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Things to Do in Raigad

Activities To Do in Raigad

You will be amazed by the sheer range of super-exciting things to do in Raigad. The beautiful and diverse landscape of the place lets you enjoy scores of offbeat experiences unlike any other place in the country.

There are endless activities and things-to-do in Raigad to choose from. Be it looking out for exotic birds & butterflies at the Karnala Bird Sanctuary, spending quite ‘me-time’ at the banks of the serene Gangasagar Lake, seeing historic landmarks like the Raj Bhawan, Raigad Fort, and the Jijamata Palace, you are in for great offbeat experiences.

Besides these amazing things, you can also enjoy night treks and overnight camping, savour a beachside sunset, and try the great Maharashtrian food.

Read on to plan an offbeat journey to this amazing destination on your next vacation.
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Takmak Tok

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.

Prabalgad Fort

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.

Jagadishwar Temple

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.

Gangasagar Lake

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.

Raj Bhawan

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.

Sagargad Fort
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

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.

Raigad Museum

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.

Diveagar Beach

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.

Morbe Dam

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.

Shivthar Ghal

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.

Mahad

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.

Queen’S Palace

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.

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Raigad Things To Do FAQs

What are the best things to do in Raigad?

1. Enjoy bird watching at Karnala Bird Sanctuary: Visiting this lush haven of a place is amongst the best activities in Raigad that you should experience. The sanctuary houses over 200 species of exotic and native birds like Magpie, Robin, Blue Capped Rock Thrush, Red Whiskered Bulbul, etc.

Don’t miss to see varieties of butterflies and reptiles here. The sanctuary has trekking trails that give onto beautiful views of the Patalganga River and the Western Ghats in the background.

Location: NH 66, Karnala, Maharashtra.
Price: Rs. 25 per person.
Timings: Every day from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.

2. Try the Raigad ropeway: Imagine cruising high up in the sky amidst as you get a bird’s eye view of the mighty Western Ghats and acres of lush greenery. This ropeway ride connecting to the Raigad Fort adds on a lot of excitement for a fun day out in the sun is one of the best things to do in Raigad.

You will cruise up to an altitude of around 2300 ft. in 4 minutes and will be treated to an interesting documentary about the fort before your ride. Experienced guides accompany travellers to fill up on information and intriguing facts about the region and the fort.

Location: Raigad Fort, Mahad, Maharashtra.
Price: Per adult: Rs. 200, Per child & senior citizen: Rs. 130.
Timings: Every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

3. Spend a day at the beautiful Gangasagar Lake: One of the best things to do in Raigad is to spend a relaxed day at the banks of this scenic lake. This is a great place to savour the warm sunshine surrounded by the cool breeze as you enjoy a picnic.

The legend goes that this lake was filled with holy water from the Ganges River for Shivaji’s family. The promenade of the lake looks on the majestic Raigad Fort, the Queen’s chambers, and a watchtower framed amidst the Western Ghats in the distance.

Location: Pachad, Raigad District, Maharashtra.

4. See the ancient temples: For travellers looking for serenity amidst the magnificence of ancient architecture must visit the temples in Raigad. The district has several ancient temples like the iconic Jagadishwar Temple built in the Mughal style of architecture

17th-century Varadvinayak Temple, the Ballaleshwar Temple that’s one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples of Lord Ganesha, and the seaside Harihareshwar Temple that was built by the Peshwas in the 16th-century to worship Lord Shiva.

Location: Jagadishwar Temple (Gherkilla), Varadvinayak Temple (Mahad), Ballaleshwar Temple (Pali Village), and Harihareshwar Temple (Shrivardhan).
Timings: Every day from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm.

5. Try the delicious Maharashtra cuisine: Raigad is quite popular for offering a huge variety of delectable Maharashtrian cuisine. There are several great restaurants that offer seafood like prawns fry, fish, chicken, etc. delicious coconut-based gravies. Trying mouth-watering snacks like Poha, Thalipeeth, Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Bun Maska, etc is one of the best things to do in Raigad.

Location: Shree Datta Snacks, Sarja Restaurant, Himgauri Garden and Restaurant Bar.
Price: A meal for two would approximately cost around Rs. 600-800.
Timings: The restaurants are generally open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.

What are the best things to do in Raigad with family?

1. See the magnificent Raigad Fort: Sitting atop a Sahyadri mountain peak, this revered fort houses the samadhi of Shivaji, an ancient temple, and a water tank. You can either climb the fort via 1700 steps or enjoy a ropeway ride to the top, which is one of the most exciting things to do in Raigad.

2. Visit the grand Raj Bhavan: The erstwhile administrative seat of Shivaji is now one of the most-visited places in Raigad famous for its architecture. The Bhavan’s building is placed on a double podium that is supported by 4-sided columns. This is a great place to stroll for hours amidst the well laid out gardens and enjoying a snack with your family.

3. Enjoy a tranquil getaway: One of the most exciting activities in Raigad is spending the day trekking with your family amidst lush green hillside that leads to the beautiful Madhe Ghat waterfall. You will see huge jackfruit plantations and scenic views of Khadakwasla Dam and Pabhe Ghat on the way.

4. See a Mughal-style temple: One of the famous things in Raigad is seeing one of the most intriguing temples in the country. The Jagadishwar Temple here is famous for its unique Mughal style architecture of domes, pillars, and facades.

5. See the Palace of Jijamata: Dedicated to the mother of Shivaji, the Jijamata Palace is one of the most revered places in Raigad. Take your family to see the magnificent ruins of what was once a grand palace dedicated to her simplicity and valour.

What are the things to do in Raigad in night?

1. Camp in the jungle: One of the most exciting things to do in Raigad is night camping at the Falyan Jungle Camp. After night trails, you can enjoy a bonfire, barbecue, and music with your friends and camp under the starlit skies.

2. Enjoy an overnight picnic: Head over to the scenic Kolad located on the banks of the Kundalini River for an overnight sojourn into nature, one of the most memorable things to do in Raigad. Stroll at night along with the sounds of the river waters, enjoy night treks, and sleep in a tent under a starry sky here.

3. See a beachside sunset: There is no better sight than watching the sun cast its luminous glow on endless expanses of seawater. Seeing a stunning sunset at beaches like Varsoli Beach, Kihim Beach, and at the scenic Morbe Dam is one of the best activities in Raigad.

4. Enjoy a night trek: What’s better than trekking amidst night-time silence with miles of lush nature to accompany you. Head over to the beautiful Kothaligad to walk amidst the majestic moonlit Sahyadris and enjoy a bonfire with music and food with your friends.

The tranquillity, cool night breeze, and the serenity of nature make for an amazing offbeat experience and is one of the best things to do in Raigad.

What are the best treks in Raigad?

1. Raigad Fort Trek: The trek to this fort that houses the Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj is one of the most famous things in Raigad. The fort is reached by trekking over around 1700 steep steps to reach an altitude of around 2,700 ft. where it is located amidst the Sahyadris.

2. Karnala Bird Sanctuary and fort trek: This 2-hour trek will take you to the unique thumb-shaped 13th-century fort and the sanctuary located amidst thick forests. You have a chance to spot bird & animal species like Malabar lark, Small Sunbird, Nilgiri Woodpigeon, Muntjak, Wild boar, Antelope, etc.

3. Kothaligad trek: This popular night trek will take you to the majestic Sahyadris surrounded in thick forests. On this trek, you will see the Bhairoba caves and the Peth fort that look even more intriguing in the moonlight.

4. Lingana trek: Trek to the summit of the highest peak in the Sahyadris standing at around 2,969 ft. Located at the top is the 16th-century Lingana Fort that was built by Shivaji Maharaj and is considered to be one of the most important landmarks in not only Raigad district but across the country.

What are the best places for camping in Raigad?

1. Falyan: Escape into the scenic surroundings of Amba River and the Sahyadris at this beautiful jungle camp area. Take night trails amidst the beautiful sounds of nocturnal birds and critters before you round off the day with a bonfire and music.

2. Kolad: Nestled around the Kundalika River, there are several secluded camping locations here that let you take a break from the city life. See the forests and the river shrouded in a silvery mist in the moonlit as you take a night boat ride here and end the day with a bonfire and barbecue.

3. Kashid: Head over to the pristine Kashid Beach to camp near stunning night-time sea views for a unique night camping experience. Your stay at the sea-facing tents will let you savour the sounds of the waves and views of the silvery sand surrounded by thickets of swaying palm trees.

4. Murud-Janjira: There are several camps located at the top of the hills at this charming fishing village that let you enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats in the background. Savour the sunset on the waters and enjoy sleeping in tents under starry skies here.

How can I reach Raigad?

-By Air: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, which is located around 140 kilometres away. You can proceed via bus or by hiring a cab from the airport.

-By Road: Raigad is well-connected by road from neighbouring areas like Mumbai, Panvel, Alibaug, etc. by state-run buses. You can opt to self-drive via NH 17.

-By Train: Raigad has good train connectivity with almost all the major Indian cities. The closest train station is Vir Dasgaon station.

What is the best time to visit Raigad?

The best time to visit Raigad is between the winter months of November to March. This is when the low daytime temperatures and pleasant weather let you enjoy the beautiful outdoors without the accompanying heat and humidity of the summers.

How many days are enough for Raigad?

3 days are enough to enjoy a place like Raigad. In this time, you can visit and spend time at the popular attractions like the various forts, scenic points, temples, lakes, and wildlife sanctuaries. 3 days are also enough for you to try a variety of Maharashtrian foods and shop at the local markets.

Is Rajgad and Raigad the same?

No, Rajgad is a fort located in the Pune District in the Sahyadri ranges whereas Raigad is a fort lying in the Raigad district. Both of them are located in Maharashtra.

How long does it take to climb Raigad Fort?

To reach this hilltop fort, you need to climb around 1,700 steps. It takes approximately 1 hour to cover these steps and reach the summit.

How difficult is Raigad Trek?

The trek’s difficulty depends on the route option that you choose. The routes starting from Vajeghar-Pali and from Gunjavane village through Chor Darwaza are easier but longer. The route from Gunjavane village via the Gunjavane Darwaja is shorter but tricky. This route involves steep climbs and rocky patches and requires a bit of rock climbing experience.

Newly Added Raigad Experiences

Raigad Things To Do Reviews

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Akula Kaur
Reviewed: 26 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Buying this ticket online was good with hassle-free there are many people participate on this trek both locals and tourists, sometimes we get to join with the other group on the way and mostly the people I met that day were very nice and helping nature they encourage to those who ready to give up, T... Read More
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Akshainie Kaniyar
Reviewed: 26 Feb 2020
5.0/5
The local operator was very nice and approachable the campsite location was perfect with nice views of the ocean, Good facilities provided we had a great time on the activities. The crew was very warm and passionate. Provided us with a triple sharing tents it was good and look new so comfortable, Th... Read More
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Sumitra Nehru
Reviewed: 17 Feb 2020
5.0/5
This package was very fulfilling, The trek goes right as we expected everything because of the amazing guide who was always there and guide us in a proper way. we felt safe and we enjoyed this trek so much. Interesting history of the place the top is worth it. Nice arrangement and good foods. Great ... Read More
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Geeta Marar
Reviewed: 12 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Amazing Trek to Sarasgad Fort, The walk went smoothly and safely, Good guidance from the guide. What an amazing experience.
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Bhilangana Achari
Reviewed: 12 Feb 2020
5.0/5
Easy going tour!!! it was a nice trekking experience for all, amazing footpath so adventurous and definitely super amazing place.
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Dhanalakshmi Shukla
Reviewed: 24 Jan 2020
5.0/5
A nice trek it was, we met up with all the group on-time at the meeting point, we start the trek from the base village, the guide gave a nice briefing about the activity, the walked was easy/moderate reaching the top was breathtaking, nice time spends with good photos...return back to base village t... Read More

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