• Jan 25 2016
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Ratnadurga Fort

Located just 2 km away from Ratnagiri, Ratnadurg is a famous tourist attraction. Because of the Bhagwati temple inside the fort, it is also called as Bhagwati fort. The fort is built in the Bahamani period. In 1670, Shivaji Maharaj won the fort from Adil Shaha of Bijapur. After Shivaji Maharaj, the East India Company took over the fort & the British ruled it till 1947. It is a moderate size fort with an area of more than 120acres. It is considered one of the strong forts on the western shore. Its strategic position is best to keep watch on the Arabian Sea and the Ratnagiri harbor
The fort is in three parts, one is the Upper fort or Balekilla, the middle part is called the Peth fort and the third part is the Parkot which now houses the Lighthouse. Peth fort is in ruins. A tunnel joins the Peth fort and the Balekilla. The fortification consists of many bastions some of which are named Ganesh, Markya, and so on. A beautiful temple of Devi Bhagwati is built in the fort. A Lord Hanuman temple is also built in the fort.

The fort was a stronghold of Maratha Armar (Navy). Its location makes it the best lookout point over the Arabian Sea. Bhagvati Mandir is famous, and every year the Navratri Festival is celebrated with enthusiasm. The fort also offers a grand sunset view