Ratnagiri Fort
Forts served several purposes in the earlier days. These bastions provided protection to warrior kings who were perpetually threatened by their adversaries and dragged into battles when least prepared for it. By closing the ramparts of the fort and disconnecting the entrance to it, the king and his entourage could spend days within the fort, chalking out plans for the next counterattack. Adversely, a defeated king or a vanquished enemy could be lodged indefinitely within a fort (like a prisoner). This is what precisely happened to the last exiled king of Burma, King Thibaw. He was lodged in the Ratnagiri Fort, which is also known as Ratandurg or Bhagwatidurg Fort.
Forts were also often built at strategic locations, as is the case with the Ratnagiri Fort. It was built on a headland near the Ratnagiri harbor, commanding a panoramic view of the open sea. This allowed the inhabitants to detect the enemy ships and destroy then before they could cause harm. It offered a natural protection as it was bordered by the Sahyadri Hills on the East and the Arabian Sea on the West.
Built originally by the Bijapur sultans in the 16th century and renovated later by the great Maratha King Shivaji, the fort today is a prime attraction for tourists. Thousands of people flock here every year. If you are interested in Indian history and Maratha history in particular, you should include the Ratnagiri Fort in your list of must-visit places. It is a very good weekend destination. You can mix some beach hopping as well with your trip to the fort. The fort commands a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea, and the mountain ranges nearby provide adventure and romance to the tourists.
How to reach: National Highway 17 connects Ratnagiri with the rest of the country. There are several private and state buses that travel through this road. You can take one of them, and also the train too for reaching the fort. If you are driving then you will be happy to know that private cars can reach up to the gate of the fort. You don’t have to do much walking.
The closest town with decent accommodation is Ratnagiri. You will hardly find any good resorts in Ratnagiri Fort, or hotels in Ratnagiri Fort. You can stay at Goa or Ratnagiri and see the fort from there.
