Raigad Fort, the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji's Maratha Empire, sits atop a dramatic hilltop reached by either a demanding climb or a modern ropeway, its scale and strategic elevation reflecting its role as the seat of Maratha power at the height of Shivaji's reign. The fort complex includes the remains of a royal court (Raj Sabha), Shivaji's own samadhi (memorial), and extensive fortifications that once housed a thriving fortified capital city.
As the site of Shivaji's 1674 coronation as Chhatrapati (emperor), Raigad holds particular symbolic significance in Maratha and Maharashtrian identity, and the fort remains a place of pilgrimage-like visitation for those tracing the history of the Maratha Empire's founding, alongside its straightforward appeal as a dramatic hilltop ruin with sweeping Sahyadri views.
Shivaji established Raigad as his capital in 1674, the same year he was formally crowned Chhatrapati here, and the fort remained the Maratha Empire's political centre until his death in 1680, after which its significance gradually declined.
October to March.
About 170km from Mumbai, roughly 4 hours by road, followed by a climb or ropeway ride to the fort itself.
No reviews yet — be the first.
Sign in to leave a review — reviews are posted under your account name.