Bhatkanti - Pune, Forts, Trekking

This is the very heart of Maratha country -- Raigad, the capital of Shivaji's kingdom. Strategically perched atop a wedge-shaped block of hill, split off from the Western Ghats and inaccessible from three sides. Click here for big view - Raigad fort Saptamanore Stories of incredible valour and heroic deeds are etched on every pebble at Raigad.

It was here that Shivaji built his capital city in the 14th century, and here that he crowned himselfClick here for big view - Raigad for mahadarvaja Chhatrapati. For six years upto his death, Raigad remained the capital of the Marathas with its broad gates and magnificent monuments. There was only one pathway leading to the top, and prizes were offered to those who scaled the fort through unconventional methods. Though parts of Raigad are in ruins, yet they inspire an aura of grandeur.

Click here for big view - SamadhiShivaji's impregnable capital, the place where he was crowed and where he died. Besides the fort, you'll find his samadhi and the remains of his palace.

For its immence beauty, Raigad remains a hiker's paradice.The formidable Pratapgad fort with its equestrian statue of shivaji is an interesting excursion.

You can also visit Gangasagar Lake or worship at the nearby Jagadishwar Temple or pay your respects to the great Maratha warrior at his Samadhi.

Click for big view - Tak Mak Tok For Trekking :
There are many interesting routes to Raigad, varying from the relatively easy to the challenging. The path starts from Pachad, 24 kms from Mahad, a shallow sea port on the banks of the Savitri River. Raigad can also be an adventure-filled day excursion from the hill station of Mahabaleshwar or from Pune.

Text Contents from Konkan Darshan