About Raigad Fort
Raigad Fort is located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. Situated at an elevation of 820 meters above sea level, the fort is surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain range and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and holds immense historical and cultural significance. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts thousands of visitors every year who come to witness the grandeur and magnificence of this ancient fort. Fort is known for its numerous bastions, gates, and watchtowers, and is a testament to the architectural prowess of the Maratha Empire.
Raigad Fort Information
- Location: Mahad, Raigad district, Maharashtra
- Opening Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Best Time to Visit: November to March: Ideal weather for exploring the fort.
- Raigad Fort Height: 820 meters (2,700 feet) above sea level.
- Getting There:
- By Road: Accessible via road from Mumbai or Pune.
- Ropeway: Offers a scenic and convenient way to reach the fort.
- What to Wear:
- Comfortable Clothing: Light, breathable clothes suitable for trekking.
- Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential.
- Essentials to Carry:
- Water: Stay hydrated by carrying enough water.
- Snacks: Pack light snacks or energy bars.
- Sunscreen and Hat: Protect yourself from the sun.
- First Aid Kit: Handy for minor injuries.
- Exploring the Fort:
- Guided Tours: Consider hiring a local guide for historical insights.
- Photography: Capture the stunning views and historical structures.
- Safety Tips:
- Stay on Marked Paths: Avoid venturing off the designated trails.
- Weather Check: Check the weather forecast before your visit.
Raigad fort History
Raigad Fort, previously known as the Fort of Rairi, holds a significant place in history as it was captured by the courageous Maratha Dynasty king, Chhatrapati Shivaji. He bestowed it with the name Raigad Fort. Later, in 1689, the fort fell into the hands of the Mughals, and the sixth Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb, renamed it as ‘Islamgad’.
During that time, the British East India Company launched a military expedition to conquer this fort, considering it a stronghold of piracy. Fort endured partial destruction due to bombardments from Kalkai Hills in May 1818.
Despite the trials it faced, Raigad Fort has managed to preserve its timeless allure. It proudly showcases the architectural splendor of the Marathas, attracting a diverse range of tourists each year. Stepping into the fort, one can still experience the grandeur that once defined the Maratha Empire.
Raigad Fort Architecture
Raigad, meaning the King’s fort, was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji. True mastermind behind the Raigad Fort architecture was the visionary architect Hiroji Indulkar. Every nook and cranny of Raigad Fort reflects his architectural expertise.
Once you reach the fort, the sole pathway towards the entrance is the ‘Maha Darwaza’. Its boundaries and watchtowers were strongly built and have stood the test of times. Interiors consist of eight chambers for eight queens of the king. At the back of the chambers, there is an enormous lake called the Elephant Lake (once used for bathing elephants).
Reach the Durbar Hall that houses the throne of Chhatrapati Shivaji. Durbar Hall is believed to be an example of an acoustic architectural arrangement. If you whisper anything from any one corner of the Durbar, it can be easily heard at the throne.
When you walk out of the Durbar and walk down the lane, you can spot the sculpture of Chhatrapati Shivaji on a throne. It is placed right in the centre of the marketplace. If you walk further to the right, you will find the Jagadishwar Temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva). Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji and his loyal dog ‘Waghya’ are placed in the front of the temple.
Raigad Fort Photos
Raigad Fort Timings and Entry Fees
Raigad Fort Timings:
- Open Daily: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Raigad Fort Entry Fees:
- Indian Nationals: ₹10 per person
- Foreign Nationals: ₹100 per person
- Children (Below 15 years): Free
Raigad Fort Ropeway Timings, Booking, Ticket Price!
Raigad Ropeway offers a thrilling experience, traversing a total aerial distance of 760 meters while ascending 420 meters vertically. In just 4 minutes, the ropeway takes you to the top, providing breathtaking views along the way.
Ropeway Package Includes:
- To & Fro Journey by the Ropeway: Enjoy a scenic and convenient ride to the fort.
- Visit to the Museum: Explore artifacts, weapons, and photographs from historic times.
- Film Show “Shiv Teerth Raigad”: Watch an informative film about the fort’s history.
- Guided Tour: Benefit from a guided tour to learn more about the fort’s significance.
Raigad Fort Ropeway Timings
Raigad Ropeway operates daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Raigad Fort Ropeway Ticket Price
| One-Way Ticket : Up or Down | ||
|---|---|---|
| Common for Adults / Senior / Children | Rs. 181/- each. | Rs. 190/- each. |
| School Trip Upto Standard VII School | Rs. 124/- each. | Rs. 130/- each. |
| School Trip Standard VIII to XII School | Rs. 152/- each. | Rs. 160/- each. |
| Two-Way Ticket | ||
|---|---|---|
| Rates Exclusive of GST | Rates Inclusive of GST | |
| Adults | Rs. 295/- each. | Rs. 310/- each. |
| Children (height between 3 to 4 feet only) | Rs. 190/- each. | Rs. 200/- each. |
| Senior Citizen (60 years completed. Age proof with photo ID needed) | Rs. 190/- each. | Rs. 200/- each. |
| (Two-Way Ticket) Group Discount *Not Applicable to Senior Citizens | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adult Group above 25 Persons | Rs. 271/- each. | Rs. 285/- each. |
| (Two-Way Ticket) Physically Disabled | ||
|---|---|---|
| Adult, Child or Senior Citizen | FREE | FREE |
| (Two-Way Ticket) Special Concessional Rate for School trip per student | ||
|---|---|---|
| Upto Standard VII School | Rs. 186/- each. | Rs. 195/- each. |
| Standard VIII to XII School | Rs. 214/- each. | Rs. 225/- each. |
| Teachers & Staff accompanying Student Group | Rs. 214/- each. | Rs. 225/- each. |
Raigad Fort Trekking Guide
Raigad Fort Trek offers a wonderful trekking experience to the top of the fort. Here are some key details:
- Steps: Series of around 1,750 steps will take you to the fort top.
- Night Trekking: Also opt for night trekking for a unique experience.
Amenities:
- Food and Water: No need to worry about breakfast, lunch, or water. There are plenty of shops at the base and at the top of the fort.
Trek Details:
- Time to Trek: 60-90 minutes
- Trek Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
- Best Time to Visit: After monsoon to winter
Raigad Fort Camping Information
- Camping: There is ample open space at the fort where you can pitch your own tent.
- Accommodation: Stay at the Raigad Resort at the top. Booking and lodging information is available above.
Best Time to Visit Raigad Fort
Best time to visit the Raigad fort is during November to March as winters are not harsh here. Weather remains pleasant, and you will enjoy trekking or ropeway the most during winters. Summers are hot in Raigad as the mercury reaches up to 50 degrees Celsius.March to June is generally avoided by tourists.
Raigad in Winter (November – February)
Winter season is the ideal time to plan a trip to Raigad. During this period, the weather is pleasantly cool, and the temperature remains comfortable, making it perfect for local sightseeing. Winter also brings a range of festivities to the region, enhancing your travel experience.
The days are mildly warm, while the nights are cooler, providing a pleasant contrast. Gentle cold winds make traveling to nearby attractions enjoyable. For added comfort, it’s recommended to carry light woollen clothes. Overall, winter offers the best conditions for exploring Raigad and its surroundings.
Raigad in Monsoon (July – September)
During the monsoon season, Raigad experiences medium to heavy rainfall, which significantly increases humidity. Although the downpours do lower temperatures, the weather remains uncomfortable due to continuous showers.
These rains can obstruct outdoor activities and lead to water clogging and potential flooding. It is advisable to avoid traveling to Raigad during the monsoon season because of the unpleasant weather conditions.
Raigad in Summer (March – June)
Summers in Raigad are quite sweltering, with temperatures rising significantly, making the days hot. Evenings offer some relief with cooler temperatures. Summer season begins in late March, and the slightly warmer days combined with cooler nights can be suitable for tourism, especially for sightseeing and various tourist activities.
Holi, celebrated with great enthusiasm in Raigad, falls during this period. By April, the weather becomes increasingly unbearable due to hot, dry winds and intense heat, which can hinder tourist activities and sightseeing. Thus, summer is not the ideal time to visit Raigad, especially as temperatures rise.
Places to See on the Raigad fort:
- Maha Darwaja (Main entrance to the Raigad fort)
- Mena Darwaja
- Palakhi Darwaja
- Brahmanwada
- Jagdishwar temple
- Takmak Tok point
- Shivaji’s tomb
- Shirkai Devi Temple
- Hanuman Taake (Tank)
How to Reach Raigad Fort?
Raigad fort is situated in Mahad, Raigad district of Maharashtra. Walk 1737 steps leading to the fort or enjoy the facility of Raigad Ropeway to reach the fort in 4 minutes.
Nearest Railway Station: Nearest Railway Station is the Vir Dasgaon Railway Station, based at a distance of 40 Kms from Raigad.
Nearest Bus Stop: Nearest major bus stand to Raigad is Murud, which is based at a distance of 32 km.
Raigad Fort to Pune Distance
Distance from Raigad Fort to Pune is approximately 130 km.
Nearest Railway Station to Raigad Fort
Nearest railway station to Raigad Fort is Veer Railway Station, located about 40 km away.
How to Reach Raigad Fort from Mumbai?
To reach Raigad Fort from Mumbai, you have several options:
1. By Car:
- Distance: Approximately 170 km.
- Duration: Around 4-5 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
- Route:
- Take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway from Mumbai.
- Exit at Khopoli and take the NH66 towards Alibaug.
- Follow the signs to Raigad Fort.
2. By Train:
- Nearest Railway Station: Mangaon or Karjat.
- From Mumbai to Mangaon/Karjat:
- Take a local train from Mumbai CST or Lokmanya Tilak (LTT) to Karjat or Mangaon.
- From Mangaon/Karjat, hire a taxi or take a local bus to Raigad Fort.
3. By Bus:
- Private Buses: Several private operators offer direct buses from Mumbai to Raigad.
- Buses usually depart from Mumbai’s major bus terminals such as Dadar or Borivali.
- Check with the bus operators for schedules and availability.
- MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation): MSRTC also provides bus services to Raigad from various parts of Mumbai.
4. By Taxi/Cab:
- Hire a taxi or cab from Mumbai for a more comfortable and direct journey.
- It is advisable to book a cab in advance for convenience.
5. By Air:
- Nearest Airport: Mumbai Airport (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport).
- From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a train/bus to reach Raigad Fort.
How to Reach Raigad Fort from Mangaon Railway Station?
To reach Raigad Fort from Mangaon Railway Station, you have a few options:
1. By Taxi/Cab:
- Duration: Approximately 1-1.5 hours.
- How: Hire a taxi or cab directly from Mangaon Railway Station to Raigad Fort. This is the most convenient option, as it will take you directly to the base of the fort.
2. By Bus:
- Local Buses:
- Check for local bus services from Mangaon to Raigad. There might be direct or indirect buses available.
- Buses are generally available from the Mangaon bus stand or nearby areas.
- Duration: The travel time can vary depending on the bus route and traffic conditions.
3. By Private Vehicle:
- Duration: Approximately 1-1.5 hours.
- How: If you have access to a private vehicle, you can drive from Mangaon to Raigad Fort.
- Take the NH66 towards Alibaug and then follow the signs to Raigad Fort.
4. Shared Taxis/Auto-Rickshaws:
- Availability: Check for shared taxis or auto-rickshaws at Mangaon Railway Station.
- Duration: Travel time may vary, and it’s less common but worth checking if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Tips:
- Booking in Advance: If you prefer a taxi, it’s a good idea to book in advance or arrange it upon arrival at the station.
- Local Assistance: You can also seek assistance from local vendors or station authorities to find the best transportation option available.
How to Reach Raigad Fort from Pune?
By Car/Taxi: Drive from Pune to Raigad Fort takes around 2 hours.
By Train: There are no direct trains from Pune to Raigad. You can take a train to Mumbai and then another train to Mangaon, followed by a taxi or bus to Raigad Fort.
FAQs
What is the historical significance of Raigad Fort?
Raigad Fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It played a crucial role in the history of Maharashtra and the Maratha Kingdom.
How can I reach Raigad Fort?
To Reach Raigad Fort by road from Mumbai or Pune, or by taking a train to Mangaon Railway Station and then a taxi or bus to the fort.
What are the timings for visiting Raigad Fort?
Raigad Fort is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Experience the historical masterpiece of Raigad Fort. Explore its mighty walls, enjoy panoramic views, and immerse yourself in Maharashtra’s rich heritage. Plan your visit today and create lasting memories. History enthusiast, nature lover, or avid photographer, Raigad Fort has something for everyone. Book your tickets now and enjoy the scenic Raigad Ropeway to the top. Adventure awaits at Raigad Fort!
