Rantagiri is gifted with magnificient hills, pretty seashore, creeks, beautiful rivers, hot water springs and waterfalls apart from the ancient forts and monuments. Situated on the coastal belt, Ratnagiri is blessed with virgin beaches that lure the tourists. Ratnagiri beach offers the fantastic sight of an ancient fort overlooking the harbour besides its silvery sands.

The birthplace of so many well-known Indians who had lost their life in the freedom struggle, this small city acquired a remarkable position in the history of India. Situated in pretty surroundings, Ratnagiri offers a rejuvenating environment to the visitors. The sun kissed beaches of white silvery sands, hemmed with swaying coconut palms, and ever green lustrous mangroves, makes Ratnagiri a dream destination to nature lovers.

In 1731, Ratnagiri came under the control of Satara kings; subsequently, the British gained control in 1818. Earlier, one of the Bijapur rulers had built a fort on a headland near the harbor of Ratnagiri, and Maratha King Shivaji had strengthened it in 1670.

Ratnagiri has a palace, where the last king of Burma (Myanmar), Thibaw, and, later, "Veer" V. D. Savarkar, a freedom fighter in the British Raj days, had been confined by the ruling British.

According to a legend, after their twelve-year exile, Pandavas of the Mahabharata epic had settled for a while in the vicinity of Ratnagiri during their pilgrimage in the thirteenth year, and the then king of the region, Veeravrat Ray, had subsequently fought on their side against Kauravas during the Mahabharata war at Kuruskshetra.

Ratnagiri is located at 16.98° N 73.3° E. It has an average elevation of 11 meters (36 feet). The region's climate is tropical.