Sunday 1 July 2012

Raigad : A Majestic Memory



Travelogue: Raigad Fort


Place : Raigad Fort
Mode of transport : 4 wheeler
Difficulty level : N/A ( Used Rope Way to reach top)

Journey began at 1430 hrs local time from Pune on Saturday, we had taken enough snacks to munch on throughout the journey. Having own transportation is always useful and makes things easy.We didn’t need to take “Bhaisaab, rasta kidhar jata hai?” stops as we earlier did on almost all of our trips, thanks to Surajit Sir and his GPS navigator.

 After a short 20 min tea break at a scenic roadside tea stall, we crossed Mahad at around 1630hrs, onset of sunset. By the time it was dark enough to deploy headlights, we managed to locate a plane atop the foot hills 8 kms away from Raigad Fort.

Camping started with usual hunt for dry wood and any material which can augment our chances to have a decent bon fire, which was followed by preparation of national drink; Tea and national fast food; Maggie. 

Sunrise of Sunday saw us packing us our stuffs and rolling back our tent. We started off for Raigad, reached the Rope Way station, just near the base of Raigad Peak.
At a somewhat reasonable cost of Rs 175/- we were on top. After a short snack break, we started wandering and exploring whole fort.

The aura and majestic feel of being at the center point of one of the greatest kingdom that Indian history ever saw, was mesmerizing. More info about Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Raigad Fort can be found by clicking on the embedded links.

Here are some of my favourite snaps of this trip :



 Jai Shivaji Jai Bhawani : Chattrapati na manacha mujra


 The aura of standing next to people's hero can not be explained but felt.



  Samadhi of one of the greatest son of our soil 


Takmak Tok: A cliff from which the sentenced prisoners were thrown to their death


 People paying tribute to their beloved King and protector


Takmak Tok : North West peak of fort

 Literally chilling in between clouds



Rope Way to top: Steep height ascend

 A Monkey kid : Wild life near around the hills, missed a snake by few seconds


 1st stop : Road side tea stall with a fabulous backdrop


 Flora and fauna : Treat to eyes

 Night Camping : Hunt for dry wood > Bon fire > Tea > Maggie

 8 Kms from Raigad fort we spent our night in portable tent.

This trip carved majestic memories in our minds and heart.

As usual awaiting your kind feedback.
-Abhinav Singh