Ropeway trip to Raigad Fort

"This king of forts is a precious gift to Maharashtra and a must-visit place - full of natural, majestic and historic heritage." - Quote about Raigad Fort (Raigarh Fort) in Maharashtra by Sachin Kumar Gupta

Fort Raigad is much more than a mere tourist spot, it is a sacred pilgrimage. This is the fort where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was crowned and he took his last breath. Raigad is a hill fort situated in the Mahad, Raigad district of Maharashtra, India.  Raigarh is approx 200KM from Mumbai and 150KM from Pune and approx 140KM from Satara. From Pune, one can reach here via drive through Mulshi Dam and beautiful curves of Tamhini Ghat.
From Pune - Chandani Chowk - Mulshi - Tamhini - Nizampur – Pachad Road – Raigad
From Mumbai - Navi Mumbai - Pali - Kolad - Mumbai Goa Road - Dhalghar Naka - Pachad Road – Raigad
From Satara - Mahabaleshwar - Poladpur - Mahad – Raigad Road - Pachad – Raigad

We planned our much awaited team event this monsoon. All the friends were quite excited about the trip. A motor-able road leads to Chit Darwaja, about 2kms from Pachad, the village at the base, where lies the Samadhi of Jijabai, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s mother. A long climb from Pachad takes one to the Mahadarwaza, flanked by two massive bastions and a high curtain wall. One has to climb approximately 2-3 hours with 1400-1500 steps in order to reach the top of the fort. But we opted for ropeway as planned. 

"Raigad Fort Rope-way"
Raigad Ropeway has opened a new dimension of sightseeing at the Fort Raigad in Maharashtra. There are cable cars/rope-way which take the visitors from base of the hill to the top of the fort and back. It's definitely a clever option to opt for, if you don't want to climb the full trek or don't have enough time. With this you can spend more time on the fort itself. Just near the ropeway starting point, we have small Museum  displaying artifacts which have information about Shivaji Maharaj, forts in Maharashtra and other details. Take a note that you have to wait for about '30 minutes to 1 hour' for ropeway trip in normal days, and upto 2-3 hours during peak season days. Two ways ticket for adults was 200 INR per adult and flight time is approx 4-5 minutes. 

Ropeway in itself could be thrilling experience for few and heaven for others, specially during monsoon. Raigad fort in rainy season is awesome to visit and experience of Ropeway acts like a cherry on cake. A flight through the clouds, whistling winds, full of rains, and cool foggy trip! The sun was playing hide and seek. Many waterfalls and amazing greenland views can be seen while being at ropeway. The Ropeway drops you near Mena Darwaja. The fort’s 5.12 sq. kms hill-top plateau, has three main points Hirkani in the west, Takamak in the north and Bhavani in the east. 

There are many attractions around Raigad Fort with magnificient views. Per our experience, this place can be explored in below order, in order to enjoy it the best (if you are coming by ropeway)
    Ropeway
    Meena Darwaja: a special entrance for the royal ladies and the queens.
    Hirkani Buruj: Just on the top, there is MTDC resort nearby.
    Queens Palace: Its ruins today consist of the queen's quarters: six chambers, with each chamber having its own private restroom. Each one is bigger than 2 BHK flats.
    Rajyasabha Graha
    Nagarkhana Darwaja
    Palkhi Darwaja: The convoy of the king and the king himself used this gate.
    The 12-sided two-storey towers just look awesome during monsoon, this place is must seen place of the fort.
    Ganga Sagar Lake: The picturesque place contains main water reservoir for the fort.
    Holicha Mal: It is a wide-open ground, used for annual Holi festival. There is a temple of Shirkai Bhavani, a presiding deity of the fort.
    Market place (Bazaar Peth): There are few small shops selling few snacks and drink at many places.
    Takmak Tok: a cliff point from where the sentenced prisoners were thrown to their death. This is a must visit point, but the area is now fenced off, so please be aware of while walking.
    Jagdishwar Temple: The floor of temple is super cool in monsoon, as we were bare feet.
    Shree Samadhi of Shivaji Maharaj
    Throne of Shivaji Maharaj

We also had chance to meet Marathi delicacies at one of the villager's home. It was economic and an experience in itself. Raigad Fort is worth visiting over the weekend with your family, kids (If taking rope-way) or even as part of project groups. Everyone - Gaurav, Gyanu, Paresh, Sarika, Vaibhav, Vijay had lots of fun throughout the trip. 

Raigad fort is ideal for camping. If you are planning to trek in the night, ensure that you are trekking with experienced trekkers and have good flashlights with you. One can stay overnight, at the top of the fort. We would love to go this place again, and will definitely plan for an overnight stay.

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ADLABS Imagica Theme Park near Khopoli

Quote about the Post: "A world class immersive theme park where imagination and rides have no limits, and stories come alive" - Quote about ADLABS Imagica Theme Park near Khopoli off Mumbai-Pune Expressway by Sachin Kumar Gupta

It was Saturday morning when we started from Pune as per plan. Thanks to the team - Dnyaneshwar, Prem Kumar, Paresh, Vikram, and Vinod for organizing and making this successful. This world class theme park was inaugurated in April 2013. By next year there is plan for a hotel and water theme park to be up and running. Now a days, people are bored of walking to malls and routine markets, they need something different; this place certainly is a nice option. The theme park features, well planned 21 original attractions, including a ride based on the Bollywood film Mr. India, India's biggest roller coaster, and a 300-room hotel and water park.

Adlabs Imagica - Imagica Capital

Adlabs Imagica - India's biggest roller coaster

Adlabs Imagica is an alternative world, which celebrates unique way of storytelling. Adlabs Imagica is India’s first and only theme park of an international scale and standard in the sub continent, and is spread across 80 acres of land. Welcome to the world of Universal Studios and Disneyland of India. The centerpiece 'Imagica Capital' is replica of famous Disneyland within the park. If you have been to Universal Studios or Disneyland, you are bound to compare or correlate the attractions here. The theme park has a unique Indian flavor to it. Its rides are mostly inspired by Indian folk tales and its culture.

Adlabs Imagica Address: 30/31, Khopoli - Pali Road, Off Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Sangdewadi, Khopoli, Dist - Raigad, Maharashtra 410206

It attracts Mumbaikars, Puneites and people all around Maharashtra. Its popularity is increasing by leaps and bound across India and across the world. The theme park (D) is easily reachable from Mumbai (A), Thane, Navi Mumbai, Alibaugh (C), Khandala (E), Lonavala (F), Pune (G), and nearby places. [Check below map]

ADLABS IMAGICA THEME PARK KHOPOLI MAP

Zones and Attractions::: All different 6 zones (##) have unique concepts with attractions across the world map. I have mentioned below zones in the preferred order of visiting as per our group experience.

##Americana:: (Recommended for adrenaline ride lovers) 

*Nitro (Coming soon): [1] (India's biggest roller coaster) (When we were there testing was in progress)

*Scream Machine: [2] (Crazy Ride - a spinning pendulam) 

*Gold Rush Express: [3]

*D2 Dare Drop: [6]

Adlabs Imagica - D2 Dare Drop

Adlabs Imagica - Gold Rush Express

Adlabs Imagica - Scream Machine

Adlabs Imagica - Scream Machine

##Arabia:: 

*The Magic Carousel:

*Alibaba Aur Chalis Chorr (Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves): (A laser gun based shooting game)

##India::

*Curse of Salimgarh: (Haunted House)

*Wrath of the Gods: [8] (A theme based on ancient deities Jal, Vayu and Agni)

*Mr. India- The Ride: [1] (best attraction at Adlabs Imagica)

*I For India: [7] (Helicopter sightseeing for all major corners of India) (Prefer front row)

##Jambo Africa::

*Rajasaurus River Adventure: [4] (Meet the hungry dinosaurs)

*Mambo Chai Chama- Crazy Tea Cups:

Adlabs Imagica - Alibaba Aur Chalis Chorr

Adlabs Imagica - The Magic Carousel

##Asiana::

*Cinema 360- Prince of the Dark Waters: [9] (A fairy tale for kids)

*Deep Space: [5]

##Viva Europa:: (Family Games - Most of the rides tickle to kids, and shorter version of above rides.)

*Splash Ahoy! [10]

*Bandits of Robin Hood:

*Loch Ness Expplorers:

*Save the Pirate:

*Tubbby Takes Off:

*Bump It Boats:

Adlabs Imagica - Curse of Salimgarh

Adlabs Imagica - Rajasaurus River Adventure

Review and Key Points about ADLABS Imagica: [Sep13]

I wouldn't explain about the ride which may diminish the joy and surprises you may experience, but will put some important points and my observation about this place.

* Top 10 (1-10 rankings) attractions mentioned above are must try rides and attractions.

* 2 days would be best to enjoy the park fullest, But major attractions (Top 10 mentioned above) can be covered in a single day, you have to plan correctly. Reach on time.

* Park Opening Timings: 11am to 9pm. All rides and attractions operate till 8pm only.

* Start your day with rides in Americana zone, then lunch, and rest theme based rides.

* There are height restrictions for all the rides, which are clearly mentioned. 

* Location is fantastic, surrounded by beautiful hills, and green valley during monsoon adds value to it.

* You will get most of the latest information at ADLABS imagica site.

* Check the ADLABS Imagica website for the latest prices, offers and discounts.

Weekday: Adults : INR 1200, Children INR 900 (All rides included).

Weekend: Adults: INR 1500, Children: INR 1200.

Imagica Express: (Only For Weekends, Special pass to avoid queues) Adults : INR 2200, Children : INR 1900

* If you are visiting the place during the weekend, prefer to take VIP Express tickets (VIP Pass) , that will give choice of seating and reduce your wait time.

* They also offer travel combo from major pickup points in Pune and Mumbai.

* 'Value for money', Target population is middle and upper middle class, who can afford. 

* I like the fact that they also offer strollers and wheelchairs for rental. Big thanks to the team for consideration. 

* Skip walking! Free shuttle service is available from one zone to another zone.

* At the entrance itself, there is an Information Centre & Guest Relations Counter. Don't forget to take a copy of 'ADLABS Imagica Guide'.

* There are Kiosks located conveniently in the Park which will provide a range of food and beverages.

* The theme park serve variety of food and cuisines from around the world - "Red Bonnet - American Diner", "The Imagica Capital", "ZEZE - Bar+Grill", "Roberto's - Food Coaster" and "Arrmada - Tapas Bar".

* You will be surprised to see a fascinating restaurant where food is served on a mini-roller-coaster.

* The place offers unique rides and places to visit for all ages and groups. 

* If you are looking for group bookings, minimum 50 people are required.

* If you are looking for birthday bookings, minimum 40 people are required.

* I recommend to bring cap, comfortable shoes for walking, sunscreen, sunglasses, and preferably a camera.

* If you don't hold a camera, there is staff carrying DSLR, who will click your pics and you can get them on CD while returning back near the entry/exit (Souvenir Shop).

* All in all it’s a fun place to roam with family and friends or take little kids in nice weather. [Best time to visit July - March]

* Enjoy the history and making of this park, At some of the theme based attractions.

* Shake hands and interact with Imagica characters up close and click photographs with them.

* I see kids like dancing with music around Pop Jets, the fountain zone with jets of water shooting out.

* Some outdoor rides wont work while it is raining, and it depends up-to that day.

* If it is high temperature during noon or monsoon rains, Utilize your time to indoor attractions.

* Currently I don't observe any wi-fi facility inside the park. But who cares, if you are coming to enjoy the day. 

This brings back to memory my trip to Universal Studios in Los Angles. These views captured during the day using my latest SLR. It is the ultimate destination for a great time with your family and friends. Thanks to the "Adlabs Entertainment Limited" team for bringing this unique theme park in India and they deserve all applauds. So, what are you waiting for! Get set and ready for lifetime riding experiences. Hope to visit again...

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