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Forts in Raigad

Dating back to the 13th-century, this is amongst the most majestic of forts in Raigad district. This is where Shivaji ruled from and the splendour, albeit in ruins, is still visible for all to see. You can see massive walls snaking up to the fort located on a hillock along with the tombs dedicated to Shivaji and his pet dog.

It’s easy to make out the shapes of what used to be rooms, a water tank, and a temple. You can either climb up 1700 stairs to reach the fort or take a short but exciting ropeway.

Best Time To Visit: Winter months (October- March).

Distance from Raigad: 65.6 kilometres.

This fort’s importance in Indian history is evident from the numerous times that it has changed hands between the empires of Devadiris, Tughlaqs, Gujarat Sultanate, Nizams, the Portuguese, Marathas, and finally the British.

Located amidst the beautiful Karnala Bird Sanctuary, it is a great place to rejuvenate amidst nature. Reachable after a short steep trek, one can see two mid-sized forts, Pandu’s watchtower, a water cistern, and an ancient Bhawani Temple inside.

Best Time To Visit: Monsoon months (July-August), which is when the surroundings are the most scenic and you can spot migratory birds as well.

Distance from Raigad: 68.5 kilometres.

Dating back to the 15th-century, this is one of the few beach-facing forts in Raigad district which was built by the Portuguese to protect their sea shipments. Initially known as Santa Maria de Castelo, it was captured by the Marathas and finally ceded to the British.

This is where St. Francis Xavier, a 15th-century Catholic missionary, delivered his first sermon in the Indian subcontinent. Don’t miss to see the huge north and south gates connected by a long causeway and cannons still existing amidst the magnificent ruins.

Best Time To Visit: Winter months (October- March).

Distance from Raigad: 53.1 kilometres.

This massive fort, built on an island on the Murud coastline, the Murud-Janjira Fort is one of the most majestic forts in Raigad district. The importance of this fort can be assumed from the fact that the Maratha, Portuguese, and the British constantly tried to capture it.

It had over 570 cannons, out of which three exist now. It has humongous arched gateways; animal sculptures, a Durbar hall, ‘Darya Darwaza’ an erstwhile sea escape route, and enormous walls that drop down into the crashing waters of the Arabian Sea. The fort can be reached by a short ferry ride from Rajapuri Village.

Best Time To Visit: Winter months (October- March).

Distance from Raigad: 55.3 kilometres.

Also known as Peth Fort, the Kothaligad Fort is nestled amidst the charming surroundings of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary. Amongst the most strategic forts in Raigad district, it used to serve as a garrison and a watchtower during the Maratha time.

This fort is known for its unique thumb-like shape and the still preserved canons. On a clear day, the fort’s summit offers great views of the Matheran plateau and Chanderi Fort. On a windy day, you can enjoy the views of ‘reverse waterfalls’ near the fort.

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

Distance from Raigad: 86.9 kilometres.

Also known as Bhorapgad, this is a small fort dating back to the 2nd-century BC that was captured by Shivaji from the Bahamanis in the 16th-century. After the annexation of the princely states, the fort had no ruler, which led to its present state of ruin.

The fort, amongst the most-visited forts in Raigad district, is surrounded by three huge gates and has a temple dedicated to Bhoraidevi, a granary, two water ponds, and a shrine. The summit of the fort offers scenic views of the other nearby forts like Sarasgad, Korigad, Taila-Baila, etc.

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

Distance from Raigad: 18.6 kilometres.

One of the few island forts in Raigad district, built by the Portuguese to fortify the creek of Revdanda in the 15th-century, lies in a sleepy town in the Konkan range. The fort has still-standing seven bastions named after saints like Sao Francisco, Sao Pedro, Sao Diego, etc.

You can see a huge water cistern called Santa Cruz, the façade of a church, and a magazine inside. The fort is reached after trekking through dense forests of teak, cashew, and casuarina overlooking the beach. The highlight of the place is the Korlai lighthouse built in 1955 that is still functional and is a great vantage point to see the creek and lush plains.

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

Distance from Raigad: 59.8 kilometres.

Also known as the Alibag Fort, this is one of the most visited forts in Raigad district. Dating back to 300 years, this used to be a naval station for the army of Shivaji. You can see still-existing cannons, huge walls covered in animal carvings, a 17th-century temple, and freshwater well.

Surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all four sides, the fort offers beautiful views of the blue-green expanses of water. During low tide, the fort can be reached via a short walk through the waters and by a boat during high tide.

Best Time To Visit: Winter months (October- March).

Distance from Raigad: 47.3 kilometres.

This hilltop 18th-century fort located in the Manikgad village is one of the most visited forts in Raigad district. It was built by the Maratha armies to guard their trade routes and was ceded to the British later on.

The fort can be entered only from its south gate and the enclosed area consists of a huge stone grinder, an ancient Shivalinga, water cisterns, and structures that resemble granaries. The summit of the fort is a great vantage point to see the sun setting over the Karnala ranges.

Best Time To Visit: Winter months (October- March).

Distance from Raigad: 54.9 kilometres.