Exploring the Ancient Ruins of Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort Trek, situated at Sahyadri hills in Lonavala, Maharashtra, is an interesting combination of adventure, history, and nature. Situated at about 2,710 feet above sea level, Rajmachi Fort is made up of two old hill forts, i.e., Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. They are situated above the strategically crucial Borghat trade road that was heavily utilised under the Maratha Empire's rule a long time ago. There are two routes for the trekkers to get to Rajmachi. The Lonavala trek via Tungarli Dam's terrain is about 16 km and rather more inclined, and hence not very appropriate for families and newbies. The trek passes through thick forests and lush meadows to ascend to the Udhewadi base village. The second route is by the road at Karjat from village Kondiwade, in shorter distance but in steeper gradient, which goes over undulating terrain and the ancient Caves of Kondana.

The hike is especially magical during June and September, with the greens of the scenery under waterfalls like Kataldhar. The Fireflies Festival during May and June as fireflies light up the heavens by the thousand as an eerie, other-worldly experience is one of them. Basic cottages as well as homestays in and around the area serving Maharashtrian dishes are provided to the trekkers in Udhewadi. Camping, particularly in the off-season, is also desirable. Except for the above, otherwise the trek is secure, but it is always safer to take necessities like water, foodgrains, and a first-aid kit along with prior information about the weather. The cellular network signal is not high here, and hence it is better to tell someone about your plan beforehand. Whether you are an adventure lover, a nature lover, or a history buff, Rajmachi Fort Trek is also going to be one of a lifetime that reveals to you the majesty of nature along with a glimpse into India's glorious past.

History of Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort, which stands on the Sahyadri hills of Lonavala, has a rich history. Constructed over two fortified hillocks, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, the fort is of the Satavahana period (c. 200 BCE – 220 CE) and more than 2,000 years old. During the times of the great Maratha king Shivaji and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's dynasty as well, it reached the heights of fame, as being at the centre of governing the Borghat trade route connecting Mumbai with Pune. It was used as a watchtower to guard and observe this important passageway, which was visited by merchants and armies. Rajmachi was occupied by the Mughals for a short time in 1704, but later it was regained by the Marathas. Later, the British took control of it after the fall of the Maratha Empire in the early 19th century. Rajmachi was a fortified fort, a base village as well, as at the location are ancient temples, tanks, and habitation houses. Remains of ramparts, bastions, and gateways that previously existed there give a peek into the yesteryear grandeur of the location.

Places to see near Rajmachi Fort

1. Lonavala: Lonavala is also one of the hill resorts in huge demand and is 16 km from Rajmachi. Filled with misty hills and waterfalls all around it, and covered with greens, Lonavala is also the base for the majority of treks, including Rajmachi. Besides being utilised as the base by the trekkers, Lonavala as a destination is a tourist favourite and famous for places like Bushi Dam, Tiger's Leap, and the scenery with a panoramic view above the valley.

2. Kondana Caves: These 1st-century BCE old Buddhist caves lie near the village of Kondiwade and are renowned for stupas, carvings, and prayer halls. Climbers who walk up from Karjat route would generally pause at the Kondana Caves during their journey, and thus it's a culturally significant halt which is enriching in nature. The tour to caves gives one a glimpse into the ancient Buddhist architecture and religious past of India.

3. Karjat: Karjat is a picturesque town at the base of Sahyadris, and the second most popular base point of Rajmachi Trek. It is renowned for its natural beauty, river valleys, and farm house accommodations. Karjat is equally renowned for river rafting and boulder climbing. It is also a less busy alternative to Lonavala for nature enthusiasts and tranquillity seekers.

4. Tungarli Lake and Dam: Tungarli Dam and Lake, close to Lonavala, is a serene location perfect for a picnic and unwinding. The dam is surrounded by hills and is strategically located for trekkers as a halt point either before a trek to Rajmachi or after a trek. During the rainy season, the countryside is ablaze with greens and flowering plants.

5. Kataldhar Waterfall: Concealed deep within thick forests on the Lonavala side, Kataldhar Waterfall is a stunning work of nature. It is an active participant in monsoon seasons and cannot be overlooked by nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The waterfall is off the tourist trail Rajmachi trekking route and is a moderate but tiring trek to access, but provides visitors with a different visual treat.

Best time to visit Rajmachi Fort Trek

• Monsoon Season (June to September): Monsoon is the ideal time for the Rajmachi Fort trek. Sahyadri hills look their prettiest in monsoon with greens all around, misty roads, and waterfalls such as Kataldhar flowing down. The jungle looks fresh green, and cool, misty air and moisture create magic kind of beauty on the trek. The route, however, is slippery and slushy, and good trekking footwear and caution should be observed. Tourists and nature photographers would do well to trek up to the most picturesque points.

• Post-Monsoon (October to November): When the rains settle, the landscape is green, but the trails are dry and safe. The climate is cool and bright, with clear views of the fort and surrounding valleys. It is perfect for those who wish to witness the monsoon beauty without having to go through the ordeal of trekking in heavy rains.

• Winter Season (December to February): It is again the ideal time to go to Rajmachi. The climate is from 10°C to 25°C, so trekking is quite comfortable even in the daytime. The blue sky, soft breeze, and fresh atmosphere are the advantages of stealth trekking. It is ideal for campers too, as well as stargazing with chilly nights offering an ideal place for a bonfire and open camping.

• Fireflies Season (Late May to Early June): Pre-monsoon, there are thousands of fireflies glimmering in the forests around Rajmachi at night. This is the time of greatest magic to see. Trekkers spend the night to see the fireflies glow, particularly at the base village of Udhewadi. It's a fleeting sight, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

How to Reach Rajmachi Fort

• From Lonavala: One of the most congested ways to reach to explore Rajmachi Fort is from Lonavala. It is not a tough destination to reach by train or by road from Mumbai and Pune. You may trek, take a private taxi or auto-rickshaw, from Lonavala Railway Station to Udhewadi village, the beginning village of this trekking route. Lonavala and Rajmachi are 16 km away. Jeeps will bring you closer to the village during the dry season, but during the monsoon season, you need to trek on forest roads and muddy tracks. The Lonavala side trek is very easy and scenic, and hence most appropriate for beginners.

• From Karjat: The second route to Rajmachi is from Karjat, a railway station well linked by local trains from Mumbai. You need to go from Karjat Station to Kondiwade village (about 10 km away from here) by taxi or rickshaw. From Kondiwade, one needs to trek to Rajmachi Fort. Trekking is of shorter distance (about 5 km to the fort) but more hilly and adventurous than Lonavala. You can even stop by the picturesque Kondana Caves, a historic Buddhist monument, en route, adding a dash of history to your tour.

• By Private Car: Others having own car can travel up to Udhewadi village in winter months (November to May). Lonavala road is bad, muddy and rocky and a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle would do. There is a parking space available at the village, where you will have to walk a reasonable distance to reach the fort.

Why Book with escape2explore

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