| Distance | 130 km | Height | 820 m / 2700 ft |
| Days | 2 days | Difficulty | Medium |
| Base Village | Pachad | ||
| Shelter | Dharmashala, MTDC Resort (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) is the better option for accommodation at Raigad Fort. | ||
Overview
This is the very heart of Maratha country -- Raigad, the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped block of hill, split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three sides. Stories of incredible valour and heroic deeds are etched on every pebble at Raigad. It is a hill fortress situated in the Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. It was constructed by Chhatrapati Shivaji between 1657 and 1670.For its immence beauty, Raigad remains a hiker's paradice.The formidable Pratapgad fort with its equestrian statue of shivaji is an interesting excursion.
Chhatrapati Shivaji had seized the site, then the fortress of Rairi, from the royal house of the Mores, a junior or cadet dynasty descended from the Maurya imperial dynasty that once ruled large swathes of the subcontinent. Chhatrapati Shivaji renovated and expanded the Fortress of Rairi and renamed it Raigad, or the King's Fort, the name he gave it when he selected it for his capital when he was in the process of assuming the royal character.
Raigad, the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji's kingdom. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped block of hill, split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three sides. Stories of incredible valour and heroic deeds are etched on every pebble at Raigad. It was here that Chhatrapati Shivaji built his capital city in the 17th century, and here that he crowned himself Chhatrapati. For six years upto his death, Raigad remained the capital of the Marathas with its broad gates and magnificent monuments. There was only one pathway leading to the top, and prizes were offered to those who scaled the fort through unconventional methods. Though parts of Raigad are in ruins, yet they inspire an aura of grandeur.
You can also visit Gangasagar Lake or worship at the nearby Jagadishwar Temple or pay your respects to the great Maratha king at his Samadhi.
The first main place on the fort is the main door - 'Maha Darawaja'. After the main door, Ganga sagar and some remains of the palace can be seen. Hirkani Buruj can also be seen and one don't believe the heroic deeds of Hirkani (she came down the fort bare footed at night from this point). The famous 'Takmak Tok' or place for life punishment - is on the north side. Its thrilling to stand near Takmak Tok which is always with full of breeze. One can see the ammunition store here. The market place on the fort is worth to watch and history lovers spends time here recalling the great warrior. The statue of 'Shivaji Maharaj' is situated at the center of the fort. The Samadhi of Maharaj is also very beautiful and one can remember Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his contribution and full dedication to Swaraj. The other places to visit on the fort are Jagdishwar Temple, Koli Lake, Shirkai Temple etc. The view of 'Lingana' is also wonderful.
Raigad is very famous fort for the trekkers as Raigad - Torana - Raigad trek is very popular and tough one. But for normal people, 'Rope way' is the source available. Truly, a wonderful place where the Maharaj and his Swaraj can be remembered.
Places of Interest
Pachad Jijai Mahal : A palace of Rajmata Jijabai. the weather of Raigad is not suitable for Jijamata, so Shivaji Maharaj build one palace in base village called Pachad. Khubladha Buru : After climbing stairs there is Khubladha Buruj in front of Main Door. Nana Darwaja : Nana Darwaja means small door. At the time of coronation of Shivaji maharaj this door is used by British Advocate Henry Okzendan. Palkhi Darwaja : Just beside the Sambha there is up going stairs towords Bale killa. The door is situated just at the end of stairs. Rajbhavan : A block of 83 ft. x 33 ft. is the recidence of King. Ratna Shala : This is the place where secret discusions are done by the ministers. Raj Sabha : A Big hall of 220 ft x 124 Ft. where the coronation ceremony of Shivaji Maharaj has done by Gaga Bhatta. Nagarkhana : It is the Entrance of Raj Sabha. Located in front of place of Sinhasan. Bajarpeth : As Raigad is the capital fort, Maharaj wants to attract new and more businessmans to business there. For that maharaj build the place where al this things take place it is called as Bajar Peth. Shirkai Mandir : A small Temple of Godess Shirkai. Kushavarta Talav : The lake situeted on the left side of Holicha Mal. Takmak Tok : After going strait from Bajar Peth we reach at Takmak Tok. It is the place from where guiltys are punished by the Maharaj. Hirkani Tok : It is just like a Takmak Tok, but has been not used for such kind of punishment. Mahadwar : The Main entrance of the fort. the sructure of the door is very special. It is called as Gomukhi Darvaja. First of all from distence enimy can't trace the door, and even after they found the door they cant use elephants of woods for cracking the door. Chor Dindi : It is located between Takmak Tok and Mahadwar. It's a small door in the Wall.History
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had seized the fort in 1656, then the fortress of Rairi, from the royal house of the Chandrarrao Mores, a junior or Cadet dynasty to descended from the ancient Maurya imperial dynasty. The last More king (or raja) was a feudatory of the Sultan of Bijapur. Shivaji renovated and expanded the Fortress of Rairi and renamed it Raigad (the King's Fort), the name he gave it when he selected it for his capital when he founded the Maratha empire. Rajgad, a hill fortress situated in Raigad District of Maharashtra, It was capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's kingdom.How to Reach
RAIGAD FORT FROM MUMBAI
By Road
Mumbai → Panvel by Mumbai Goa Highway up to Mahad → Raigad Fort
Distance from Mumbai to Raigad Fort is approximately 160 Km.
If you want a nice experience of trekking, then it’s better to travel across the night and reach up to Raigad Fort by morning. Direct ST Bus (State Transport) from Mumbai To Raigad Fort is running daily at night 12.15 A.M from Parel (Mumbai) ST Depot to Raigad Fort (Pachad Village) and reach by 06.15 A.M. The Bus route is Parel → Kurla → Panvel → Pen → Nagothane Fata → Indapur → Mangaon → Mahad → Pachad.
RAIGAD FORT FROM PUNE
By Road
Chandani Chowk → Paud Road → Dawadi → Bhira Top → Adarwadi → Nizampur → Via Mangaon Road Mumbai Goa Highway → Mahad → Raigad Fort
Distance from Pune to Raigad Fort is approximately 170 Km.
Public transport is also a better option for commuting. Maharashtra State Transport Buses are available from Mahad ST (State Transport) Bus Depot up to Raigad Fort. First Bus for Raigad Fort is move by 5.30 a.m from Mahad ST Depot.
RAIGAD FORT FROM KOLHAPUR
By Road
Via Amba Ghat up to Hatkhamba which connects to the Mumbai Goa highway → Mahad → Raigad Fort
Distance from Kolhapur to Raigad Fort is approximately 270 Km.
Some private vehicles on sharing basis are also available from Mahad To Raigad Fort.
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