Rajgad (Ruling Fort) is a hill fort situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra, India. Formerly known as Murumdev, the fort was the capital of the Maratha Empire under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for almost 26 years, after which the capital was moved to the Raigad Fort. Treasures discovered from an adjacent fort was used to completely build and fortify the Rajgad Fort.[citation needed]
The Rajgad Fort is located around 60 km (37 mi) to the south-west of Pune and about 15 km (9.3 mi) west of Nasrapur in the Sahyadris range. The fort lies 1,400 m (4,600 ft) above the sea level. The diameter of the base of the fort was about 40 km (25 mi) which made it difficult to lay siege on it, which added to its strategic value. The fort's ruins consist of palaces, water cisterns, and caves. This fort was built on a hill called Murumbadevi Dongar (Mountain of the Goddess Murumba). Rajgad boasts of the highest number of days stayed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on any fort.
The Rajgad Fort is located around 60 km (37 mi) to the south-west of Pune and about 15 km (9.3 mi) west of Nasrapur in the Sahyadris range. The fort lies 1,400 m (4,600 ft) above the sea level. The diameter of the base of the fort was about 40 km (25 mi) which made it difficult to lay siege on it, which added to its strategic value. The fort's ruins consist of palaces, water cisterns, and caves. This fort was built on a hill called Murumbadevi Dongar (Mountain of the Goddess Murumba). Rajgad boasts of the highest number of days stayed by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on any fort.
What to see on the fort:
- SANJEEVANI MACHEE
- PADMAVATEE MACHEE - This machee is one of the important structures on the fort. During the Maratha rule, this machee was used as a stronghold to protect the fort.
- PADMAVATI TEMPLE - This is the temple of goddess Padmavati. Many trekkers use this as an shelter for overnight treks.
- RAMESHWARAM TEMPLE - This is another small temple which lies in the frontyard of Padmavati temple. It is a temple of lord Shiva. This again can be used for night stays and can accomodate 5-6 persons.
- ALU DARWAJA - During old days, this door was used to go to Torna fort. The structure of the door is in ruins now.
- PALI DARWAJA - This is the main door of Rajgad which is still intact. Even the surrounding structures are still intact.
Trekkers who take the Pali route have to enter the fort via this door. - SUVELA MACHEE
- BALEKILLA
- VIEW OF TORNA AND SINHAGAD
Sinhagad Fort
Sinhagad (also known as Sinhgad) is a hill fortress located at around 25 km southwest of the city of Pune, India. Some of the information available at this fort suggests that the fort could have been built 2000 years ago. The caves and the carvings in the Kaundinyeshwar temple stand as proofs for the same.
Previously known as Kondhana, the fort had been the site of many battles, most notably the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range in the Sahyadri Mountains, the fort is situated on a hill about 760 metres above ground and 1,312 metres above mean sea level.
The Sinhagad (Lion's Fort) was strategically built to provide natural protection due to its very steep slopes. The walls and bastions were constructed only at key places. There are two gates to enter the fort, the Kalyan Darwaza and Pune Darwaza which are positioned at the south east and north-east ends respectively. The fort was also strategically located at the centre of a string of other Maratha occupied forts such as Rajgad Fort, Purandar Fort and Torna Fort.
Previously known as Kondhana, the fort had been the site of many battles, most notably the Battle of Sinhagad in 1670. Perched on an isolated cliff of the Bhuleswar range in the Sahyadri Mountains, the fort is situated on a hill about 760 metres above ground and 1,312 metres above mean sea level.
The Sinhagad (Lion's Fort) was strategically built to provide natural protection due to its very steep slopes. The walls and bastions were constructed only at key places. There are two gates to enter the fort, the Kalyan Darwaza and Pune Darwaza which are positioned at the south east and north-east ends respectively. The fort was also strategically located at the centre of a string of other Maratha occupied forts such as Rajgad Fort, Purandar Fort and Torna Fort.
Torna Fort
Torna Fort, also known as Prachandagad, is a large fort located in Pune district, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is historically significant because it was the first fort captured by king Shivaji in 1646, at the age of 16, forming the nucleus of the Maratha empire. The hill has an elevation of 1,403 metres (4,603 ft) above sea level, making it the highest hill-fort in the district. The name derives from Prachanda (Marathi for huge or massive) and gad (Marathi for fort).
This fort is believed to have been constructed by the Shaiva Panth, followers of the Hindu god Shiva, in the 13th century. A Menghai Devi temple, also referred to as the Tornaji temple, is situated near the entrance of the fort.
In 1646, King Shivaji captured this fort at the age of sixteen, thus making it one of the first forts that would become one of the forts of the Maratha empire. King Shivaji renamed the fort ' 'Prachandagad' ' as Torna, and constructed several monuments and towers within it.
In the 18th century, the Mughal empire briefly gained control of this fort after assassination of King Shivaji's son king Sambhaji. Aurangzeb, the then Mughal emperor, renamed this fort Futulgaib in recognition of the difficult defense the Mughals had to overcome to capture this fort. It was restored to the Maratha confederacy by the Treaty of Purandar.
This fort is believed to have been constructed by the Shaiva Panth, followers of the Hindu god Shiva, in the 13th century. A Menghai Devi temple, also referred to as the Tornaji temple, is situated near the entrance of the fort.
In 1646, King Shivaji captured this fort at the age of sixteen, thus making it one of the first forts that would become one of the forts of the Maratha empire. King Shivaji renamed the fort ' 'Prachandagad' ' as Torna, and constructed several monuments and towers within it.
In the 18th century, the Mughal empire briefly gained control of this fort after assassination of King Shivaji's son king Sambhaji. Aurangzeb, the then Mughal emperor, renamed this fort Futulgaib in recognition of the difficult defense the Mughals had to overcome to capture this fort. It was restored to the Maratha confederacy by the Treaty of Purandar.
Madhe Ghat
Madhe Ghat is located around 62 km south west of Pune bordering Raigad district and in the vicinity of Torna Fort, Rajgad, Raigad Fort and backwaters of Bhatghar dam. It is about 850 meters above sea level and situated in dense forests behind Torna Fort. From this place, you can have a view of vast area such as Raigad fort, Lingana, Varandha ghat and Shivthar Ghal. This place is very cold and is a developing hill station.
In history, when the great warrior Narveer Tanaji Malusare died in the Sinhagad battle, his body was to be taken for last rites in his native village Umrath near Poladpur. Tanaji Malusare's funeral procession was taken to his native place from this Madhe ghat route .The road at Madhe Ghat is quite steep and muddy. Also there are no hotels above and the area is still under development.
You can also see "Lingana fort from Madhe ghat. Lingana fort was used by "Chatrapati Shivaji" to kept prisoners. From Madhe Ghat there is walkable way to Birwadi MIDC Mahad. Most of local people goes to Mahad from Madhe ghat for their shopping purpose. Also at the bottom of the Madhe ghat there is small temple of lord Shiva with small water tank called as "Dev Take". Also you can see one more water fall and historical way at the middle of the right adjacent hill called as "Boratyachi Nal" which was used by Chatrapati Shivaji's army to go towards Kokan area. This area has become a famous spot for trekking. Also you can see Kenjalgad, Raireshwar, Raigad, Lingana Forts, Shivthar Ghal and some part of Wai-Mahableshwar road and some part Mumbai- Goa highway and night scenic view of Birwadi MIDC.
In history, when the great warrior Narveer Tanaji Malusare died in the Sinhagad battle, his body was to be taken for last rites in his native village Umrath near Poladpur. Tanaji Malusare's funeral procession was taken to his native place from this Madhe ghat route .The road at Madhe Ghat is quite steep and muddy. Also there are no hotels above and the area is still under development.
You can also see "Lingana fort from Madhe ghat. Lingana fort was used by "Chatrapati Shivaji" to kept prisoners. From Madhe Ghat there is walkable way to Birwadi MIDC Mahad. Most of local people goes to Mahad from Madhe ghat for their shopping purpose. Also at the bottom of the Madhe ghat there is small temple of lord Shiva with small water tank called as "Dev Take". Also you can see one more water fall and historical way at the middle of the right adjacent hill called as "Boratyachi Nal" which was used by Chatrapati Shivaji's army to go towards Kokan area. This area has become a famous spot for trekking. Also you can see Kenjalgad, Raireshwar, Raigad, Lingana Forts, Shivthar Ghal and some part of Wai-Mahableshwar road and some part Mumbai- Goa highway and night scenic view of Birwadi MIDC.
Shivthar Ghal
Shivthar Ghal, also known as Sundarmath, (Sundarmath means Beautiful Monastery), is a cave, about 34 km from Mahad, near Barasgaon, Maharashtra, India. Samarth ,Ramdas dictated Dasbodh to Kalyan Swami. Samarth Ramdas lived here for about 22 years. It is believed that this is where the first meeting between Shivaji Maharaj and Samarth Ramdas took place.
The cave was discovered by Shri Shankarrao Deo of Dhule in 1930. The cave and surrounding area was renovated after Samarth Seva Mandal was formed in 1950. The campus includes the actual cave under the waterfall, Ramdas Swami temple, dining hall and accommodation. Between 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm, the visitors can have the prasad consisting of Moong Dal Khichadi and Shira. Shivthar Ghal Sundarmath Seva Samiti organizes various programs at this location. It was rediscovered by Shankar Shrikrishna Deo.
Shivthar Ghal is located in Varandha Ghat in the Sahyadris on the Bhor-Mahad road.
In monsoons, a waterfall falls in front of the cave.
The cave was discovered by Shri Shankarrao Deo of Dhule in 1930. The cave and surrounding area was renovated after Samarth Seva Mandal was formed in 1950. The campus includes the actual cave under the waterfall, Ramdas Swami temple, dining hall and accommodation. Between 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm, the visitors can have the prasad consisting of Moong Dal Khichadi and Shira. Shivthar Ghal Sundarmath Seva Samiti organizes various programs at this location. It was rediscovered by Shankar Shrikrishna Deo.
Shivthar Ghal is located in Varandha Ghat in the Sahyadris on the Bhor-Mahad road.
In monsoons, a waterfall falls in front of the cave.
Lingana fort
Lingana is a massive pinnacle on the mainline of the Sahyadris between Raigad and Torna. It is in the Mahad Taluka of Raigad district. It is 35 km away from Mahad town. It takes its name from its shape which is like a linga. It is 2969 feet high with an ascent of four miles, the first half is easy to climb while the second is difficult. Its rock cut steps have been destroyed and the fort is almost completely inaccessible. The top of the fortified rock is 2500 feet square. No fortifications or buildings remain but there are traces of a grain store and some cisterns.
Lingana fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1648 to secure central Konkan against the Sidis. Under the Marathas, Lingana was used as a penal settlement. The prisoners were confined to rock dungeons with one dungeon holding 50 prisoners. Lingana was captured by a Colonel Prother in 1818.
Lingana fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj in 1648 to secure central Konkan against the Sidis. Under the Marathas, Lingana was used as a penal settlement. The prisoners were confined to rock dungeons with one dungeon holding 50 prisoners. Lingana was captured by a Colonel Prother in 1818.
Rajmachi Fort (Killa) is one of the many historical forts in the rugged hills of Sahyadri mountains (Western Ghats). It consists of two twin fortresses Shriwardhan Ballekilla and Manaranjan Balekilla, with a wide machi (plateau) surrounding the two Balekillas. Udhewadi is a small village of about 22 houses situated on the machi, at the southern foot of Manaranjan Balekilla of Rajmachi Fort.
Rajmachi Fort is a popular destination for nature lovers, trekkers and for outdoor campers. In the rainy season from mid-June to mid-October, this region is all the more beautiful with clouds, silvery water falls, streams, lush green forests and meadows.
Local families at Udhewadi on Fort Rajmachi welcome trekkers and nature lovers. The local families provide food and camping accommodation to the tourists. The tourism has enabled the local community to give up traditional occupations like agriculture and cattle rearing.
Historically, Rajmachi Fort was a strategic fort to control Borghat (the Ghat between Khopoli and Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. It was in the possession of Angre family, the head of the Maratha navy in the 18th century.
There are historical water reservoirs and ruins of fortifications, ramparts, and gateways on both the Ballekillas. A view from the top of the forts of the surrounding hills and valleys is quite mesmerizing. A Shiv Mandir built in the Hemdapanti style of architecture, approximately in the 8th century, on the west end of a big historical water reservoir is worth visiting. The water reservoir was constructed in 1780, by Ramrao Narayanrao Desmukh, Mamalatdar of Danda Rajpuri.
Rajmachi Fort is a popular destination for nature lovers, trekkers and for outdoor campers. In the rainy season from mid-June to mid-October, this region is all the more beautiful with clouds, silvery water falls, streams, lush green forests and meadows.
Local families at Udhewadi on Fort Rajmachi welcome trekkers and nature lovers. The local families provide food and camping accommodation to the tourists. The tourism has enabled the local community to give up traditional occupations like agriculture and cattle rearing.
Historically, Rajmachi Fort was a strategic fort to control Borghat (the Ghat between Khopoli and Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. It was in the possession of Angre family, the head of the Maratha navy in the 18th century.
There are historical water reservoirs and ruins of fortifications, ramparts, and gateways on both the Ballekillas. A view from the top of the forts of the surrounding hills and valleys is quite mesmerizing. A Shiv Mandir built in the Hemdapanti style of architecture, approximately in the 8th century, on the west end of a big historical water reservoir is worth visiting. The water reservoir was constructed in 1780, by Ramrao Narayanrao Desmukh, Mamalatdar of Danda Rajpuri.
ISKCON Rajgad Temple
It's a temple of lord krishna.this is newly developed temple . This is a very good temple.the ambient of this place is very peaceful and quiet.the murti which are place in this temple is very nice and very good. it is situated kodawadi village and at the side of hills and mountain view.
It is a simple village like setting that any nature lover would love to be in. The temple is small but beautiful. Deities are so charming that you feel like keep on beholding them, especially their merciful glances and charming smiles.
Cows at the goshala are beautiful and excited to eat grass from the hands of visitors.
The place is small, so contact the temple authorities before planning your visit.
It is a simple village like setting that any nature lover would love to be in. The temple is small but beautiful. Deities are so charming that you feel like keep on beholding them, especially their merciful glances and charming smiles.
Cows at the goshala are beautiful and excited to eat grass from the hands of visitors.
The place is small, so contact the temple authorities before planning your visit.
