Rajgad Fort | Information Pravasi | How to reach Rajgad Fort | Trek routes to Rajgad Fort | Velhe | Pune | Pious Pravasi

Information Pravasi Series - Rajgad Fort

Impregnable fort, characteristic fortifications, Nedhe or a naturally formed hole in the rock, vast Machi stretching in three directions, and much more. Rajgad is a fort known as the "King of Forts and Fort of Kings". This fort earned the honor of being the First Capital of the Maratha Empire or Swarajya. Every wanderer must have visited this fort, which was the capital of Swarajya for more than two decades. Brief information about this fort is being shared in this blog through our "Information Pravasi" series.

The earlier name of Rajgad Fort was "Murumb Devacha Dongar". Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj conquered the Torna Fort at the age of sixteen. After this Murumbadev mountain was converted into an impregnable fort named Rajgad Fort.

How to reach Rajgad Fort from Pune?

This fort in Velhe Taluka, Pune District is about 60 km from Pune station. There are trek routes to the fort from Gunjwane and Pali villages situated at the base of the fort. From Pune, one should first come to Swargate and then take a bus from there to Gunjwane or Pali village.

Routes to trek the Rajgad Fort

The height of the Rajgad Fort is about 1395 meters and it takes 1 hour to reach the fort from Pali village and about two hours from Gunjwane village. There is no possibility of getting lost during the trek as the route from both the villages to the fort is easily recognizable and marked.

Although one can reach the fort from Pali village within an hour, the trek route is quite strenuous due to the steep climb and steep steps. After entering the fort through Pali Darwaza we come to Padmavati Machi. While the trek from Gunjvane village is a slow climb. There are two routes from Gunjwane village. One route leads to Chor Darwaja on Padmavati Machi while the other leads to Gunjwane Darwaja, located between Padmavati and Suvela Machi. Coming to the fort from both routes, there is a slight uphill in the last part. Usually, Chor Darwaja is preferred by people. The grade of the Rajgad Fort trek is easy and the endurance level is moderate.

Places to visit on the Rajgad Fort

Rajgad Fort has a vast Machi stretching in three directions and a high-rise Balekilla in the middle. Padmavati, Suvela, and Sanjeevani Machi. The characteristic construction of the fortification of Suvela and Sanjivani Machhi is evident as soon as we see the Machi. If you have never been to Rajgad Fort before, you can see the double ramparts of Sanjeevani Machi in the photo shared in this blog.

1. Padmavati Machi

Padmavati Devi temple is located on Padmavati Machi. Padmavati Machi is named after the temple of Goddess Padmavati and the small lake of the same name (Padmavati Lake) is also nearby. It is said that the Padmavati temple was established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj after naming the Murumbadev Hill as Rajgad Fort. The potable or drinkable water tank is also adjacent to the temple. Apart from that, Rameshwar temple, ruins of Sadar, Rajwada and Kacheri, Darukhana, Ambarkhana, and Maharani Saibai Samadhi are also there on Machi. On the way between Padmavati and Suvela Machi, there is Gunjvane Darwaja and there is also a water tank.

2. Suwela Machi

You can visit Duba hill, Hanuman temple, Nedhe or naturally formed hole in the rock, Kaleshwari Bastion, Sadar, Chilkathi bastion, embankment doors, and water tanks near and on the Suvela Machi.

3. Sanjeevani Machi

You can visit places like Sadar, Tehalni Buruj (Watch Tower), Water Tanks, Embankment Doors, Alu Darwaja, etc. One can reach Torna Fort through Alu Darwaza on Sanjeevani Machi as some trekkers do Rajgad - Torna range trek.

4. Balekilla or Citadel

The climb to Balekilla, which is right in the middle of the three Machi, is a bit tough and has many monkeys. The fort has Mahadarwaja, Janani Devi temple, Chandrakor lake, water tanks, Bastions, Brahmeshwar temple, marketplace, palace ruins, etc.

Food and water are available at the base village and on the fort. Also, if you are thinking of camping, you can rent tents or stay in the Padmavati temple.

To read other blogs in this series, click here at Information Pravasi.

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