Ratnadurg Fort

Ratnadurg Fort

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Besieged by the breaking waves of the blue Arabian Sea on the three sides, the Ratnadurga Fort presents a spectacular sight. Looming tall over the landscape, the massive horseshoe shaped structure was once the strong hold of the mighty Maratha Empire and served as an important base for the Maratha navy. Spread over a vast area of 120 acres, the Ratnadurg Fort is a fascinating tourist destination and lies about 220 kms south of Mumbai. It was built by the Bijapur Sultans in the 16th century and was under Muslim rule for several decades before it was annexed by Chhatrapati Shivaji in 1670. A small Hanuman temple stands at the entrance to the fort. As you pass through the 2 entrances, you are met with a magnificent view of the entire fort area. The fort comprises of three fortified peaks. The largest, to the south, is called Parkot and features a functional lighthouse on its western edge, a point of great interest to visitors. You will hardly find a trace of the middle peak, Peth fort. The upper fort or the Bale Kila is still well preserved and houses the famous Bhagawati Temple. It has deities of Lord Ganesh and Hanuman on either side. Beyond the temple is a cliff with a sheer drop. It is said that condemned prisoners were thrown from its heights to their death. You will see some old caves on the western face of the cliff. The last king of Burma was incarcerated by the British in Ratnagiri in a palace specially built for him. The western front of the fort presents a bewitching spectacle as the sun sets over the blue horizon and the waves of the Arabian Sea make their own music as they crash against the walls of the fort.