Raigad

This is about my most recent visit to the Fort Raigad built by Chhatrapati Shivaji 350 years ago.

Raigad was the capital of Maratha kingdom. Its located on a hill which is nearly 2000 ft above the sea level. Its close to Village Pachad which is on the foothill of the mountain. You can reach the fort either by climbing approx.1500 steps which takes 3 – 4 hours. Good for fitness freaks as its pretty difficult for many to climb up.

The other option is Raigad Ropeway, a 6 minute ride from the base ropeway station to the top (Mena Darwaja)

Reaching there:

Its well connected to Mumbai – Goa highway.

From Mumbai Mumbai to Panvel by Goa highway towards Goa up to Mahad-Raigad. Distance from Mumbai to Raigad: 140 Km.

From Pune: Mulshi - Nizampur - Mangaon - Mumbai-Goa Highway - Mahad - Raigad Distance from Pune to Raigad: 150 Km.

Food and Accommodation: There are 2 canteens for food and refreshment within the premise of Raigad Ropeway. One at the base and the other one on the top (next to the upper ropeway station). These canteens serve only veg food and alcoholic drinks are not allowed. If you want Non veg food, the only option is some restaurants in Pachad ( a walking distance from ropeway station). Food is just OK. Not many options available.

You have to carry all misc. Stuff with you as there are no shops close by ( Big stores are in Mahad some 26 km away from the foothill) You can stay at the base ropeway station as there are many rooms available along with some ac rooms and a couple of dormitories ( on cot basis attached to 2 loos and bathrooms )

Similarly the accommodation is available at the top along with a resort. ( again no non veg and drinks) You must carry caps or umbrellas with you and a sunscreen lotion especially during summer.

Places to visit:

All the places are good and if you want to know the complete history and details, guides are available to give you a conducted tour.

Mena Darwaja: This was the special entrance for the queens and the queens.

Ranivasa: 6 rooms for Jeeja Mata ( Shivaji Maharaj’s mother), Soyarabai, Putalabai and others

Palkhi Darwaja: Entrance for Shivaji Maharaj and his people.

Raj Bhavan: place for Shivaji Maharaja’s Darbaar. It has two water tanks by its side. I was surprised to see the toilet and drainage system as its so well designed. The fort has many huge water reservoirs including Ganga Sagar.

Raj Sabha: The place for meetings through Nagarkhana. Those days royal band played here round the clock. Architecture of the entire fort is just amazing.

Holi Cha Mal: Its outside Nagarkhana. A wide open ground, used for festivals. A well planned market place used to be there.

Some of other important places to visit are: Shirkai Bhavani Temple, Jagadishwar Temple, Samadhi of Shiv Chhatrapati. The Samadhi is well-maintained and a huge attraction to most of the tourists, ammunition depot, Bara Tanki, Rameshwar Mandir, Wagh Darwaja and Takmak Tok - an execution place for criminals, etc.

The ropeway ride is just amazing and you feel like a bird n the sky. The view from the fort is simply superb. Do not forget to carry your camera. Carry sufficient cash as there is no ATM nearby.

The best option is to take your own vehicle ( car etc.). You can take konkan railway- from mumbai to nijampur and a bus from nijampur to mahad.

Cost of Ropeway ride ( both ways ):

Rs. 150/- per person, for students, rs. 85/-

Food:

Full meal Thali: Rs. 75/-

Normal Thali: Rs. 60/-

Accommodation charges:

On cot basis: Rs. 200/- per cot

AC Double room ( per person) : Rs. 1300/-

Non AC :Rs 500/-, Rs 750/-

Best time to visit:

Oct to March

Tel: +91-2145-274870

See some pics on - https://mouthshut.com/vijaymb/photogallery

All the best :-)