Raigad Fort Pune

Kila was built between 1656 and 1670. It took 14 years for the construction. This fort was built by Hiroji Indulkar, the world's best engineer, by mortgaging his house. During this period, 11 lakes were dug, 84 water tanks were built, 350 buildings were constructed. At that time more than 3500 peoples were living on the fort.
After seeing such an impregnable, strong fort, Shivaji Maharaj asked for this fort from Hirojirao. King Shivaji said you can ask anything which you want. On this Hiroji asked permission to write his name on a step, because they want the dust of the king's feet should always touch his name.

If you look at forts in other states, they look quite in good condition. On the other hand, most people are wondering why most of the forts in Maharashtra are in the demolished state. The answer is simple and there is a historical base for this.

Most of the kings of other states had either surrendered to the Mughals and then to the British. Whereas Maratha warriors were fighting with them to keep the Maratha empire. Therefore, many forts in Maharashtra fell in the unusual attack of Mughals and the British.

On 10 May 1818, the British attacks Raigad with their cannons. The wood materials and many things on Raigad were completely burnt. It is said that the Raigad fort was on fire for 12 days.

1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj laid siege to Raigad on 6th April 1656 and Raigad came under the control of Shivaraya in May. The treasure looted from Subhedar Mulla Ahmed of Kalyan was used for the construction of the fort.
2. The coronation of king Shivaji Maharaj took place at Raigad on Saturday, June 6, 1674
3. On September 24, 1674, Lalita Panchami, the king Shivaji Maharaj performed another coronation by their own traditional method.
4. The coronation of king Sambhaji Maharaj took place at Raigad on 16th February 1681 and then the coronation  of Rajaram Maharaj on 12th February 1689
5. Suryaji Pisal betrayed with Maratha empire and on 3rd November 1689 fort was given by Suryaji Pisal to the Mughals

This fort is a great place for trekkers. Tourist often comes especially in rainy seasons to enjoy the beautiful nature available on Sahyadri mountain range. You will find a number of private hotels near the village where you can also stay with your friends and family.

Accommodation and meals are also provided by Raigad Zilla Parishad (Maharashtra Tourism Board), in private bungalows. You will get drinking water at the fort. The fort is a great place to stay. There is a Dharamshala on the fort. There are a big hall and 7 to 8 small and big rooms. This accommodation is free.

1. Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj: Maharaj's Samadhi is the octagonal square that can be seen at a short distance from the east door of the temple. Shivaji Maharaj Chhatrapati passed away at Raigad in 1680.
2. Jijabai mansion of Pachad: In her old age, Jijabai was not feeling well due to the cold wind on the fort, so the Maharaja built a mansion near Pachad. This is the residence of Masaheb. The Maharaja had also arranged for some officers and soldiers to take care of the palace. A nice well and the stone on which Jijabai used to seat are worth seeing during your visit. It is also called 'Takyachi Vihir'.
3. Samadhi of a Waghya Dog: As per history, It is said that while Shivaji Maharaj was being cremated, a dog named Waghya jumped into the cremate fire.
4. Jagadishwar Temple: On the lower side of the market, on the eastern slope, are the remains of Brahmanavasti. The magnificent temple in front of it is the temple of Lord Jagadishwar. In front of the temple, you will see a magnificent and beautiful idol of Nandi. But at present, this idol is in a state of disrepair.
   Entering the temple, one gets a grand hall. In the center of the temple is a magnificent turtle. A magnificent idol of Hanumana can be seen on the wall of the temple. A small inscription can be seen below the steps of the entrance of the temple. 'Hiroji Italkar ready for service'.
5. Shirkai Temple: The small temple on the left side of the statue of the Maharaja is the Shirkai temple. Shirkai is the main deity of the fort. Shirke was the lord of Raigad from the fifth century. The temple of Gadswamini Shirkai is on the fort
6. Hatti (Elephant) Lake: The lake that can be seen a little further from the main gate is Hatti Lake. The lake was used for bathing and drinking elephants coming from the yard.

This historical fort is placed 139 km from New Mumbai and 131 km from Pune. You will love the pleasant atmosphere this way if you visit in between July to Jan month especially if you are coming from Pune.

There are two ways to reach the top of the fort. "Ropeway" and by following "steps" from foothills. You need to pay Rs. 200 if you choose ropeway. In the second option, you have to walk through 1400 to1450 steps. But you will feel it more worthy of choosing the second option as during this trek you will see and enjoy the beautiful environment and see so many historical places.