Ratangad is the jewel of forts. It lies in the Ajoba mountain range surrounded by great mountains of Kulang, Alang, Kalsubai, Katarabai, Ajoba and Ghanchakkar. Geographically, Ratangad is at the banks of Bhandardara lake of Ahmednagar district.
How to go to Ratangad (the way we trekked up to the fort)
First catch a train to Igathpuri
Take an auto to Goti village (7-10 rs per head)
From there hire a jeep to Bhandardhara village (20 rs per head)
Here, you can visit the Bhandardhara dam.
Next, you will have to hire a trax to Amrutheshwar temple - this temple is at the base of that fotress (Ratnavadi village). (we struck a deal for 1000 to and fro together)
Amrutheshwar temple is a an ancient temple with a "Shiv ling" in it.
Next, you will have to hire a guide from this place...because inorder to reach the fort we have to pass dense jungles, streams, waterfalls... Its difficult to trek and find the fort in monsoons. We went with chander - infact, Chander was the master - wow! he knew every nook and corner of that place.
When we are almost near, there will be two deadly ladders and a rock climb for reaching the temple and fort on top. (Not for the weak- hearted). Also, one important thing - in monsoons, the rocks will be slippery - so be very very careful while climbing.
It takes almost four hours for the climb uphill. There are differnet routes to take, while trekking. While coming back you can ask the guide to take you through the less slopy route. My legs ached like hell while climbing down.
Map: http://wikimapia.org/1705491/
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