RAIGAD is surrounded by great mountains, and breath taking valleys...
This fort has a great view from all four directions... From south you can view Rajgad, Tornagad, Makarand gad, Pratapgad..
Legendary King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj chose this fort as Capital of his great kingdom just because its complicated and complex structure, You can view and keep watch on almost 100 kms from all sides....
HISTORY OF RAIGAD :-
Its earlier name was RAAYARI also named as "Eastern Jibraltor" by Europeans. Prisoners were kept here at the time of Nizaam. On 6th April 1656 Shivaji Maharaj took over this great fort..
Shivaji maharaj got his historical ceremony on Raigad and from 19 may 1674 he was officially chosen as a King of Maharashtra..!!!! This moment was the greatest moment among all of us..!!
Shivaji maharaj ruled till his death - April 1680..
We have his monument on the fort. All people visits in the month of April to offer a tribute to this great king of India.
EASY TO CLIMB NOW:-
As a general trekking spot it is easy to climb as compared to other forts nowadays. it has 1487 steps all carved in stones..! All Maharashtra people are fond of Shivaji and hence keep visiting very often to Raigad.
Government has built a rope way for senior citizens who are unable to climb the steps..!!
It also has become a favorite tourist spots after the ropeway was built. You can reach to the top of the Raigad just in 15 minutes. You can have complete valley view and entire village scape from the lift that carries around 3-4 people in one trip. if you visit in monsoon you will feel like walking in the Heaven's Garden as you will have pleasant scenery all around in 290 Degrees. Multi-color flowers, butterflies and different types of birds chirping gives you awesome experience even though you reach on the top in less than 15 minutes. If you want to enjoy climbing adventure take 1487 steps..!!!! You will reach on the top in 2.5 to 3 hours..!!!
PLACES TO VISIT:-
1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Samadhi. (Monument)
2. Jagadishwar Mandir. (temple)
3. Menaa Darwaja.(Fascinating door)
4. Hatti Lake
5. Gangasagar Lake
6. Takmak Tok (Takmak corner)
7. Hirkani Tok (Hirkani Corner)
8. Shirkaai Temple
9. Nagaar khana (musical instruments during war )
10. Raaj bhavan (to discuss issues)
11. Market
ACCOMMODATION ON TOP:-
Yes, You have many options available to stay right from temples, to M.T.D.C well furnished rooms.
HOW TO TRAVEL:-
1. PUBLIC TRANSPORT - Mumbai - Goa highway take a bus from MAHAD. (2 hrs)
2. PRIVATE TRAVELS - YES. Available.
3. ON BIKE - YES
4. FOUR WHEELER - YES
This post first appeared on World Is A Traveling Experience..., please read the originial post: here
