RAJGAD

    Rajgad literally meaning 'the ruling fort' was the capital of the Maratha Empire established by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for 24 years. Rajgad is divided into two main parts as the lower fort and upper fort . The upper fort comprises the Balekilla where the royal residence was built .The lower fort is made of three arms of the hill. Rajgad is located on the triangular tabletop of the hill. These three arms are named Suvela Machi, Padmavati Machi and Sanjivni Machi. Padmavati Machi got its name from the temple of Goddess Padmavati and the small reservoir of the same name.

     Numerous structural remains and plinths of the palaces and houses can be seen here. There are remains of the offices of the Maratha empire and the marketplace . This fort was the home of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It has witnessed different phases of his life , from young sixteen year old Shivaji constructing the fort to becoming a King. 

        The young sixteen year old Shivaji had captured the Torna fort and had found a gold hoard. The gold found in the hoard was used to construct a fort on 'Murrumba Devacha Dongar' and the fort was then named 'Rajgad'. This fort was then the capital of Maratha Empire which housed and protected the King and his soldiers for many years.

     The fort was magnificently constructed with three machis , 'Suvela' , 'Padmavati' and 'Sanjivni' and one great citadel named 'Balekilla'. The ramparts are made so well that they can take the heaviest of the blow ,yet won't crumble. This fort saw the Birth of Shivaji Maharaj's second son , Rajaram Maharaj, the death of his queen Sai Bai and much more! It was Shivaji Maharaj's home and capital of the Maratha Empire for more than two decades!

    This fort is a trekkers paradise and a witness of Maratha history!