The trek to Rajgad fort is 5 km long (return) and is a pleasant climb starting from Pachad village. You can also opt for a ropeway but if you are here on ThrillBear, we are liberally assuming that it’s not your thing.
Some people also prefer to do a circuit around this trek (Pradakshina / Parikrama) which is a circumambulation of the fort and is about 15 km long.
A monsoon hike here will be a mysterious walk through mist-laden paths. The entire route is an ascend through approximately 1700 stairs of stone. If you go here during monsoons, you might even see a few tiny waterfalls along the way. There are railings on one side and the mountain on another. Needless to say that there’s a steep valley beyond the railing. You can enter the fort either via Chitta Darwaja or the Nane Darwaja (which is a smaller entrance). If you come here by ropeway, you enter through the Mena Darwaja.
Once you reach the fort, there are 5 water storage features and 3 temples. There are multiple points of attraction on the fort which are linked to historic stories and folklore. Make sure you visit Hirkani point and Takmak point.
Although Takmak point or Takmak Tok is known for the rappelling events that happen there, its significance goes back to the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This point was a location from where prisoners were executed by pushing them down the cliff.
Hiking up the Raigad is going to be absolute bliss if you love history and are looking for a beginner-friendly trek.
Pachad Village
The trek to Raigad fort starts from Pachad village which used to of key importance, holding a huge army, during the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
How to reach Pachad village with Private Transport?
The best way to reach Pachad village (Google Maps Location) for people traveling from Mumbai, as well as Pune, is to get private transport. You must start your journey early in the morning (before 6 AM) to beat the traffic and make pit stops to taste amazing local food on the way.
How to reach Pachad village by Public transport?
By Bus
Take an ST bus to Mahad from Mumbai or Pune. Pachad village is 22 km from Mahad. If you’re coming from Pune, you might also find an ST bus that takes you directly to Pachad via Mahad.
By Train
The nearest railway stations to Pachad village and Raigad fort are Veer and Mangaon on the Konkan railway line. Mangaon is a busier station and more trains halt there compared to Veer. Trains going towards Ratnagiri, Sawantwadi, etc. stop at these railway stations and you can find ST buses from here towards Mahad. From Mahad, you can get an ST Bus to Pachad Village.
Drinking Water
Available along the way, near the top, and on the top.
Food
Available along the way, near the top, and on the top.
Accommodation
Multiple accommodation options are available at the base of the fort. Camping inside the fort is not encouraged.
Food and Refreshments
Anita: +91 9420059978
Accommodation
Balaram: +91 9403036558 / +91 9689354087
June to September
This is the monsoon season in Maharashtra. You will experience the beautiful misty walk through the path, enjoy the waterfalls along the way, and take in the mysterious vibe of this place.
This is the most convenient itinerary for the Raigad Fort Trek:
Day 1:
05:00 AM - Leave from your city to reach Pachad village by 9:30 AM
09:30 AM - Reach Pachad village, indulge in local breakfast, and start the trek
12:01 PM - Reach the top, explore the fort, and have lunch
01:30 PM - Start moving toward the base
03:00 PM - Reach the base and move toward your city
You can also explore some nearby places such as Pink Fall, Paddy, Pandurg Temple, etc.
- 2 Liters of water (compulsory)
- Sun hat or cap
- Warm clothes during winters
- Trekking shoes or trail running shoes (strictly no sandals or chappals)
- Comfortable t-shirt (preferably dry-fit and full sleeves)
- Comfortable trekking pants (no jeans or shorts)
- Extra pair of clothes and a hoodie
- Electrolyte powder (such as Electral, Enerzal, etc.)
- Light snacks to munch on during breaks
- Fresh fruits / Dried fruits such as dates, figs / Nuts mix, etc for eating along on the trail
- A small day pack to carry all the above (Kindly avoid handbag/sling bag)
- Personal medications, if any
- Optional items: sun goggles, wet tissues, hand sanitizer, cameras, etc.
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