Raigad Fort.

Raigad fort is a hill fort situated at a height of about 2700 feet above sea level near Mahad in Raigad district of Maharashtra. The fort was made capital of Maratha empire in the year 1674 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort was captured by Shivaji Maharaj from Chandrarao More in 1656.

Raigad fort previously known as Rairi belonged to Mores of Javali, who were feudatories of Adilshahs of Bijapur. It was used as a prison cell by Adilshahs before Shivaji Maharaj took it over.

In 1818 the fort was bombarded with cannons and partly destroyed by  British forces and was controlled by East India Company.

Raigad Fort.

Raigad fort is about one and a half hours drive from Mahad. There is a ropeway which takes you to the fort within a span of 10 minutes. Alternately one has to climb about 1737 steps to reach the fort. There is a museum near the begining of the ropeway and a canteen at the top. Lodging and boarding facilities are available at Raigad fort.

Raigad fort which was partly destroyed by British cannons still shows some features which are reminiscent of  historical times. The ropeway takes you to Mena Darwaja Some of the places of interest are Takmak Tok (execution place),Wagh Darwaja, Bazarpeth ( market place) and Nagarkhana (entry place). Shivaji Maharaj's royal throne is seen about 200 meters from Nagarkhana. There is a lake inside the fort called Gangasagar Lake. Besides one can see Ranivasa (residence of queens) and main tower inside the fort. Shivaji Maharaj's samadhi memorial is seen in Jagdishwar temple within the fort.

Bajarpeth- old market.

Ranivasa, Gangasagar lake and Main tower seen on right.

Nagarkhana Darwaza.

Pachad is a place located at the base of  Raigad fort. At this place Shivaji Maharaj had built a palace for his mother Jijabai during her later days as she preferred staying at a lower altitude. The palace was destroyed by the British during their rule and is in ruins now. There is a memorial of Jijabai near the place which can be approached by a motorable road.

Jijamata memorial, Pachad.

Raigad fort is about 102 km from Mumbai near Mahad on Mumbai Goa highway. The road from Pune is via Khalapur and Pali.

Places to visit nearby: Harihareshwar beach, Gandharpale caves, Shivthar Ghal and Mahabaleshwar.

For information on Raigad ropeway:  Click Here.