Ratangad Fort Trek

Ratangad Fort Trek by Mischief Treks

Image clicked by Mischief Treks in the month of October 2023

Watch Video of our previous batches here:
Ratangad Trek Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjixh1XzSJs

Charges and travel options: 

• Without Pickup: 750.00 
  (Participants need to reach the base village in their own vehicle)
• Kasara pickup:  1300.00 
  (A shared Jeep pickup and drop from Kasara included)

The above charges are per person charges for participating in the trek. Refer inclusions section for detailed info about things covered in the charges.

⚠️  Eligibility condition 

1. If you wish to apply for being part of our group, you need to "Read" and "Understand" the details provided on this page, and the About-us page so that you can be "Aware".
2. Each participant needs to be mentally fit to participate. Do not book this event if the details mentioned on this page are not agreeable to you. Mischief Treks does not accept ignorant people.

Booking closes once slots are sold out.

Please do not apply to join our group if the terms and details mentioned on this page are not agreeable to you.

Fitness:
Please make sure you are Physically Fit to complete the event and BEFORE Booking you have gone through all the details, FAQ, Points to note, About Us, and Disclaimer.

Food: 
The food during the event is home cooked food provided by local villagers living in tribal (Aadivasi) region. If you are choosy, cranky and grumpy about food, please avoid joining this event.

Transport: 
Mischief Treks does not own busses, Jeeps, Trains, or Flight. The transport options are hired by us just like people hire Ola/Uber/Auto/Taxi/Train. Any issues regarding the transport vehicles need to be addressed to concerned transport service provider. Pickup-and-Drop for the event is arranged only as "help"  towards common means to travel together, Mischief Treks does not provide transport services or takes any liability regarding the same. Our role and responsibility starts from base village where the trek conducted by us begins. 

Trekking Shoes: 
Wear reliable shoes with good grip, the sole of the shoe gets ripped off if the shoe is not in good condition. 

Washroom: 
The washrooms are available at the base village, there are no washroom on the entire trek route. You can use the ones at the local villager's house before and after the trek. The bus will try to wait for washroom break when ever possible during the journey. During return the bus might get stuck in traffic, please note trying to find a proper parking area and washroom might be difficult.

About us: 
Don't forget to check the About-Us page if you are new to trekking in Maharashtra. 

Punctuality: 
In any adventure or sport event punctuality and discipline is utmost important. If you are late in catching the train/bus/cab, you will miss-out the pickup and will be considered dropout. If you are travelling in your vehicle, you may miss joining the group you are late. This is a group event and will not be personalized as per your timing.

Discounts:  
To be honest, Discounts and coupon codes are just a marketing trick to fool people. No one offers something below the pre-decided rate slab. The charges on website haven't yet been adjusted (inflated) to provide for discounts. Mentioned amount is the lowest actual charges and hence discounts are currently not possible. Each organiser charges a certain amount based on his understanding  regarding 'Worth' of his own event.

Batch Size: 

We Do-Not conduct trek with 100-150 people in the group. Our batch size is limited and we prefer to have a Non-Crowded group for safety reasons.

KYC Form: 
Once you have paid for the event you will receive a KYC form on WhatsApp as soon as your payment is verified by system. You need to submit this form within 3 hours of receiving the form. If you have booked for your friends too, you need to ask each of your friend to get this done. If you are booking just 1 day prior to event, the form needs to be submitted immediately to avoid any inconvenience (Refer FAQ section below) 

CAUTION: 
Please be aware that even the easiest trek is fundamentally a "Trek," not a Tour, Hike, or Picnic. It's crucial to understand that an unfit individual might struggle to complete even half of an easy trek. Based on our prior experiences, an unfit person might perceive an easy-grade trek as the most difficult trek. Prior to making a booking for the event, ensure that you are in good physical and mental condition for trekking.
​To understand What is Trek ( click here )

1. Identity proof.
2. Good and reliable trekking shoes and extra pair of floaters.
3. Water (minimum 2 Ltrs) Compulsory.
4. Torch with extra batteries - do not depend on the phone. 
5. Keep your phone fully charged.
6. Mosquito repellent (optional)
7. Some ready-to-eat food like biscuits, plum cake, etc to keep your tummy happy.
8. Medicines (if you need any), Glucon D / Electrol / Enerzyl Powder (We will have a basic first aid kit with us).
9. A haversack to put all your things. Your hands need to be free while trekking. 
10. And most imp thing, carry lot of enthusiasm and team spirit.

How to Reach Ratangad Fort in Maharashtra from Mumbai

Trek experts recommend that the best way is to opt for pickup and drop option provided by Mischief Treks. Here are your travel options:

• By Train: Take a train from Mumbai to Igatpuri or Kasara station. From there, you can hire a taxi to Ratanwadi, the base village of Ratangad Fort.
• By Bus: Catch a bus from Mumbai to Bhandardara. From Bhandardara, local jeeps or taxis can be hired to reach Ratanwadi.
• By Car: You can drive from Mumbai to Ratanwadi via Bhandardara. The roads are scenic and offer a beautiful drive.
• Pickup and Drop by Mischief Treks: For a hassle-free experience, it is recommended to use the pickup and drop planned by Mischief Treks.

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Aggregate Rating: 4.85 out of 5

Rating count: 2431

Q. Is Ratangad Trek safe for solo participants? 

Ans. Yes Trek is safe and comfortable. Mostly 40% of the participants come solo and blend in with the trek leaders and the rest of the group.  

Q. Is Ratangad Trek safe for girls? 

Ans. Mischief Treks has a track record of making our trekking and camping events extremely safe for girls. Normally 60 – 75 % of our participants are females. Apart from standard risks of any adventure activity, Mischief Treks events are safe for girls, women, kids and especially Men.

Q. How long is the Ratangad Trek?

Ans. To complete the trek, it takes approximately two hours to ascend and two hours to descend. The time frame may increase or decrease depending on fitness level of the participants in the group.  

Q. Where is Ratangad Trek located?

Ans. Ratangad is located in the Ratanwadi in Ahmadnagar  district of Sahyadri range of mountains.

Q. What is the difficulty level of Ratangad Trek?

Ans. Aadrai trek is an easy-moderate level trek and requires moderate/average fitness levels. Its suitable for individuals who are physically fit. For this trek one must use shoes with good grip. 

Q. Which is the nearest Railway station to Ratangad?

Ans. The nearest major Railway station is Kasara, from here one can use State transport bus or local jeeps to reach Ratangad. 

Q. Can we pay in cash or installment for Ratangad Trek ?

Ans. Sorry we do not accept cash payments. For installment scheme you will have to pay one-time processing fee of Rs.500 per person. 

Q. What is the last date of booking the Ratangad Trek?

Ans. Bookings close once tickets are sold out. Ideally you need to book atleast 2-3 days in advance. 

Q. How should I book the Ratangad Trek?

Ans. All you have to do is press the book now button on this page and follow the instructions.

Q. How do we get in touch after reaching meeting point? 

Ans. We will be creating a whatsapp group for coordination where you will be provided all the necessary information regarding contact person, exact point to meet etc..

Q. If I have opted for "with transport", which vehicle will be provided?

Ans. Transport from Mumbai is generally provided bus and Kasara Pickup is provided by local jeep. The bus (if opted for) capacity varies with reference to participant count. 17 seater, 26 Seater, 32 seater etc ..  Bus/Jeep pickup is based of scheduled travel plan for a given date.

Q. What is provided in meals?

Ans. Breakfast will consist of poha and tea and Lunch will consist of Roti, seasonal veg, Dal, and Rice. This meal is prepared by local villagers and is basic home cooked food.

Q. Are there medical facilities at the trek? 

Ans. Our trek leader have basic first aid kit with them to ensure the first aid can be provided if needed. You need to carry personal medicines if any. 

Q. Can I bring my pet to Ratangad? 

Ans. We don't mind having pets along, but the forest stray dogs cause trouble for all other participants when they sense presence of any outsider animal in their territory. Hence, we highly recommend not bringing any pets into any forest region including. 

Q. Are there any restrictions during the trek?

Ans. During the trek none of the participants are allowed to smoke or consume alcohol. Use of loudspeaker is strictly banned by Forest department at all trek locations. If any person is found smoking or consuming alcohol, strict action will be taken against such participant. Also, this may result in sentiments of religious groups being hurt and public at large may act upon it. Hence, such acts are strictly forbidden. The law of the land must be adhered throughout the trek

Q. Will we be returning at exact time mentioned in the itinerary?

Ans. The Itinerary is for reference purpose only, it is based on average time taken during our previous events. Actual timeline for a particular date depends on Weather conditions, Traffic Conditions, Participants speed and endurance.  

Q. Can someone read out all details for me on phone?

Ans. All the details are mentioned on this page itself, once you scroll up you will all info on your screen. Sorry we do not verbally provide details on phone as it usually creates  lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication. Also, its extremely important to read and understand all the details before you book the event so that you have absolute clarity. If  something mentioned on this page is  confusing , you can get clarity on chat by clicking on chat with us button on top. To discuss things that are not mentioned on this website we can arrange a callback from one of our trek leaders.

Q. I have booked/paid for the event, is my booking confirmed for the event? 

Ans. No !, your booking can become invalid if you do not submit the "Most Important Details" required for emergency situations. For any Trek/Adventure event the organizers need to have your details at least 24 hours prior to the event. We do not allow anyone to the campsite until we have complete and authentic details of the person. This info is crucial in case of an emergency and is a mandatory KYC parameter. The link for the "personal details form" will be sent on WhatsApp immediately after you complete the booking instructions mentioned on the website. Submitting incomplete/incorrect/fake details in the form will make your booking invalid and no refund will be provided in such case. 

Q. Why is submitting emergency contact details and KYC information mandatory?

Ans. Its a standard protocol and also a guideline by Govt of India. We are accountable for every "Human-Body" present at our campsite or trek is our responsibility and in case of any unfortunate event we will be asked by authorities to provide all relevant information about you. In order to comply with the authorities we have to take authentic information from you. Fake/Incomplete information or non-submission of the details will make your ticket (paid amount) invalid and no refund will be provided in such case. You will not be allowed to participate in the event. 

Q. Does the cancellation policy/rescheduling policy apply to me if I book on event day or last day?

Ans:  Yes, the policy is applicable irrespective of the booking date. The cancellation / reschedule policy is applicable to everyone with immediate effect from the date and time of booking. The refunds/rescheduling requests will be processed based on the date and time of cancellation/reschedule request sent to us and the date and time of booking the event are irrelevant. 

Q. What is the basis of cancellation/reschedule policy in case of medical ?

Ans:  The cancellation policy is based on fairness towards the participant and the organizing team. In case of medical/personal emergency, the loss arising out of cancellation/reschedule will be borne by the respective person. i.e. if the organizing team faces an emergency situation and the event gets canceled, the participant will not have to suffer financial loss. Similarly, if the participant faces an emergency situation, the organizing team will not have to suffer financial loss. The cancellation policy is designed with a completely unbiased approach towards the participant and organizing team and is aimed at fairness towards both.

Q. What if there is an issue with transport?

 Ans. Mischief Treks as a team conducts treks only. All the support functions like transport, food etc are sourced from various other vendors to help the participants have it streamlined. Equipment failure can happen any time with any piece of machinery and we can try to get a replacement/repair from the vendor. This may consume time and the trek leader may decide to continue the trek as deemed fit to get the event completed. We as well as the participants have to bare with it. There are no refunds possible in such case. The Trek leader's decision to terminate the trek or continue the trek with available resources will be final and binding. 

Q. What if my application to join is disapproved due to my behavior?

Ans. Its important to understand, if you are expelled or if you try to force yourself on us, your application will be rejected based on your unacceptable behavior. If you lie to us about qualifying the eligibility condition mentioned on this page , you will be expelled from our group. Any time during the enquiry phase or after registering or during the event your behavior is considered unacceptable, you will be expelled from the group and No refunds are provided in such case of expulsion or disapproval of joining.

Q. We are coming by our own vehicle for the event, where should we reach for Ratangad Trek?

Ans. You need to reach the Meeting point at scheduled meeting time. This is where we will be meeting, from here you can follow our vehicles. You will be given exact coordinates after you finish booking formalities. We will be creating a WhatsApp group for coordination, you will be provided all relevant details in the group. Please do not be late, we cannot keep other participants waiting. If you are not able to reach on time you will be considered a Drop-Out and no refund will be provided in such case. If you wish to reach base village directly , you can do so by keeping a check on the whatsapp group for timings and locations. Plz note, the area has poor phone network coverage, you may not be able to get in touch with us on phone in the base village region .

Q. How many people will be coming for Ratangad Trek?

Ans. Depends on the number of people booking, rescheduling, cancelling the event. Its tough to guess exact count till the options for booking/rescheduling are open. Generally, the batch size is approximately 30-35 participants.

Q. Can kids participate in Ratangad Trek?

Ans. Age does not matter, Fitness and adaptation is extremely Important. Once we had a 4 year old girl who completed entire trek easily, and sometimes even 22-25 year old people cant complete 10% of the event . If you are planning to trek with a kid , I recommend you to go through this Check this Blog: https://www.mischieftreks.com/can-kids-trek-in-maharashtra

RATANGAD FORT INFO

• Location:
  Ratangad Fort is located at Ratanwadi village of Ahmednagar district. It can also be accessed from Samrad Village. Ratangad is part of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra also known as Sahyadri range, which is known for its scenic beauty.

• Historical Significance:
  Ratangad fort was one of the most crucial forts during Mughal and British era., The Maratha Empire used this fort for defense and it played a crucial role in protecting the region and keeping a watch on the ancient trade route.

• Trekking Destination:
  Today, Ratangad is one of the popular trekking destinations. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, making it a favorite among adventure lovers. The most attractive aspect today is the naturally growing flowers on Ratangad fort.

• Height:
  The fort stands at an elevation of approximately 4255 ft (1296 m) above mean sea level (MSL), offering 360 degree view on nearby region.

• Architectural Marvel:
  The fort has a natural rock with a cavity in it. This rock is at the top of the mountain and is called 'Nedhe'  in local language, which means 'Eye of the Needle.' It's a unique geological formation that adds to the fort's attractions.

• Best Time to Visit:
  The best time to visit Ratangad Fort is during the monsoon season when the surroundings turn lush green, and waterfalls come to life. Also one must not miss the post-monsoon period September-October for the flowering season. Later, during winters its best time for Night-Trek which is also called Sunrise-Trek to Ratangad fort. The best time for Night-Trek to Ratangad fort is from November to April.

• Tourist Attractions:
  Besides Ratangad Fort, nearby attractions include Harishchandragad Fort, Sandhan Valley, Bhandardara, Kalsubai Peak, and Amruteshwar Temple, which is also a heritage site.

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​Events by Mischief Treks 

• Group Tours and Trips starting from Mumbai. Tours include option to book train tickets from Mumbai to the desired destination. Link: Click here
• One Day Treks in/near Mumbai. Morning to evening treks and Night Treks are scheduled every weekend based on weather conditions and on the basis of Best-Time to Visit. Link: Click here
• Kaas - Valley of Flowers from Mumbai, also known as Kaas Pathar or Kaas Plateau. Explore the valley of flowers with one night and two night tour options. Link: Click here 
• Rann of Kutch and Dholavira Tour. Explore the white desert of Gujrat with stay options for one / two / three night stay in tent or resort. Link: Click here
• Statue of Unity Tour. Get a tour planned to visit Statue of Unity in Gujarat as per your budget and travel dates. Link: Click here
• Customised Tour Packages from Mumbai. If you are looking to get a tour package customised as per your dates and budget this option provides you an opportunity to get the entire plan made as per your need. Link: Click here
• Camping and Stargazing. If you are looking for Bhandardara lakeside camping or wish to experience watersports like Rafting, Kayaking and lot more, Check out our camping options on this link. Link: Click here  
• Waterfalls near Mumbai. If you are looking for exploring waterfalls near Mumbai for weekend trekking and adventure, we have the right set of waterfalls listed. Link: Click here

Update as on October 23, 2024 

The temperatures during the month of October is between 22°C to 28°C, and the weather is pleasant at Ratangad. Since monsoon are almost about to end, you might encounter light showers, this keeps the surrounding green and environment pollution free. The skies are clear and good for photos, this also gives a opportunity for good view.

Beware! Low-Cost trek groups often have large batch-size, this results in unsafe over-crowded trek experience which is not at all worth. Mischief Treks is renowned for conducting treks with a limited number of participants in each batch, this helps having a much better trekking experience.

• 90% will be refunded if canceled 15 days (360+ hrs) in advance.
• 75% will be refunded if canceled 10 days (240+ hrs) in advance.
• 50% will be refunded if canceled 05 days (120+ hrs) in advance.
• 0% refund if canceled in less than 05 days (120 hours) of the event date and time.
• 0% refund if the participant drops out, misses bus pickup, does not reach the meeting point on the scheduled date and time. 

If the event itself gets canceled, you will be given the option to switch to any other event or any other date, Or you can opt for 100% refund. If you need to cancel your current booking and/or reschedule your booking to any other date, it can be done free of cost if the rescheduling request is sent 120 hours prior to the trek. From 0hrs - 120 hours prior to trek date and time, free rescheduling is not permitted. It will be counted as cancellation done in less than 120hours of event date and time. It's a humble request, please do not give medical reasons, crib, argue or try to blackmail us if you drop out or cancel/reschedule the trek in the last 5 days. The basis of the cancelation policy is to protect the participant and also the organizers from undue financial losses arising out of unforeseen situations. If the event gets canceled due to the medical/personal emergency of the organising team member, the participants will not have to suffer financial loss. Similarly, if there is a medical/personal emergency at the participant's end, the organizing team will not have to suffer financial loss.