Rajgad Fort

History :
Rajgad Fort (near Pune, India) is one of the most grand forts of the Sahaydris. It was Shivaji Maharaj's capital for 26 years before moving to another grand fort Raigad. Treasure found on adjacent Torna was used to fortify this beautiful fort.The mighty hill fort of Rajgad , which was the base of Shivaji Maharaj for most of his momentous campaigns,was never attacked during his reign

This fort has seen lots of historic events. The origins of this fort date back to 2000 years. This fort was ruled by Adilshahis then Nizamshahis and then finally the Marathas.

Rajgad is tristar shape with each ends having the grand machis and the bale killa or citadel at the center. The diameter of the fort at the base is 40 Kms and hence difficult to capture.

Located approximately 55 km south of Pune, Rajgad stands at a height of 4,574 ft above mean sea level. Shivaji designed it exclusively for war, therefore, though it was his residence for two decades, he did not allow fancy palaces. Its special features are the doubly fortified ramparts, a feature which no other hill fort in Maharashtra has.

Structure:

Main parts of the fort are:
Padmavati Machi: Facing north this has Padmavati Temple, Padmavati Lake, chor darwaja, Pali darwaja, Gunjavane darwaja, Daru Kothar (storage of arms and ammunition) and remains of the castle.

Sanjivani Machi: This huge, beautiful and royally constructed machi faces west and has 3 layered fortifications making it extremely difficult to conquer. Each layer has a depth of 20 feet and just 2 feet wide which looks like a scary narrow well. This type on construction was to aide guerilla warfare.

Suvela Machi: This is another grand machi facing east with lots of secret routes, doorways, nedha (Mountain hole).

Bale Killa: This is the highest part of the fort which has remains of palaces, water lakes and water towers. One can view the whole fort and the vast surrounding expanse.

This fort is a must visit in any ones trekking/adventure list. One has to stay in the padmavati temple which can house 50 people. Water tanks provide water all over the year

Restaurant : Not Available
Lodging : Only in Padmavati Temple
How to Go :
Rajgad is easily reachable from Pune. On Pune Bangalore highway, there is a small village called Nasrapur. Rajgad is 30-35 kms from it. There are three different ways to climb on it.. One way is through Gunjavane Village and the other are from Vaazegar. You can catch a bus[early morning] to Vazegar from Swargate , Pune or catch another bus to Gunjavane village. The bus frequency is not good so it will make sense to know the bus timings in advance. There is enough water on the fort and good place for living. The shortest way starts from Bhikulya's Hut and takes you to Chor darvaza. We climbed from Pali Darvaza. Simplest and longest way starts from Gunjavane village.