Raigad is one of the major tourist destinations, not only of Maharashtra, but also of India. It is one of the beautiful coastal areas of the country, which is a plethora of scenic beauties.

Raigad, which is one of the important districts of Maharashtra is situated in the western part of the state. This region is located between 18.39 north latitude and 72.55 east longitude. This district covers an area of 7,148 square kilometres and falls under the Konkan division. This landscape is bounded by Mumbai harbour in its north-western part and by Thane district in its northern frontier. While Pune is located in its eastern side, Ratnagiri lies in its southern part. This region faces Arabian sea in its western side. This coastal bailiwick proudly embraces the large inborn breakwater of Pen Mandwa, which faces the Mumbai harbour in its northern frontier. An average portion of this province is embraced into the planned megalopolis, Navi Mumbai. It has a famous port, which is called as the Jawaharlal Nehru port. This port, which is also known as the Nhava Sheva is considered to be the busiest port of India. This is situated on the mainland, across the Thane creek. The district is also fondled with some other prominent seafronts, which embraces some cities, such as Uran, Patalganga, Khapoli, Nagothana, Khalapur, Rasayani and Pen. Some of the major cities are also fondled with these waterfronts, such as Panvel, Mahad, Alibag and Karjat.

Alibag, which is the Rajgad’s headquarter This coastal zone is the historic boondock of the Bene Israili Jews. The beauty of this city is enhanced with the presence of a prodigious Synagogue, which is erected in the ‘Israel Ali’ area of the town. This city was established in the 17th century, by Chhatrapati Shivaji’s naval chief Kanhoji Angre. This is one of the major industrial sectors of the state, which include Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers, Ispat Industries, Birla Groups, Gas Authority of India Limited and HP LPGare. However, the mainstay of the town’s economy relies on tourism, as this city is one of the major tourist attractions because of its magnificent beaches and spectacular spots. Some of the major waterfronts, which are always over-crowded by the tourists include Alibag, Varsoli, Akshi, Nagaon, Kihim, Awas, Saswane, Rewas, Chaul Revdanda, Mandawa and Kashid beach. Other than sea-fronts, the other tourist spots include Kolaba fort, which is panoramic bellicose fortification in India, Kanakeshwar temple, which is situated on a protuberance, near Mapgaon village, St. Barbara tower, Chaul, Birla temple, Sagargarh, Magnetic Observatory, Murud Janjira fort etc.

The history of Raigard dates back to 225 B.C, when this centre was a major trading concourse. This place was earlier ruled by Kshatrapas in the first century A.D. The Kusana emperor, Kaniska had embraced this region into his territory. This dynasty along-with Yavanas and Pallavas, was entirely uprooted by the Satavahana king, Gautamiputra Satakarni. This monarchy was then followed by various dynasties, which include Satavahanas, Simukas, Vakatakas, Mauryas, Nalas, Traikutakas, Shilaharas and Yadavas of Devgiri. Soon after the decline of this dynasty, Ala-ud-din Khilji rose to power in 1307 A.D. By the end of the 14th century, the Muslim Sultanate had completely embraced this territory into their monarchy. This region was also the capital of the Maratha leader, Shivaji. He had established his kingdom in the western spur of the Western Ghats. This region was earlier embraced in the Thane region. This landscape has a population of 22,07,929 lacs, out of which the major portion is dominated by the rural mass. The literacy rate of this region is around 77%. While 86% of males are educated, 67.7% of females are illiterate. This region is comprised of 15 Tehsils and 2 Lok Sabha Constituencies. Some of the major tourist destinations include various holy places such as Ballaleshwar Ganpati temple, Varad Vinayak temple of Mahad, Birla Ganesh Mandir and Elephanta caves.