Raigad Fort, perched atop the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, stands as a testament to the state’s rich history and architectural prowess. This iconic fort, originally built by Chandrarao More in 1030 AD, gained immense prominence during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. With its historical significance, grandeur, and strategic location, Raigad Fort has become a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and trekkers alike.
History of Raigad Fort:
Raigad Fort boasts a storied past, closely intertwined with the Maratha Empire. In 1674, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort and made it his capital. The fort served as the nerve center of his administration and witnessed numerous historic events. It was from here that Chhatrapati Shivaji was crowned in 1674, marking the birth of the Maratha Empire.
Architecture and Structure:
The architectural brilliance of Raigad Fort is evident in its robust stone walls, intricate gates, and the iconic Maha Darwaja. The fort also features the Mena Darwaja, which was used by women of the royal household to visit the nearby Gangasagar Lake. The fort’s unique geographical layout and water management system reflect the engineering prowess of its time.
Significance and Cultural Importance:
Raigad Fort symbolizes the valor and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is not merely a structure but a living testament to his ideals of self-governance, military strategy, and administration. The fort has earned a revered place in Maratha history, inspiring generations with its tales of bravery and leadership.
Visitor Information:
To explore Raigad Fort, visitors can reach the base village, Pachad, and then trek to the fort. The fort is open to visitors throughout the year, with an entry fee. The trek to the fort provides breathtaking views of the Sahyadri range and is an adventure in itself.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Raigad Fort is during the monsoon (June to September) when the surroundings are lush green, or in the post-monsoon season (October to March) for pleasant weather.
Nearby Attractions:
Raigad Fort’s vicinity offers attractions like Gangasagar Lake, Takmak Tok (a cliff with historical significance), and the Jagadishwar Temple.
Conclusion:
Raigad Fort, perched majestically atop the Sahyadris, is more than just a historical monument; it’s a repository of Maharashtra’s glorious past. A visit to this fort is a journey through time, a chance to relive the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and an opportunity to appreciate the architectural marvels of a bygone era.
The state of Maharashtra has an abundance of forts. As the state is in close proximity to the Arabian Sea, it offered an ideal location to the rulers of Indian history. Hence, the state has some of the most remarkable forts that you can find in the entire country.
1. Devgiri Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Also known as Daulatabad Fort, this is regarded as one of the wonders of Maharashtra. The fort has several monuments, Chand Minar being the most appealing one.
2. Rajmachi Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort offers a great view of Lonavala, which is located 2710 feet below. You can also enjoy a clear view of the Shirota Dam and the Sahyadri hills from the fort. The architecture of the fort is unique with twin fortresses. The lovers of nature as well as trekking can enjoy a great time here.
3. Ratangad Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort amidst a charming natural surrounding was deeply loved by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort is protected by four gates, named as Hanuman, Ganesh, Trimbak, and Konkan, and has several wells too.
4. Dhodap Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The fort is built with bricks and stones, and has an idol of Hanuman and a trunk inside. This fort is significant for serving as the battleground for Dindori.
5. Murud Janjira Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort offers a mesmerising view to the visitors. This ancient fort has water bodies surrounding it. It is situated at a height of about 40 feet. With the structure of a beast at the entrance that has elephants in its claws, the architecture of the fort is worth a million applause.
6. Sinhagad Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort has served a crucial role for Shivaji in his administration of the kingdom. As you watch the surroundings from this fort that stands at an altitude of 1,312m, you will be left mesmerised in the beauty.
7. Harishchandragad Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort in Ahmednagar was built in the 6th century. Apart from trekkers, who can experience a great thrill in climbing this steep fort, nature lovers also find ecstasy here.
8. Torna Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Being the first fort that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had captured, this is the highest fort that you can find in Pune. The interior of the fort has monuments and various towers. The fort appears exceptionally appealing during the monsoons.
9. Sindhudurg Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort holds a special place among the history lovers as there are prints of the palm and foot of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj who had built it. The foot is also a paradise for nature lovers.
10. Lohagad Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort was a significant spot in history where looters from Surat stored their money. This fort has been under the control of several rulers. It was finally captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Today, this fort serves as a popular place for trekking.
11. Ahmednagar Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This easy-to-commute-to fort is popular for reflecting a well-planned construction. Built by Husain Nizam Shah in an oval shape, the fort has been the protector of many freedom fighters of the nation.
12. Vasai Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort is popularly called Fort Bassein by the localities. History states that the fort serves as the commercial base of the Portuguese. It was brought under the rule of Marathas after a battle. This ancient fort stands strong in between three rivers. The ruins are used as a beautiful background by the lovers of photography.
13. Raigad Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji, this fort was the capital of his kingdom. The fort is situated at a height of 2,700 feet from the ground. It takes around 1737 steps to climb the fortress, which would then offer you a breath-taking view of the valley.
14. Shivneri Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This triangle-shaped fort is the birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj. The fort has two ponds, named as Yamuna and Ganges, where water is available at all times of the year. There is a temple dedicated to Shivaji and his mother Jijabai. The beauty around adds to the value of the fort.
15. Ajinkyatara Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort stands at an altitude of 3,300 feet. Journey to this fort is filled with adventure, which the lovers of trekking thoroughly enjoy. The view from the fort will definitely leave you awe-struck.
16. Vishalgad Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
A name signifying ‘giant’, this fort was named so after King Shivaji captured it in 1659. At 3,500 feet, the fort is located at a spectacular altitude. It is covered by dense forests that provides a thrilling experience to the tourists.
17. Panhala Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort in Panhala has boundary walls that are 7km long and the entrance is protected by three massive gates. This fort from the 12th century stands at a height of 3177 feet. This place offers a beautiful pass for trekking.
18. Sajjangad Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort holds the samadhi of saint Ramdas Swami. The road to this fort has walls painted with the poems of Ramdas Swami. The fort itself has idols of Rama and stands amidst an alluring surrounding.
19. Arnala Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort has an advantageous location as it is surrounded by water. This has allured many rulers to capture the fort. The fort has a number of coconut trees around it which makes it appear more beautiful. It also has various temples to offer bliss to the visitors.
20. Vasota Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort stands out as the fort with the most magnificent views around. The place offers a stunning image of the Nageshwar peak. The Shivsagar lake is also found here. The scenic value of the fort begins much before you pass through Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers, the Kaas Pathar.
21. Karnala Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The fort has images of elephants and tigers crafted carefully on it. The fort has a naturally formed water reservoir that ensures that the tourists spend time here amidst cool breezes.
22. Prabalgad Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Shivaji Maharaj had captured this fort from the Mughals. This 2300 feet tall fort is a popular destination for trekking. There is a temple that has an equally marvellous architecture. A huge number of tourists gather at this place to feel refreshed.
23. Sangram Durg Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This fort reminds visitors of the courage of its keeper, Firangoji Narasala, who became immortal due to his attempt in saving the fort from invaders in 1660. The fort has a cannon outside and a temple of Chakreshwar inside.
24. Alang Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
This 1,372 meter tall fort makes climbing a bit difficult as it has steep as well as vertical slopes on its sides. The fort is filled with caves along with inscriptions on its walls. Visitors can spend peaceful time at this less-explored fort of the Western Ghats.
25. Pratapgad Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
The historical significance of this fort lies in its witness of the battle between Afzal Khan and Shivaji that marked the beginning of Shivaji’s reign. This remarkable fort offers to its visitors’ cool breezes and a view of the surrounding greenery.
26. Purandar Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Shivaji Maharaj had initially captured this fort in 1646 AD and regained control of it from the Mughals in 1670 AD. The fort has the statue of the commander Murarbaji Deshpande. Additionally, it provides a spectacular view of the area from an altitude of 4,472 feet.
27. Devgad Fort Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
Located close to the Arabian Sea, this fort offers a stunning view of the sunset. The fort is the masterpiece of a Maratha chief called Kanoji Angre.
Let us know which forts you have visited till now and how Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life inspires you. We would love to share your story on TravellersofIndia.com
Sahyadri ranges are a true beauty, especially in the monsoons. If you are in Pune during the monsoons, make sure to explore these trails and you won’t be disappointed.
Visapur Fort
Visapur is the first port I went trekking in Pune. Visapur and Lohagad are situated on different paths of the same road, and we decided to go for Visapur because it was less crowded. And we got to know why while trekking up. The sun was up, and it made the moderate trek difficult. Most of the trek is through the mountains up, and the view from the top made the pain all worth it.
This is the place that gave me the first touch of the Sahyadri ranges in Pune, and the others followed irresistibly.
Tikona Fort
Tikona is a very easy level trek for all age groups. You just have to climb up a small hill, and walk a little further and then climb up to the fort, which was the adventurous part. The steps were steep and there were helping rails on either sides which you and to hold on to, and climb up.
After reaching the top of the fort, you can get a view of all the forts in the vicinity ( Visapur, Loghgad, Tung, etc. ). Tikona is situated on a higher altitude than all of those forts and that makes it a viewpoint for all the other forts, though you don’t have to trek too much.
Tikona trek would take 2-3 hours if you want to spend some time atop.
Raigad Fort
Raigad is the fort in which Shivaji Maharaj lived and ruled. If you are someone who prefers hiking through steps and not the mountain path, Raigad is where you should trek. There are 1737 steps and there’s the fort. It has a majestic entrance and in the fort you can find a proper establishment of the royal family of the Maratha empire. You can find the throne and the throne room in which the king used to sit, the queen’s chambers, the queen’s bath, etc. It’s quite an interesting place to visit. It can either be reached through the steps or through the ropeway. We went up through the steps and came down through the ropeway.
Sinhagad Fort
This is the most commercialized places of all the forts I have been to, the reason being it is accessible through motor vehicles. You could also trek your way up and down, and that’s what we went for. It is an easy to medium level difficulty level trek, and the place is very very crowded, especially in the weekends.
The view from the fort is as usual amazing, but there are some unique aspects to the fort such as the Pitla Bhakri ( an indian bread made of jowar served with a side dish made of gram flour. ), and I have personally went there with people just for this.
Though this fort does not give you the accomplishment feeling when you reach the top (since there is a whole crowd of people up there when you reach 😛 ), it is a worthwhile place to trek in Pune.
Torna Fort
Torna trek is one of the wildest treks I have been till now, and undoubtedly the most favorite. In Torna is a very beautiful place. You have to trek one hill up, then cross two hills to reach the base of the fort. Then you start trekking to the fort upwards.
While trekking in the hills, you can expect waterfalls wherever you turn around, lushy green leaves of the mountains gently flipping its two sides, accompanied by heavy rains and wind. Yes, you read the last part right. The force of the winds is such that you have to hold on to someone or something to not get flown away, and the force of the rains feel like needles piercing you. 😉
This continues till you cross the two hill peaks and reach the base of the fort. After that it is only steps that you have to climb. You can find waterfalls on the way up the fort. ( Reverse waterfalls as well if you are lucky enough). The steps are steep and it is not anywhere close to easy. After you reach the top, you find hot snacks and tea to soothe your numb body wet out of rain and winds.
It would be a moderate to high level of difficulty trek and the best time to visit it would be in July. It takes around 6-7 hours for the entire trek.
Though these are one day treks, you could also camp at any of the mountain peaks. I have had friends of mine camp at some of these forts and their experience of the camping made me also try it once. I camped at the Torna fort the second time I went, and it was truly amazing.
Since there aren’t commercial options available in these forts for camping, we would have to carry our tents ourselves. I would recommend you check out some of the best backpacking tents and the best sleeping bags for backpacking. They have proved us right in our camping days. Though there are many places to visit in Maharashtra, the forts of the state remain unbeatable.
So that’s it guys! Let me know in the comments if you have experienced any of these places in Pune. I’d love to hear your stories!
