Places to visit in Ratnagiri

Jaigad Fort sits on a rocky cliff at the confluence point of the Shastri River and the Arabian Sea. It guards a strategic maritime creek that was used during the Bijapur Sultanate and Maratha naval eras. Its outer ramparts, deep moat, bastions, and the palace of Kanhoji Angre are still in great shape, even though some parts of it are broken. 

There is a Ganesh temple and three freshwater wells inside that still give you drinkable water all year round. Visitors who climb the steep stairways to the upper citadel are rewarded with stunning views of the open sea, the Angrey jetty, and a historic cast-iron lighthouse from the 1830s. A quiet 2–3 hour exploration is perfect for photographers who want to think, people who want to learn about history, and people who want to relax by the coast. 

Perched dramatically above the crashing waves of the Konkan coast, Ratnadurg Fort, which is also known as the Bhagwati Fort, is around 2-3 KM from the town of Ratnagiri on a hill beside the Arabian Sea. This fort was built by the Bahmani Sultanate, but it was later captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1670. 

After that, it was passed down to Kanhoji Angre, the Peshwas, and the British. Spread over about 120 acres and shaped like a horseshoe, the fort houses the temple of Goddess Bhagwati in its premises. You will also find shrines for Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman, a secret cave tunnel, and a functioning lighthouse near the fort. Visitors come here to enjoy the panoramic sea views, quiet heritage ambience, and mild coastal weather.

Perched along the scenic Ratnagiri coast, Gopalgad Fort, which is also known as Anjanvel Fort, is a majestic 16th-century hill fort that echoes tales of Maratha valour and maritime legacy. This fort was built by the Bijapur Sultanate and later captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1660. This fort served as a guarding point to protect the Dabhol port and Vashishti River trade routes. 

The fortification of the fort is high laterite walls and a dry moat, and inside you will find 12 bastions, old temples, three freshwater wells, and remnants of residential structures. You can also visit the nearby lighthouse and Talakeshwar Temple and make it a day trip to explore the hidden gems of the Konkan coast.