Ratanpur Fort is a majestic fort located in Ratanpur village of Bilaspur district in the state of Chhattisgarh, India. The fort was built in the 11th century by the Kalchuri dynasty and has been a witness to many battles. The fort has been a part of many dynasties over the years including the Haihayas, Kalchuris, and Marathas.
The fort is a great example of the architectural brilliance of the 11th century. It is said to be built in the shape of an irregular octagonal star. The fort is surrounded by a strong wall and has two main entrances. The main entrance is a five-storeyed gate which has two towers on either side. The fort also has four bastions, two on each side of the main entrance.
The fort has many interesting features including a large tank and a temple. The tank is located in the centre of the fort and is said to be filled with medicinal water. It is believed that the water from the tank can cure any kind of illness. The temple is dedicated to the deity Ratneshwar, a form of Shiva.
The fort also has a museum which shows the artifacts recovered from the fort. It displays various weapons, coins, pottery, and other items used by the rulers who lived in the fort. The museum also has a section dedicated to the Kalchuri dynasty which is a must-visit.
Ratanpur Fort is a great place to visit and explore the history of Chhattisgarh. It is an important part of the heritage of the state and is a great way to understand the culture and traditions of the region.
Ideal For:
The fort is a great destination for history and culture lovers as it displays the ancient architecture of the Kalchuri dynasty. Visitors can explore the various chambers of the fort, which include a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a palace, and a few water tanks. The fort also has a museum and a library, which are filled with ancient artifacts and manuscripts.
Ratanpur Fort is also a great place for photography enthusiasts to capture some amazing shots of the fort, its ruins, and the scenic views of the nearby hills and valleys. Adventure seekers can also enjoy trekking around the fort or can also go for a hike to the nearby mountain peaks.
Ratanpur Fort is a great destination for those who want to explore the rich history and culture of Chhattisgarh. It is a great place to spend some quality time with family and friends while learning more about the state’s rich heritage.
To reach Ratanpur Fort, here is what you need to do:
The best time to visit Ratanpur Fort is from October to March. The climate during these months is pleasant and the temperature ranges between 20 to 28 degrees Celsius. The nights can be quite cold and the temperature can go down to 10 degrees Celsius, so it is advised to carry warm clothing.
The fort offers a great view of the Mahanadi River and the surrounding hills. The fort has many ancient temples and monuments that are worth exploring. The fort is also home to a variety of birds and wildlife. The fort also has a museum which displays various artifacts from the Kalachuri dynasty.
Apart from sightseeing, one can also enjoy activities like trekking, bird watching, and camping in the vicinity of Ratanpur Fort. The fort also provides accommodation facilities for tourists and has many restaurants and shops.
Ideal Duration:
If you are planning a visit to Ratanpur Fort, you should plan your trip to have at least 2-3 days in Bilaspur.
You can spend the first day visiting the Ratanpur Fort and exploring its many attractions. The fort is known for its architectural grandeur and you can spend some time admiring its massive walls and towers. You can also explore the several small temples and other structures within the fort.
The second day can be spent exploring the other tourist attractions of Bilaspur such as the Ganga Vihar, the Danteshwari Temple, the Shiv Gauri Shrine and the Vindhyavasini Temple. You can also take a boat ride on the River Mahanadi and explore the surrounding areas.
On the third day, you can visit the nearby Chilpi Ghat and explore the hills and riverside. You can also visit the nearby villages and get an insight into the local culture and lifestyle.
Overall, if you plan to visit Ratanpur Fort in Bilaspur, you should plan to stay for at least 2-3 days. This will give you enough time to explore the fort and other tourist attractions in the area.
Ratanpur Fort is one of the important tourist attractions in the city and is a must-visit if you are in Bilaspur. While there are many places to stay in Bilaspur, here are some of the best ones to visit Ratanpur Fort:
