Hey there, everyone! How's everyone doing today? Before we kick off this blog journey, I want to be upfront with you as per my last blog on Raigad fort, this blog is mostly a reflection of my personal experience during the entire trip. I've tried my best to include as much as possible, but there might still be some hidden gems waiting to be discovered. The main aim of this blog is to entertain and inform, and it's all about my adventure on the Raigad trip.
Hey, folks! It's great to have you back for another dose of Roaming adventurer insights, Recently Yours truly, along with my trusty fellow explorers, visited Raigad Fort and I want to share this experience with you all. where we take off on adventurous journeys to the legendary Raigad Fort. I can't wait to share you with the saga from our "Raigad Swari." Let's dive right in!
My Recent Visit to Raigad Fort
Raigad is a destination often described as the "Heaven on Earth." It is located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Raigad district earlier known as a kolaba. Raigad's attraction is not confined to its breath-taking landscapes; it also has a rich shade of history and culture, making it a various gem in the heart of India. At its core stands the formidable Raigad Fort, it was the capital of the former Maratha Empire. It’s the palace where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was coronate the King of the Maratha Empire. You have to visit Raigad Fort once in a life time it is one of the strongest fortress built on a hill. It stands proud at the height of 4,400 ft. above sea level. When Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned the King of Maratha Empire in 1674, he made Raigad the Capital of his reign. Hirojee Indulkar, a visionary chief engineer whose craftsmanship and dedication left a permanent mark on the construction of Raigad, forever twisting his legacy with the monumental fortress and its storied history.
Raigad fort is situated in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges and the it’s the greatest one built in the Deccan Plateau. There are approximately 2000 steps leading to the fort. So, I had the privilege of boarding on an extraordinary journey to Raigad Fort with my group, and I must say, it was an adventure of a lifetime!
Travel and Trek:
So, here comes some fun part. we planned a one-day trip to Raigad. As a rain arrived early and forecast that it will be raining whole day we had umbrellas & rain sheet too. This was not our first trip but, naturally our excitement was over the moon. We had a Maruti Ertiga & we are seven persons too. From Mumbai it’s 165kms and 4 hrs journey. In fact, roadway is the best route of travel but you can travel by train too. The nearest railway station is Veer and that too is 30km away from Raigad.
Morning (6:00 AM):
So, As the sun began to rise, I joined a group of fellow travelers, each be packed with excitement, as we decided to start a journey early in the morning We left home at 6am. The lush green landscape, raindrops and winding roads set the stage for a memorable day.
Morning (9:00 AM):
Upon reaching Raigad, at 9am still raining its raindrops not huge. At first we visit the Raigad museum The Museum has been created with the help of renowned historians. It displays photographs of various forts in Shivaji Maharaj’s empire, Artifacts, Farman’s (Historic Documents) and weapons used in those historic times. Don’t miss the opportunity of experiencing the rich antiquity at this Museum before trekking. So, we started trekking exclude 2 persons they didn’t want to walk as small kid in between them so, his father decided to go with him tram way i.e., rope way. But if you are not an adventurous kind of person then that’s totally ok too. Raigad has a Rope way service for your comfort too. Rope way is 400meters in height and 750 meters in length. This aerial rope way can complete your journey in just 4 minutes. As for the prices of Rope way, one-way ticket is 195 rupees for adults and return ticket is something around 325 rupees. Senior citizens have special discounts on tickets so don’t forget to carry your id proof.
Major Attractions On the Raigad Fort:
Apart from the breath-taking views and natural beauty, Raigad has many other great features too. The trekking experience is tiring but still amazing. The first major thing we noticed was the Maha-Darwaja. It’s the main entrance to the fort. Here you have to pay an entry fee of 25/- per head. Additional charges are applied for cameras but we are so, lucky that our generation has a privilege to have snapping device i.e., Mobile to take unlimited pics & videos for free no permission required. So, there were so many locals who were guide as a professional you can hire them to guide this monumental historical place too charges were 500/- & also local ladies who make meal for us at afternoon it has staple food Pithla Bhakri & Chatni & charges per person were 80/- so, we have to book in advance so, they can make & serve on time at afternnon. So, I couldn't help but be in awe of the sheer Gloriousness of Maha-Darwaja, the imposing entrance to the fort.Walking through it, I felt like I was stepping back in time, and the magnitude of Shivaji Maharaj's vision became touchable.
Then on the top you the first thing you visit is the Shirkai Devi Temple and a big fig (Anjeer) tree. then you get to see the ancient Bajarpeth (market).then you can visit a group of magnificent places like The Jagdishwar Temple and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Samadhi. These two places have a very peaceful energy around. This experience can’t be described in words. There is a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in front of the Bajarpeth. From there we went to visit the place where this Empire began. The Rajvada, coronation place of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Rajvada has mostly worsened over the past centuries and all that remains are the bang of the once dazzling might; But still this place has a special power, a special aura about it. Just the thought that once in a while, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had walked the same place as us and lived in is enough to give you Goosebumps. Behind the Raajdarbar is the rest of the fort with Queens chambers, Menadarwaja, Palkhidarwaja, Granary and the place where Shivaji Maharaj is said to have taken their last breath.
We really enjoyed this trip with all our hearts. We started early morning but still the raindrops were falling; it would be suitable to make this trip during a Cold Weather Season (Winter) from December to February & rarely in Monsoon Season (Rainy) from June to September as heavy rain might be closed the route of walking trek but in Summer or pre-monsoon, from April to June the heat waves might be strong & made it to the top in 2 & half hours with a lot of breaks and water. It’s really important to carry as much water as possible because hydration is necessary. So it would be suitable to make this trip during a cooler weather. If you are planning a trip in summers, then you must carry caps and sunscreen.
Lunch time was a special moment, we found a quite spot a local women food stall that was previously booked on morning with a view to savour meals. you can opt for the staple food pithla bhakri & chatni or any simple meal that is offered by the locals there. So, we ate pithla bhakri & chatni & that was too delicious to eat its memorable meal the local women who made that meal as their ancestors were living here for the last seventh or eighth generations. while eating the conversations with fellow travelers extend from historical debates to sharing tales of our journey. We also listen that local women about their stories & historical facts that added an unexpected layer of joy to the trip.
Afternoon (3:45 PM):
Exploring the Raigad Museum was a treasure collection of information about the fort’s history. I was particularly struck by the articrafts on display, each with its own story to tell. Hirkani Buruj the story of milkmade Hira. Hira lives as a simple village woman; when the gates of Raigad Fort shut before she can leave, Hira dares to climb down a cliff in the dead of the night to get back to her infant son. When a Milkmaid's Courage Made Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Name a Wall After Her. Maharaj acknowledge her strength. He not only praised her but also built a wall across the sheer cliff that she had climbed down and named it 'Hirkani Buruj'. & then the view from Takmak Tok was nothing short of breath taking, & I want to capture the mesmerizing sunset but time is running out as we want to experience the rope way & also everyone was so tired. The journey timings of Rope Way are 8.00 AM to 5.00 PM & Travel time is 4 Minutes.so, we have to reach Rope Way station before 5 pm. As we were coming down from the fort, the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. The day had been filled with adventure, laughter, & an appreciation for history like never before.
Evening (5:00 PM):
Then at the end we all descended by the rope way. But let me assure to the rope way experience was just amazing. The breath taking view while coming down was all worth it.As we opted out from Rope Way Station & get ready to travel return journey with our Maruti Ertiga who was parked.The return journey was filled with chatter & shared memories. We all felt a deep connection to the fort, to its history, & to each other. So, this was my experience of Ride to Raigad. I hope you are planning a visit soon whether you’re a solo traveler seeking solitude or a group of friends ready to make memories.
Read More: Raigad Fort
Conclusion
My visit to Raigad Fort left an in-erasable mark on my heart. It wasn’t just about exploring history; it was about experiencing it, feeling the dedication of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as we all called him Raaje, & forming new friendships. Raigad Fort isn’t just destination, it’s an emotional & historical voyage. Raigad Fort stands as a witness to the live spirit of Maharashtra’s heritage..
Raigad Fort promises an adventure that will stay with you forever. Don’t miss the chance to explore the remarkable place of history. Your own adventure awaits! Just remember; that it’s our collective responsibility and duty to conserve this monument. So don’t harm this place by littering around & Thank you for allowing me to share my personal journey, & I hope it inspires you to embark on your own Raigad Fort adventure.
FAQ
Q1 - What is the original name of Raigad Fort?
Ans- The original name of Raigad Fort was "Rairi." It was later renamed Raigad by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj when he made it his capital in the 17th century.
Q2 - What is the significance of Raigad fort?
Ans- Historical Significance, Strategic Location, Architectural Marvel, Cultural Heritage, Tourist Attraction, Inspiration, & Educational Value.Raigad Fort is not just a historical monument but a symbol of Maratha heritage, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the history of India.
Q3 - How many forts are there in Raigad district?
Ans- There are approximately 27 forts in Raigad but Prominently Raigad Fort, Murud Janjira and Shrivardhan Fort are the best of them.
Q4 - Who destroyed Raigad Fort?
Ans- In 1765, the fort was destroyed of an armed campaign by the British East India Company.
Q5 - Who attacked Raigad Fort?
Ans- Raigad Fort faced multiple attacks during its history, but one of the most significant attacks was carried out by the Mughal Empire. After the death of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1680, the Mughal forces, led by Mirza Raja Jai Singh I and accompanied by Aurangzeb's son, Prince Akbar, launched an attack on Raigad Fort in 1689 they defeated the forces of Rajaram Bhonsle I, the third Chhatrapati of the Maratha's.
Well, folks, it's time to dust off those bags, embark on a journey through history, and let the magnificent Raigad Fort catch the flames of your own adventure & don't forget to follow to receive more travel tips on your next adventure! Until next time, keep exploring and making memories! 🌍✈️#RaigadFort #ShivajiMaharaj #HistoricalJourney #SwarajAdventure #SoloTravel #GroupExploration