# Rajgad Fort > Rajgad Fort, 1,376 m: the first capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and a UNESCO site. 2.5–3 hr climb from Gunjavane or Pali, 3 machis, 60 km from Pune. - Location: Pune division, Maharashtra, India - Difficulty: moderate (scale: easy, moderate, challenging, technical) - Time: 2.5 to 3 hours up; a full day to see all three machis - height: About 1,376 m (4,514 ft) above sea level - Starts at: Gunjavane village (via Chor Darwaja) or Pali village (via Pali Darwaja) - Distance: About 4 to 5 km one way from either base - Good for: Fit beginners and regular trekkers; history lovers - Fees: No entry fee - Best time: August to February - By public transport: MSRTC buses from Pune (Swargate) towards Velhe or Nasrapur, then a local jeep to Gunjavane or Pali - Distance from Pune: About 60 km - Distance from Mumbai: About 200 km - Last updated: 2026-11-08 - Source: https://trekmaharashtra.com/rajgad-fort/ **Rajgad, "the king's fort", was the first capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and is one of the 12 UNESCO World Heritage forts of the Maratha Military Landscapes.** It stands about 1,376 m high, 60 km south-west of Pune. The climb from Gunjavane or Pali takes 2.5 to 3 hours, and you need most of a day to see its three great terraces, the machis. Go between August and February. ## Why Rajgad matters Before Raigad there was Rajgad. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the hill, then called **Murumbdev**, in his early years, rebuilt it and renamed it **Rajgad**. For about **25 years** it was the seat of the young Swarajya. A great deal happened here: - Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj set out from Rajgad to meet **Afzal Khan** at Pratapgad in 1659. - His wife **Maharani Saibai** died on Rajgad in September 1659; her samadhi is on Padmavati Machi. - Under the **Treaty of Purandar (1665)** he gave the Mughals 23 forts but kept Rajgad. - He returned here after his escape from **Agra** in 1666. - **Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj** was born on Rajgad in 1670. Historians reckon he spent more time at Rajgad than at any other fort. The capital moved to Raigad in the early 1670s. In July 2025 Rajgad was inscribed as one of the [12 UNESCO forts](https://trekmaharashtra.com/unesco-world-heritage-forts-maharashtra/) of the "Maratha Military Landscapes of India". ## How to reach Rajgad The two base villages are **Gunjavane** and **Pali**, both in Rajgad taluka (renamed from Velhe taluka in 2025), reached via **Nasrapur** on the Pune–Satara highway. - **From Pune:** about 60 km, 2 hours. Turn off the highway at Nasrapur and follow the road towards Velhe. - **From Mumbai:** about 200 km, 5 hours via Pune. - **By bus:** MSRTC buses from Pune's Swargate stand go towards Velhe and Nasrapur; local jeeps connect to the villages. Start early, as buses back are few. ## Trek routes up Rajgad **Gunjavane, via Chor Darwaja.** The most popular route. The trail starts from Gunjavane village and climbs steadily through forest and open slopes to a final rocky section with railings, then squeezes through the narrow **Chor Darwaja** (the "secret gate") onto Padmavati Machi. About **2.5 to 3 hours** up. Steep, but fine for fit beginners in dry weather. **Pali, via Pali Darwaja.** The easiest route. A longer but gentler trail from Pali village ends in well-built stone steps through the grand **Pali Darwaja**. Choose this if you are new to trekking or coming down in the dark. **Bhutonde, via Alu Darwaja.** A long, quiet route from the Bhor side, about 3 to 4 hours, reaching Sanjivani Machi. Less used; go with someone who knows it. ## What to see on Rajgad The fort is built as a **citadel with three terraces**, and that layout is what makes it special. From above it looks like a bird with spread wings. - **Padmavati Machi:** where most people arrive. The **Padmavati temple**, the **Padmavati lake**, the ruins of the palace and court, and the samadhi of Maharani Saibai. This was the busiest part of the fort, because the water was best here. - **Balekilla (the citadel):** the summit, reached by a steep climb with railings and a fine gate. The view from the top takes in Torna, Sinhagad, Purandar and on clear days Raigad. - **Suvela Machi:** a long, narrow arm to the east. Look for the **Nedhe**, a hole worn right through the rock (the "eye of the needle"), and a huge boulder called **Hatti Prastar** (elephant rock). - **Sanjivani Machi:** a long arm to the west with **double walls** (chilkhati) and many bastions. It is one of the finest examples of layered Maratha fortification, and you can walk between the two walls. Give yourself **4 to 5 hours on top** to see everything without rushing. ## Rajgad to Torna A ridge links **Sanjivani Machi** to **Budhla Machi** on **Torna**, the first fort Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took, in about 1646. The Rajgad–Torna traverse is a classic Sahyadri day: long, exposed in places and very tiring. Go with someone who knows the path, carry plenty of water and start at first light. ## Tips for your visit - **Start by 7 am**, especially from October to May. The machis have little shade. - **Carry 2 to 3 litres of water each.** The tanks on top are not safe to drink from without treating. - **Wear shoes with grip** for the rocky Chor Darwaja section and the Balekilla climb. - **Night stays:** trekkers have long stayed in the Padmavati temple area. Rules can change after the UNESCO listing, so ask at the base village and never light fires on the fort. ## Places near Rajgad **Torna** is right next door. **Sinhagad** is on the way back to Pune. The **Bhatghar dam** backwaters are visible from Suvela Machi, and **Purandar** is an easy second fort for another day. ## Questions people ask ### How long does the Rajgad trek take? About 2.5 to 3 hours up from Gunjavane or Pali, and about 2 hours down. Seeing the Balekilla and all three machis properly takes most of a day. ### Which is the easiest route to Rajgad? The Pali Darwaja route from Pali village is the easiest, with stone steps near the top. The Gunjavane route via Chor Darwaja is shorter but steeper, with a rocky section near the top. ### What is the height of Rajgad Fort? About 1,376 m (4,514 ft) above sea level. ### Why is Rajgad Fort famous? Rajgad was the first capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, for about 25 years before he moved his capital to Raigad. Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj was born here, and Maharani Saibai died and is commemorated here. ### What is a machi on Rajgad? A machi is a fortified terrace below the summit. Rajgad has three: Padmavati, Suvela and Sanjivani, spreading out from the central citadel (Balekilla) like the wings of a bird. ### Is Rajgad a UNESCO World Heritage Site? Yes. Rajgad is one of the 12 forts of the 'Maratha Military Landscapes of India', inscribed on 11 July 2025. ### Can you trek from Rajgad to Torna? Yes. A long ridge trail runs from Sanjivani Machi on Rajgad to Budhla Machi on Torna. It is a full, tiring day and best done with someone who knows the route. ### How far is Rajgad from Pune? About 60 km to Gunjavane, the base village, via Nasrapur. Allow 2 hours by road.