Fort Rajgad

Situated at 4600Ft above sea level,Fort Rajgad boasts to be the first capital of Maratha empire.

How to reach there:

Rajgad is situated near Pune around 50Km.

There are two most common trek route to Rajgad

i) Via Gunjawane-Chor Darwaja

Direct ST buses are available from Pune -Swargate bus stand for Gunjawane. Or else you need to catch jeeps going till Nasarapur phata and then towards Gunjawane.

If you have private vehicle then follow the route as given below:

Pune-Old Katraj Tunnel-Shindewadi-First toll naka-Nasarapur phata(at this point we need to take right turn from the Pune-bangalore highway)-follow the route till Margasani-turn towards left and follow the route going towards Gunjawane. Always confirm your directions with local people.

This route is well trodden so less chances of missing the route. If you are newcomer then ask the village people about the route.

This route will enter into the fort through Chor darwaja @ Padmavati machi.

ii)  Via Pali darwaja

Catch ST bus going towards Velhe from Pune -Swargate bus stand. Or else you need to catch jeeps going till Nasarapur phata and then towards Velhe. Alight at Pabe.Walk towards base village Pali.

If you have private vehicle then follow the route as given below:

Pune-Old Katraj Tunnel-Shindewadi-First toll naka-Nasarapur phata(at this point we need to take right turn from the Pune-bangalore highway)-follow the route till Pabe-turn towards left and follow the route going towards Pali village.

This route is simplest of all and well defined too.

Places to see on fort:

All the places on the Rajgad fort are well defined and named by Shiv Durga Samvardhan Sanstha. Area of fort is huge. You need full day to see all the places on fort.

Fort consist of Padmavati machi, Suvela machi ,Sanjeevani machi and balekilla. Fort entrances are still intact and firm. They are Pali darwaja, Gunjawane Darwaja, Alu Darwaja and Maha darwaja(balekilla).

Fortification at Suvela and Sanjeevani machi are still strong. The main attaraction on fort is Balekilla, situated at the highest point of fort. Iron railings have been installed on the route to make the ascending of balekilla easy.

Image Source: maps.google.co.in