Raigad Fort Trek: 7 Best Places to Visit

History of Raigad Fort

The Raaigad fort exists even before Cht. Shivaji Maharaj. It was known as Rairy fort in the 10th century. It was under the control of Chandrarao More, a local ruler.

In 1656, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort. After his coronation, he declared this fort as the capital of Maratha Empire due to its valuable strategic location. With the help of his chief enginner, Hiroji Indulkar, he transformed the Raigad fort by constructing new buildings, pathways, water bodies, etc.

After his death, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb captured this fort along with Zulfiqar Khan and renamed the fort to Islamgad. Marathas later captured this fort again in couple of decades and renamed it as Raigad.

Many people from Mughals to Britishers, captured the fort and had the ownership. Despite the ravages of time, Raigad Fort remains a powerful symbol of Maratha valor. The fort complex, though in ruins, offers a glimpse into its past grandeur.

How to Reach Raigad Fort

Raigad Fort is well-connected by road. State Transport buses operated by MSRTC ply regularly from Mumbai, Pune, and other nearby towns.
You can also drive to the fort from these cities. The roads are well-maintained, and the drive offers scenic views of the surrounding countryside.

How to reach Raigad from Mumbai

The most budget-friendly option is by train. But its also time-consuming. There are many trains run daily from CSMT to Mangaon, the nearest railway station to Raigad. It could take 3-4 hours depending on the train you choose. From Mangaon you will need to hire a taxi or an auto to reach Raigad which would take around 1 hour.

There are many MSRTC buses that run from Mumbai to Raigad. Personal vehicle is the fastest way to reach Raigad from Mumbai and it takes only 2-3 hours to reach. The route is scenic and offers amazing views of Sahyadri.

How to reach Raigad from Pune

Similar to Mumbai, there are many trains that run from Pune to Mangaon and takes about 2 hours. MSRTC buses are also available from Pune. You can take your own vehicle and drive. This should take about 1.5-2 hours to reach.

General Information About Raigad Fort

Entry Fee– No entry fee. You will have to pay for the ropeway only.

Opening Hours: 8 am to 6 pm.

Height: 1,356 meters (4,448 feet) above sea level

Difficulty level: Easy

Duration of the Trek: 3 hours

7 Places to Visit at Raigad Fort

1. Sachivalaya (Secretariat): This building housed the administrative offices during Shivaji’s reign.
2. Jagdishwar Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is believed to have been built during Shivaji Maharaj’s time. The intricate carvings and architecture are worth admiring. Interestingly, the temple dome has an architectural style that reflects Mughal influences, creating a unique blend of Hindu and Muslim styles.
   Though not in pristine condition, the Jagdishwar Temple remains a popular pilgrimage site, especially for devotees of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is said that Shivaji himself used to visit the temple daily to perform pooja.
3. Rani Bhavan (Queen’s Quarters): This is where Shivaji Maharaj’s wives and family resided. Today, the structure is partially in ruins.
4. Bazar (Marketplace): This area once housed a bustling marketplace where people could buy various goods. Today, only ruins remain.
5. Takmak Tok: This is a narrow passage with a steep drop on one side. It’s said that this was used as a secret escape route during times of siege. Takmak Tok served as a point for executions during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s reign. Those found guilty of serious crimes were thrown from this cliff to their deaths in the valley below.
   Given the context of the era, Takmak Tok likely served as a way to maintain order and enforce Shivaji’s rule. However, the severity of the punishment raises questions about the justice system of the time.
6. समाधी of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (Samadhi of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj):This is the final resting place of Shivaji, marked by a black basalt monument.

7. Museum: The Raigad Museum houses a collection of artifacts related to Shivaji and the Maratha Empire, including weapons, armor, and paintings.

Read Also-> Rajgad Fort: 8 Best Places To Visit

Food Availability at Raigad Fort

Yes, various food options are available at Raigad fort. There are a few food stalls at the base, from where stairway to the fort starts. Here you can get tea, coffee, pakoda, etc.

If you are using a ropeway, then you are in luck. There is Sarja Uphad Gruha at the lower station and Bhavani Restaurant at the upper station. Both restaurants offer pure vegetarian food including snacks, icecreams, meals, south indian snacks, etc.

There are small stalls scattered around the fort. They sell, juices, water, takeaway eatables. It is still better to carry our water and snacks, since the timing and availability of these stalls is not so sure.

Behind the Bazarpeth there is a small house that serves lunch. This includes delicious meals, jhunka bhakari, pithala bhakari, vegetarian thali, etc. Trust me, out of everything, you will love dining here. If you are lucky enough to get the chance to sit in their house and have your authentic Maharashtrian lunch!

Personal experience of Trekking Raigad Fort

This trek has a special place in my heart and here’s why! I did this trek with my mom dad. As a keen trekker, we used to go for trekking every weekend and no wonder that used to piss my parents a lot. My mom always used to ask me what is the purpose of exhausting yourself for hours and go up there and come down. As usual I never really know why I loved going for treks in Sahyadri.

This time I decided to take them along and surprisingly they agreed. We were 6 of us and we hired an Innova. It is the best way to reach Raigad, because reaching here in public transport could be a bit difficult, that too for larger groups. My parents (dad- 60, mom- 54) said that they will climb those staircases and not use ropeway.

With such spirit anyone would be motivated. We started climbing stairs. We took frequent breaks, had a lot of lemon juices and ate a lot of eatables that we carried with us.

After an hour of climbing, we caught fogg which offered stunning views. Kudos to my parents, who, at this age too, climbed the fort. If you visit Raigad in monsoon, beware of slippery stairs. Usually every year Raigad observes cloudburst and hence landslides. You will also see other routes to the fort that do not involve staircases. Do not opt them in heavy rain unless you are a pro!

We saw many freshly-created waterfalls by the side. Sahyadri never disappoints when it comes to offering stunning landscapes.

We reached at the top where a board was kept with all the information and map of places to visit on Raigad. Take a look at this. It will help you understand where every historical site is located.

Moving forward, we reached the main entrance to the fort with a giant door. Imagine how those soldiers held them intact in wartime. (moving this door is barely impossible for people like us due to its weight).

There are queens quarters, now in ruins. But they give the glimpse of the royalty of the bygone era. I wondered what this magnificent structure would have looked like if the British did not destroy it!

There are so many sites that grab your attention. Hatti Talao is one of them. This is one of the 84 water tanks on the fort. Gangasagar is the biggest tank. Hatti talao was made for bathing elephants that were brought to Raigad for Cht. Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation.

These tanks are the testament of the rainwater harvesting system in THAT era.

We went to Maharaj’s Samadhi. This is where Shivaji maharaj took his last breath. We went to Shirkai Devi temple, offered our prayers and moved to this samadhi. In front of the samadhi there is an open ground known as Holicha Mal. People used to celebrate festivals here, especially holi. You will find many guides here who will tell you these historical stories for free.

Just after this, we saw a marketplace. The place is in ruins. However, looking at it will give you a glimpse of the grandeur of the place and amazing, smart architecture.

We wanted to see takmak tok too. For which we had to walk for 30 minutes. My parents were tired. So I went there with 3 of my cousins. The place is nothing less to divine. There are barricades all over the place for safety. When we reached there, the place was completely covered with fogg. We could not see anything around.

But as the time passed, we were able to see around. The area is as steep as 90 degree angle and it was used to execute people who had committed serious crimes. These stories gave us chills.

There is one more interesting place to visit on Raigad is Hirakani Buruj. There is story behind this place. A woman named Hirakani climbed down this dangerously steep cliff at night to feed her baby after the fort doors were closed. The next day when Shivaji Maharaj found out about this, he called Hirkani to the court and heard her story.

He praised her motherhood and named the cliff after her to honor her.

The best part about this trek was lunch. We found a small house near bazar where they were serving authentic Maharashtrian food. We sat under a small roof and had jhunka bhakari. It was raining too. It’s the perfect lunch you could ask for.

While descending it was a bit difficult for my mom. It was raining very badly and all the steps had become slippery. Due to my mom’s arthritis issues she had to take multiple breaks. But, she said all the efforts were worth.

At that time too, there were many night trekkers who started ascending in the evening. It is considered dangerous. Every year we get to hear stories of cloudbursts and landslides on Raigad due to heavy rains. I always advice people to go there in the daytime and descend when the daylight is still there.

Things to Keep in Mind while Climbing Raigad Fort

Getting Up There

• Steps or Ropeway: You can either climb the 1700 steps to the fort, or take the convenient ropeway for a fee. The climb is a moderate workout, with plenty of stopping points to enjoy the view. The steps are carefully carved and all you need is some endurance if not skills.
• Time it Right: If you choose to walk, plan to start your climb early in the morning to avoid the heat, especially during the summer months (March to May). As the day grows, you may face huge crowds too.

Gear Up

• Proper Footwear: Trust me when I say this. Many people think that just climbing stairs would not require a proper footwear. These stairs get really slippery in the monsoon. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip.
• Sun Protection: Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, as there’s not much shade on the climb.
• Water and Snacks: Pack plenty of water and some energy-boosting snacks, like nuts or fruit.

Safety First

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration is a serious risk, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout your climb.
• Mind the Steps: Take your time on the steps, especially on the descent. Use the handrails provided where available.
• Beware of Monkeys: Monkeys are common at Raigad Fort. Be aware of your belongings and avoid feeding them. The best option is to carry a backpack and do not carry your belongings in hand.
• Respect the Site: Raigad Fort is a historical landmark. Be respectful of the site and avoid littering.

Additional Tips

• Plan Your Visit: Research the fort in advance to learn about the different points of interest and plan your route accordingly.
• Carry Cash: There are limited food options available on the fort, and some vendors may only accept cash.
• Enjoy the View: Take your time to soak in the breathtaking views from the top of the fort. It’s definitely worth the climb!

Paid Trekking Groups

• Raigad Fort Trek by Treks and Trails- INR 1650
• Raigad Fort Trek by Maharashtra Gadkille- INR 1199
• Raigad Fort Trek by Universal Adventures: INR 1700
• Raigad Fort Trek by Thrillophilia: INR 1300

Camping at Raigad Fort

Unfortunately, camping directly on Raigad Fort itself isn’t allowed. Camping directly on the grounds could damage the historical structures and artifacts.

The fort is located on a plateau with steep cliffs. Camping at night could pose safety risks. However, you can trek at night. Raigad does not provide safe camping grounds though.

Responsible Trekking in Sahyadri

• Be sure that you are only leaving footprints in the beautiful nature of Sahyadri.
• Do not litter garbage.
• Carry a garbage bag for your litter.
• Carry a metal water bottle rather than a plastic one.
• Carry your food in the lunch box rather than plastic bags.
• Avoid feeding wild animals.
• Do not harm plants and animals in the area.
• Do not contaminate the water bodies.
• Do not play loud music in the jungles. Enjoy nature’s peace and let everyone enjoy.
• Do not engage in activities like consuming drugs and alcohol.
• Do not write anything on the historic places such as walls.
• Sahyadri can be really unpredictable in terms of nature. Ensure you are taking every safety measure while wandering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raigad Fort

Is Raigad trek difficult?

No. It is an easy level trek but a long one and needs endurance.

How many steps are there on Raigad?

There are 1737 steps on Raigad.

Are Raigad and Rajgad same?

No. They are two different forts. Raigad is located in Mahad while Rajgad is located in Pune.

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