Places to Visit in Raigad

Perched at an elevation of 1200 feet, Takmak Trek takes you to one of the most marvelous views witnessed from tourist places in Raigad. It is famed in history as a place where criminals were executed in the past.

The place enchants everyone with its pleasant weather which is full of cool breezes and chilly temperatures. The view from the top here is excellent and allows the shutterbugs to enhance their photography skills. However, it is advised that you climb carefully on this hill as it can be risky for tourists.

Location: Raigarh Fort, Raigad Trail, Gherakilla Raigad, Maharashtra.

Best Time to visit: Winter season.

Timings: During daytime.

Constructed during the time of the great Maratha king ChhatrapatiShivaji, Jagadishwar Temple is an important shrine to be visited in Raigad. This temple is a depiction of Hind-Muslim unity through its brilliant architecture and revers Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Shri Jagadeshwar.

The temple has a Shivalinga and attracts many Hindu devotees in Raigad even though it is not in a very well-maintained state. One of the popular religious places to visit in Raigad, Jagadishwar Temple is a sight to marvel for history lovers.

Location: Raigad Trail, Ghar killa Raigad, Raigad, Maharashtra.

Best Time to visit: November to February.

Perching precariously on a boulder amidst the Sahyadri Mountain ranges at a height of around 2300 ft. above sea level, Prabalgad Fort is one of the most uniquely situated forts in the country. Experienced adventure enthusiasts who love a bit of an adrenaline rush, love to trek to the summit climbing the stairs cut into the steep rocky edges of the hill. It is quite an experience climbing up without any guardrails and soaking in the magnificent.

One of the popular places to visit in Raigad, Gangasagar Lake is an impressive artificial lake near Raigad Fort. It is known for its scenic environs that are full of snow clad peaks. The lake was built to serve the purpose of providing water to nearby villagers and fulfill the water needs of the royal family.

Moreover, it is believed that waters from River Ganga were brought here to fill this pond. The lake is located adjacent to the queen chambers in the fort from where one can see the clear views of the surroundings. The lake in recent times has become a famous Raigad picnic spot and usually flocked with a number of domestic and international tourists.

Location: Gangasagar Lake, Raigad, Maharashtra.

Best Time to visit: Throughout the year.

One of the most beautiful places to visit in Raigad, Raj Bhawan is the place from where Shivaji administered his kingdom. Today it is hailed as a grand palace building from where you can appreciate the old world charm. Gleaming with architectural brilliance, Raj Bhawan is a grand building with beautiful rooms and corridors.

The building houses two large tanks which were once used by the royal family and boats of a well-maintained drainage system. One has to undertake a climb of 1,450 steps to reach here and then enjoy this historical delight. Some of the prominent attractions in the building include the RameshwarMandir, WaghDarwaja, TakmakTok, Bara Tanki, and grenades depot.

Location: Raj Bhavan, Raigad,

Entry fee: INR 25.

Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm.

Located in Alibaug, this hill fort is located amidst lush and thickly forested expanses offering beautiful sea views. Before being finally handed over to the British, the fort changed hands between rulers like Shivaji, Bhivaji Gujar, Kanhoji, etc.

It is said that prisoners were hurled to their death from the monkey point at the fort. A beautiful Dhodhane waterfall, a temple, and a water tank on the way to the fort make the trek to the fort more enjoyable.

Best Time To Visit: Winters (October-March) and monsoons (July-August).

Distance from Raigad: 33.2 kilometres.

Vikatgad Peb Fort is located on the Matheran Hill Range, about 2,100 feet above sea level. It is a popular trekking spot for those seeking an adventurous trail. It is continuous to other forts of the Matheran Hill Range along with Malang Gad, Tauli Hill, and Chanderi Fort.

Being close to the major cities of Pune and Mumbai, with a well-connected railway system, attracts trekkers from both the cities, mostly on weekends. Not much is known about the fort, and most of it is in ruins due to a supposed battle that took place in the 19th century.

However, it was a storage for food grains and ammunition and was also visited by the British Captain Dickinson in 1818. The two entrances to the fort are in ruins. There are still traces of the idols of Lord Hanuman within its periphery. The approximate time required to visit all the palaces in the fort is 1 hour.

One of the well-known places to visit in Raigad, this place is definitely not to be missed if you are a history lover. Raigad Museum has immaculately organized a gallery of history from the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

It has on display a number of items that will excite your curiosity which range from turban collection of Shivaji, his earrings, mojari shoes, sword sheath, some rare photos, hand-written documents etc. These authentic articles are sure to take you back in the bygone times as they are preserved so well at Raigad Museum. It is flocked by a number of visitors and maintained by the descendants of Ninadji Bedekar and Shri Babasaheb Purandare.

Location: Raigad Road NearRaigad Fort, Raigad.

Best Time to visit: Throughout the year (Closed on Mondays).

Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM.

Built on the Dhai river near Khalapur, Morbe Dam is a nice spot to seek some adventure in Malshej. It is a popular weekend getaway and has been used as a shooting place for various Bollywood movies.

Some of the popular times when this dam was featured on the screen includes glimpses from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. It offers a refreshing getaway during the monsoon days in the months from July to September.

Location: GoDavari River Near Khalapur, Raigad, Maharashtra.

Best Time to visit: November to February.

With sparkling white sands and crystal clear waters, Diveagar Beach is one of the most recommended Raigad picnic spots for nature lovers. It is dotted with coconut and betel nut trees that add a mesmerizing look to its scenic landscape. The serene beach has a stretch of about 6 km and offers a good escape from the hustle and bustle of life.

Located on the Konkan coast, this beach is a great tourist spot to see a number of seagulls who migrate here. Moreover, tourists here can pay their respects to a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha to calm their minds. A popular getaway to be enjoyed with your loved ones, Diveagar Beach is a sight to behold in Raigad.

Location: Diveagar Beach, Shrivardhan Taluka, Raigad district.

Best Time to Visit: October to March.

Also famous as ‘Rani Vasa’, the Queen’s Palace is one of the must visit tourist places in Raigad for history buffs. Made of six chambers, the Queen’s Palace was once used by the royal queens of Shivaji.

Built with wood, the interior of this place is still in great condition and captivates the tourists. It comprises six chambers which are equipped with all the facilities and in some places it boasts of having beautiful minarets.

Location: Queen’s Palace, GherakillaRaigad, Raigad, Maharashtra.

Best Time to visit: October to March.

Entry fee: INR 25.

Timings: 8 am to 5:30 pm.

Located on Mumbai Goa highway, Mahad is one of the best historical places to visit in Raigad. Along with housing the famous Raigad Fort, it is well-known to be the center of the famous socio-political movement called Dalit Satyagrah launched by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar.

The place will bring out the patriot in you as it is considered the land of freedom fighters with many revolutionary struggles happening here. It was the seat of Maratha kingdom as it was the capital of Shivaji Maharaj at Raigad Fort. The place also excites cultural travelers by hosting festivals like Shimga Festival and Shimgotsav. Other notable places to visit here are Raigad Ropeway, PandavLeni Caves and Gandharpale Caves.

Location: Mahad district, Raigad district, North Konkan region, Maharashtra.

Best Time to visit: Throughout the year.

Situated amidst the gorgeous landscapes, ShivtharGhal is one of the popular places to visit in Raigad  if you are a history buff. Also called Sundarmath, this is the place where the famous Marathi poet Samarth Ramadas Swami lived for 22 years and dictated Dasbodh to Kalyan Swamy. Moreover, it is also said that this is the place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj met Samarth Ramdas for the first time.

Location: Bhor-Mahad road VarandhaGhat, Raigad, Maharashtra.

Best Time to visit: During monsoon season.