Raigad Fort, the capital of the Maratha kingdom, is situated on an irregular wedge-shaped mass of rock, detached from the main body of Sahyadri Mountains by a deep valley and inaccessible from three sides, Raigarh is 210kms south of Mumbai and 27kms north of Mahad.
About 6 hours drive from Mumbai on the left hand turn near Mahad, Raigad is 23 Kms off the junction, and it is a steep drive up the hills. The ropeway offers a majestic view of the area surrounding the fort. A motorable road leads to Chit Darwaja, about 2kms from Pachad, the village at the base, where lies the Samadhi of Jijabai, Shivaji’s mother.
The whole area is a sprawling 100 acres of land and the main attractions are the Hirkani Buruz, the mahadarwaja, Vijay Stambha, Queens palaces, the Samadhi of Shivaji and his faithful dog Waghya. Behind the Ganga Sagar reservoir are two high towers, in Muslim style. Behind the towers is the Balekilla or citadel, entered by the Palakhi-darwaza. The Takmak Point is famous as the punishment point for criminals. It was during the Peshwas that this point was used to kill criminals by the method of – Kadelot – prisoners were bundled in a gunny bag and thrown off the cliff – about 1000 feet of sheer drop.
The chief architect and builder of the fort was Hiroji Indulkar along with his assistant Abaji Sondeve.
The best time to visit the fort is in winter. It is very hot in summer, though there are regular treks throughout the year. There are more than 1500 steps via the Mahadarwaja. This entry is from the nearest village Pachad, about 1 km from the Chit Darwaja.
The Ropeway is from Chit Darwaja and it takes you right on top of the fort. The charges for the ropeway are Rs. 140/- per person both ways inclusive. There is also an entry tax. There is a small cable car to go from the top to the plateau and is for Rs. 10/- per person.
There are a few hotels here on the fort and at the base, but the food quality is not very good. It is better to carry enough water and dry eatables if you must. There are guides available for a fee. They are good enough with the history of the fort.
Carry your camera, it is a treat for your eyes.