- Waterfalls
- Fort and Forest Trekking
- Amruteshwar Temple
- Climbing using Ladder
- The fun-filled and exhilarating trekking experience
What is included in the tour
- Private Transportation from Pune to Pune
- Meals during the trek (1 Breakfast, and 1 Lunch )
- Expertise & Guide Charges
- Fun and Learning experience with safety.
- Basic First-Aid kit
What is NOT included in the tour
- Cold drinks, mineral water, fast food articles, biscuits, etc.
- Anything not included in the what's included list.
“Ratan” means Jewel in Hindi. This hill fort is indeed a jewel in all the hill forts here in Sahyadri. Geographically Ratangad is on the banks of Bhandardara lake in Ahmednagar district at a height of 4255 feet above sea level. With views of the lake and the highest mountains in Sahyadri looks very much lost in time. A 1000 years old temple of Lord Shiva, the Amruteshwar Temple at Ratanwadi, is an absolute paragon of the high-class architecture of our ancestors, is at the base of this fort. Ratangad has still the remains of a fortress with bastions and stone walls. The caves on the top are cut from the rock face and can easily accommodate 25 people at a time. Water cisterns are usually filled with water throughout the year and trekkers use them as a water source. The Eastern side of the fort has some fortification left; one can see Rani Mahal here. From the southern side, one can see Katrabai and Ajoba fort very close. This site has also some fortification left, but most of it is damaged. Climbing up on the northern side, one can see a natural orifice (hole in rock, locally called nedhe) in the rock face, mostly made by wind. Strong winds can be experienced at this orifice. Descend to the western end of the fort leads closest to the Khutta Pinnacle via Trimbak Darwaja.
Ratangad fort has an excellent cave on the top big enough to accommodate about 30-40 people at a time. Apart from this big cave, there are several small caves too. Very few forts have a geological feature called "Neha" or "needle hole" which means a natural hole in the mountain where you can actually sit in and enjoy the high-speed wind.
Amruteshwar temple which is located at the base of Ratangad fort in the Ratanwadi is one of the old "Hemadpanthi" temples with fascinating stone carvings.
Summary:-
Type: Hill Fort
Height: 4255 ft.
Cost Per Person:
- Self Drive (without travel) - 999 Per Person
- Pune to Pune (with travel) - 1599 Per Person
Travelers who have opted for the self-drive package should directly reach the base village at 03:00 AM. (Please keep offline Google Maps downloaded as there is a network issue in the mountain region and try to reach the base village before 03:00 AM)
Pickup locations from Pune:
- 09:00 PM: Novotel Hotel, Viman Nagar
Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ooiRmYvZeR8iL1ju5
- 09:30 PM: J.M. Corner, JM Road
Google Map Link: https://goo.gl/maps/AiFcddEyN29LNTjs6
- 09:45 PM: Pick up at New Shivaji Nagar bus stop, Wakdewadi
Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VvRQQJ71sE3etmEi7
- 10:00 PM: MSRTC Bus Stop, Nashik Phata
Google Map Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gz1tj9mdShCk1bu57
Itinerary:
- 10:00 PM: Depart from Pune
- 04:00 AM: Reach the base village Ratanwadi, which is the starting point of the Ratangad trek.
- 05:00 AM: Have breakfast Maggie/Poha and Tea
- 05:30 AM: Start Ratangad Fort Trek (3 hours). Begin the guided trek through the mesmerizing forest. The trail is surrounded by lush greenery, trees, and a cool atmosphere. Ladder Climbing
- 08:30 AM: Reach Caves, Enjoy Kalsubai, Bhandardara Dam, and AMK views. Midway Break relax, and recharge.
- 11:30 AM: Continue return trekking by the same route through the forest, experiencing its serene ambiance.
- 02:30 PM: Reach the base village and bid farewell to the enchanting forest.
- 03:00 PM: Lunch in the house of local people
- 04:00 PM: Start your return journey to Pune.
- 10:00 PM: Reach Pune by late evening and bid adieu to your fellow trekkers.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances. This itinerary can be customizable based on your preferences and the availability of activities for private batches. Also, it's important to follow safety guidelines and respect the environment while exploring the wilderness
Things To Carry :
✓ Things packed in a good rucksack, heavy rains are expected in the monsoon, so pack your things properly.
✓ Raincoat / Poncho / Wind cheater (Avoid umbrella only for monsoon)
✓ Complete spare set of extra clothes, raincoat, lightweight jacket & socks if required
✓ Water bottle (1-2 liters)
✓ Personal Medicines if any
✓ Wear comfortable clothes during treks (full sleeves recommended)
✓ Good trekking/sports shoes (chappals, sandals, floaters not permitted during the trek)
✓ Power Bank for mobile charging, as many places, don't have an electricity connection
✓ Torch Light for Night Treks/events
✓ Identity proof (must)
✓ Personal hygiene kit.
✓ Light Snacks - Dry fruits, chocolate, fruits biscuits.
Rules And Regulations:
- Alcohol, Smoking, or any intoxicant is strictly prohibited during the trek. If found participant will be terminated on the spot
- Throwing garbage on trails is strictly not allowed.
- Playing loud music in the mountains/Forest is prohibited.
- Trek Leader's decisions on any particular situation will be final for the mutual benefit of the participants.
- During the monsoon season and various rock patches on the trek route, we recommend you to please take care while walking/climbing/trekking.
- If the behavior of any trekker is likely to cause distress or harm to themselves, our member of staff or other team members, reserve the right to terminate their trip at any time and they will have to make their own arrangements; we will not be liable for any expenses incurred as a result. We will not entertain any claims arising due to such action.
- In case of any injuries/illness on a mountain/river/waterfall during a trip/activity, Adventure Club Pune as a company or our local staff will not be responsible. We provide adequate human staff support in these areas to ensure the basic safety of the trekker. The participants must bear all the expenses that may arise in case of medical necessity or emergency conditions.
- Wearing any valuables, ornaments, jewelry, etc. is prohibited.
- You should strictly follow the code of conduct, to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.
Cancellation Policy:
https://www.adventureclubpune.com/terms-and-condition
