Ratnagiri Fort, Coastal fort in Ratnagiri district, India
Ratnagiri Fort sits on the Arabian Sea coast and features stone walls, watchtowers, and bastions built for maritime defense. The structure spans across a large area with several inner sections and fortified positions.
The fort was founded during the Bahmani period and came under Maratha control in 1670 when Shivaji defeated Adil Shah of Bijapur's forces. This shift in power shaped its strategic role for the centuries that followed.
A temple within the fort grounds remains active as a place of worship, drawing visitors interested in how locals continue traditional religious practices there.
The fort is easily accessible by road from Ratnagiri town and can be explored in about one hour on foot. Clear pathways and open layouts help visitors navigate the grounds without difficulty.
Hidden beneath the fort is a cave system connecting to an underground water source, showing how medieval builders solved water supply challenges. These concealed passages were crucial for the fortress to remain self-sufficient during extended sieges.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
