Rajmachi Fort - "A Trek to do Once in Lifetime😍"
Rajmachi fort is one of the most renowned forts around the Lonavala region. It is at height of 2710 feet and it offers an amazing view of the Sahyadri mountains and the backwaters of Shirota Dam.
The fort consists of two small killas [Shrivardhan and Manaranjan] which are the main attraction points here.
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| Pic snapped in Aug 2017 |
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| Pic snapped in Aug 2017 |
The fort consists of two small killas [Shrivardhan and Manaranjan] which are the main attraction points here.
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| Manaranjan fort and Shrivardhan fort actual map |
The best season to visit Rajmachi is the monsoon and the winter season. Nature is at its best during this time and one can see amazing waterfalls and lush green forests enroute. The locals here are very friendly and ensure that the guests get the best hospitality possible.
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| Pic along with local from rajmachi |
From Pune you got to head towards Lonavala. On the way there is a diversion just before Khandala Ghat which will take you to Kunhe Gaon which is a village from where u have a bad road which will lead you to Rajmachi or Udhewadi which is a base village. This road is tough and you will find urself riding through the mountains with a valley on one side and a stone wall on the other of this fort. If you are confused about the route, you can ask the locals at Lonavala for directions, but make sure you ask for RAJMACHI FORT because there's another place with the same name called Rahmachi which is just a view point at khandala ghat near Khandala.
From Mumbai Rajmachi is located at about 99 kilometres from Mumbai and can be easily reached via road in about couple of hours. It is accessible via train too, but a road trip is more fun and pleasurable. Here is the route for Mumbai-Rajmachi.
Best way to cover Mumbai to Rajmachi is: Mumbai – 26 kilometres – Navi Mumbai – 24 kilometre -Bhatan Tunnel – 58 kilometre – Khandala – 15 kilometre – Rajmachi.
To reach this place easily, follow Mumbai to Pune Expressway and NH4 to Masur to Umbraj Rd in Umbraj. The road is very easy to navigate and in an excellent condition with a lot of ATMs and drive in restaurants.
By Train:
Nearest station to get down is the Lonavala which is easily accessible from all parts of India. Once you get out of the lonaval station, there are local transportation i.e sharing auto/taxi which ply on daily basis to the base village of Rajmachi fort.
Best way to cover Mumbai to Rajmachi is: Mumbai – 26 kilometres – Navi Mumbai – 24 kilometre -Bhatan Tunnel – 58 kilometre – Khandala – 15 kilometre – Rajmachi.
To reach this place easily, follow Mumbai to Pune Expressway and NH4 to Masur to Umbraj Rd in Umbraj. The road is very easy to navigate and in an excellent condition with a lot of ATMs and drive in restaurants.
By Train:
Nearest station to get down is the Lonavala which is easily accessible from all parts of India. Once you get out of the lonaval station, there are local transportation i.e sharing auto/taxi which ply on daily basis to the base village of Rajmachi fort.
By Bus:
There are several buses available from Borivali in Mumbai throughout the day. Also, you can take a bus or taxi from Lonavala station. The base camp Udhewadi is just 20 kilometres away from Lonavala.
By Taxi:
There are taxis available from Mumbai which charge around Rs 9 to Rs 14 per kilometre plus INR 250 extra for the driver, depending on the vehicle type.
Difficulty Level and Other useful tips:
Difficulty level is Very Easy. It hardly takes 40 mins to reach to the top of the fort. But once you reach the top of the fort you will realise the beauty of this fort. The constuction of Rajmachi is just spectacular.
Camping Info:
Rajmachi fort is an ideal fort for camping. There are 2 caves on the fort provide accommodation for 40-50 persons.
There is also a Kalbhairavnath Temple which is at the base of the fort which can also be a good place to camp.
The locals can cook delicious food for you both Veg & also Non Veg along with Bhakri.
On the way to while trekking you will find a stall for food & water offering services at reasonable charges at regular intervals.
Take plenty of water and firewood with you.
Rajmachi fort is an ideal fort for camping. There are 2 caves on the fort provide accommodation for 40-50 persons.
There is also a Kalbhairavnath Temple which is at the base of the fort which can also be a good place to camp.
The locals can cook delicious food for you both Veg & also Non Veg along with Bhakri.
On the way to while trekking you will find a stall for food & water offering services at reasonable charges at regular intervals.
Take plenty of water and firewood with you.
Other Accomodation facilities at Rajmachi:
The locals offer their rooms for accomodation. You can use this service if you are not comfortable in camping on top of the fort due to whatsoever reasons.
Please note that the facilities the locals provide in these rooms are pretty basic, so do not expect anything fancy over here. Spending 1 night however, should not be an issue in these rooms. The villagers will also serve Pitla Bhakri and a few other local delicacies if you inform them in advance.
The locals offer their rooms for accomodation. You can use this service if you are not comfortable in camping on top of the fort due to whatsoever reasons.
Please note that the facilities the locals provide in these rooms are pretty basic, so do not expect anything fancy over here. Spending 1 night however, should not be an issue in these rooms. The villagers will also serve Pitla Bhakri and a few other local delicacies if you inform them in advance.
What to see on the fort:
- SHRIVARDHAN
- MANARANJAN
- CAVES ON THE FORT
- OLD TEMPLES and MONUMENTS
