Top Things to do in Raigad
The 10 Best Things to Do in Raigad, India
Discover the best top things to do in Raigad, India including Raigad Fort, Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayaka, Shri Varad Vinayak, Kondana Caves, Kihim Beach, Varsoli Beach, Phansad Bird Sanctuary, Tamhini Falls, Shivthar Ghal, Jagadishwar Temple.
Restaurants in Raigad
1. Raigad Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By sanju_222323 - New Jersey
Medium level trek. Shivaji built three forts on his own, and all fort was in one line in Sahyadri region. Pratapgadh (where his mother stayed, Sinhgadh and his own den, Raigadh). He built this fort and made it his capital in 1674 when he was crowned as the King of the Maratha Kingdom which later developed into the Maratha Empire. This fort is all about Shivaji and his history.
The 360-degree view will make your heart skip a beat on a clear day. Excellent architecture built by a Shivaji centuries before modern technology. The main palace was constructed using wood, of which only the base pillars remain. The main fort ruins consist of the queen's quarters, six chambers, with each chamber having its own private restroom. The Raigad Fort also has ruins of a market which was accessible to riders sitting on horses.
From the fort, one can view the execution point called Takmak Tok, a cliff from which sentenced prisoners were thrown to their death. if found to be not dead, brought up from the base and thrown again.
The Western Ghats here brings you closer to paradise.
There are around 1500+ steps to reach the fort. Also, ropeway is available but long waiting is there on weekends.
Amazing fort and recommended.
2. Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayaka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By indianfoodtraveller - Mumbai, India
We first visited Shri Ballaleshwar asthabinayak pali from mumbai.You must first visit dundivinayak before taking darshan of ballaleshwar.This is the only ganapati whose name derived from devotee.They have arrangement for lunch inside temple.Temple is near from sarasgad.This was mu second visit to this temple.
3. Shri Varad Vinayak
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By snipe2016 - Pune, India
This was the last ganapati murti darshan from the ashtavinayak list. Some how there was a huge pile of line when we reached. The temple is beautiful. It has a big shiv temple inside the main temple itself. Pretty much commercialized. Similar to Pali, we can go inside and actually touch the feet of lord Ganesha. Nice place. Loads of shops placed around the vicinity of temple. Its one the way to imagica. Will revisit this place.
4. Kondana Caves
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 29 reviews
Reviewed By VINITGADRE - Nashik, India
We a group of friends visited this place in the month of September.And the trek is really cool with Waterfalls also the weather was quiet good a bit humid though as you would always expect for places near Mumbai.The trek is about 45 mins to an hour and for a regular trekker it is very easy, others have to sweat a bit make it to the top.Carry your own water bottle.The caves are awesome and water flowing from top its quiet wonderful and you cant hold yourself back from getting wet.The trek starts with a simple 1 km walk then the ascending begins,it gets little slippery you have to carry a good pair of shoes with grip.along half the way there are 2 -3 places where there is waterfall and also on the top near the cave.Lush green surroundings and blessed with nature this is must visit place.
5. Kihim Beach
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By Floyd A - Mumbai, India
Kihim five years back was a lovely unspoiled beach. but today its crowded with many tourists, the sand is not pristine anymore. however, find a quiet corner to relax and if lucky spot the exotic birds that fly past. The beach has some lovely shells too.
6. Varsoli Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By SuddyBuddy - Mumbai, India
Great expanse, clean, easily approachable, at low tides you can really enter far deep into the sea, but just be aware of the hidden rocks. Also Google maps may take you to the koliwada/fishing-hamlet side of the beach, so follow the direction boards along the road.
7. Phansad Bird Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By Pritijhale - Alibaug, India
Awesome trip with friends. very excellent management by the forest staff and " mahila bachat gat". we given our own food materials to cook them which made very tasty. they charged Rs.500/- for tent and extra Rs.30/- for Bed. also Car and Bike parking charges. But overall trip was very excellent.
8. Tamhini Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune
The Waterfalls of Tamhini Ghat are a sight to behold during the monsoon season, between July and September. Being a hilly region the rain water trickles down from the top of the Mountains in the Sahyadri Hills (Western Ghats of Maharashtra) forming huge Waterfalls as the streams cascade down the slopes towards the plains of the Konkan region.
A lot of weekenders from Pune and nearby suburbs drive to Tamhini to enjoy these beauties of nature in the rainy season. To avoid the crowds it may be better to visit the falls on a weekday. The two lane road is good in parts, but patchy and pot-holed in some sections.
Tamhini Ghat is a 50 to 60 km drive from Pune, and may take about an hour or two depending on the traffic. You have to follow the Paud Road route from Chandni Chowk in Pune. After passing Pirangut and Paud villages you will come to the Mulshi Lake. Travel further down the ghat to reach the Tamhini Ghat. Soon you will start seeing small Waterfalls trickling down the hillsides. There are many small eateries along the way where you can stop for a snack and a cup of coffee. About 15 km after Mulshi Lake where the road takes a bend there is a small natural platform which forms a kind of look-out point from where you get an amazing 360 degree view of the hills with Waterfalls all around you.
The falls were not gushing down due to less rain this year (2015), but they still looked refreshing after the recent rains.
If you carry on further down the road you will reach the ‘Orchard Resort’ where you can stop for a meal or overnight stay, or carry on towards Kolad or Mangaon towns on the Mumbai – Goa highway.
9. Shivthar Ghal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By YogeshK05 - Pune, India
Shivtharghal – Also known as “Sundarmath” is a cave. Samarth Ramdas dictated “Dasbodh” to Kalyanswami. Samarth Ramdas lived here for about 22 years. It is believed that this is where the first meeting between Shivaji Maharaj and Samarth Ramdas took place.
Shivtharghal is around 34 km from Mahad, and 120 KM from Pune. Shivtharghal is located in Varandha Ghat in the Sahyadris on the Bhor-Mahad road. You can visit shivtharghal any time but best time to visit is in monsoon. In monsoon you could see a huge massive waterfall falling right in front of the cave. But it is not accessible to visitors. In peak monsoon, the nature is at its best in this place.
Between 12:00 pm and 1:30 pm, the visitors can have the prasad consisting of Moong Dal Khichadi. Lodging facilities offer by Shivthar Ghal Shree Sunder math Samiti
Way to Shivtharghal via Varandha Ghat from Pune –
Drive through Katraj Ghat on Nh4 and keep going till we reach kapurhol – Narayanpur Balaji Temple. ~20 meters post that, take a right turn to bhor which goes to Mahad. This road then climbs into Varandha Ghat. Road is good till Bhor, then you will find some bad patches on the road till Shivtharghal. Shivtharghal is 27 kms away from Varandha Ghat. From the peak of Varandha Ghat drive down the ghat to reach Shivtharghal. Halfway down the ghat you will find a signboard which says Shivtharghal – 6 kms however this road is good only for bike. If you are driving a car then keep driving on the same road for a while and then take a right turn from signboard which says Shivtharghal – 15 kms.
Varandha Ghat -
We could see “N” number of Waterfalls as we were climbing the ghat however the BEST picturesque location of this ghat is when we reach its peak. You stand and stare at the deep valley visible from here and you keep counting the number the Waterfalls that are visible. In peak monsoon, the nature is at its best in this place.
Beware of monkeys at this spot as they tend to snatch snacks from your hand.
Shivtharghal is a place worth to visit and enjoy the quite beauty of the nature and remember the famous saint in Maharashtra – Sant Ramdas and his Dasbodh
10. Jagadishwar Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By JayantSathe - Mumbai, India
Shivaji used to visit this temple which is on Raigad Fort. It is an excellent example of architectural design made out of stone eyt standing very well over the period of 300 years without any damage. Very pious and holy place worth a visit
