Rajgad Fort
Located : Balekilla Rd, Pune, Maharashtra
Location and Overview
- Located in the Sahyadri mountain range, near Pune, Maharashtra.
- Approximately 60 km southwest of Pune.
- Elevation: Around 1,376 meters above sea level.
- Famous for its scenic surroundings and massive fortifications.
- Popular among trekkers and history enthusiasts due to its strategic location and historical importance.
Historical Significance
- Served as the capital of the Maratha Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for almost 26 years before the capital was shifted to Raigad.
- Built in 1648, it was central to Shivaji’s military and political activities.
- Significant events of the Maratha Empire, including many important battles and administrative decisions, took place here.
- The fort is closely associated with Shivaji's rule, including the birth of his son, Rajaram, and the death of his queen, Saibai.
Architectural Features
- Divided into four main sections: Balekilla (citadel), Sanjeevani Machi, Suvela Machi, and Padmavati Machi.
- Features strong fortifications, palaces, water tanks, and secret passages.
- The Balekilla offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
- The Padmavati Temple, Padmavati Lake, and ruins of royal chambers are significant structures within the fort.
Accessing Raigad Fort
- Accessible by road from Pune.
- The trek starts from base villages like Gunjavane and Pali.
- Trek difficulty: Moderate to challenging, depending on the route.
- Popular for trekkers, but also accessible by road to certain points for non-trekkers.
Visiting Hours
- Open to visitors: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Best time to visit: October to February (post-monsoon and winter months) when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is lush green.
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