Jijamata Palace’s foundations sit within Raigad’s main fort complex, marking the residence built for Jijabai, revered in Maratha history for shaping Shivaji’s early religious and martial education, and the site remains a point of particular reverence for visitors tracing the fort’s Maratha-era layout. Jijamata Palace sits at an elevation of 818 m and is typically explored in about 30-60 minutes. The most favourable months to visit are November, January, December, and February, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Other notable highlights include jijabai’s restored personal chambers with carved stone pillars, panoramic view of Raigad’s western cliffs from the palace courtyard, and original bastion walls and watchtower remnants beside the palace. It falls within Maharashtra, India.
State: Maharashtra
Ideal Duration: 30-60 Minutes
November, January, December, February
The palace has a single-storey layout with wide, step-free pathways on the ground floor, but there are a few short staircases to reach the inner courtyards and the main hall. The grounds are relatively flat, and there are benches for resting. However, the approach road from the parking area is uneven in places, so using a walking stick or taking a wheelchair (with assistance) is recommended, but not all areas are fully accessible.
The palace is located at the base of the Raigad hill, near the village of Pachad, about 2 kilometres from the main fort’s ropeway station. You can walk or hire a local auto-rickshaw or taxi from the parking area. Most visitors combine a trip to the fort with a stop at the palace, as it is on the way up or down.
Yes, there is a nominal entry fee of about 10-20 rupees per person for Indian visitors, and it is usually open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. The palace is maintained by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), and there are no separate charges for cameras, though a small fee may apply for video recording. It is best to visit in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Jijamata Palace is the place where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s mother, Jijabai, spent her final years after the fall of the Maratha capital. It was here that she passed away in 1674, shortly after her son’s coronation. The palace is a poignant memorial to her role in shaping the Maratha empire, and it offers a glimpse into 17th-century royal life.
Besides the palace itself, you can visit the nearby Samadhi (memorial) of Jijabai, which is a simple, peaceful structure set in a garden. The Raigad Fort, with its famous ropeway, is just a short drive away and offers spectacular views, the royal darbar hall, and the Gangasagar lake. For a full day, combine the palace with the fort, and also stop at the local market in Pachad for traditional Kolhapuri chappals or local snacks.