t r a v e l k o n k a n

Ratnadurg / Bhagwati Fort

The Ratnadurga or Bhagawati Fort which was built in the 12th century is situated near the Ratnagiri docks. This huge fort is spread over 120 acres of land and is almost 1211 meters in length and 917 meters wide. It is located just 1 km to the west of Ratnagiri. The small fort has 9 bastions whereas the entire fort has a total of 29 bastions. Ratnadurga fort is divided into three parts of Peth, the small fort, and the lighthouse. As the fort is surrounded by sea from three sides and the light house on the fourth side the scene looks very picturesque. The Ratnadurga fort is hardly at a height of 100 meters from its base, is very easy to climb and leads directly to the Goddess Bhagawati Temple.

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Historical & Heritage

Ratnagiri (Ratnagiri)

Nearest Bus Depot
Ratnagiri - 3 Kms
Nearest Railway Station
Ratnagiri - 11 Kms
Nearest Airport
Ratnagiri - 9 Kms
City Approach
Ranagiri - 5.5 Kms

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About Ratnadurg / Bhagwati Fort

The other part of the Ratnadurga fort is the light house. A downwards path on the right hand side of the fort leads through the fisher folk’s hutments to the Bhagawati port, and a road on the left side leads to the light house. You can find the tomb of Ratnagiri Baba in a dome on the left side of this road and the name Ratnadurga must have originated from here itself. You must seek prior permission to visit the light house. In a bastion besides the light house, 4 canons are placed out of which 2 canons are almost 4 feet long whereas the other 2 canons are almost 12 feet long.

The third part of the fort is the Bhagawati temple. When the smaller fort was renovated, 11 strong bastions were built in it. This fort is situated at a height of approx.200 feet above sea level. You can travel in your vehicle to the temple and from there you have to climb some steps to reach the main entrance of the temple. The area of the temple of Bhagawati is the largest area on the fort, and every day the temple is open from 8 am to 6 pm.

Ratnadurga was built in the Bahamani period. Thereafter, it was under the rule of Adilshahi in 1660 A.D. Around 1670 A.D. Chatrapati Shivaji brought many forts in Konkan including the Ratnadurga fort under the Maratha regime. In 1755 Ratnadurg was under the control of the Aangres, and later it was ruled by the Peshwas. The Bhagawati temple was repaired in 1950 and the fort was repaired in 1989. This fort has acted as the protector of Ratnagiri region and has witnessed many historical events through centuries. When you visit this fort, you get the feeling of meeting an elderly savvy person. The fort is equally famous for its scenic beauty and charming surroundings that can be seen from the top.