India,remarkable mountain fortress : Rajgad Fort
Rajgad Fort is a mountain fortress in the Pune district of India, perched atop Murumb Hill at an altitude of 1,376 meters (4,514 feet). It comprises three distinct sections called Machis, connected by fortified walls and gates. From 1647 to 1670, this fortress served as the capital of the Marathi Empire under Chhatrapati Shivaji.
The seat of government was later moved to Rajgad Fort after the empire’s expansion necessitated other strategic priorities. The name means “royal fortress” in Marathi, a reminder of its role as the seat of power for over two decades. Pilgrims and hikers now share the paths once trodden by soldiers and court officials. The ascent begins from the villages of Gunjavane or Pali and takes three to four hours.
The trail includes steep sections, so sturdy shoes and plenty of water are recommended. Several water reservoirs carved into the rock supply the fortress with fresh water year-round. These cisterns allowed for extended stays and contributed to the site’s defensive capabilities.
