Visit to Raireshwar Temple - The birthplace of Swarajya

Raireshwar fort is a hill fort in Bhor Tehshil of Pune district, and 85 km away from Pune city. Raireshwar has a temple famous for its historical importance where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the oath of foundation of ‘Hindavi Swarajya’ in 1645. 

We began our journey at 8.30 am and reached the base of the fort around 10am, we followed route via Bhor which is very narrow and not recommended for large vehicles. There is another route via Wai which is good.

The trek to the top is both exciting and unique. A small village settlement can be found on the fort plateau, and the final ascent requires climbing a series of iron ladders, the only way to reach the summit. It is advisable to carry plenty of water, especially during warmer months.

After reaching the top, we rewarded ourselves with a hearty breakfast. The lone weekend food stall on the fort served delicious kanda bhaji, wadapav, and refreshing kokam sharbat, making the experience even more memorable. We spent the next few hours exploring the fort and its various attractions, missing only the famous Seven-Coloured Soil site.

Raireshwar is at its best during the monsoon and winter seasons, when the plateau comes alive with lush greenery and cool weather. The panoramic views from the fort are simply breathtaking, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and trekkers alike. While Raireshwar is ideal for a one-day trek, it can easily be combined with nearby forts like Rohida and Kenjalgad for an exciting two-day trekking adventure.

Raireshwar Fort

 

  

Raireshwar Temple

This is a beautiful place to visit during the monsoon or the winter season. The views from the fort are just breath taking. Ideal place for a one day trek and can also be made a two day trek if you plan to visit Rohida and Kenjalgad.

Kenjalgad Fort seen from Raireshwar Fort

Around 1:30 PM, we began our descent and continued our historical journey to Ambawade village, where we visited the samadhis of Sardar Kanhoji Jedhe and Jeeva Mahale, two prominent figures associated with the Maratha legacy.

Sardar Kanhoji Jedhe Statue

Sardar Kanhoji Jedhe Samadhi

Jeeva Mahale Samadhi

Our next stop was the beautiful Nageshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and revered as the family deity of Sardar Kanhoji Jedhe. The temple's peaceful atmosphere provided a perfect opportunity to pause and seek blessings before moving on.

Nageshwar Temple

Lord Nageshwar

Just a short 20-minute drive away lies the historic Kanhoji Jedhe Wada in Kari village. Lovingly restored, the wada now houses a small museum showcasing artifacts and glimpses of Maratha history. What made this visit truly special was the warm hospitality extended by the descendants of Kanhoji Jedhe, who still reside there. Their genuine affection and willingness to share stories about their heritage added a personal touch to an already enriching experience.

Raireshwar is not just the birthplace of Swarajya, it is a place where every stone tells a story and every view reminds us of the vision that changed history.

A visit to Raireshwar is much more than a trek. It is a journey through history, culture, and nature, offering a deeper appreciation of the legacy of Swarajya. Whether you are a history buff, a trekking enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a refreshing escape from city life, Raireshwar promises an unforgettable experience.

Sardar Kanhoji Jedhe Wada, Kari

Highlights - 

Trip duration - 1 day (11 February 2023)

Distance travelled - 200Km

Budget - 5K