The fort was constructed by the Bahamanis and was later captured by Shivaji Maharaj from Adil Shah. The fort was reconstructed in 1790.

Ratnadurg Fort lies atop a mountain near the Arabian Sea shore and has the shape of a horseshoe. The main attraction here is a Bhagavathi Temple and the secret passage to the sea. A small lake, a well and a lighthouse are the other interesting aspects in the fort.