Ratnadurg

Ratnadurg Fort, also known as Bhagawati Fort, is a historic fort located about 4 kilometers from Ratnagiri city in Maharashtra on the Arabian Sea coast. Built originally during the reign of the Bahamani Sultanate, it was later captured by Adilshah of Bijapur and then taken by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1670.

The fort subsequently came under the control of Maratha admiral Kanhoji Angre and was eventually handed over to the Peshwas, before falling to the British in 1818. The fort covers around 120 acres and is uniquely shaped like a horseshoe, measuring approximately 1300 meters in length and 1000 meters in width, with the sea surrounding it on three sides. It served as a naval watchpoint to guard against pirates and includes three main sections—the upper fort (Balekilla), the middle Peth Fort (now mostly in ruins), and the Parkot, which houses the Ratnagiri Lighthouse.

The fort also contains the Bhagwati temple, a spiritual site visited by devotees throughout the year. Despite some neglect, the fort offers panoramic views of the sea, historical bastions, and a working lighthouse, making it a notable heritage site and popular tourist destination near Ratnagiri. It is accessible by road from the town and provides a rich blend of history, maritime defense architecture, and natural coastal beauty.