Raigad was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the place where he was crowned. Standing on its wide plateau, among the ruins of the royal court, the market street and the Jagadishwar temple, is one of the most moving experiences in Maharashtra. This Raigad Fort trek guide covers the history, the step route and the ropeway, every place to see on top, how to reach from Mumbai and Pune, and tips for planning your visit.
Raigad Fort at a Glance
- Location: near Mahad, Raigad district, Maharashtra. The base village is Pachad
- Height: about 820 m (2,700 ft)
- Old name: Rairi
- Ways up: about 1,700 steps on foot, or the Raigad ropeway
- Difficulty: easy to moderate. The steps are long but well made
- Time: about 2 to 2.5 hours up on foot, and at least 3 to 4 hours to see the top
- Best season: end of monsoon to February
History of Raigad: The Capital of Swarajya
Raigad was earlier known as Rairi. Shivaji Maharaj took the fort in 1656 and chose it as the capital of his kingdom because of its strong natural defences, with steep cliffs on almost every side. His chief engineer, Hiroji Indulkar, built the palaces, the court, the market and the defences on the plateau.
On 6 June 1674, Shivaji Maharaj was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad in a grand coronation, the Rajyabhishek, which marked the founding of the Maratha kingdom. He passed away at Raigad in 1680, and his samadhi stands on the fort. Sambhaji Maharaj and Rajaram Maharaj were also crowned here. The Mughals held the fort for some years after 1689, and the British took it in 1818. In 2025, Raigad was recognised by UNESCO as part of the Maratha Military Landscapes of India.
Places to See on Raigad Fort
- Chit Darwaja: the gate at the start of the step route from Pachad.
- Maha Darwaja: the grand main gate, hidden between two huge bastions so that it cannot be seen from a distance.
- Hirkani Buruj: a bastion named after Hirkani, a milkmaid who, the story goes, climbed down the steep cliff at night to reach her baby, after which a bastion was built there.
- Nagarkhana and Raj Sabha: the drum-house gate and the royal court where Shivaji Maharaj was crowned, with the throne platform. The court is known for carrying sound clearly from the throne across the hall.
- Rani Vasa and palace ruins: the remains of the royal living quarters.
- Ganga Sagar lake: a large water tank near the palace area.
- Holicha Mal: the open ground in front of the court, with a statue of Shivaji Maharaj.
- Bazaar Peth: the old market street, with rows of shop plinths on both sides.
- Jagadishwar Temple: a stone temple at the eastern end of the plateau, with an inscription by Hiroji Indulkar on its steps.
- Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj: near the Jagadishwar temple. The most peaceful and moving place on the fort.
- Takmak Tok: a steep cliff point once used for punishments, with a sheer drop and wide views.
Raigad Trek Route: Steps or Ropeway?
On foot (recommended for trekkers): from Pachad, the route starts at Chit Darwaja and climbs about 1,700 well-made steps through Maha Darwaja to the plateau. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours at a steady pace. The steps are long but not dangerous, and the views open up as you climb.
By ropeway: the Raigad ropeway takes visitors from the base to the top in a few minutes. It is a good option for older family members or anyone who cannot climb the steps. Many visitors climb on foot and take the ropeway down, or the other way round.
How to Reach Raigad Fort
- From Mumbai: by road on the Mumbai to Goa route to Mahad, then to Pachad at the base. It takes about 4 to 5 hours.
- From Pune: by road via the Varandha ghat or the Tamhini ghat towards Mahad and Pachad. It takes about 4 to 5 hours.
- Nearest town: Mahad, with buses and basic stays.
Best Time to Visit Raigad
From the end of the monsoon until about February is the best time, with clear views and cool weather for climbing the steps and walking the large plateau. The monsoon is green and misty, but the steps can be slippery and the views are often hidden in cloud. Summer days are hot on the open plateau, so start very early.
Tips for Visiting Raigad
- Start early. The plateau is large and there is a lot to see.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the long steps and the walk on top.
- Carry water, a cap and sunscreen, as much of the plateau has no shade.
- Stay well back from the edge at Takmak Tok and Hirkani Buruj.
- Respect the samadhi and the temple, and keep the fort clean.
Things to Carry
- 2 litres of water and snacks
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- A cap, sunscreen and a light jacket
- A raincoat in the monsoon
- An ID card and some cash
Join Our Raigad Fort Heritage Trail
On our Raigad Fort heritage trail we climb the steps from Pachad together, with a guide who brings every place on the fort to life, plus transport from Mumbai and Pune, a village breakfast and lunch, and certified trek leaders. Read about our own Raigad monsoon trek, or see all upcoming treks. For more forts with history, read our Shivneri and Chavand guide.
Raigad Fort Trek: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Raigad Fort famous?
Raigad was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He was crowned here on 6 June 1674, and his samadhi is on the fort.
How many steps are there to climb Raigad?
About 1,700 steps from Pachad to the top. It takes about 2 to 2.5 hours on foot at a steady pace.
Is there a ropeway at Raigad Fort?
Yes. The Raigad ropeway takes visitors from the base to the top in a few minutes, which is useful for older family members.
Is the Raigad trek difficult?
It is easy to moderate. The steps are long but well made, so anyone with basic fitness can climb at their own pace.
How much time do I need for Raigad?
Plan a full day: about 2 to 2.5 hours to climb and at least 3 to 4 hours to explore the plateau.
What is the best time to visit Raigad?
From the end of the monsoon to February, for clear views and cool weather.
How far is Raigad from Mumbai and Pune?
Both are about 4 to 5 hours by road. The base village is Pachad, near Mahad.
Cover photo: Raigad Fort, Maharashtra by Rajalakshendra, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
