Raigad Fort
Fort Raigad, even if only the name is mentioned, the leap taken by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s deeds can be noticed. To go to this Fort is like to go to a pilgrimage spot. Raigad Fort is second capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaaj. This Fort will remind you of the rich history of this land.
Raigad Fort is located at Mahad in Raigad district in the state of Maharashtra. Pachad and Raigadwadi these two villages are situated at the base of the Raigad Fort. It is about 28 km away from the Mangaon railway station. Raigad Fort is a hill Fort situated in the Sahyadri mountain range. Nearly 2800 ft. above sea level.
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History of Raigad Fort:
At that time, this Fort was also called as Rairi, when it was under the control of Chandrarao More and after it was seized by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656 and he renamed it as ‘Raigad’. Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj made this fort as capital of Maratha’s empire in 1674. After capturing this Fort, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj completely renovated and expanded the Raigad Fort. This Fort was built by Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and architect Hiroji Indulkar.
Construction:
Rope-way is available to reach on the top of this fort. Another way to get inside the fort is by steps. You have to hike about 1400-1500 steps to get inside. An interesting fact about this Fort is that this Fort is the only Fort in Maharashtra which has a rope-way facility to enter the Fort.
The Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is one of the main attractions of this Fort. There are many other attractions such as Maha Darwaja, Takmak Tok, Ambarkhana, Rajwada, and so on. The main entrance of this Fort is comprises of Maha-Darwaja. This Fort has numerous gateways such as Maha Darwaja(Huge door), Nagarkhana Darwaja, Palkhi Darwaja, and the Mena Darwaja.(Darwaja-Door).
This Fort is one of the most famous forts in all over India. On June 6, approximately 4-5 lakh people gather at the Raigad Fort to celebrate the anniversary of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation ceremony (in Marathi-Shivrajyabhishek Sohala).
A British force looted and destroyed the Fort in 1818, and later, British forces conquered it. But this fort still stands proudly and reminds the rich history of Maratha’s empire and his land.
How To Reach Raigad Fort:
By Train :
You have to catch the train to Mangaon. From Mangaon railway station you can take a cab to Pachad. Otherwise, you can take a bus. From the Mangaon bus stand you will easily get buses to Pachad.
Pachad is situated at the base of Raigad Fort. To get to the Fort, you can either trek from Pachad or take a ropeway. Ropeway is the quickest way to reach the top of the Fort. From Mangaon railway station about 5 to 10 min. of the walking distance you will get the Mangaon bus stand. From the Mangaon bus stand you will easily get the buses to Pachad, which is less costly compare to a cab or auto.
By Road :
Mangaon bus stand is the nearest bus stand to Raigad Fort. Mangaon bus stand is located at a distance of 26 Km from Pachad village. Trek to Raigad fort starts from this village. Once you reach Mangaon bus stand, there are no. of buses available to reach Pachad. MSRTC buses ply regularly from Mangaon to Pachad.
But very few buses run to Mangaon. Also the chances of getting it are also less. The best option is to go by train or by own vehicle.
By Air :
Pune Airport and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai are two airports close to Raigad Fort. Pune Airport is located at a distance of 140 Km and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport, Mumbai is located at a distance of 170 Km from Raigad Fort.
Attractions:
1.Statue of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
2.Maha darwaja
3.Ambarkhana
4.Raj-wada
5.Raj-darbaar
6.Tak-Mak tok
7.Gangasagar lake
8.Jagdishwar temple.
9.Samadhi of Chhatrapati shivaji Maharaj
10.Samadhi of Jijau at Pachad
Famous occasion: Shiv rajyabhishek Sohala celebrated on 6 Jun.
Distance From:
- Mangaon Railway Station:29 km
- Mangaon Bus Stand: 28 km
- Mahad Bus Stand: 24 km
- Mangaon Railway Station to Mangaon Bus Stanad: 1.2 km
Nearest Railway Station: Mangaon
Nearest Bus Stand : Mangaon
Nearest Airport : Pune Airport And Mumbai Airport.