| - Megha Chaturvedi
Amidst the Maratha County lies the capital of Shivaji’s
kingdom. Tales of implausible gallantry and heroic deeds are
engraved on every nugget of this strategic empire, Raigad.
This is the very place were Shivaji built his capital city
and crowned himself Chhatrapati on June 6, 1674. It was here
that he died on April 3, 1680.
Its strategic and historical importance makes it a hit among
revelers. There are umpteen places which one can visit and
enjoy, but the place which one cannot give a miss is the Raigad
fort.
Prime Attractions:
Raigad which is situated 869 metres above sea level is spread
over a distance of 12 km from east to west and one kilometer
from north to south. The fort which is also known as Durgadeshwar
was originally named Raigiri. It was given the name of Raigad
by Shivaji. This very fort was Shivajis capital.
The citadel is floating on an isolated hill of the Sahyadri
range. Pachchad village was initially the doorway to the fort.
There are around 1400-1450 steps that one has to climb to
make his way to the fort. But to reduce the hurdles of the
tourists, government has created a short cut to the top of
the fort. From 1996 a ropeway has been started so that one
can visit the place without any hassles.
Though parts of Raigad are in ruins, yet they inspire an
atmosphere of magnificence. Once one enters the realm, the
world of Chhatrapati is an open book. Among the other things
one can enjoy seeing the weapons and swords of those times.
A film is also shown to the visitors which entice one to explore
more of the fort.
Attractions in the Fort:
Chit Darwaja also known as Jit Darwaja at the foothills near
Pachchad is much appreciated by the visitors. After this one
reaches the Khoob Ladha Buruj, a tower known for its strategic
importance.
After a complex climb, nearly a mile ahead stands the awe
inspiring Maha Darwaja which was built around 350 years ago.
The darbar where the throne was placed is supposed to be
so acoustically designed that even now one can hear a whisper
from the Maha Darwaja. There are loose ends of foundations
of the Queen's Stambh, chieftains' and ministers' wadas (bungalows).
A special entrance for the royal ladies and queens, the
Mena Darwaja is located at a higher posting. To its left is
the Rani Vasa or Queen’s Chambers. These six chambers
were known to be used by the royal ladies.
Another site to see in front of the Rani Vasa is the Palkhi
Darwaja. This was a special entrance for the fleet of Shivaji
Maharaj. Right to the Mena Darwaja stands the office complex
of Shivaji’s eight chief secretaries.
Other places of interest:
The Ammunition Depot, Bara tanki(which is more than a dozen
of gigantic water reservoirs), Wagh Darwaja, Rameshwar Mandir,
Takmak Tok – an execution place for criminals are some
of the many places which are worth a visit. A trip to Shivaji's
honored tomb and his faithful dog Waghya ought not to be missed
by his admirers.
Nearby Attractions:
Gandhar Pale:
These caves which belong to the Buddhist period are situated
near Mahad, which is close to Raigad fort
Ganpatipule:
There is an ancient temple of Lord Ganesh positioned on a
beautiful beach side refreshes ones senses
Harihareshwar:
The well-known temple of Lord Shiva, built by the great Peshwas
is located on the seashore here. The beach is plainly superb
and should not be missed
Mahabaleshwar:
The celebrated hill station of Maharashtra-Western Ghats
is situated only 75-km from the fort site.
Shivthar Ghal:
This place is known as the sacrosanct abode of Swami Ramdas,
the Guru of Maharaja Shivaji.
.
Trekking
For its immense beauty Raigad essentially remains a hiker’s
paradise. Admirable trekking places exist all around Fort
Raigad.
Fort Torana:
The fort lies on the east at a distance of 30-km and is clearly
visible from Raigad.
Fort Lingana:
This fort is 3-km in the western Sahyadri range. At a height
of 2,969 feet from the sea level the place was used to house
prisoners by Shivaji Maharaj.
Birwadi - Raigad Trek:
Village Birwadi is 24-km away from Raigad. The trek is along
the river Kal which makes the journey refreshing and enjoyable.
Nijampur - Fort Mangad - Raigad Trek:
Nijampur is on the northwest at a distance of 16-km from
Raigad. This is a stunning trek that one can enjoy by foot.
But be sure that you lots of water with you.
Mahad Trek:
The trek is of 21-km down the river Gandhari up to Konzar,
then via Pachad to Raigad.
How to get there:
Air: Nearest airport is Pune, 126 kms.
Rail: On the Konkan railway the nearest station is Veer-Dasgaon.
From here the tourists have to take a bus or taxi to Raigad.
Road: There are many exciting courses to Raigad, varying
from the relatively easy to the challenging. It can be an
adventure-filled day excursion from the hill station of Mahabaleshwar
or from Pune . Raigad is at a distance of 140-km from Mumbai,
75-km from Mahabaleshwar, 150-km from Pune.
State Transport buses work from Mumbai, Mahad and Pune to
Raigad.
Rope-way is available from foot-hills to the top of the
fort (seasonal). On foot, one has to climb about 1450 steps
from foot-hill to the top of the Fort.
Sea: From the Gateway of India to Alibaug by motor launch
one can reach in just 45 minutes. From there the rest of the
distance can be covered by road up to Raigad.
Accomodation:
The place which is a frequented tourist area is highly hospitable.
Various resorts and hotels are present throughout some of
which are:
Hotel Rugby
The Byke A Hotel Retreat
Ayush resort
Apart from these many self-contained rooms (6 blocks) and
Dormitories (2 blocks without beds which can home 100 tourists
are also available. However they are mostly closed in monsoons.
Hence a check should be made before hand.
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