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Forts

Raigad Fort Dist. Raigad

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. 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 TokFor 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.

  Getting there

By Air : Nearest airport is Pune 126 kms.
By Rail : Nearest railhead is Pune.
By Road : Mumbai-Raigad 210 kms. via Mahad. Pune-Raigad 126 kms. Mahad-Raigad 27 kms.

State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Kolhapur and Pune to Ratnagiri and also from Ratnagiri to Pawas via Bhatye.

Murud Janjira Fort Dist. Raigad

Formerly the capital town of the Siddis of Janjira, Murud is today popular for its alluring beach, whispering casurina, coconut and betel palms and an ancient fort. On a hillock to the north is the shrine of Lord Dattatreya, the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara.

Battered on all four sides by sea waves, its strong walls yet standing intact and 40 feet high even at full tide is the majestic island fortress of the Siddis -- Murud-Janjira. Never conquered by an enemy for over 350 years since its construction by the Ahmednagar rulers under the supervision of their regent Malik Ambar in the 15th century, Murud-Janjira is probably the only impregnable fort on the 720 km Maharashtra coastline.
Neither the Portuguese nor the British could subjugate the fort. And the Marathas, despite their repeated attempts failed to subjugate the Siddi power.

The palace of the Nawab and the Janjira Caves are also a must for the tourist. And just a few kilometres away are two undiscovered beaches: Nandgaon and Kashid. Nandgaon is famous for its Ganapati temple and the annual fair held in honour of ths elephant-headed god every February.

Here you shall discover the charms of an island fortress. The beach is clear and spacious, fringed with palm trees. The fortress is 300 years old, an architectural marvel-in fact, once upon a time considered to be impregnable.Sea Fort - Janjira

Hotels: The MTDC Resort on the beach offers comfortable accommodation and wonderful cuisine.

Accommodation - Hotels

  Getting there   

By Air : Nearest airport is Mumbai, 165 kms.
By Rail : Nearest railhead is Panvel, 122 kms.
By Road : Mumbai - Murud via Revdanda, 165 kms. Pune - Murud via Mahad, 230 kms. Alibag - Murud, 52 kms.

State Transport buses ply from Mumbai, Pune to Murud.