Overview
Discover the magic of the Ratangad Fort Monsoon Trek
When the hills come alive with rain-washed forests, blooming wildflowers, and roaring waterfalls. This trek is your gateway to nature’s drama, heritage, and panoramic vistas of Maharashtra’s mighty Sahyadri range.
🌿 Why Choose the Monsoon Trek?
- Lush Greenery & Waterfalls: Rain revives every trail. Streams swell, waterfalls cascade, forests shine with freshness.
- Wildflower Trails: From late monsoon, a colourful carpet of flowers like Sonki and Karvi appears, framing the fort in vibrant hues.
Ancient Caves & Architecture: Spend the night (optional) in historic caves overlooking valleys. Base village Ratanwadi has the Hemadpanti-style Amruteshwar Temple (1000+ years old).
Iconic Landmarks:
- Nedhe (Eye of the Needle) – natural rock hole with dramatic views.
- Konkan-Kada cliff edges, sweeping panoramas of Alang, Kulang, Kalsubai & Katarabai peaks.
🗺 Route & Difficulty
- Starting from Ratanwadi village, pass by the Amruteshwar Temple, cross the Pravara river, then ascend through forested slopes. Trails include rock patches and steel ladders near the summit.
- Grade: Moderate endurance needed. Slippery when wet, some steep sections, but doable for beginners with care.
⏱ Timing & Best Season
- Best months: Monsoon through late monsoon (July-October) for greenery & waterfalls. Post-monsoon for flowers. Winter (November-February) for crisp views and cool nights.
- Duration: Climbing up takes ~3 hours, descent about 2 hours; exploring the fort & caves adds extra time.
🔗 What You’ll Experience
- Waking up in rural Ratanwadi, walking past rice paddies, rivers, and steep valley views.
- Encounters with local flora and fauna, maybe fireflies in early evenings.
- Adventurous ladder climbs, ancient water cisterns, rock-cut gateways & strong vistas of lake & valley below.
- Connecting with Maratha history through fort walls, gates, and the Amruteshwar Temple’s relics.
🎒 Essentials to Pack
- Waterproof hiking shoes, rain jacket, quick-dry clothes
- Enough water + snacks (trail has limited refreshment options)
- Torch & small first-aid kit
- Camera/phone with good battery (monsoon light can be magical!)
Tour Highlights
- Discover the historic charm of Ratangad, famously known as the "Jewel of Forts"
- Witness breathtaking panoramic views of the Bhandardara region from the summit
- Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of nature, surrounded by waterfalls, lakes, and lush greenery
- Spot nearby peaks like Kalsubai, Alang, and Kulang from the fort
- Explore ancient rock-cut caves that offer a glimpse into the fort’s storied past
Inclusions/Exclusions
Departure from Mumbai to Ratanwadi
Board the Kasara fast local from your nearest station, starting at 8:44 PM from CSMT. The train halts at major stations including Byculla (8:51 PM), Dadar (8:58 PM), Kurla (9:07 PM), Ghatkopar (9:11 PM), Thane (9:26 PM), and Kalyan (9:52 PM), finally reaching Kasara by 11:04 PM. Upon arrival, meet the Trikon Team at Kasara station by 11:15 PM. Shortly after, the group will move toward Ratanwadi, the base village for the Ratangad trek, via private jeep.
Trek to Ratangad and Return Journey
Arrive at Ratanwadi around 4:30 AM, where you'll have some time to freshen up. A simple breakfast will be served by 5:00 AM to fuel up for the trek. The trek begins at 6:00 AM, taking you through scenic forest trails and gradual ascents. By approximately 10:00 AM, you'll reach the summit of Ratangad Fort. Explore the historic site, including the fascinating "Nedhe" — a natural hole in the mountain offering a spectacular view and a unique natural wonder.
Begin the descent at 12:00 PM and reach the base village by 2:00 PM, where a delicious vegetarian lunch awaits. Post lunch, the return journey to Kasara begins at 4:00 PM via private jeep. You'll arrive back at Kasara station by 7:00 PM, from where you can catch the local train to Mumbai. Expected arrival in Mumbai is around 9:00 PM, bringing an adventurous and scenic weekend trek to a close.
Tour Duration
- 2D
Medicine, cash, toiletries, trekking shoes, water bottle, ID card, power bank, torch, blanket, warm clothes, moisturizers.
Cancellations received less than 45 days prior to departure will be subject to the following forfeit | Before 45 days: 25% of tour cost | 45 - 30 days: 50 % of tour cost | 30 - 20 days: 75% of tour cost | Within 20 days: 100% of tour cost | No exception to this policy can be made for any reason.
46 Days or more before date of departure: 25% of total cost. | 31 - 45 Days before date of departure: 50% of total cost. | 30 days before date of departure: 100% of total cost.
Any increase in cost because of change in the itinerary due to reasons beyond our control (force majeure) like landslides, riots, traffic jams etc. | Any dispute is subject to Delhi jurisdiction only.
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