagiri. The fort is also known for its panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. Here is everything you need to know about the Ratnadurg Fort. visit during Ratnagiri Local sightseeing

Distance From City Center Location of Ratnadurg Fort

The Ratnadurg Fort is located on a hill that overlooks the Arabian Sea and the Ratnagiri town. The fort is about 2 kilometers from the Ratnagiri city center and 350 kilometers from Mumbai.

Timing/Entry Fees Ratnadurg Fort

The Ratnadurg Fort is open to visitors every day from 10 am to 5 pm. The entry fee is Rs. 10 per person for Indians and Rs. 100 per person for foreigners. There is no camera fee or parking fee.

How to Reach Ratnadurg Fort

You can reach the Ratnadurg Fort by road, rail, or air. The nearest railway station is Ratnagiri, which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Goa, etc. From there, you can take a bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to the fort, which will take about 10 minutes. The nearest airport is Mumbai, which has domestic and international flights from various destinations. From there, you can take a cab or a bus to the fort, which will take about six hours.

Things to Do/See Ratnadurg Fort

The Ratnadurg Fort has many attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Some of the things to do and see at the fort are:

Explore the fort: You can explore the fort by walking or taking a guided tour that will take you through various features and sections of the fort like the Surya Darwaja, the Ganesh Darwaja, the Bhandarpule Darwaja, the Parkot Darwaja, the Buruj, the Lighthouse, the Bhagawati Temple, the Thiba Palace, the Maritime Museum, etc. You can also climb up to the top of the hill where you can see the Arabian Sea and a bird’s eye view of the Ratnagiri town and its harbor.
Learn about the history: You can learn about the history of the fort that dates back to the 16th century CE and was built by the Bijapur Sultanate as a coastal defense against the Portuguese and other invaders. The fort was later captured by various rulers like the Maratha under Shivaji Maharaj, the Mughal under Aurangzeb, the British under Colonel James Todd, etc. The fort was also used as a prison for some freedom fighters like Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Veer Savarkar, etc.
Enjoy the views: You can enjoy the panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape from various points of the fort. You can also witness the sunrise and the sunset from the fort and capture some beautiful pictures.
Visit the nearby attractions: You can visit some of the nearby attractions that are located close to the fort like Ganpatipule Beach (25 km), Jaigad Fort (35 km), Guhagar Beach (80 km), etc.

Significance of Ratnadurg Fort

The Ratnadurg Fort is not only a tourist destination but also a historical and cultural landmark of Maharashtra and India. It represents the strength and courage of the different rulers and dynasties that ruled over this region for more than four centuries. It also reflects the diversity and harmony of the different religions and cultures that coexisted peacefully in this region. The fort is a testimony to the patriotism and sacrifice of the freedom fighters who fought against the British rule from this fort.

FAQ’s

Q: What is the best time to visit the fort?

A: The best time to visit the fort is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and the views are clear.

Q: What else can I do near the fort?

A: You can also do some other things near the fort that are fun and interesting. For example, you can go to Ganpatipule Beach (25 km), Jaigad Fort (35 km), Guhagar Beach (80 km), etc.

Conclusion

The Ratnadurg Fort is a must-visit place for anyone who loves history and architecture. It offers a unique opportunity to witness the majesty and magnificence of a medieval fortress that showcases the ingenious design and engineering of its builders. It also offers a chance to appreciate the history and culture of the different rulers and dynasties who built and occupied this fort over centuries. So if you are planning a trip to Ratnagiri or nearby areas don’t miss out on visiting the Ratnadurg Fort.