Raikot |
FortHeight : 1640 |
Type : Hill forts |
Fort Range : Nil |
District : Dhule |
Grade : Medium |
This fort in the Kondaibari Ghat was built to keep an eye on the Surat-Burhanpur trade route.
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History : |
Raikot fort was built by King Ahir and the main purpose of this fort was to serve as a watch tower for the trade routes. Considering the size and spread of the fort the existence of a garrison on the fort rules out. Also hardly any information can be obtained from the historical records. |
Fascinating Spots : |
Remnants of the fort wall can be seen on a trench between two hills on the way to the fort from Raikot village. This fort is now being utilized as a farm land which is the main reason for its ruins. There is a lake and a bastion on the fort.
The path from Morkaranj village to the fort has stairs built in rock. There is a cave (10 ft * 20 ft in size) near the stairways but it is not recommended for a stay. The beautiful and steep valley which surrounds the fort from three sides is called Makad-dari. |
Ways To Reach : |
Kondaibari ghat is on the Dhule - Surat route. Kondaibari village is at the beginning of the ghat and Morkaranj village is at the end. Raikot fort can be reached from both these villages.
l) Kondaibari route:-
Kondaibari village is 70 kms from Dhule on the Dhule - Surat route. 3 kms further from this village, on the Nandurbar road, take the left diversion to Raikot village. One passes by Navagaon (4 kms) - Lagadvaad (2 kms) and finally to Raikot (2 kms). The road from Hanuman temple outside the village ends at a small path which further takes us to a trench. One reaches the fort after climbing this trench. As the surrounding area of the fort is located at a height well above sea level, the further ascend to the fort becomes quite easy.
2) Morkaranj route:-
A small path from Morkaranj village via Makad-dari valley and then stairs built in rock on the upper side of the fort leads us to the fort entrance. |
Accommodation Facility : |
Nil |
Food Facility : |
NIl |
Drinking Water Facility : |
Nil |
Time To Reach : |
From Raikot: 1 hr From Morkaranj: 2 hrs |
Notes : |
1) After the monsoon season, the fort and the surrounding area turns into a paradise for butterflies. Also the scenic beauty from Kondaibari to Raikot is eye pleasing.
2) From Dhule, Forts of Bhamer and Raikot can be visited in a single day. |