Ramshej Fort, Nashik - Timings, Accessibility, Best Time to Visit

At a distance of 14.5 km from Nashik, Ramsej or Ramshej Fort is a small historical fort located on Nashik- Peth Road in Maharashtra. Situated at an altitude of 3273 feet, Ramshej Fort is one of the popular monsoon trekking places in Maharashtra.

According to the history, after death of Shivaji Maharaj, many forts put up strong resistance under the leadership of his son Sambhaji. This tiny fort was no exception. The fort was attacked by Aurangzeb's army and his commanders threatened the Maratha kingdom saying that they would capture the fort in hours but Shivaji Maharaja's son Sambhaji and his army resisted these attacks for almost 6 years. Later, Ramshej fort was one of the 17 strongholds which were surrendered to the British in 1818 CE.

Ramshej literally means Lord Ram's bedstead. It is believed that Lord Rama had made this place as his residence for some time during their exile; hence the fort got its name. To reach Ramshej fort, visitors can take a bus right up to Aashewadi Village, which lies at the foot of the fort. The way to the fort starts from Aashewadi on the south side and it takes 1 hour to reach the top of the fort. En route, there is a small temple of lord Ram inside a huge cave. The cave is well maintained by the devotees and offers a nice place to stay. One cistern lies on south side of this cave, which has potable water. On the left was huge plateau and on the right side there was a tunnel with steps which lead to the main fort. The main entrance was still intact.

By climbing some more distance, there was yet another small temple dedicated to a goddess. One can find numerous water tanks and cisterns here. From the top the view of entire mountain range of Trimbak, Satmala, Bhorgad and vast plains was simply breathtaking.