The Capital of Shivaji. The selection of Raigad as his capital and the layout of the forts shows the foresight and imgenuity of Shivaji. He expressed his option that the Maratha Rajah Should be the king of the Lord of umbrella (Chhatrapati The king approved of it). The coronation cremony was held according to strict vedic rites. On the morning of 6 June 1674 A.D Shivaji ascended the throme, It was truly a hostoric day, Sabhasad's graphic description runs as follows. "A gold throne weighing thirty two maunds was made and inlands with the choices and most precious Jewels of nine kinds that could be procured from the treasury . The expenditure on account of the coronation ceremony amounted to one crore and forty two thousands hons. Raigad, Shivaji's impregnable capital the place where he was crowned and where he died, His samadhi. the ruims of his palace.
The route is Mumbai - Panvel - Palaspe - Nagothane - Kolad - Indapur - Mangaon - (Raigad) - Mahad
The fort at Raigad was the capital of the great Maratha King Shivaji. The location of the fort is such that an onlooker will obviously understand its strategic importance. Innumerable tales are told about Raigad Fort. Still standing proudly, Raigad Fort once symbolized the Indian resistance against foreign invasions. The fort still reverberates with chivalry and valor of Maratha warriors who fought the Mughal army in the craggy terrains of Western Ghat under heavy odds.
Raigad remained the capital of the Maratha kingdom for 6 years. It has a beautiful pathway leading to the fort. The scenic beauty of this path is truly commendable. The gates of the fort are broad and imposing. There are also beautiful monuments inside the fort. Some of the places worthy of a visit are Gangasagar Lake and Jagadishwar Temple.
Raigad is easily accessible from Mumbai. If you wish to travel by air, the nearest airport is Pune. From Pune you can go to Raigad by car. The distance is 126 km. The place is also reachable by rail. If you travel by Konkan Railway the nearest railway station is Veer. From Veer railway station, Raigad is only 40 km away. The distance between Mumbai and Raigad is 210 km. You can rent a car from Mumbai and reach Raigad in about a few hours.
There are hotels in Raigad. Accommodation is never a problem. Raigad fort will surely be a memorable tour for you. While you climb those 1450 steps from the foothill to the gate of the fort, you will really feel the ambience of this wonderful place.
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