Raigad Fort, located in the Sahyadri mountains of Raigad district, Maharashtra, is one of the most iconic and majestic forts of India. Known as the capital of the Maratha Empire, it holds a special place in every Maharashtrian’s heart.
🏞️ Significance of Raigad Fort (in Simple English)
Raigad Fort was the capital fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, where he was formally crowned in 1674 as the first Chhatrapati (King) of the Maratha Empire. The fort is known for its architecture, strong structure, and scenic views.
Yeh fort sirf ek historical site nahi, yeh pride ka symbol hai. Shivaji Maharaj ne yahan se apna kingdom chalaya tha. Fort par jaake aisa lagta hai jaise aap history mein wapas chale gaye ho.
📍 Raigad Fort Location & Google Map
- District: Raigad, Maharashtra
- Base Village: Pachad Village
- 🗺️ Google Map Location – Raigad Fort
- Coordinates: 18.2347° N, 73.4421° E
🏁 Start Point & Base Village
- Base Village: Pachad, Raigad district
- Trek Start Point: Near Hirakani Buruj
- OR you can use the Raigad Ropeway from Hirakani Wadi to reach the fort top
🗺️ Best Route to Reach Raigad Fort
🚗 From Mumbai (170 km / 5 hrs)
- Mumbai → Panvel → Khopoli → Mahad → Pachad → Raigad Fort
🚗 From Pune (130 km / 4 hrs)
- Pune → Mulshi → Tamhini Ghat → Mangaon → Pachad → Raigad Fort
🚌 By Bus: MSRTC buses available from Pune, Mahad, Mangaon to Pachad
🚠 By Ropeway: Raigad Ropeway (₹300–₹400 round trip approx)
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Raigad Fort
- ✅ October to February – Winter is the best time; weather is cool and pleasant
- 🌧️ Monsoon (June–Sept) – Beautiful greenery, but trekking can be slippery
- ❌ Summer (March–May) – Avoid due to heat
🎒 Things to Do at Raigad Fort
- Visit Shivaji Maharaj’s Samadhi (memorial)
- Explore Raigad Palace ruins, Raj Sabha, and Nagarkhana Darwaza
- Walk on Maha Darwaja, Takmak Tok (cliff point)
- See Queen’s chambers, secret escape routes, and Ganga Sagar Lake
- Enjoy ropeway ride and panoramic views
- Photography, trekking, and history walk
📸 Is Camera or Drone Allowed?
- 📷 DSLRs & Cameras: Allowed (no extra charge generally)
- 🚁 Drones: May require prior permission from local authorities or ASI. Not always allowed due to heritage rules.
👨👩👧👦 Suitable For Whom?
- ✅ Solo Travelers – Yes, ideal for photography & heritage lovers
- ✅ Groups – Best for school groups, trekkers, and history buffs
- ✅ Families – Ropeway makes it easy even for elders & kids
🍱 Food, Water, Toilets & Parking
| Facility | Availability |
|---|---|
| Food | ✅ Available at base village & top stalls |
| Water | ✅ Filtered water points on the fort |
| Toilets | ✅ Available at base & top (ropeway area) |
| Parking | ✅ Paid parking available at base village |
💸 Estimated Budget Per Person
| Expense Category | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Travel (from Pune/Mumbai) | ₹400 – ₹700 |
| Food & Snacks | ₹200 – ₹300 |
| Ropeway (optional) | ₹300 – ₹400 (round trip) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Total Budget | ₹800 – ₹1400 approx |
🧭 Nearby Places to Visit
- 🏞️ Mahad Ganpati Temple
- 🏰 Pratapgad Fort (60 km)
- 🌊 Diveagar Beach (100 km)
- 🚩 Shivthar Ghal – Meditation cave of Samarth Ramdas
- 🌿 Tamhini Ghat – Scenic nature route
📝 Related Topics
- Shivaji Maharaj Forts in Maharashtra
- Forts Accessible by Ropeway
- One-Day Treks from Pune/Mumbai
- Heritage Tourism in Maharashtra
- Forts of Western Ghats
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