Raigad Fort. Review on Raigad

Raigad Fort is located on a wedge -shaped block of hill in the Western Ghats. It is a hill fortress situated in the Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. There are many routes to Raigad created by trackers, varying from the somewhat difficult to the very tough.

*Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built his capital city on this hillock of Syhadri Mountain Range in the 16th century. Chhatrapati Shivaji had captured this fort from the royal house of the Mores, an offshoot dynasty from the Maurya dynasty. Chhatrapati Shivaji renovated the Fortress(original name of this fort was Rairi) and renamed it as Raigad(the King's Fort). In those days, it was inaccessible from three sides and only one pathway reach the top. At Raigad Fort, he crowned himself as Chhatrapati. His seven queens used to live here. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is well known for his valor and swift guerrilla warfare of. He kept the moguls busy in this part of the country. He died here after spending about six years.

*Raigad Fort is made of blocks of local black stone. In Raigad, you will find his Samadhi and the remains of his palace. Samadhi of his faithful dog is very near to his Samadhi. One can worship Lord Shiva at Jogadishwar Mandir. The Vast Bazaar Peth at Raigad gives us hints about activities at that place during those days. Though most parts of Raigad are in ruins, (only the temples, The Singhasan of Maharaj and Samadhis are in good shape) yet these ruins are proof of majesty of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

*Raigad is famous for its beauty during monsoon. You know, from top of the hill, sky looks much bigger than what we do see everyday. During winter, full moon at this place must be very wonderful. I am planning for one night stay at MTDC cottage.

How to reach there –

By Road: Mumbai to Raigad is about 210 km on Mumbai-Pune highway. Pune to Raigad is 126 km. Mahad to Raigad is 27 km

State Transport buses are available from Mumbai, Kolhapur, Pune, Ratnagiri and many other places. State transport buses are also coming to Mahad from Gujarat.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is Mangaon(Konkan Railways) which is about 30 km from Mahad. From Mahad one can go by bus or even by auto rickshaw.

*From the foothill of Raigad one can go to the fort by walk climbing about 1400 steps. Young people should go by that so that you enjoy the panoramic view of hills around the fort. For old and weak people it is very difficult task. Do not forget to carry a bottle of water.

For others there is ropeway. This ropeway is the steepest ropeway in Asia. You can sea pictures in my photo gallery. For two way this ropeway ride will cost you 150 bucks but you will not regret. Height must be more than 100 meters. It takes about 5 minutes to reach upper station. Birdseye view from the cable cage is fascinating. Uploaded few photos in my gallery.

Food & Shelter –

There are eateries at the bottom and at the top of Raigad Fort. MTDC cottages are there on the hillock near the Fort for overnight stay. MTDC booking is available from Mumbai or Pune.

Why to go there –

*1. Those who like historical places

1. A nice place for trackers to improve their skill

   
   




2. Ropeway ride is memorable

   
   




3. A nice place for nature lovers and for photographer

   
   

So, there are various reasons to go there. Have a nice time.