Raigad Fort is a historic hill fort located in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, about 100 km from Pune. It is famous as the capital of the Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj and attracts many history lovers and trekkers.

This route from Pune to Raigad Fort is popular among tourists and locals who want to explore Maharashtra’s rich heritage. This guide will help you understand the best ways to reach Raigad Fort from Pune, including train, bus, car, and taxi options, along with useful travel tips.

Getting from Pune to Raigad Fort – Main Options

Train

Traveling by train is suitable if you want a comfortable and scenic journey to the base town near Raigad Fort. However, trains do not go directly to the fort, so you will combine train travel with local transport.

• Pune Railway Station is the main hub, with frequent trains to Mangaon, the nearest railway station to Raigad Fort, about 45 km away from the fort entrance.

• Train travel time from Pune to Mangaon ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the train type, with fares between ₹100 to ₹300 in sleeper and second class.

• Trains are generally comfortable and affordable, but can be crowded during weekends and holidays, so booking tickets in advance via IRCTC is advisable.

• From Mangaon station, you can hire a local taxi or take a bus to Raigad Fort base village, which takes around 1 to 1.5 hours on winding mountain roads.

• Monsoon season may cause delays or cancellations due to landslides or heavy rains, so check train status before traveling.

Bus

Buses are a popular and economical way to reach Raigad Fort from Pune, especially for budget travelers. However, the journey involves multiple changes and can be slower.

• MSRTC buses depart from Pune’s Swargate Bus Station towards Mangaon or Poladpur, towns near Raigad Fort, with journey times of 3 to 4 hours depending on the route.

• From Mangaon or Poladpur bus stands, you need to take local shared jeeps or taxis to the Raigad Fort base village, which is about 15 to 20 km uphill.

• Bus fares from Pune to Mangaon or Poladpur range from ₹80 to ₹150, making it a cost-effective option for solo or group travelers.

• Buses can get crowded during weekends and festival seasons, so arriving early at the bus station is recommended to secure seats.

• The road to Raigad Fort involves steep climbs and narrow mountain roads, so bus rides may be slow and bumpy, especially during monsoon.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Pune to Raigad Fort is a flexible and convenient option, ideal for those who want to explore at their own pace and enjoy scenic views along the way.

• The distance from Pune to Raigad Fort is approximately 100 km via NH48 and SH60, with a driving time of around 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• The route passes through towns like Lonavala and Mangaon, with well-maintained highways and toll plazas on NH48, so keep change ready for tolls.

• Parking is available near the Raigad Fort base village, but the final ascent to the fort is on foot or by hired palanquin or horse.

• Driving during monsoon requires caution due to slippery roads and occasional landslides on mountain stretches.

• Car rentals and self-drive options are widely available in Pune, with prices ranging from ₹1500 to ₹3000 per day depending on the vehicle type.

Taxi

Hiring a taxi or cab from Pune to Raigad Fort is a comfortable and hassle-free option, especially for groups or families who prefer door-to-door service.

• Ola and Uber offer outstation taxi services from Pune to Raigad Fort, with fares typically between ₹3000 to ₹4500 one way depending on car type and demand.

• Taxi drivers often wait at the Raigad Fort base village for your return, saving you the trouble of arranging onward transport.

• The journey time by taxi is about 3 to 3.5 hours via NH48 and SH60, with stops possible at Lonavala or Mangaon for refreshments.

• Booking a taxi in advance is recommended during weekends and holidays to avoid price surges and availability issues.

• Taxi rides offer flexibility to explore nearby attractions like Kondana Caves or nearby waterfalls along the route.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This step-by-step plan is designed for first-time travelers from Pune to Raigad Fort to help you organize your trip smoothly and enjoy the journey.

• Book your train or bus tickets online via IRCTC or MSRTC websites at least a week in advance to secure seats, especially during weekends or holidays.

• Start early from Pune, preferably before 7 AM, to avoid city traffic and reach Mangaon or Poladpur by mid-morning for onward travel.

• From Mangaon or Poladpur, hire a local taxi or shared jeep to Raigad Fort base village; negotiate fares beforehand and confirm return transport options.

• Carry water and light snacks for the uphill trek or palanquin ride to the fort, as food options near the fort are limited and basic.

• Wear comfortable shoes and carry rain gear during monsoon; check weather forecasts to avoid travel disruptions.

• On arrival at Raigad Fort base, purchase entry tickets and hire a guide if interested in detailed history and safe navigation of the fort’s steep paths.

Practical Travel Tips

• Carry sufficient drinking water and avoid consuming street food near railway or bus stations to prevent stomach issues common in Indian travel.

• Use prepaid taxi counters or app-based cabs like Ola and Uber in Pune to avoid overcharging and ensure driver reliability.

• Pack light luggage as the final ascent to Raigad Fort is on foot or by palanquin; heavy bags can be difficult to carry on steep paths.

• During monsoon (June to September), check local weather and road conditions as landslides and heavy rains can cause delays or roadblocks.

• Keep your mobile phone charged and carry a power bank; network coverage may be weak near the fort but is generally good in towns like Mangaon.

• Wear sunscreen and carry hats or umbrellas during summer months to protect against strong sun on the trek.

Best Time & Travel Conditions

The best time to visit Raigad Fort from Pune is during the cooler months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear. Avoid the peak monsoon months if you want to prevent travel delays and slippery trekking paths.

Traffic on the Pune-Mangaon highway can increase during weekends and Maharashtra’s festival seasons, so plan your departure accordingly to avoid congestion.

• Avoid traveling during Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali festivals when roads and transport services are crowded and prices may surge.

• Monsoon season brings lush greenery but also risks of landslides and road closures; check local advisories before traveling.

• Early morning departures help avoid city traffic and provide cooler temperatures for the trek up to Raigad Fort.

• Summer afternoons can be hot and tiring; plan to reach the fort early and carry enough water to stay hydrated.

Arrival at Raigad Fort & What to Expect

Upon arrival at the Raigad Fort base village, you will find basic facilities like parking, ticket counters, and small eateries. The fort itself is on a hilltop, so you will need to walk or hire a palanquin or horse to reach the main entrance.

Local transport options include shared jeeps and taxis that can take you back to Mangaon or Poladpur. Staying overnight near the fort is limited, so most visitors return to Pune or nearby towns the same day. Popular nearby towns for accommodation include Lonavala and Mahad.

Conclusion

Traveling from Pune to Raigad Fort is best done by train or car for comfort and flexibility. Train travel to Mangaon combined with a taxi ride offers an affordable and scenic route, while self-driving gives you freedom to explore at your own pace.

Plan your trip by booking tickets early, starting early in the day, and preparing for the mountain trek. With these tips and options, you can confidently enjoy the historic charm and natural beauty of Raigad Fort from Pune.