Raigad — Durgaraj — was the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Hindavi Swarajya and the site of his coronation in 1674. Perched 820 metres above the Konkan, this monumental hill fort holds the Maharaj's samadhi, the Nagarkhana Darwaja, the royal court and panoramic ramparts that once watched over an empire.
All forts
BUILT 1030 AD · CAPITAL OF HINDAVI SWARAJYA · CORONATION 1674
RAIGAD FORT
DURGARAJ — THE KING OF FORTS
Capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's empire and the site of his coronation. Raigad holds the Maharaj's samadhi, the royal court, and ramparts that once governed the Konkan.
दुर्गराज रायगड
From Rairi to Raigad — The Throne of Swarajya
Captured by Shivaji Maharaj in 1656, the fort was fortified by master engineer Hiroji Indulkar and chosen as the capital of the Maratha kingdom.
On 6 June 1674, in a grand coronation witnessed by thousands, Shivaji was crowned Chhatrapati — sovereign of an independent Hindu kingdom. The fort thereafter served as the political, judicial, and spiritual heart of the empire.
Maharaj breathed his last on these ramparts in 1680. His samadhi, simple yet sacred, remains a place of pilgrimage for every Maharashtrian.
Coronation of 1674
The first sovereign Hindu coronation in centuries — performed atop Raigad by Gaga Bhatt of Kashi.
- 1030Founded as Rairi
Built by the Chandrarao More dynasty as a hill stronghold.
- 1656Captured by Shivaji Maharaj
Wrested from the Mores and rebuilt as the Maratha capital.
- 1674Coronation
Shivaji Maharaj crowned Chhatrapati on 6 June 1674.
- 1680Samadhi
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's final resting place established here.
"Raigad is the throne of Swarajya — every stone here is sacred."Durgaraj Raigad
Safety Alerts
- Plateau edges (especially Takmak Tok) are unfenced — keep children close.Season: all
- Monsoon trails are slippery and prone to leeches.Season: monsoon
- Carry 2L water per person in summer — limited shade on ascent.Season: summer
Police: Mahad Police — 02145-222033
Medical: Mahad Civil Hospital — 02145-222122
What Visitors Say
"Standing at the samadhi, you feel the weight of history. Every Maharashtrian must visit at least once."
Top Positives
- ✓Sacred samadhi site
- ✓Ropeway is excellent
- ✓Sweeping Konkan views
Pro Tips
- →Take the ropeway up, trek down
- →Visit early morning for clear views
- →Spend time at Takmak Tok at sunset
4.8
(12,400+ reviews)