Home to the famous Ratangad fort and the popular Shiva temple called Amruteshwar, Ratanwadi is a village near Bhandardara of the Kalsubai peak in Maharashtra. With a rustic charm all around the village, Ratanwadi is famous as a trekking spot as it is located far from the main town.
The roads here are not well maintained making it difficult to travel by road. The most viable and exciting option to reach here is to take a boat ride from Arthur Lake in Bhandardara. The boat ride takes only 20 minutes to reach Ratanwadi village.
Best Time To Visit Ratanwadi
The best time to visit Ratanwadi is during the winter or summer months when the weather is clear and it is safe to cross the lake to reach the village. During the monsoon season, boat rides are a bit risky and hence, they are restricted to cross the lake sometimes. The best time period to visit Ratanwadi is between September and May.
History of Ratanwadi
Captured by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in his time, Ratangad is a 400 year old fort. Situated in Ratanwadi, the fort overlooks Bhandardara.
Things To Do Near Ratanwadi
Trekking In Ratanwadi - Often identified as a popular trekking destination, Ratanwadi is surrounded by hills and valleys with many hiking trails around the Ratangad Fort.
Visit Amruteshwar Temple - Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the beautiful temple of Amruteshwar is carved out of stone. It is situated in the Ratanwadi village that can be reached from Igatpuri via Bhandardara dam. Built in 900 AD, it is one of the 12 temples constructed by King Jhang.
Places To Visit In Ratanwadi
Nestled in the Sahyadri ranges of western ghats near Igatpuri, Bhandardara is a holiday resort village in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. A perfect holiday spot for the tourists around the state and is one of the must visit places in Maharashtra, Bhandardara is surrounded by high mountains, lush greenery, and humble waterfalls.
Located near Bhandardara in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Kalsubai at 5400ft is the highest peak of Maharashtra in the Western Ghats. This majestic mountain makes a beautiful backdrop for the pictures. Popular by the name of Everest of Maharashtra, this peak can be viewed from the village of Bari, which is located on its eastern side.
Malshej Ghat - Located on the Thane-Ahmednagar Road of Maharashtra, Malshej Ghat is a hill station "a nature lovers Paradise" is a mountain pass in the Western Ghats. A popular tourist attraction in Maharashtra, this place offers numerous lakes, waterfalls and mountains. It is an ideal getaway for families as it offers plenty of activities such as Trekking trails, bird watching, and picnics at waterfalls. It is a popular tourist attraction in Maharashtra that offers a nice view of the deep valleys. Malshej Ghat is home to several species of flora and fauna, especially avifauna species like rails, flamingos, crakes, quails, and cuckoos.
Approximately 45 kilometers away from Nashik, Igatpuri is a beautiful Hill Station in Nashik District of Maharashtra. Blessed with picturesque beauty, Igatpuri is one of the highest peaks in Sahyadri. A heaven for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, most of the peaks around the Igatpuri are forts built during the reign of Satavahana dynasty. One of the most popular weekend getaways from Mumbai as well as Pune, it's heavenly for trekkers and hikers.
The birthplace of the founder of Maratha Empire, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Shivneri Fort is located near Junnar in Pune district of Maharashtra. With many small gardens within, it is a well-maintained fort. Surrounded by steep upwards slopes from all four sides, this fort is unassailable. A temple dedicated to Goddess Shivai houses the idols of Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother, and Shivaji in his childhood. The fort provides a fantastic view of Junnar city and surrounding hills. An easy hiking trail to the well-preserved old monuments is perfect for a family outing in Shivneri.
A beautiful seasonal waterfall situated at the Bhandardara Dam in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Umbrella Waterfall is located at a distance of 500 m from Bhandardara Bus Stop. One of the best waterfalls in Maharashtra is also one of the top places to visit in Bhandardara. During monsoon season, the Wilson dam overflows resulting in the formation of this gorgeous waterfall. The Wilson dam is used to generate electricity from the nearby water body. Tourists can get a full view of the waterfalls by standing on the bridge that is located right below the waterfall. The waterfall remains present only during the rainy season, when the dam starts overflowing.
How To Reach Ratanwadi
Ratanwadi is located near to major cities of Maharashtra such as Mumbai and Pune making it easily accessible through various means of transportation. Here’s how you can reach Ratanwadi.
- Nearest metropolitan city. Mumbai
- Nearest airbase. New Pune International Airport
- Nearest railway station. Igatpuri Railway Station
- Distance from Mumbai. 180 Kms
By Air
The nearest airport to Ratanwadi is Pune International Airport. From the airport, you can take a road route via a taxi or a bus to Bhandardara and from there take a boat ride to Ratanwadi.
- Distance from New Pune International Airport. 78 Kms
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available To Reach Ratanwadi
By Road
The condition of roads to reach Ratanwadi is not very good and hence, you should follow the road till Bhandardara and then cover the remaining distance by a boat.
- Distance from Bhandardara. 15 Kms
By Train
The nearest railway station to Ratanwadi is in Igatpuri. Mostly inter state trains are connected to this station. Pune railway station is the second nearest railhead to Ratanwadi which has an excellent connectivity of trains from major cities.
- Distance from Igatpuri Railway station. 58 Kms
- Distance from Pune Railway station. 175 Kms
