Raigad Fort Trek - King of Forts

Raigad Fort

Raigad fort is one of the most honored and visited fort by visitors. You can find crowd in all seasons especially during Shivaji Maharaj's Jayanti. British called this fort Gibraltar of the East because of the invincible nature.

Know some basic things before going to Raigad Fort : 

Where : Raigad Fort. 

Height : 1,356 metres [4,400ft] above sea level.

Hill range : Sahyadri mountain range.

Base Village : Pachad and Raigad Wadi.

Best time to visit : November to March, with pleasant winter weather making it ideal for tourists. Activities like ropeway and trekking are top things to do during winters.

Raigad Fort Information : Raigad is a hill fortress situated near Mahad,in Raigad district.It was known as the mountain of 'rain' before it was captured by Shivaji Maharaj.Raigad fort is one of the most important fort in the empire of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Samadhi of great Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj made this as the holiest fort in Maharashtra.

In 1689, Zulfiqar Khan captured Raigad and Aurangzeb renamed it as Islamgad. In 1707, Siddi Fathekan captured the fort and held it until 1733. After 1733 maratha sardar captured Raigad again and hold it until 1818.

In 1765, The fort of Raigad along with Malwan in present Sindhudurg District, the southernmost district of Maharashtra, was the target of an armed expedition by the British East India Company, which considered it a stronghold.

In 1818, the fort was bombarded and destroyed by cannons from the hill of Kalkai. And on 9 of May 1818, as per the treaty, it was handed over to the British Company.

How to reach Raigad : From Dadar there are trains available till Pune. If you are taking a train, the closest railway station to the fort is Mangaon. Trains from popular cities like Mumbai. From Mangaon there are ST buses available. also, tum tum, auto rickshaws are available . [Advice you go by ST buses]

By Road: One of the best ways to reach Raigad is by road. The town is well connected by roads and there are regular buses that operate from major cities to Raigad. The total driving distance from Mumbai to Raigad is around 169 km

 Parking : There is an Ample places where one has to pay for parking of all types of vehicles.

Food and Water : Many veg/ non-veg restaurants are available. Also, home made food is available there at the base village. Bottled water, cold drinks and snacks are also available and also the washrooms facility.

Stay : Home stay, hotels for family or big groups is available at the base village. Only the

MTDC hotel is there at the top of the fort which is available only if the booking is done prior.

Trek Route to Raigad : Mumbai - Panvel - Rasayani - Durshet - Kolad - Mangaon - Raigad Fort; via Mumbai-Pune Highway is the most common route taken to reach the place by many.

via Mumbai. Highway is the most common route taken by people.

It would take you approximately around 3 h 44 min to reach Raigad Fort, via the above-mentioned route. The roads are well maintained, which help one to cover the distance at a good pace.The roads are well developed so, one can cover the distance at a good pace.

Ropeway at Raigad : The only rope way of Maharashtra state is there at Raigad. 

It take there within 5-6 minutes to reach the top by ropeway. There are 2 connected trolleys, 

One has to wait back for 2/3 hrs on weekends.

- Maha Darwaja

                              Shivaji Maharaj Samadhi

                               Statue of Shivaji Maharaj

 Trek Safety : 

• Avoid long weekends due to rush.
• Follow the timings and instructions of the ropeway.
• Do not damage the fortification.
• Follow all the rules given by government.
• Avoid going in monsoon as it rains heavily.

                     
                                                   THANK YOU