For those living in Mumbai and Pune this place qualifies as a weekend getaway. But for the rest of the country, it is an amazing place to check out. Not only because of its beauty but due to its historical importance in Maharashtra. We are talking about the Raigad Fort.
A favourite among trekkers and heritage lovers alike, the Raigad Fort might soon get a place in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Located on the top of a lush green hill in Mahad, this beautiful fort the erstwhile capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Bhonsle and has seen some of the most defining moments of Maratha history, which started with Chhatrapati Shivaji’s coronation and it was from here he laid foundation of the ‘Hindavi Swarajya’.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced that the Maharashtra state government will make every possible effort to get it in the prestigious list. In fact, he raised concerns on the fact that the monument hasn’t been able to secure its rightful place in all this time.
“There are several forts in Maharashtra… but none of these figure in the UNESCO. We will ensure that this (Raigad fort) gets recognition internationally,” said Fadnavis, in his address at the 343rd commemoration ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s coronation which took place on Monday.
In order to boost the hill fort’s tourism, the state government has already approved a Rs 5 billion development plan that includes the development of 21 villages within a 7 km radius of the monument.
The moss-covered Raigad Fort is mostly in ruins and is even accessible by an aerial tramway that takes less than 20 minutes.
Presently, Maharashtra has four world heritage sites–the Elephanta Caves, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai, the Ajanta-Ellora Caves in Aurangabad, and the Western Ghats.
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