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Nestled in the Sahyadri mountain range at an altitude of 2851 feet above the sea level is Raigad - the former capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Meaning the ‘the king’s fort’, Raigad is a mountainous terrain famed for its breathtaking natural beauty as evident from its canyons, deep gorges and lush vegetation. The beauty of the place is further enhanced by the crisscrossing rivers of Gandhar and Kal that rushes down through the beautiful valley.

In addition to its natural beauty, Raigad is also known as the place where the Samadhi (mausoleum) of Chhatrapati Sivaji Maharaja lies. The Samadhi of this great Maratha ruler is ensconced in the impregnable Raigad fort said to have been built by Shivaji himself and as the place where he crowned himself as the “Chhatrapati”.

The Gibraltar of the East, as British called the fort was inaccessible from three sides, till the British finally found a way to it. Even now, it is very difficult to get into the fort through the rocky path. Still, a trek to the top is only recommended to the really adventurous type while the rest can make their way to the top by a ropeway (more on ropeway timings & prices), which offers some stunning views as it zooms its way to the fort.

Once you are at the fort make sure to spend some time soaking the mesmerizing views from the top. From the top of the fort you can view enchanting views of the Sahyadris and the Bhatghar Lake. Balekilla in the fort offers magnificent views of the Purandar, Vichitragad, Rayreshwar, Lohgad, Visapur, Tikona and Sinhagad forts.

At 25 km away from Raigad, Mahad located on the bank of river Savitri is a nice and quite place to spend some quality time getting a peek into the Mahad Satyagraha of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. The Chawdar Tank located in the center of the town is a part of the history of the Mahad Satyagraha. It was here that that centuries old caste hierarchy got a blow when Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar drank water from this tank previously reserved for the upper castes. A ‘Kranti Stambh’ located here is a reminder of this agitation.

Mahad is also the place where the Shri Varadvinayak Temple, onex of the eight Asthavinayak shrines is also located as also the Sav Unala -a hot water spring. A further 55 km are the caves and the waterfalls of Shivtargad. Walan Kund also 55 km away is a nice picnic spot with a freshwater pool.

Accommodation in Raigad is limited and there are few basic stay options available. Mahad 25 km away is better equipped and has a good number hotels and stay options.
Check hotels in Raigad

By Air: Mumbai, 205 km away is the nearest airport

By Rail:  Vir Dasgaon railway station is the nearest railhead to Raigad. This station is connected to Mumbai and Pune with regular trains.

By Road: State transport buses ply from Mumbai and Pune to Raigad. Raigad is well connected to all neighboring cities by the public transport buses, including Kolhapur (250 km), Pune (150 km), Mumbai (140 km) and Mahabaleshwar (75 km).

Check Driving Directions from Mumbai to Raigad

Note: Raigad can also be reached by taking a motor launch from Gateway of India to Alibaug and then by road up to Mahad – Raigad.

Best time to go Raigad: June to September & November to March