Ratangad Trek – 1st Sept 2024

Ratangad Trek – 1st Sept 2024

₹1,500.00

Ratan means Jewel. Ratangad fort is indeed a jewel of Sahyadri. Located in the district of Ahmednagar and is about 4255 feet above sea level. It lies in the Ajoba mountain range surrounded by Alang, Kulang, Kalsubai, Katarabai, Ajoba and Ghanchakkar. Geographically Ratangad is at the banks of Bhandardara lake of Ahmednagar. Scenic views of the lake and Sahyadri mountains all around it gives a majestic feeling for any trekker. At the base of this fort is the ancient Lord Shiva temple called Amruteshwar temple, this is about 1000 years old temple at Ratanwadi with amazing architecture of old times.

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Description

Ratangad is a fort in Ratanwadi, Maharashtra, India, overlooking the locale of Bhandardara, one of the oldest artificial catchment area. This fort is located in the Ahmadnagar district of Maharashtra. It is on the boundary of Ahmadnagar and Thane districts. The fort is about 400 years old. This fort is often covered with flowering plants in November. Ratangad is also called Jewel of the Sahyadris.

Ratangad has a natural rock peak with a cavity in it at the top which is called ‘Nedhe’ or ‘Eye of the Needle’. The fort has four gates Ganesh, Hanuman, Konkan and Trimbak. The sculptures of Lord Ganesh and Hanuman are seen on the main gate.  It also has many wells on the top. The main attraction at Ratanwadi is the Amruteshwar Temple, famous for its carvings, dating back to the Hemadpant Era – roughly from the eighth century. The fort is origin for the river Pravara/Amrutvahini. The Bhandardara dam (Arthar dam) is built on this river. From the top of the fort neighbouring forts like Alang, kulang, Madan gad, Harishchandragad, Patta are seen easily. The view of entire Bhandardara dam( Lake Arthur) gives sheer pleasure. There are many rock cut water cisterns on the fort. Some of them store potable water throughout the year. There is a natural hole in the mountain top probably caused by wind erosion. It is 10 feet high and 60 feet wide. Due to its shape it is called Nedhe (or eye of the needle in Marathi).On the eastern side of the fort there are two caves, which can be used for overnight stay. This fort can be visited in any part of the year however the beast season is from October–February when the temperature is cool and the vegetation has not dried up..

The fort is 400 years old. Ratangad was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle.

The fort is named after Ratnabai Tandal, who has a small temple inside the cave on the fort.

She was one of the three sisters : Ratnabai, Kalsubai and Katrabai.

Additional information

Select your Boarding location

Kandivali, JVLR, Powai, Airoli, Mulund, Thane, Kalyan

Batch Dates & Info

Date – 31st Aug – 1st Sept 24

SHORT INFORMATION – 

  1. Category – Trek
  2. Trek Altitude: 4255 feet above sea level
  3. Base village: Ratanwadi.
  4. Trek Distance: about 5 kms
  5. Difficulty Level : Medium
  6. Trek duration: it roughly takes 3-4 hours one way.
  7. Travelling Distance – 190 KMS from Kandivali (Sai Dham Temple)

ITINERARY

Day 0: Saturday

  • 09:45 PM – Meet at Saidham Temple – Kandivali.
  • 10:00 PM – Leave for the trek.
  • 10:30 PM – Pick up at JVLR 
  • 10:45 PM – PIck up at Powai 
  • 11:00 PM – Pick up at Airoli
  • 11:20 PM – Pick up at Mulund
  • 11:45 PM – Pick up at Thane
  • 12:15 AM – Pick up at Kalyan Bypass. 

Day 1: Sunday

  • 05:00 AM – Reach the base village & freshen up.
  • 06:00 AM –Breakfast & Tea time. 
  • 06:40 AM – Group introduction and Trek brief. 
  • 07:00 AM – Trek begins through the scenic beauty (local fields) of Ratanwadi village.
  • 10:30 AM – Reach the top of Ratangad fort & spend time at Nedhe point. 
  • Explore, relax & take pictures
  • 11:30 AM – Start Descending towards base village
  • 02:30 PM – Freshen up and have Lunch time. 
  • 03:30 PM – Return journey begins for Mumbai 
  • 09:30 PM – Approx. arrival at Mumbai (depends on Traffic situation).
  • Trip Concludes with memories for a lifetime.

Inclusions & Exclusions

COST INCLUDES –

  • Travel in a private Ac bus
  • Entry Fees for Bhandardara Region
  • Entry Fees for Ratangad Trek
  • 1 veg breakfast and 1 veg lunch
  • Trek Leader expertise and Basic First Aid 
  • E-certificate on successful completion of the trek
  • First Aid/ Medical Kit 

 

COST EXCLUDES –

  • Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
  • All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered.
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above.
  • All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather or natural calamities.
  • Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required.

BELONGINGS TO BE TAKEN

Compulsory –

  • 2/3 Litres of water
  • Trekking Shoes that provide more grip and comfort on the trek
  • One Day Backpack 20 to 30 litres
  • Sun Cap and Sunscreen
  • Personal First aid and Personal Medicine
  • Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars
  • Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets
  • Good Torch must with an extra battery
  • Identity Proof
  • Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pant this will protect from Summer Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles
  • Rains are expected, pack your bags accordingly to save them from getting wet
  • Double pack your valuables/phones in plastic bags
  • Rainwear / Poncho / Waterproof jacket etc. if you don’t want to get wet

 

Optional-

  • Personal Snacks.
  • Camera, Selfie Stick, Glares, etc.
  • Nylon Clothes for Water Sports
  • Anything you find important from things not mentioned above.

Terms & Conditions

  • The right of the admission is reserved with the organizer.
  • The organizer does not take the responsibility for the loss or theft of any personal belongings or any injury that the ticket holder may accrue at the event.
  • Smoking and drinking is strictly prohibited.
  • Any inappropriate behaviour by any of the participants shall lead to eviction from the event.
  • We recommend that you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the starting time.
  • Do not wear sandals, floater, chappal, or ballerinas.
  • Do not carry Alcohol or any narcotic substance which is banned.

FAQ's

  1. Distance from Mumbai to Ratanwadi, the base village for Ratangad Fort Trek?

Eight hours drive from Mumbai, the distance is 185 km approx. The last thirty kilometers of the road are in the worst condition possible. Make sure you have spare tires, the car is an SUV, and you preferably drive during the day. 

  1. Number of days required for the Ratangad Fort Trek?

We will need one day and one night to complete the Ratangad Fort Trek. This includes bus travel and Ratangad Trek time which is eight hours.

  1. Is there food available at the Ratangad trek location?

We will serve breakfast and lunch at the base village. Food is available at the base village at the local villager’s house. During your Ratangad Killa, food or snacks won’t be available. Please carry some snacks and atleast three liters of water for this trek.  

  1. How much time is required to climb Ratangad Bhandardara?

It will take three hours from the base village Ratanwadi to Ratangad Ahmednagar. It takes almost the same time to climb from Samrad village. 

  1. Are toilets available at Ratangad fort?

Not available. During the trek, toilets are not available. Toilet will be available at the homestay before and after the hike. Please note the toilets will be Indian style. 

  1. Do solo travelers and solo female trekkers sign up for these events?

We have 60 – 40 % or more Male – Female ratios at our events. Many Single trekkers and solo female trekkers join our events. 

  1. Are Kids allowed on treks?

Yes, we allow Kids on our treks. Kids below the age of 15 years with Parents’ supervision only. Kindly bring your favorite food snacks for your kids and three-liter water. 

  1. What food will be provided at the Ratangad Fort Trek event?

Hi, We serve tea and Poha for breakfast. Only Veg local home-cooked lunch food is available. During our return journey, we will stop for refreshment/dinner at the restaurant. The cost for the same is not included. 

  1. Phone Connectivity during the Ratangad Flower Trek?

Limited phone connectivity is available for most cellular services. Once we cross MTDC Bhandardara, your mobile will lose signal. Once you gain height, you will receive phone connectivity during the trek 

  1. Is cash payment or spot payment accepted?

Sorry, we don’t accept cash payments. We use multiple payment gateways. You can use them to pay via Registration against 100% upfront payment only via UPI / NEFT / IMPS / Payment Gateway / Credit cards. 

On-the-spot payment is not accepted. We need to book an advance bus/jeep and make other arrangements. Upfront payment is a must. Please note we have a strict cancellation policy. 

  1. Will I get bottled water?

Villagers will provide normal well water. There are few shops inside the village that sell bottled water. We encourage you to bring refillable water bottles and use them. This is better for our environment and the best leave no-trace policy. 

  1. Can I charge my phone at the base village?

There is limited supply or no electricity. Plus, there are few sockets available for charging. Please carry a power bank if required.

  1. How is the weather now at the Ratangad Fort Trek?

Summer Temperature at Night 20 – Day 39°C approx. It gets scorching during the day in summer. 

In Winter, the day temperature range from 30 degrees and night upto 14 degrees, and very windy. It will feel like under 10 degrees due to strong winds. 

The monsoon rains heavily; please double-pack your expensive phones and gadgets. There is thick fog which limits visibility during the monsoon season. 

Ratangad Fort weather is best suited for trekking during the rainy and post-winter seasons. It is popular during the summer season to watch fireflies around May and June’s first few weeks. 

  1. Can we smoke or drink alcohol at the base village or during the trek?

Sorry, smoking, drinking, chewing tobacco, or consuming drugs are not allowed during the trek or at the base village. 

If you are caught doing any of the above by villagers, the forest department, and trekkers mostly like they will give you a group beating, followed by social media trolling, followed by police complaints. So please avoid smoking, drinking, drugs, chewing tobacco, or littering. 

People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to exit the event on an immediate basis.

  1. Can we listen to music on a Bluetooth speaker? Can we wear earphones or headphones while trekking?

Listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking, and Bluetooth speaker are not allowed inside the homestay.

Trek leaders need to communicate with you. Always wearing earphones and listening to music will hamper communication and instruction sharing.

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