RAIGAD
Raigad is a small place located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This spectacular place is beautifully lined by the roaring Arabian on one side and the lofty peaks of Sahyadri range on the other. Raigad offers you a revitalizing ambiance where you can witness the delightful vistas of nature at its full bloom.
The Konkan belt of Maharashtra is blessed with natural beauty in abundance. Mountain ranges, overflowing rivers, verdant forests, deep valleys, great people and amazing culinary spread. Raigad spectacularly reflects every bit of Konkan flavour. The beauty of the place is further enhanced by the milky waters of Gandhar and Kal rivers.
The town of Raigad also has a lot to offer to tourists who have an adventurous streak in them, as plenty of options are available for rock climbing and trekking and other such physical activities. Lingana Mountain located at a height of 4,514 ft is a hot spot for the trekkers. Besides trekking the mountain offers spectacular view of the underlying Borhatyachi Naal valley.
Apart from rich scenic beauty this place also has a glorious past. The Raigad fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj and made it the capital fort of Maratha empire in the year 1674. The fort was built on the Rairi hill. A monument of rich heritage, Raigad fort stands out right there with its elegant look and attracts thousands of visitors.
Raigad is also famous for its Keertan, Koli Dance, Bhajan, and Bharud. The other places which allures the visitors are Queen’s palace, Jitamata palace, Raigad museum, Jagadishwar temple etc.
October-March is the best time to visit Raigad.
PLACES TO SEE
Jitamata Palace : This palace which is now in ruins is the place where Jijabai, mother of Shivaji spent most of her lifespan and breath her last here. The success of Shivaji was greatly influenced by his brave mother. Jijabai’s Samadhi is found near the palace.
Queen’s palace : This beautiful palace dedicated to the female folk of the royal family sits in the famous Raigad fort. The palace had 6 rooms with separate plumbing for each room. The palace was fabulously constructed using wood. This palace is located between the Gangasagar and Kushwatra talaos.
Raigad Fort : Apart from rich scenic beauty this place also has a glorious past. The Raigad fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj and made it the capital fort of Maratha empire in the year 1674. The fort was built in the Rairi hill. This majestic fort was built to celebrate the victory of Shivaji Maharaj over Chandrarao. This impregnable fort is accessible from only one side. The rocky terrains make the path to the fort pretty tough. A ropeway was introduced recently to have an easy access to the fort. Balekilla offers spectacular view of the Sahyadris and the Bhatghar Lake . A monument of rich heritage, Raigad fort stands out right there with its elegant look and attracts thousands of visitors.
Takmak Tok : It is a dangerous point where the foes of Shivaji were pushed down ruthlessly into the deep underlying valleys. The then punishment point is now a famous view point for the tourists.
OTHER PLACES
Raigad Museum
Raj Bhavan
Gangasagar Lake
HOW TO REACH
By Air : Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport which is 180 km away from Raigad offers both domestic and international flights. Pune's Lohegaon airport is about 140 kms.
By Rail: The Vir Dasgaon railway station is the nearest railhead to Raigad. This station provides regular trains to Mumbai and Pune .
By Bus: Government and private buses are available to Mumbai and Pune. Buses also connect the major near-by cities as well.