Rajgad (meaning Royal Fort or King of all Forts), one of the
forts of Maharashtra state situated in the Pune district, the fort is 1318
meters above sea level. Formerly known as Murumdev, it was capital of the
Maratha Empire (Hindavi Swarajya) ruled by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for
almost 26 years, after which he moved to Raigad fort and made that his
capital.
The fort is located at the end of spur, surrounded on three
sides by fortified ridges – the Padmavati Machee, the Sanjivani Machee, and the
Suvela Machee.
The Padmavati Machee is the largest of the three, perhaps
this was where most people stayed at that time. Three main darwaja of the fort
that open onto Padmavati Machee: the Chor darwaja, the Pali Darwaja and the
Gunjawane Darwaja.
The treacherous approaches, zig-zag narrow paths, the
deceiving double-walled shield of its fortifications, massive Maha darwaja and
Chor darwaja tells the tale of the Fortress of the forgotten empire.
The beauty of the fort and the surroundings is mesmerizing.
The sunrise from Balekilla is a must watch.
Rajgad enjoys a unique
position among the hill forts of Maharashtra.
Rajgad looks like a winged bird flying in the sky – the
Padmavati and the Sanjivani machis forming its two wings and the Balekilla and
the Suvela machi its main body.
It possesses all the salient features of fort
architecture which are peculiar to the Deccan region. Situated on one of
the spurs of the Sahyadri Mountains known as Murum hill, Region is about 35kms
south-west of Pune.
Rajgad as the name suggests is Royal Fort or King of
all Forts, truly one of the most fascinating treks. It is an epitome of high
class architecture of the great Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaja.
Rajgad is a hill fort in Pune built on the hill called
“Murumb Devacha Dongar”. It was initially called Murumbdev and was later
renamed to Rajgad by Shivaji Maharaj. It is located south-west to Pune City and
commands the Bhuleshwar range.
The fort offers magnificent views of the lush green Sahyadri
range. In October the entire area is covered with colorful wild flowers
combined with clear blue sky and the splendour of the fort is
captivating.
Padmavati lake at the
summit of Rajgad Fort.
This fort is a significant site for trekkers and adventurous
tourists to visit. Accommodation for 50 people is available in Padmavati
Mandir and Prayatak Nivas. Water tanks on forts provide water all over
the year.
How to Reach
By Air
The closest airport to Rajgad Fort is Pune airport.
By Train
The closest junction to Rajgad Fort is Pune railway station.
By Bus
The MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) is
well served in Mumbai. So, one can easily access Rajgad Fort by bus. Private
buses are also available here.
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