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Destinations The Only Guide You'll Ever Need To Plan A Trek To Rajmachi Fort
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The Only Guide You'll Ever Need To Plan A Trek To Rajmachi Fort

Frequented by trekkers, Rajmachi Fort is a relatively easy trek, which is great for beginners. Here's your complete guide to the trek.

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By: Anushka Goel Published: Aug 16, 2022 08:00 AM IST

The Only Guide You'll Ever Need To Plan A Trek To Rajmachi Fort
Image: Shutterstock

Nestled between Karjat and Lonavala, two popular hill stations in Maharashtra, the Rajmachi Fort trek is a popular one. Frequented by trekkers from Mumbai and Pune, it is a relatively easy trek which is great for beginners, and allows trekkers to experience the best of nature and culture. Here’s your complete guide to the trek. By Anushka Goel

Your guide to the Rajmachi Fort trek

About Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi is situated between the hill stations of Lonavala and Karjat in the Sahyadri mountains of the Western Ghats, both popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Rajmachi is home to two forts – the Manaranjan Fort, at an elevation of 2,510 feet which faces the west, and the Shriwardhan Fort, at an elevation of 2,710 feet which faces the east.

The two forts were built by the Satavahanas. However, they gained popularity under the rule of the Maratha warrior, Shivaji Maharaj, who took over these two forts in the 15th century. Apart from fortifying and expanding the structures, he made additions to the premises. The forts, since then, saw (and survived) many battles between the Marathas and the Mughals, before being taken over by the British during their rule.

According to reports, the forts also acted as a trade route between present-day Mumbai and Pune, being located at a convenient distance from both cities.

Trekking to the Rajmachi Fort

You can do the Rajmachi for treks via two routes – Lonavala and Karjat. Both routes offer varying levels of ease and distance, and make for a different experience at both ends. The routes reach the same base – Udhewadi – but offer unique views that will be etched onto your memory forever.

Lonavala route

The Lonavala route is the easier of the two, but will take you more time. This makes it great for those trekking with family and friends, or are beginners to the adventure activity. The route is enriched with forests and easier walks, and you will encounter several birds, reptiles and insects on your way, along with a wide variety of plants and weeds. The route will take you to Udhewadi, which acts as the base for the trek.

From Lonavala, walk or hire a rickshaw till Tungarali, which is about three kilometres from the Lonavala station. Grab some snacks and water here, since you will not be able to get any of that till you reach the base village. In case you don’t want to walk the distance till Udhewadi, you can also opt for four-wheelers which will take you till the base camp. Not only will this knock time off your Rajmachi Fort trek, it will also make the experience a much easier one for you.

Karjat route

 

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From Karjat, either walk or take an auto to reach the Kondivade village. Stock up on your basic needs here – food, water and more, and start your trek from Gupta’s Emu Park. Walk past streams, waterfalls and more on your route. You’ll even come across some Maple trees here.

The route also includes viewpoints such as the Kondhane Caves, which will make for a great break as well as an exploration journey. From here, take the small trail on the right of the caves, until you find a board that says Rajmachi. Walk along the same, following arrows and maps, until you reach Udhewadi.

From Udhewadi to Rajmachi Forts

Fill up on your supplies here and sip on some hot chai, and after your break, it’s time to move ahead on the trek. Walk on the trail that takes you outside the village, in the direction of the Lonavala route, until you spot a trail graduating upwards.

The concrete road that your trek hits will take you to the Bhairavnath Temple. Spend some time here before heading out to the two forts – Manaranjan and Shriwardhan – which constitute the Rajmachi trek.

The trek to Manaranjan starts from behind the temple. The simple, straightforward route has a mud trail that takes you to the top of the fort, which will be complete with some of the most stunning views of the Western Ghats.

The path to the Shriwardhan trek is filled with concrete steps for the most part. The end is a mixture of mud and rock-cut steps, which will take you to the top of the fort. The views here are equally stunning, and will make you forget all your fatigue and body aches as you soak in the misty skies and lush green hills. Explore the area and visit the nearby temple and water reservoir, refresh yourselves and take a nice break before you begin your descend to Udhewadi (and then back home).

When to go

June to September are said to be the best months to go on the Rajmachi Fort treks. The months of May and June will allow you to witness the beautifully glimmering fireflies at night. These glow-in-the-dark beetles emerge for just two months, right before the monsoon, and several trekking companies organise specialised firefly festivals to allow guests to witness this stunning phenomenon.

The other months, which comprise the monsoons, make for a great time to visit as you will be able to witness lush greenery, foggy skies, and valleys filled with waterfalls. These will rejuvenate and energise you like nothing else can!

In case you want to visit during the winter months, you will be met with the colours of autumn – ageing leaves, clearer skies, and a slight nip in the air – which makes for a completely contrasting (and equally fun) experience.

How to reach

You can reach or Karjat Lonavala to begin your trek. Both these places are accessible by cars or trains from Mumbai and Pune, and will take you through stunning ghat views and waterfalls even before you begin your adventure.

Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Shutterstock

Related: 15 Places Within 150 Kilometres From Mumbai That Are A Must-Visit

Written By

Anushka Goel

Anushka Goel

Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument.

     
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