Raigad district in Maharashtra has a rich historical background and abundance of natural beauty spread within its boundaries. From beaches to mountains to grand forts and ancient temples, the district has something for every traveler. This district attracts history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and wildlife lovers from across the country and abroad for its impeccable beauty.
Best Time to Visit Raigad District, Maharashtra
Because summer is extremely hot and humid, one may consider taking a trip between November and March as the weather is pleasant during this time. In the aforementioned months, one may also explore all the top attractions of the Raigad district to the fullest.
History of Raigad District, Maharashtra
Kolaba was the former name of Raigad. Historians claim that the name was changed to Raigad when Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the place and made it the capital of the Maratha Empire in 1656. In the 19th century, Raigad separated from Thane district but the native communities with surnames such as Naik, Bhagat, Patil, Mhatre, and Thakur stayed in Raigad district.
The hilly areas of Raigad are a part of the Sahyadri range of Western Himalayas and are a major attraction for tourists from across the globe. Madhe Ghat Waterfalls and Diveagar Beach are the two highly popular tourist spots located in this district.
Major Attractions of Raigad District
1. Raigad Fort
This majestic and captivating fort was seized by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1656 and was then known as ‘Rairi’. The fort features several gates that still manage to amuse the visitors. Some popular gates are Nagarkhana Darwaja, Maha Darwaja, Palkhi Darwaja, and Meena Darwaja. The ropeway facility will take to this hill fort in just a few minutes from the ground. The fort remains open on all 7 days from 8 am to 6 pm. Indian tourists are required to pay an entry fee of Rs10, while foreign tourists are required to pay Rs100 to explore the fort.
2. Jagadishwar Temple
This Hindu temple is dedicated to Sri Jagdishwara. Locals claim that Shivaji Maharaj was a staunch Hindu follower and used to visit the temple daily. A striking feature of the temple is its dome-shaped top that gives a hint of Mughal art and architecture.
3. Madhe Ghat Waterfalls
Set amidst lush green hills and under the infinite blue sky, the waterfalls will make you fall in love with it at the very first sight. The waterfalls are located approximately 850 meters above sea level from where one can clearly see the Raigad fort. Madhe Ghat Waterfalls is amongst one of the most visited destinations in Raigad.
4. Diveagar Beach
Diveagar Beach is situated in the Diveagar town of Raigad District. This charming and calm beach is a perfect weekend location to relax with family and friends. The view of sparkling water, golden sand, and the greenery at the shores is magical enough to let you forget all the worries. Tourists can also enjoy various water sports such as surfing, parasailing, jet ski, bumper ride, and banana ride by the beach. Diveagar Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Maharashtra.
How to Reach Raigad District Maharashtra
To travel here, you will need to cover a total distance of about 1,561, 2,051, 938 km from cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Check out the following details on how you can reach Raigad district via the following means of public transport.
By Air
Mumbai Airport aka Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) is the nearest airport situated at a distance of about 113 km. Direct and connecting flights from all major cities operate to and fro here. From the airport, consider booking a taxi or some other means of public transportation to reach here.
- From Guwahati - Board IndiGo, Spicejet, Vistara, Go Air flights from Guwahati Airport. The airfares start from INR 5,000-6,000
- From Bhopal - Board IndiGo flights from Bhopal Airport. The airfares start from INR 3,000-4,000
- From Amritsar - Board Spicejet, IndiGo flights from Amritsar Airport. The airfares start from INR 5,000-6,000
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available to Raigad District Maharashtra
By Train
Veer Dasgaon Railway Station is the nearest railhead to reach the district. Trains from many metropolitan cities of India arrive here hence one may consider rail travel as it is budget-friendly, comfortable, and convenient. From the station, you will need to cover 50-54 km via some public transport to reach here.
By Road
Depending upon your physical location, you can consider traveling to Raigad by well-maintained road networks as well. For traveling to Raigad, you may either take an inter-state tourist bus or drive to the place in your personal vehicle. Otherwise, you can also opt for a cab.
- From Lavasa - 91 km via Tamhini Ghat Road
- From Alibaug - 107 km via NH66
- From Pune - 126 km via Mahad-Dapoli Road
Frequently Asked Questions about Raigad District Maharashtra
Q. Where is Raigad District located?
A. Raigad District is located in the Indian state of Maharashtra and is a part of the Konkan region.
Q. What are the main tourist attractions in Raigad District?
A. The main tourist attractions in Raigad District include the Raigad Fort, Janjira Fort, Bankot Fort, Kihim Beach, and Kala Sagar Dam.
You can plan your trip and create your own route to the city with Adotrip’s technically driven circuit planner. Click here
