About Ratnadurg Fort
Opening Hours: Monday- Sunday, 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Prime Day & Hours: Weekend, morning and evening
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Free Entry
Nearest Railway Station: Ratnagiri Railway Station, 11 KM away
Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj Airport, 160 KM away
Nearest Bus Stop: Ratnagiri Bus Stand, 4 KM away
Perched on the top of a coastal hill is the historic sea-facing Ratnadurg Fort, also locally known as Bhagwati Fort or Ratnagiri Fort. Just 2-3 KM away from the city centre of Ratnagiri, this fort was built by Bijapur's Bahami Rule, and it was later captured by Adil Shah. Then, finally, it was conquered by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1670, which started its Maratha legacy.. After that, it was in the hands of Kanoji Angre and the Peshwas until 1818, when the British annexed it.
The fortress spans about 120 acres and takes on a distinctive horseshoe shape, with the sea on three sides and a land connection on the southeast. Inside the fort, you’ll find a temple to Goddess Bhagwati, shrines to Ganesha and Hanuman, and an old cave linking the upper and lower parts of the fort. You will also see some stone bastions and an operational lighthouse offering sweeping views. A walk around the Ratnadurg reveals stunning Arabian Sea views, dramatic cliffs, and a peaceful heritage site.
Ratnadurg Fort Highlights
• Walk through Chor Vaat, the old sea-facing tunnel at Ratnadurg Fort, which was once used for secret escapes, and feel the thrill of Maratha-era defence secrets come alive.
• Visit the Bhagwati Temple, which is a spiritual spot inside the fort that is loved by the locals and surrounded by a calm sea breeze
• Discover historic relics like the statue of Kanhoji Angre, a Burmese mirror, and ancient structures that reflect the fort’s naval legacy and cultural past.
How To Reach Ratnadurg Fort
- By Car: Ratnadurg Fort is about 2–4 km from Ratnagiri city centre via local roads, taking roughly 10 minutes by car or auto‑rickshaw.
- By Bus/Auto: Buses from nearby towns arrive at Ratnagiri bus stand. From the stand, a short auto‑rickshaw ride covers the final distance to the fort entrance.
Best Time To Visit Ratnadurg Fort
Peak Season (October to March)
- Weather Insights: Pleasant seaside breeze, clear skies, and ideal for long walks.
- Things to Do: Enjoy sunset views, temple visit, photo walks, and explore tunnels and ramparts.
Moderate Season (April to June)
- Weather Insights: Warm, humid days; mornings and evenings are comfortable.
- Things to Do: Early exploration, fort interior walk, sea view observation, light trekking.
Low Season (July to September – Monsoon)
- Weather Insights: Heavy rainfall, slippery paths, lush green surroundings.
- Things to Do: Visit for moody coastal views, green landscape photography, limited climbing, and quiet exploration.
Ratnadurg Fort Other Essential Information
- Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain includes uneven ramparts and steps; slippery after rain.
- Carry water and light snacks as there are no shops available inside the fort.
- Visit between early morning and late afternoon for the best light and cooler temperatures.
- There is no formal entry fee, and temple donations are optional.
- The mobile network may be weak inside the fort, so download maps beforehand.
- The lighthouse may require permission to access, so arrive by 4 PM to seek entry from local guardians
Stroll Along the Horseshoe Ramparts
The Ratnadurg fort has a unique shape of a horseshoe when seen from an aerial angle. You can take a peaceful walk along the narrow cliff-edge pathways that circle the fort's horseshoe shape. As the waves crash below, you can enjoy seeing the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea while taking this walk. You can also enjoy photography or just sit down and relax in the coastal energy of this fort.
Climb Up to the Lighthouse Bastion
There is an operational lighthouse next to the Ratnadurg fort, which can be accessed by climbing through the ancient bastions of this fort. Once you reach the top of the lighthouse can enjoy the views of the Ratnagiri town and the expansive Arabian Sea. This place is peaceful, photogenic, and ideal for watching a sunset as the calming sea breeze makes this place more serene.
Visit the Bhagwati Temple Complex
The fort houses an ancient temple of Goddess Bhagwati, which is open for offering prayers every day. A revered temple by the locals, this temple houses two unique sculptures of deities Veer Vignesh and Ashtadashbhuj. During Navratri, the temple becomes vibrant with drawing crowds of pilgrims, and the locals celebrate the festival with music and rituals within the historic walls of the fort.
Explore the Secret Tunnel and Cave
The name of the secret tunnel at Ratnadurg fort is Chor Vaat, which means a 'secret way' in English. This hidden stone-carved cave tunnel connects the upper and lower levels of the fort, and it is a short passage. This piece of architecture reflects upon the clever defence tactics that were used during the Maratha legacy against the invading forces.
Tourism Board Alliances
Ratnadurg Fort FAQs
Is there a restroom or food shop at Ratnadurg Fort?
No, there are no restrooms or food stalls inside Ratnadurg Fort. It’s wise to use the washrooms and eat beforehand. Carry your own water and light snacks to stay refreshed while exploring the fort, especially during sunny days or if you're visiting with children or elderly companions.
Is Ratnadurg Fort crowded on weekends?
Ratnadurg Fort remains mostly peaceful, even on weekends. You might encounter a few local families, especially around the Bhagwati Temple, during evenings or festive days. However, the fort is spacious and usually quiet, offering a calm environment to walk, relax, or admire views without heavy tourist crowds.
Can I bring food and drinks inside the fort?
Yes, you can bring your own food and water inside Ratnadurg Fort. Since there are no shops within the premises, packing light snacks and water is a good idea. It ensures you stay hydrated and energised during your visit, particularly if you’re coming with kids or elderly people.
Is there parking available near Ratnadurg Fort?
Yes, a small parking area is available near Ratnadurg Fort’s entrance. Visitors can safely park their cars or two-wheelers there. From the parking spot, it’s just a short walk to reach the main gate, making it convenient for tourists to explore without worrying about vehicle safety.
How much time does it take to explore Ratnadurg Fort?
It usually takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to explore Ratnadurg Fort at a relaxed pace. You can walk along the walls, visit the Bhagwati Temple, and enjoy the sea views. If you're into photography or nature, you might want to stay a bit longer.
.jpg.jpg)
