Raigad Fort

Raigad was the capital of Maratha Empire under Shivaji’s rule. Situated in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, the Raigad Fort was built in 1657. A climb of about 1450 steps the Raigad Fort is situated atop hill.

The history of Raigad Fort is very interesting. It is said that Shivaji seized the fortress of Rairi. He renovated and expanded it and also renamed it as Raigad Fort. Raigad was the capital of Maratha’s during the reign of Shivaji. After facing repeated defeats from the great Maratha king, Shivaji, the British named it as “Gibraltar of East”.

The fort’s location splits it off from the Western Ghats and makes it inaccessible from three sides. The 350 year old architecture consists of broad gates and large monuments. There is only one pathway leading to the top. The Maha Darwaja could be reached after an intricate climb. There was a special entrance for the ladies and the queen known as Meena Darwaja. There is also A tower located in such a position that it helped defending the enemies from all the sided during war. This tower is known as Khoob Ladha Buruj.

The other places near the Raigad Fort are Gangasagar Lake, Jagadishwar Temple, the memorial of Maratha rulers, and Pachad a small village near the foot hills.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station is Veer on the Konkan Railway. Nearest airport is at Pune which is 126 km away. Via road Raigad can be reached from Mumbai, Pune, and Malad. Ropeways are also available to top of the fort.