Snigdha TiwariLocated in the state of Maharashtra, Raigad, named after the Raigad Fort which was the former capital of the Maratha leader Shivaji Maharaj, is famous for its various heritage sites. Raigad is a historically rich district located at 2,851mts, it is surrounded by Mumbai Harbour, Thane, Pune, Ratnagiri, and the Arabian Sea.
A plethora of beautiful places in Raigad promises to leave everyone spellbound. But there are so many offbeat places to explore in Raigad which are totally untouched.
If you like to go on an offbeat adventure, there are various places like Devkund Waterfall, Mrugagad, Garbett Point, etc, where you can undertake a hike to see the most beautiful views of Raigad. You can enjoy a refreshing outing by catching a glimpse of the most amazing places to visit in Raigad with your loved ones.
With so many less-known places to visit in the Raigad district, you are sure to be left spoilt with options. But now, it’s time to find out those amazing unknown places to visit in Raigad.
Here are the 8 Offbeat Places To Visit In Raigad.
1. Devkund Waterfall
Location: Mangaon Taluka of Raigad District
Elevation/Height: 2000 feet
Base Village: Near Bhira
Nearest Railway Station: Khopoli and Mangaon
Duration: 2 Hour
Best Time to Visit: September to November
Places to Visit nearby Devkund Falls: Andharban Trek, Kundalika River Rafting, Bhira Dam & Tamhini Ghat
Looking for that perfect waterfall hidden inside the jungle which is unknown to the world? Devkund Falls is a waterfall located near Bhira village of Mangaon Taluka in the Raigad District of Maharashtra. It is a ‘plunge’ waterfall pouring massive amounts of water on the rocky surface underneath.
This place was little known to trekkers until some of its photos went viral on social media and has come into the limelight due to the waterfall present deep inside the forest. The Devkund Waterfalls is the perfect getaway for a short trip away from city life.
It is also a cool place to be, away from crowds at hill stations. Another good reason to visit is that it gives you the chance to enjoy hiking. If you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy the experience of trekking up to the peak of the waterfall.
Points of Interest: Bhira Dam, Andharban Pinnacle & View of Andharban Forest Range
2. Diksal Waterfall
Location: Karjat Taluka of Raigad District
Elevation/Height: 120 feet or 37 m
Base Village: Diksal Village
Nearest Railway Station: Bhivpuri
Duration: 2 Hour
Best Time to Visit: July to September
Places to Visit nearby Diksal Waterfall: Bhivpuri Waterfall, Dhom Lake, Garbett Point, Matheran & Bekare Waterfall
Located near Pali Village in Karjat Taluka of Raigad District, Diksal Waterfall is a hidden waterfall located in Bhivpuri Mountains which is famous for Waterfall Rappelling.
Diksal waterfall gets water from small water streams and mountains of Matheran which is safe and can be visited with family. Did you know? Diksal Waterfall provides a great view of Matheran Mountain Range where you can find a very beautiful dam known as Dhom Dam or Pali Dam. Dhom lake is so picturesque and it is a perfect place for nature lovers.
Visiting this waterfall is very easy with beautiful panoramic views of the surroundings. You will walk beside the Dhom dam while crossing a small water stream. This short trek is one of the most scenic treks that can be done easily by all age groups.
Points of Interest: View of Matheran Mountain Range, Dhom Dam & Dhom Lake
3. Mrugagad
Location: Sudhagad Taluka of Raigad District
Elevation/Height: 1750 feet or 533 meters
Base Village: Bheliv Village
Nearest Railway Station: Khopoli
Duration: 1 Hour
Best Time to Visit: June to January
Places to Visit nearby Mrugagad: UmberKhind, Lions Point, Moradi Pinnacle, Lonavala – Khandala Hill Station & Imagica Water Park
Located in the Sudhagad taluka of Raigad district, Mrugagad is a hill fort at a height of 1750 ft, the fort lies near Falyan village, and is made of stone which is very small in size and is in a form of spur radiating from the Western ghats that is is surrounded by dense forest and mountains.
The fort is very close to the Lonavala, Khandala, and Khopoli. Being the part of Lonavala Mountain Range, Mrugagad Fort is one of the unexplored forts in Maharashtra.
Did you know? Mrugagad Fort is also known as “Bhelivcha Killa” due to Bheliv Village situated at its base. This stunning fort provides an amazing view of Moradi Pinnacle, Lions Point, and other mountains in the Lonavala region. It is said that this fort was used during the fight between Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Karatlab Khan for Umberkhind.
Mrugagad fort offers some breath-taking views in monsoon season making your trek a beautiful and pleasant one so don’t miss exploring this amazing fort.
Points of Interest: Cave, Rock Cut Stairs, Small Temple of Lord Hanuman, Temple of Goddess Mahishasurmardini, Multiple Water Tanks & View of Lonavala Mountain Range
4. Garbett Point
Location: Karjat Taluka of Raigad District
Elevation/Height: 2625 Feet or 800 m
Base Village: Diksal Village
Nearest Railway Station: Bhivpuri
Duration: 3 Hour
Best Time to Visit: June to September
Places to Visit nearby Garbett Point: Irshalgad Fort, Matheran, Morbe Dam & Peb/Vikatgad Fort
At a distance of 17 km from Matheran and 8 km from Diksal, Garbett Point or Garbut Point is located near Matheran with offering a 360-degree view of one of our all-time favorite hill stations and is a must-visit place in Matheran hill station. It is situated about a 5 km walk from Matheran Railway Station, which is a comparatively secluded and less visited vantage point.
Flanked by a gorgeous valley on one side and the thick jungle on the other, Garbett Point is a place where enthralling views of sunrise and sunset can be observed.
Again, Garbett Point offers a great view of Matheran Hill, Irshalgad, Morbe Dam, Dhom Lake, and Sondai Fort. Windy and breezy, Garbett Point is indeed a beautiful destination to hike during the monsoon.
Situated on the southwest of Matheran, Garbett Point offers breathtaking views that you won’t like to miss at any cost when you’re in Matheran.
Points of Interest: Dhom Lake, Diksal waterfall, Garbett Plateau, View of Matheran Mountain Range & Morbe Dam
5. Sondai Fort
Location: Sondewadi Taluka of Raigad District
Elevation/Height: 1200 ft or 366 m
Base Village: Sondewadi Village & Wavarle Village
Nearest Railway Station: Karjat
Duration: 1 Hour
Best Time to Visit: June to January
Places to Visit nearby Sondai Fort: Irshalgad Fort, Matheran, Prabalgad Fort, Karnala Fort, Songiri Fort, Morbe Dam & Rajmachi Fort
Located in the Sondewadi Taluka of Raigad District, Sondai Fort is a hidden beauty of Karjat which is 9 km from Karjat. A less known fort, the name of the fort is derived from the temple of Goddess Sondai at the top of the mountain.
Sondai was used as a watchtower but it offers a beautiful view of Morbe Dam, Prabalgad, Irshalgad, Rajmachi, Songiri forts, and Matheran mountain range. Unfortunately, this beautiful fort is not known by many. 2 adjoined cisterns reserve water here where you can have a view of Gavari hill from there. After climbing the carved stairs you can see a dried cistern. And on the right side, a ladder is available to ascend. As the place is believed to be sacred due to the Sondai temple one must take off their shoes and continue their trek. After climbing the rock patch you will get to see 2 cisterns in which one huge pillar stands tall.
The top view gives a splendid view of the Matheran Mountain range which is one of the best treks to visit during monsoons near Mumbai. I know this fort is not so famous but a visit to this stunning place will blow your mind for sure.
Points of Interest: Multiple Water Tanks, Goddess Sondai Temple, Two Iron Ladders, View of Matheran Mountain Range & Morbe Dam
6. Vikatgad Peb Fort
Location: Karjat Taluka of Raigad District
Elevation/Height: 2100 ft.
Base Village: Anandwadi Village & Fanaswadi Village
Nearest Railway Station: Neral
Duration: 3 Hours
Best Time to Visit: June to January
Places to Visit nearby Vikatgad Peb Fort: Matheran Hill Station, Kalavantin Durg, Prabalgad Fort, Garbett Point, Chanderi Fort, Nakhind Ridge, Malang Gad, Tahuli / Dadi Maa / Tavli & Irshalgad Fort
Located in the Karjat Taluka of Raigad District, Vikatgad Peb Fort is a Hilltop fort structure reachable by a popular monsoon trek through lush greenery & waterfalls.
Visiting Vikatgad Peb Fort is one of the best one-day treks near Mumbai. This fort is also known as Vikatgad Fort. Vikatgad Peb Fort derives its name from the local goddess ‘Pebi’ and is popularly known as ‘Vikatgad Fort’ because its topmost peak is shaped like the elephant-headed God, Lord Ganesha.
This fort lies in the Matheran region of Raigad district in Maharashtra which is one of the top things to do in Matheran when you’re there, this trek is perfect for a day’s outing.
So, don’t forget to explore this beautiful hill fort with your friends and be assured that this trek to Vikatgad Peb Fort will be a memorable experience for your lifetime.
Points of Interest: Peb Devi Temple, Kadya Varcha Ganpati, Multiple Water Tank, Bastion of Peb/Vikatgad Fort, Anandwadi Waterfall, View of Matheran Mountain Range, Big Caves & Hanuman Temple
7. Irshalgad Fort
Location: Khalpur Taluka of Raigad District
Elevation/Height: 3700 ft.
Base Village: Irshalwadi Village
Nearest Railway Station: Panvel and Karjat
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Best Time to Visit: June to January
Places to Visit nearby Irshalgad Fort: Prabalgad Fort, Karnala Fort, Sondai Fort, Matheran & Kalavantin Durg
Located near Irshalwadi Village in Khalpur Taluka of Raigad District, Irshalgad is a continuation of Matheran Mountain Range of Sahyadri Hills which is located between Panvel and Matheran.
Accessible by hiking, this mountain peak features stone ruins of a fort & dramatic, sweeping views. Irshalgad is the sister fort of Prabalgad.
Talking about the history of Irshalgad, this fort was under the Maratha rule when Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured the regions of Kalyan and Bhiwandi. Irshalgad can not be called a fort as there is no fortification available. Irshalgad is a pinnacle that has Nedhe. Nedhe is a Marathi word that means Natural Hole in the Mountain.
Irshalgad offers an amazing view of Morbe Dam, Karnala Fort, Sondai Fort, and Prabalgad Fort. So, don’t forget to visit if you want to be in the arms of nature.
Points of Interest: View of Morbe Dam, 3 Water Tanks, Temple of Goddess Irshaldevi, View of Prabalgad & Karnala Fort, and View of Matheran Mountain Range
8. Kalavantin Durg
Location: Khalapur Taluka of Raigad District
Elevation/Height: 2300 ft
Base Village: Thakurwadi Village
Nearest Railway Station: Panvel
Duration: 2-3 Hours
Best Time to Visit: June to March
Places to Visit nearby Kalavantin Durg: Prabal Fort, Irshalgad Fort & Vikatgad Peb Fort
Also known as Kelve Teen, Kalavantinicha Sulka, or Kalavantin Pinnacle, Kalavantin Durg is a 2,250 ft high summit located in the Western Ghats, near the Prabalgad fort in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.
It was built by Bahmani Sultanate and it is said that Kalavantin Durg was built in honor of Queen Kalavantin. The Pinnacle of Kalavantin is a thrilling experience that one goes for.
Amongst the trekking circle, there is a misconception that it is considered a very dangerous or treacherous trek. The angle of the photos or videos takes this angle for this whole trek. With enough precautions and knowing the trek well, the trek is one adventure that you should go on which provides an excellent view of its surrounding mountains.
So, don’t miss to go trekking in this amazing place because trekking through the uneven trail, thick vegetation, and thrill of reaching the top is an experience you must not miss out on.
Points of Interest: Water Tanks, Historical Rock cut stairs, View of Whole Matheran Mountain Range, View of Prabalgad Fort & View of Prabalmachi Village
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