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Raigarh Fort

Raigarh is one of the most glorious and famous forts situated on the hill in Mahad, Raigarh Maharashtra, India. This fort was built by Chandrarao Mores in 1030 AD. In 1674 AD, Shivaji, Maratha king made this fort his capital when he was crowned which afterwards turned into the Maratha territory. The fort was the second capital of Shivaji as prior to Raigarh fort; he occupied the seat near Pune for 26 years.

Raigarh is located at a distance of 210 kms form south of Mumbai and 27 kms form north of Mahad. The fort is located on an uneven shaped piece of rock, which is separated from the major part of Sahyadri Mountains by a profound valley and unreachable from all three sides. It is accessible from only one side.

History of the Fort

The Raigarh was earlier known as Rairi. In 12th century, Rairi was the seat of the Shirke-Palegar folks. After shifting through various hands, it was captured by Shivaji, the great Maratha King from Chandrarao More in 1656 AD. He selected Rairi for his capital and changed its name as Raigarh. He was crowned in 1674 AD and died in 1680 AD.

Sultan of Bijapur was the last More king who was a feudatory. Shivaji renovated and expanded the bastion of Rairi. In 1765, the Raigad Fort, together with Malwan located Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra, was the goal of the British East India Company, which assumed as a piratical throttlehold. The fort was attacked and shattered by East India Company, using cannons in 1818 AD. After Sambhaji’s death, Mughals succeeded to take control over the fort when the gatekeepers were bribed and the British managed to take control only after when it was given up by the Marathas.

Architecture of Fort

The fort spread in the area of 5.12 sqkm is a hill-top raised ground which has 3 key points Bhavani in the east, Hirakani in the west and Takamak in the north. The fort has six chambers as the queen's quarters. Each chamber is having its own personal restroom. The central palace was built up by making the use wood and out of which only the foundation of pillars remain. An artificial lake known as ‘Ganga Sagar Lake’ developed beside this fort. Now, this portion is fenced off. The fort also has remnants of the marketplace, and it shows such construction that one can purchase even when riding on a horse.

There is only one way to reach Raigarh fort. A narrow road takes you to Chit Darwaja which is about 2 kms from Pachad, the small village at the foot, where the Samadhi of Shivaji’s mother, Jijabai lies. From Pachad, an extended clamber leads you to the Mahadarwaza, bordered by two huge citadels and a big curtain wall. The fort has a huge wall which is known as "Hirakani Buruj" developed over a huge rock face. A statue of Shivaji Maharaj is developed in front of the remnants of the main market street that ultimately takes you to the Jagdishwar Mandir and his own Samadhi. The gates of the fort still in good condition and reflect its magnificence.

Attractions within the Fort

Mena Darwaja, Palkhi Darwaja Nagarkhana Darwaja and the Maha Darwaja are major attraction within the Raigarh Fort. Memorial of Shivaji is a black stone structure located in the fort which appeals a lot of viewers.

How to Reach

By Air

The nearest aerodrome is in Mumbai which is about 187 km from the Raigarh fort. Mumbai airport is well connected by flights to major cities like Chennai, Bengluru, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Kolkata, Nagpur etc. Pre-paid taxi and bus services are available for the fort from the airport.

By Rail

Vir Dasgaon is the nearest railway station, located at a distance of 40 km from the Raigarh fort. This station is well connected with other cities. Trains from Mumbai and Pune stop on this station regularly. After reaching the station one can get taxi services for the fort at reasonable rates.

By Road

Raigarh city is well connected with big cities like Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala, Khandala, Nashik, Shriwardhan Kolhapur, Murud and many more in Mahrashtra state. State transport buses and deluxe bus services run regularly to the fort. Raigarh links to Mumbai city via National Highway 7.

Best Time to Visit

Though the fort can be visited throughout the year, best time to visit the fort is October to February as temperature remains pleasant. The fort and the surroundings offer the perfect ambience for visitors. There are only few accommodations are available so it is advisable to book the hotel in advance.

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Best Time To Visit Rajasthan 1
Best Time To Visit Rajasthan 2
Best Time To Visit Rajasthan 1
Best Time To Visit Rajasthan 2
Best Time To Visit Rajasthan 1
Best Time To Visit Rajasthan 2

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