Rajgadh trek- The first capital fort of Maratha empire in Sahyadri

 Dear friends...!

Hope you are doing well and missing the trekking and tourism amidst of this COVID-19 pandemics. After long, I got an opportunity to trek over one of the greatest fort of Maratha empire during the 17th Century which is none other than "Rajgadh fort" which was in my top list of treks in 2020. Hope this blog would help you to provide the necessary information for this trek. Let's overlook the brief history of the fort and travel details. 

Suvela Machi - Rajgadh

Brief about the Fort:

The fort has stood witness to many significant historic events including the birth of Shivaji's son Rajaram I, the death of Shivaji's Queen Saibai, the return of Shivaji from Agra, the burial of Afzal Khan's head in the Mahadarwaja walls of Balle Killa, the strict words of Sonopant Dabir to Shivaji.

The Rajgad Fort was also one of the 17 forts that Shivaji kept when he signed the Treaty of Purandar in 1665, with the Mughal general Jai Singh I, leader of the Mughal forces. Under this treaty, 23 forts were handed over to the Mughals.

The older name of the fort was "Murumdev" which was under the Jahangir of Shahaji Bhosale (Father of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) in 1642. Shahaji Bhosle was the prominent general of Adil shah during Adilshahi and Nijamshahi. In 1647 Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort included in Swarajya with the name as ruling fort hence termed as "Rajgadh". During the 16th and 17th century mostly known as the era of Mughal sultanate in Deccan where no any Hindu could dare to raise the voice against the injustice happening, "Hindu Swarajya" was established by Shivaji Maharaj and taken the oath of Swarajya at the age of 16 on 17 Apr 1645 at Raireshwar. Rajgadh fort became the first capital of this kingdom in western Deccan. Later it remains the capital till 1673 almost for 26 years. This was only second fort captured immediately after the "Torna Killa".

Rajgadh fort enjoys the unique position among the hill forts of Maharashtra. It is situated one of the spurs hills of Sahyadri mountains known as Murum hills, the region is about 35 km south-west of Pune. The fort has three terraces (Machis) and a citadel (Balekilla). There are four gates to enter the fort called Gunjavane, Pali, Alu and Kaleshwari or Dindi gate. The first two gates lead to "Padmavati Machi", Third to the "Sanjavani" and the last to "Suvela Machi".

It also offers a splendid view of other surrounding forts like Torna, Lingana, Raigad, Sinhagad and many more. 

Ideal Period to visit: July to October (Monsoon)

Summer Season: Night trek is ideal

Difficulty level: Average or Medium

Elevation: 1776 m (4514 ft)

Feasibility for night camp: Yes, night trek even safe.

Parking place at base: Available

Entry Fees or Pre-booking required: No

How to Reach:

The route we opted of Gunjavane which is the base village to reach the Rajgadh. 

It is approximately at 70 km from Pune. 

Bus from Pune: One can catch the Bus from Swargate, Pune travelling towards the Satara or Bhor and get down at Narsapur phata. From Narsapur phata, Gunjavane village is at 38 KM and you can find many autos and cabs to reach the base village.

But to enjoy nature ride and lush green, misty routs own vehicle is preferable. One can enjoy the ride while crossing the path through Katraj tunnel which is of 1458 m. 

In Gunjavane there is sufficient parking place is available with parking charges of 40 Rs /- for a four-wheeler.

Four Entrance gate, PC:Inidahikes.com

The trek begins:

Day 1:  We reached the Gunjavane at 8:00 am, parked the vehicle. We ensured to have sufficient drinking water, fruits and snacks. We actually carried the tiffin box from home only. At the village, there are a couple of restaurants available so even if you didn't bring the water bottles and eatables, can buy there itself. Thus we started the trekking around 8:30 am with full of energy and exceptional excitement because the place was like memorizing and turning the pages of history books which we had studied in our school time. 

The frowning foreheads of hills ranges, morning mist and thick greens of the surrounding were making us to again fall in love with nature. On the starting of the path, we were welcomed with the two colourful snakes as well which were looking so scary. The climate was a little hot because the day, there was no rain or drizzling which usually happens in Rajgadh reserve forest. It was a bit difficult trek than ever we have done, still, the difficulty level can be considered as a medium. One of my friends had given up while trek and wanted to return back but we motivated him and energized with apples and bananas and took him till the peak. Total average time requires to climb is 2.5 hrs. Because of hard patches and slippery rocks, one of our friends was not feeling well and tired, we needed 3 hrs. to reach the Fort.

Padmavati Lake

Our eyes were pleased to see so clean, fresh and cool water lake on the fort near Chor Darwaja couldn't hold us back to taste it and indeed we forgot our tiredness. At the fort, there are two temples Padmavati temple and Rameshwar temple. Also the tomb of Saibai who was the wife of Shivaji Maharaj.

Padmavati Temple

Rameshwaram Temple

We had planned to stay at the fort. So these places are sufficient to manage and even safe. We had carried our own tent but if you don't have, people are there can arrange tent for you even the food. Even putting your own tent nobody will gonna ask you or charge you. You can directly reach to the fort without any planning. The contact of the person who managed dinner for us is given below: 

Subash Jadhav: +91 9767881464

Tomb of Saibai

After having lunch and nice sleep on the fort we march towards the "Ballekilla" which is the top point of the fort. The trail follows with harsh patches carved within the hills, no steps but you have to climb the big rocks. Metal ropes are arranged for support and hiking. The views were completely covered in the fog but we still had some photo session and wait to clean up the sceneries.

We move forward our trekking towards "Suvela machi". It is situated at the eastern part of the fort narrows down along its length like a shape of the tail. The path is through dense forest. We did this trek around 3pm. While moving through the thick greeneries chirping birds, crickets and rustling leaves were creating natural music for us which was making us feel so peaceful as if we were cuddling to nature. Sometimes clouds and fog were covering the views of hills and valleys besides which we were following the path was adding another beauty to this scene. Taking the joy of this machi we had to again come back near Padmavati lake where we were planned for the night camp.

After the trekking of the entire day, we were tired and looking to rest again around 6pm. Till the time we haven't yet placed our tent so we took rest at the temple only. So our evening went this way with some pass time activity. We had dinner at fort only with typical Marathi thali of Jhunka-Bhakari in 60 Rs.

Day2: We wake up in the morning at 7am. As our plan was just spent the night and relaxingly on the fort, we didn't go to Sanjavani machi trek which is yet another breathtaking hill forest trek takes divergence and extends from Rajgadh fort approximate 2.5 km. One can visit this spot too. We started our descend around at 9 am by leaving one more trek story behind and taking some mesmerizing fun moments with us of the grand place Rajgadh.

Gallery:

Travel Expense: 

We were four people and had this trip by a Car. As this place was around 85 KM from our place our total journey was 170 KM. So travel expense was minimal, even we carried our own tent and lunch box. This way overall it cost us approximately 450 Rs per head.