RAJGAD
Overview
RAJGAD mrans "King of Forts". Situated in Pune district of Maharashtra. Formerly known as Murumbdev. It was the first capital of Maratha Empire for 26 years. Treasures discovered from Torna fort were used to completely build Rajgad Fort. Fort lies 4,514 feet above sea level. Build on hill called as Murumbdevi Dongar. Rajgad Fort added to UNESCO World Heritage List.
Rajgad
History
Many significant historic events happened on this fort like-
-Birth of Shivaji Maharaj's son Rajaram I
-Death of Shivaji Maharaj's wife Saibai
-Return of Shivaji Maharaj from Agra
-The burial of Afzal Khan's head in Mahadarwaja walls of Balle Killa
Suvela Machi
List of Events
-1647 - Shivaji Maharaj captures fort
-1649 - Repair of fort began
-1654 - Fort was renamed as Rajgad
-1659 - Maharani Saibai died on Rajgad Fort
-1662 - Construction of Rajgad completed
-1670 - Rajaram was born on Fort
Main Door of Balekilla
Architecture
Darwaja
1. Paali Darwaja
2, Gunjawane Darwaja
3. Aalu Darwaja
Rajgad fort divided into Major Section called as Machi
1. Padmavati Machi
-Padmavati Temple
-Padmavati Lake
-Rameshwar Temple
-Rajwada
-Ambarkhana
-Sadar
-Saibai Samadhi
-Functioned as an important military post
2. Sanjivani Machi
-On west side
-Showcase 3 layered fortification
-2.5 km Long
-Holds 19 Buruj
-Aalu Darwaja
3. Suvela Machi
-On eastern side
-Known for its panoramic views
-Elephant Hole
-Duba
-Holds 17 Buruj
-Hattiprastar
-Kaleshwari Buruj
4. Balekilla
-Highest point of Rajgad
-Houses of royal quarters
-Crucial decisions of Maratha Empire was taken here
-Chandrakor Lake
-Sadar
Hattiprastar
Trekking Route
Gunjavane trekking route is moderate difficult path direct to Chor Darwaja and then to Padmavati Machi.
Pali trekking route is another route direct to Padmavati Machi.
Bhor Route though lesser known presents a scenic and gradual climb.
View from Gunjawane Trekking Route
Time to Visit
It is significant tourist destination especially during monsoon and winter.
Monsoon(June - September) transforms the experience into magical journey, with lush of greenery, mist trails and cascading waterfall.
In winter(October - February), the cool air and clear skied offer stunning views of Sahyadri Ranges.
Summer(March - May) treks are best enjoyed in early morning to avoid heat.
Duba
Duration Of Visit
Trekking from Chor Darwaja take about 2 hours
Trekking from Paali Darwaha take about 1 hour
Exploring whole Rajgad with all Machis required more than 4 hours
Chilkhati Buruj
Location
Situated in Pune district of Maharashtra. Located around 60 km from Pune in South West Area in Sahyadri Range. Fort lies 4,514 feet above sea level.
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