Mahad

When you reach Mahad, you arrive at a quiet town on the lovely Konkan coast of Maharashtra. Green hills, coconut groves and the wide Savitri river surround it. Mahad is best known as the gateway to the mighty Raigad Fort, the proud capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. On your way to the Konkan beaches, this makes a restful and historic stop. For families who love history and nature together, Mahad is a warm and simple halt.

Mahad is a town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, in the coastal Konkan region. It sits on the banks of the Savitri river, not far from the Arabian Sea. Mahad is the closest town to the famous Raigad Fort, which served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. People also remember it for the Mahad Satyagraha of 1927, which Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar led for equal rights. Green hills and river valleys make the whole area very pretty.

October to March

Raigad Fort is the great sight near Mahad. This hill fort served as the capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and here he became king. A ropeway now carries you up the steep hill, though many still climb the old steps. From the top you see the fort walls, the royal court and a wide view of the Sahyadri hills. It is a proud and moving place for every Indian.

Mahad holds a proud place in the history of Maharashtra. Nearby Raigad Fort was the seat of the great Maratha kingdom under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Later, in 1927, the town won fame when Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar led the Mahad Satyagraha for the right of all people to take water from the public tank. So Mahad joins the story of both Maratha valour and modern equality. The Konkani and Marathi people here are warm and hard working.

Mahad and the Konkan region are known for tasty coastal food. If you eat non vegetarian food, fresh fish and prawn curries with rice are a treat. Pure vegetarian Maharashtrian meals, with bhakri, vegetables and dal, are also easy to find. Do try the local mango and kokum drinks in summer. Simple dhabas on the highway serve you hot and fresh food.

Mahad is a small town, so shopping is simple and local. The Konkan region is famous for its Alphonso mangoes, cashew nuts, kokum and dried fish. You can buy these fresh and at good prices here. Homemade snacks and papads made by local families make good gifts to carry home.

Mahad lies on the Mumbai to Goa highway, so you reach it easily by road. Mumbai is about 165 km. away and Pune is about 125 km. away. The nearest railway stations are at Veer and Mangaon, on the Konkan Railway line. Local travel is by bus, auto rickshaw and taxi. To visit Raigad Fort and the beaches, hiring a taxi for the day is the easy way.

In Mahad town you can visit Chavdar Tale, the water tank linked with the Mahad Satyagraha, an important place in the story of equality in India. The Gandharpale rock caves, cut into a hillside nearby, are old and quiet. The green hills and small waterfalls around the town look lovely in and just after the monsoon.

Raigad Fort (about 25 km.): The historic capital of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Harihareshwar (about 60 km.): A holy coastal town with a Shiva temple and a beach. Diveagar (about 60 km.): A calm Konkan beach with clean sand. Mahabaleshwar (about 80 km.): A cool hill station with strawberry farms and viewpoints.

The climb or ropeway to Raigad Fort takes time, so start early and carry water. The Konkan turns green and rainy in the monsoon, which is beautiful but slippery, so wear good shoes. Light cotton clothes suit most of the year. Book the Raigad ropeway in advance on busy weekends and holidays.