rajmachi trek base village

Rajmachi Trek

A Trek to the Twin Forts connecting two hill stations

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The Complete Guide to Rajmachi Trek

Rajmachi Trek is nestled in the midst of two popular hill stations – Lonavala and Karjat. The trek can be approached either via the Lonavala side or the Karjat side and offers trekkers to climb two forts starting from the same base village of Udhewadi. 

Manaranjan Fort is at 2510 feet and west-facing fort while Shriwardhan Fort at 2710 feet faces to the east.

This trek is known for the fireflies which flock to the area in the late evenings.

If you are trekking via Lonavala, the trail is much longer but easier to trek and reach the two forts. You will be trekking through mud trails along the forest section most of the way until you reach Udhewadi. 

The Kandala route starts at the caves and waterfalls of Khondane. This has a steeper climb through a forest section and joins Udhewadi village.

These forts were built by the Satavahanas but gained fame under the rule of Shivaji Maharaj, who took over the fort in the 15th century. Shivaji Maharaj fortified and expanded the fort by adding several structures within the premises. The forts have seen battles between the Marathas and the Mughals. Later in the 19th century, it was taken over by the British. 

The fort was also a popular trade route connecting present-day Mumbai and Pune

Table of Contents

Use this section here to navigate through the documentation. You will get all the information required to do this Rajmachi trek on your own.

What to watch out for

Trail information.

• GPX File for the Rajmachi Trek
• The best time to do the Rajmachi Trek
• How to reach the base of the Rajmachi Trek
• Is Rajmachi Trek Difficult
• Permission, Water Sources, and other finer details about the trek
• Things to Take
• Nearby Places to Visit after the trek

1. Views from the Twin Forts of Manaranjan and Shrivardhan

The forts offer a vantage point. Starting from the north, you get to see Madan point, Dhak Bahiri, and Bhimashankar. The south side offers views of Kataldhar, Lonavala, and Karjat.

Stunning Views of the valleys from the forts. Picture by Deep Thakkar.

You also get to see the valley which cuts through the Hill stations, moving ahead you will also see Valvan Dam, Tungarli Dam and also Duke’s nose at the end. You can also see the Monkey hill on the right from Shrivardhan fort.

The southeast (from your left), you get the glimpse of Kataldhar Waterfall(in Monsoons), the twin hill stations of Lonavala and Khandala. 

2. Trekking through the rich flora and fauna of the Karjat and Khandala forests

The trek is filled with rich flora and fauna. The forests are home to many birds, lizards, and insects. There are instances of the sighting of the mighty leopards in this forest belt. 

You won’t be disappointed choosing either the Lonavala side or the Karjat side. The trail involves trekking through thick forest land covered with trees on both sides of the valley. 

3. A Trek for stargazing and for the views of Sunrise

Since the trek is on the outskirts of Mumbai and Pune, you get to witness clear night skies. The Rajmachi Trek is one of the best treks to camp and witness stars twinkling in the night sky. The trek can be extended as a 2-day trek. You can plan of starting from one side and finish at the other end as well.

Sunrise from the top of the fort. Picture by Deep Thakkar

The trek is also beautiful to witness the sunrise. If you are camping on the trek, do not miss the views from the fort when the dawn is about to hit with spectacular colors.

4. The Magical sight of Fireflies during the Pre-Monsoon season

Rajmachi trek is famous for the sightings of fireflies. You will be transported into a magical world with these beetles glowing post-sunset.

A long exposure shot of the fireflies flying during late evening/dusk. Picture by Deep Thakkar

Time your trek well. You will see this beautiful spectacle of bioluminescence in abundance just before the monsoon season. 

The base of the trek starts from Udhewadi, a village in the Pune district of Maharashtra. 

To reach Udhewadi, you can trek via two routes. Both the routes have their own distinctive highlights which are covered in the detailed description. 

• Trek from Lonavala to Udhewadi
• Trail from Karjat to Udhewadi

From Udhewadi, the trek can be divided into three sections:

• Udhewadi Village to Bhairavnath Temple
• Climb to Manranjan Fort and back to the Bhairavnath temple
• Climb to the Shriwardhan and back to the base

Route Map of the Rajmachi Fort Trek. Screenshot on Google Earth Pro.

Trail I:  Tungarali Dam  to  Udhewadi  (Lonavala Route)

Trek Distance:  24.2 Kilometres (Two Way) Trek Duration:  11 to 12 hours GPS Coordinates of Tungarali Dam:  18°46’33.4″N 73°24’29.1″E GPS Coordinates of Udhewadi/Base of the trek:  18°49’32.6″N 73°23’41.4″E

Trekkers starting from the Lonavala route can hire an auto-rickshaw from Lonavala station or walk around 3 km to reach the start point of Tungarali. This will take about 30 to 40 minutes. Fill your water bottles here. This is the only source until the base village if you are not trekking during the monsoon season. 

There is an alternate option of driving in four-wheelers, jeeps, and off-road bikes until the base of the trek of Udhewadi. Many take this easier option to reach all the way to Udhewadi.  PROTIP : During the monsoon season, the roads can be very tricky to ride or drive. Off-road vehicles are best to be used if you are planning to drive. Do not take your normal bike or car. If you are trekking, then you don’t have to be too worried. You can start the trek until where the road is accessible by Autos or tumtums.

You need to start moving towards the North West from the dam. The trail takes you through the concrete road which turns into a mix of mud and gravel prone trail once the Dam ends. 

Keep walking on the trail. You will first cross Nandgaon Village and you need to keep moving till you reach Captain’s Resort. Turn left on the trail which goes to Valvand and later towards Udhewadi which is your base camp/village of Rajmachi.

Trail from a distance. Picture by Mandar B

Do not take the trail to the right, this leads to another trek of Dhak Bahiri.

Once you cross the next village of Fanasrai, you will be entering into the Shirota forest. The forests of Shirota are known for a wide variety of fauna and flora. It is a thrill to just trek inside this forest section. 

You will also be accompanied by many species of birds, insects, and reptiles. There have also been instances of leopard sightings on this trail. So be careful and pay attention when trekking in this forest section. 

The trail is rich with flora. You will spot lots of tamarind trees, mango groves around the periphery of the forest. The trail is straight forward till you reach the Valvand Village Road Fork. 

You will see a signboard here and come across two trails. Take the  left trail  for Udhewadi.   The trail on the right will take us to another trek which is Shirota Lake at Valvand Village.

From the Valvand Fork, continue your trek on the left. The trail goes through a bit of up and down throughout. You will see streams flowing if you are trekking just after the monsoon season.  PROTIP : If you are trekking during the monsoon season and if rains are heavy, the stream can be overflowing. So do not go trekking solo during the monsoon season. It is easier to cross the stream as a team compared to as an individual.

View of Shriwardhan fort. Picture by Deep Thakkar

Once the stream is at your back, you come to see a small bridge and the trail starts to climb up gradually. You will now enter the plateau from where the first glimpse of Shrivardhan fort looms in front of you. 

Keep Shrivardhan fort on your right, follow the trail till you see the Udhewadi Village. You will see the signboard with the forest entrance fees mentioned. You have now reached the base of your trek, Udhewadi. 

Trail II:  Kondiwade Village  to  Udhewadi

Trek Distance:  10 kilometers (Two way) Trek Duration:  5 to 6 hours GPS Coordinates of Kondiwade Village:  18°51’44.8″N 73°22’36.1″E GPS Coordinates of Udhewadi/Base of the trek:  18°49’32.6″N 73°23’41.4″E

For the trail from the Karjat side, you have to reach Kondiwade village to start your trek. 

Once you reach the Karjat Railway Station, go towards the west side of Karjat. You can take an auto or a Tumtum (Six Seater) to the Kondivade Village which is 13 to 14 km from Karjat. Once you reach Kondiwade Village, keep walking till the outskirts of the Kondiwade village. 

You will find Gupta’s Emu Park on the left with the signboard. Cross the park and there is a trail on the left which climbs gradually.  PROTIP : Follow the trail on the left. If you are not sure, you can talk with local villagers and get the direction.

Once you start on the trail, you will find a stream running on to your right side. The route goes along the stream which flows from Kondhane Waterfall. This is one of the tributaries for Ulhas River in the monsoons. 

You will find lots of Maple trees and many tamarind trees through the forests.

Keep walking on the trail. There are markings with white arrows on a few specific points. After hiking for 2 hours you will come across the Kondhane Caves. 

Spend some time here exploring the ancient Buddhist Caves. It is made up of 16 caves and was excavated during the first century BC.

The Marvelous Buddhist caves of Kondhane. Picture by Deep Thakkar

In the monsoon season, you will see the water flowing from above the top of the caves. The streams from here feed the Ulhas River in the monsoons.

After spending some time at the caves, it’s time to move towards the Rajmachi trail. You will notice a small trail on the right of caves that you need to take. 

Walk on the trail till you find a signboard saying Rajmachi with the arrow mark. Keep walking on the marked trail and don’t change the trail as you would see the white arrow marks throughout the route.

View of the Ulhas River when trekking from the Kondiwade Village. Picture by Deep Thakkar

Once you reach the top of the hill, you can see the Ulhas River with the view of the mountains in the front. The route turns gradual from here onwards and it will take 35 to 45 minutes to reach your base village of Udhewadi.

Section I:   Udhewadi  to  Bhairavnath Temple

Trek Distance:  540 meters Trek Duration:  15 to 20 minutes GPS Coordinates of Udhewadi:  18°49’32.6″N 73°23’41.4″E GPS Coordinates of Bhairavnath Temple:  18°49’45.4″N 73°23’50.3″E

From Udhewadi, you need to now trek towards the trail which goes out of the village. If you were trekking from the Lonavala route, you would have seen this forest hut forest. 

Trek in the direction of the Lonavala route until you spot a trail gradually climbing upwards on the left. 

The trail is pretty straight forward with an entrance board set as well. You will see the map of the forts and information on Rajmachi on this information board. 

Now your trail leads you to a concrete road. This will take you to the Bhairavnath Temple where the two forts will be accessible.

Section II:  Bhairavnath Temple  to  Manaranjan Fort and Back

Trek Distance:  1.4 kilometers Trek Duration:  45 minutes GPS Coordinates of Udhewadi:  18°49’32.6″N 73°23’41.4″E GPS Coordinates of Manaranjan Fort:  18°49’53.7″N 73°23’41.1″E

The trek to Manaranjan starts from behind the temple. It is a straightforward mud trail all the way to the top of the fort.

View from Manaranjan Fort. Picture by Deep Thakkar

Section III:  Udhewadi  to  Shriwardhan Fort

Trek Distance:  1.6 kilometers Trek Duration:  50 minutes GPS Coordinates of Udhewadi:  18°49’32.6″N 73°23’41.4″E GPS Coordinates of Shriwardhan Fort:  18°49’45.4″N 73°23’50.3″E

Trekking to the Shriwardhan is even simpler. You have the concrete steps leading most part of the trek. The last section has a mix of mud and rock-cut steps.

Mountains in monsoons look refreshing. Picture by Mandar B

You can view the Madan point in the front, followed by ranges of Dhak Bahiri (on the left of Madan point), Bhivpuri mountains known for many waterfalls. The view of the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary is also something to witness from the top. 

180 Degree view from the top of Shriwardhan Fort - Google Street View. Picture courtesy Deep Thakkar

In this fort, you can explore a water reservoir and another temple near the reservoir. You can explore around for about half an hour. There is also a small route that goes to a clearing which can be used as a camping space. 

Hemadpanti style Shiva Temple located near the water reservoir. Picture by Deep Thakkar

Best Time to do the Rajmachi Trek

Rajmachi Trek can be done in multiple seasons. Like most treks, the benefits and charm change based on the month that you are trekking. Here are the details of what you will be seeing during these months of trekking.

The months of May, June is the best time to witness fireflies on the trek. These beetles with bio luminescence live for only two months. With them glowing bright during the evenings and nighttime, you will be taken back to a land of wonder. 

Witness beautiful sight of waterfalls during Monsoon. Picture by Mandar B

If you are trekking during the monsoon season, you will get to see the charm of lush greenery and valleys filled with waterfalls.

Post monsoon and the winter season, the color changes on the trek completely. The color of autumn trees and clear views is something totally different to trek for.

Is Rajmachi Fort Trek Difficult

Rajmachi is an easy-moderate-level trek. There are no sections on the Rajmachi trek that can be classified as difficult as such. However, a trekker must know about these sections to keep an eye out while trekking.

This is the only one section on the trek which can be classified as something to be cautious of. 

Stream Crossing after the Valvand Village : Stream crossing is after Valvand Village road fork on the Lonavala trail. In the peak of the monsoon season, the current of the stream could get strong and the water level could increase rapidly.

How To Reach Rajmachi Trek

Reaching rajmachi by your own vehicle from mumbai.

Rajmachi is a trek that is well accessible using your own vehicle. The trek starts from Udhewadi. This is your base village or the start point which is about 100 km from Mumbai. 

If you are planning to reach Rajmachi Trek using your own vehicle, use this  link  to help set up navigation in Google maps.

If you do not have access to Google maps, here is how to reach Mumbai: Head to Panvel from Mumbai. From Panvel take the Mumbai-Pune highway and continue on the highway until you reach Khandala. 

From Khandala, you have about an hour’s drive which is about 15 km to reach the base village of Udhewadi. 

Reaching Rajmachi trek by Public Transport System

The best way to reach the base is to take the Express Train from Mumbai to reach Lonavala Railway Station. Download the M-indicator app for railway express train timings. 

For the Lonavala route  – Travel to Lonavala by booking first class (booked travel) or general class (for Backpackers) tickets for the express trains depending upon the time you want to do it, night trek, or a Day trek.

For Karjat route  – Reach Karjat by Local Train and then take a cab or a six seater Tumtum and reach Kondivade Village. 

Nearest Railway Station

Lonavala Railway Station

Karjat Railway Station

Nearest International and Domestic Airport

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai  – 100 km Pune International Airport, Pune  – 90 km

Frequently Asked Questions

1. do i need any permission to do the rajmachi fort trek.

You don’t need any formal permission for the trek of Rajmachi.

However, at the start of the trek, a small fee (Rs 5 per person) will be collected by the local committee if you are trekking. This amount is used for the good of trekkers. This amount collected is used for signboards, cleaning the trail, information, and the upkeep of the place.

If you are traveling to the base by vehicle, then you need to pay a bit more. For a four-wheeler, Rs 100 needs to be paid. Rs 20 for a two-wheeler. If you are taking a bus, then the cost will be Rs. 150.

2. Are there any sources of food and water on the Rajmachi trek?

There is a place where you can experience traditional Maharashtrian food. However, you need to inform them about your arrival before a day. Here is the contact number: Sangam Ware/Nilesh Ware: +91 9922282388

It’s well known for the food they make, as you will get to including Poha in the Breakfast, Pithla Bhakri Thali (Pithla is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made using chickpea flour or besan). 

Fun fact: Pithla Bhakri Thali is very popular in Maharashtra and consists of Pithla, Jowar or Bajra Bhakri, Gavar ki Sabji, thecha (red paste), onions, and pickles made from tamarind.

The other option is to carry your food from home and take in your dabba. 

For water, the major source on the Lonavala Route is Tungarli Dam (all seasons), but in monsoons, lots of streams pass through, so you have water in abundance, but considering other seasons, you should carry at least 2 to 3 liters of water.

On the Karjat route, as per the monsoons, you could find streams, but in other seasons, you need to carry at least 2 liters of water.

3. Where can I stay on the Rajmachi Trek?

You have 2 options on the trek of Rajmachi. 

The first option is to stay in the courtyard of the villager’s house. The villagers allow you to sleep outside their houses. The other option is to take a tent on your own or to rent a tent near the base of the trek.

Camping near the base village on the trek. Picture by Deep Thakkar

4. Do I get any network on the Rajmachi trek?

You will find BSNL and Vodafone 2G sometimes. Otherwise, the connectivity is not so good on the trek.

5. Where can I find ATMs on the Rajmachi Fort trek?

The nearest ATM is in Lonavala (for lonavala trail) and Karjat (for the trail starting from Karjat).

6. How long is the Rajmachi Fort trek?

The Rajmachi trek from Kondiwade Village is 13 km long and around 3.5 km long from Udhewadi side. Though it's a bit long trek, the climb is not that hard and a lot of places to explore on the top adds to the total distance.

7. How long does it take to climb Rajmachi Fort?

It takes around 7-8 hours to complete the Rajmachi Fort trek.

Emergency Contacts

Hospital:  Yash Hospital in Lonavala is 18 km away from the Base Camp Udhewadi.

Reach them on  098232 34159

Police station:  Lonavala Gramin Police Station which is again 18 kms from Rajmachi fort base camp – Reach them on  02114 273 036

ERSS:  For any kind of emergency help, you can contact the Pan-India Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) number- 112

Click here  to go back to the Table of contents.

Nearby Places to Visit on the Rajmachi Trek

1. dhak bahiri caves  .

Dhak Bahiri is a cave in the Sahyadri hill range, situated near the village Jambhivli off village-Malavalli in the Pune district of India.

One needs to ascend a col, walk along a scarp and finally a vertical ascent of almost 70-degree gradient. A small mistake and you will find yourself somewhere deep in the valleys of Sahyadris.

2. Udaysagar Lake  

You can visit a water reservoir named Udaysagar Lake (water reservoir) which was built 200 years ago. This lake is very close to Udhewadi Base village, just 1.5 km in fact and beneath the forest section.

Udaysagar Reservoir. Picture by Deep Thakkar

3. Shirota Lake Camping  

The campsite is located 11 km from Lonavala. Shirota Lake fills to the brim during the post-monsoon with an abundance of lush foliage. This lake is close to the Valvand Fork when starting from the Lonavala side. The best time to camp is in the winters, which extend from November to March, with night-time temperatures ranging from 12-15 degrees.

4. Kataldhar Waterfall Rappelling  

The Monsoon goes down a bit & it makes us a way to an amazing place, Kataldhar Waterfall. The name literally means waterfall from a rock cliff. This 350 feet waterfall tests your mental strength. Once you are done with this adventure activity, the amount of sheer joy is incomparable.

5. Kondhane Caves Waterfall Rappelling

Pro Tip  – Plan your journey for 2 days as there are more places to cover at Rajmachi fort trek. This will give you enough time to go around.

You can also inform the homestay owners two days before you are resuming the trek. Also, it is better to trek on a weekday or at least on a Friday compared to the weekend to avoid the crowd trekking on the Rajmachi trek.

What to pack for the Rajmachi trek

• Basic First Aid kit*
• Identity Card
• Cap/ Scarf/ Bandana & Sunglasses
• Water (Minimum two litres)
• Lemon and salt OR Electrolyte Powder/Drink (Electral/Gatorade/Glucon D, etc.)
• High-calorie snacks (Nuts & dry fruits, home-baked cake, etc.)
• Safety Pins, Rubber bands & Whistle (Useful in emergencies.)
• Quick Dry Full Sleeve T-shirts are preferable over cotton tees.
• Poncho, only during monsoons
• Plastic sheet to wrap electronic devices, only during monsoons
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Optional:  Trekking poles

*First aid kit:

• Band aids (Regular & Waterproof)
• Analgesic spray (Relispray, Volini, etc.)
• Antiseptic Liquid (Savlon, Dettol etc.)
• Antiseptic powder (Povidone-Iodine based powders like Cipladine, Savlon, etc.)
• Cotton roll & Bandage
• Crepe Bandage
• 1 inch wide medical tape (paper or cloth.)
• Micropore tape
• Tablet for motion sickness (Avomine), Acidity (Gelusil, Digene, etc.).
• Mild pain relief tablet (Crocin)

Note:  Always consult a doctor before taking any medicine.

Trek Contribution

Trek documented   by  Deep Thakkar, Suhas Saya

Banner Image:  Mandar B

Trek Images: Deep Thakkar, Mandar B

Author:  Suhas Saya

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Rajmachi Fort – A Complete Trekking Guide

• Trekking Destinations

If you are an adventure enthusiast and looking for a perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune, the Rajmachi Fort Trek is an ideal choice. This trek is one of the most popular and picturesque treks in Sahyadris. It is a two-day trek that takes you through beautiful forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and scenic landscapes.

Table of Contents

Rajmachi Fort Trek: An Introduction

The Rajmachi Fort Trek is located in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra. It is situated at an altitude of 2,710 feet and is approximately 17 km from Lonavala. The fort has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was ruled by the Maratha Empire. The fort was a strategic location for the Marathas, allowing them to control the trade routes between Mumbai and Pune.

The trek starts from the base village, Fanasrai (Lonavala) & Kondivade (Karjat), and takes you through a beautiful trail that winds through lush green forests and waterfalls.

The trek to Rajmachi Fort is an experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty. It is a moderate-level trek that can be completed by both beginners and experienced trekkers. The walk offers a perfect blend of adventure, soul, and history.

Best Season

• The  best time to visit Rajmachi Fort is from May to September .
• From May 2nd week to June 2nd week, you can witness the fireflies festival , and during the monsoon season, the entire trek and the fort are covered in green.
• The waterfalls around the fort are in full flow.

Attractions on the Trek

• Udhewadi Village : The base of the fort is the small village of Udhewadi. The village has a rustic charm and is a perfect place to take a break and interact with the locals. One can camp here as there are dedicated camping sites.
• Kataldhaar Waterfall : This is a huge waterfall located in the Lonavala region. The waterfall can be seen from the top of the Rajmachi Fort; the waterfall is a trek in itself.
• Shrivardhan Fort : This is the main attraction of the trek. The fort is a magnificent structure and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The fort has two entrance gates, and the architecture blends Maratha and Mughal styles.
• Manoranjan Fort : This fort is located near Shrivardhan Fort and is a perfect spot to catch the sunset. The fort is smaller than Shrivardhan Fort but offers equally stunning views.
• Kondana Caves : Kondana Caves are a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves near Rajmachi Fort. These caves date back to the 1st century BC and feature intricate carvings and sculptures of Buddhist deities. The caves are in a scenic location amidst lush green forests and a waterfall, making it a must-visit spot during the trek.
• During this festival, thousands of fireflies come out at night, creating a spectacular light show in the forests.
• The festival is usually organized by trekking & travel groups. Visitors can participate in night treks and camping trips at Rajmachi to witness the fireflies in their natural habitat.

How to Reach Rajmachi Fort?

You can reach Rajmachi Fort from Karjat as well as Lonavala. In this guide, we will cover how to trek from both locations, Lonavala & Karjat.

Via Lonavala:

• The starting point of the trek is the village of  Fanasrai , located around 11 kms from Lonavala Railway Station. The town can be reached by public transportation, car, or bike from Lonavala or Pune.
• You can take a shared or private cab from the station or bus stand to Fanasrai village.
• The cab will cost you INR 3000 for pick and drop from Lonavala to Fanasrai or Udhewadi.
• It will take around 40-60 mins to reach the start point.
• During the monsoon season the cabs will only go till Fanasrai village, as the road till Udhewadi is inaccessible.

Via Karjat:

•  The starting point of the trek is  Kondivade village . You can reach the base village via shared/private rickshaws from Karjat station. 
• The distance is around 10 kms and takes approximately 30 mins to reach.

Rajmachi Fort Trekking Route & Difficulty

• The trek difficulty from the Karjat route is challenging and is recommended only for experienced trekkers with prior trekking experience in the Sahyadris. As there are steep climbs from time to time.
• Trek Route from Kondiwade village.
• The difficulty of this route is easier compared to the Karjat route and is ideal for beginners.
• Trek Route from Fanasrai Village on Ramblr.

These routes offer unique experiences and are popular among trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

Food & Accommodation:

If you want, you can also get accommodation at Udhewadi village, the locals charge INR 1000 for 2-person tent & around INR 260-INR 310 for dinner & breakfast.

You can get in touch with Mayu from Little Nest who arranges for food & stay at Rajmachi. 

• The Rajmachi Fort Trek is an experience that will leave you mesmerized by the beauty of nature and the rich history of Maharashtra.
• It is a perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune, and the trek offers an ideal blend of adventure, nature, and culture.
• So, if you are looking for a thrilling adventure and a chance to explore the hidden gem of Maharashtra, the Rajmachi Fort Trek should be on your bucket list.

The trek to Rajmachi Fort is a moderate-level trek that can be completed by both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Yes, the trek to Rajmachi Fort is safe. However, it is always recommended to hire a local guide and follow basic safety precautions.

The Rajmachi fort trek via Karjat, is about 12-13 km long (including the distance exploring the fort) and takes 5-6 hours to reach the fort.

Via Lonavala, the distance is about 10 kms and takes around 3-4 hours to reach the fort.

Yes, the Rajmachi fort is open throughout the year. However, during heavy rainfall in the monsoons, trekking to the fort might be suspended.

Dhodap Fort  |  Nanemachi waterfall  | Harishchandragad  |  Karnala Fort  | Peb Fort  | Jivdhan Fort  | Mahuli Fort | Irshalgad  | Sondai Fort  | Salher Fort  | Aadrai Jungle Trek  | Ganpati Gadad  | Korigad Fort  | Tandulwadi  | Garbett Plateau  | Sudhagad Fort  | Kataldhar Waterfall  | Plus Valley  | Mangi Tungi  | Malanggad  | Gorakhgad  | Bhairavgad  | Kohoj Fort  | Rajgad | Ratangad | Bhimashankar Trek | Visapur Fort | Kalsubai Trek | Tikona Fort |  Sandhan Valley | Kalavantin Durg | Andharban Trek | Harihar Fort | Kalu Waterfall

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Rajmachi Trek, Camping, Fireflies & Kondana Caves

• Post author: Shraddha
• Post published: April 6, 2021
• Post category: shepherdtraveller / Trips near Pune
• Post comments: 0 Comments

This post is about my adventures of Rajmachi trek, Kataldhar waterfall, fireflies at Rajmachi, camping near the fort & descend towards Kondana caves. I am sharing my beautiful experience so that you can plan your Rajmachi trek easily.

I had already heard numerous tales of the natural paradise at Rajmachi. Earlier in 2016, we hiked halfway up to the Kune falls. We chose to go back due to the heavy rains storms and insane winds. But I realised that I will have to come back one day. Now that I had already seen the wild side of nature at this place in monsoon. I choose a pre-monsoon trek to avoid the wild nature and the monsoon crowds. I was also quite eager to see the fireflies which appear at Rajmachi only before the monsoon.

At this point, I had no previous experience in trekking. The Vasota trek I had done earlier was with my office colleagues. I thought it would be fun to join some trekking group in Pune. I found an organised  trek to Rajmachi  with a quick online search, which was by a trekking group from Mumbai. A few more searches and reviews later I knew that they can be relied upon for my adventure.

Quick Details of My Rajmachi Trekking Adventure

• Rajmachi Fort Trek duration:  2 days, 1 night.
• Time of my visit:  June 2019
• Best time for the trek:  June to Sept.
• Difficulty level:  Easy to moderate
• From Fanasarai to Kondana: 14 km.
• Up and down on Shrivardhan Fort and around Rajmachi: 7 km.
• Camping areas and Washrooms:  Available at the Udhewadi base village.
• Accessibility:  Minimum level of physical fitness is necessary. Obviously, not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
• Rajmachi Fort distance from Pune:  81 km
• Rajmachi from Mumbai distance:  94 km

About Rajmachi

Rajmachi is often mistakenly called as Rajmachi fort. In fact, Rajmachi is the name of the place, which is alternatively called the Udhewadi village. Udhewadi is the base village for the trek. After reaching here, I got to know that Rajmachi fort is actually a set of twin fortresses- Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort.

The twin forts at Rajmachi were built by the Satavahanas to protect the most important historical trade route called the  Borghat . Borghat is now declared as a protected monument. This route connected the inland Deccan plateau region (now Pune) to the western coast of India (now Mumbai) in ancient times. The fort was later captured by Chp. Shivaji Maharaj, then by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, again recaptured by Shahu Maharaj and eventually captured by the British.

Rajmachi Trek route details

Rajmachi Forts are located in the popular hill stations of Lonavala-Khandala. They can be reached from Mumbai side via Kondane village or from Pune side via Lonavala.

Kondane village to Rajmachi trek

This route is from Karjat – Kondane village – Kondane caves – Rajmachi. It is a difficult and challenging trek with extremely beautiful nature and scenery. It is quite hard to climb from that side. You can use this trek for polishing your trekking and mountaineering skills. In our organised trek, we were going to reach the top via Lonavala and then descend via Kondane village.

Lonavala to Rajmachi trek

Lonavala is the easiest route to reach Rajmachi. From Lonavala railway station, you can find numerous jeeps and SUVs that will take you to the base village of Udhewadi. We were asked to reach the Lonavala station from Pune city by 4.30 pm. And the Mumbai participants were also going to come here at the same place. The SUVs organised by the trekking club were ready and waiting near the station.

There is no proper tar road once you leave the highway near Dellas Adventures. If you are going by your car, make sure it is a powerful SUV or Jeep. Some daredevils have managed to do this journey on a bike! We were driven past the Kune falls, to a point called as Fanasarai. From this point, it is around 8 km walk to the Udhewadi village. You can hike from Dellas adventures to Udewadi village. It is an easy route and will take you 2-4 hours.

There is something about being in the nature between the mountains that rejuvenates you. As we walked the sun was already setting. The hiking route is in between the mountains, inside the valley, so the dusk was falling fast. In no time it was dark, and the last bit of the hike was to be done in darkness with torches. I was walking with full hopes of meeting the fireflies at this point. But unfortunately, I didn’t get to see any. Rajmachi night trek should be done in humid weather in order to witness the magical fireflies.

Rajmachi Camping

There are several options of camping at the base of the twin forts of Rajmachi. If you have your own tent and food, you can set up your camp near the Udaysagar Lake or at Kalbhairav temple. If you don’t have tents, you can easily rent them at Udhewadi village. Another way is to stay for the night at traditional local houses in Udhewadi village. Our trek organisers opted for the 2nd option of local homestays.

Udhewadi Village is nothing but a small group of houses at the foothills of Rajmachi twin forts. It has approximately 22 households. The locals are extremely tourist-friendly as this is their source of livelihood. These people offer amazing homestays at some cheap rates. They also provide you with delicious local Maratha food. We reached Udhewadi village after sunset and had our dinner. Unfortunately, untimely rains had caused the fireflies to turn away, meaning we didn’t get to see any.

Shrivardhan Fort (Ballekilla) at Rajmachi

The next day after a quick breakfast we started up the Shrivardhan Fort. Shrivardhan is higher in height than its other twin. It was used for keeping an eye on the Borghat trade route. Going atop Shrivardhan fort is easy because there are stone stairs for half of the way. At later stages, you have to climb over the rocks, which is easy too. Make sure to stop and enjoy the views of Rajmachi.

You will find a person selling lemon sherbet (lemonade) at the top. The remains of the ancient architecture will remind you of the grandeur of our ancestors. From atop the Shrivardhan Fort you can see in the Ulhas valley below. You can also see Kataldhar waterfall in distance.

At the time I visited Shrivardhan Fort the entire valley was full of clouds and the weather was very humid. But standing atop the mountain fort seemed like being above the clouds. For a moment the valley was covered in the clouds, the next moment we could see clearly for miles. While climbing up Shrivardhan Fort, if you look towards your right you can see a small mirror-like Udaysagar Lake.

Rajmachi Caves

There is a cave on the way, where we stopped for resting. The first picture in this blog is clicked at this Rajmachi Cave. You can even set up your camp at this cave. The caves at Rajmachi can accommodate almost 40 people. It is difficult to set up a tent here, as it is always windy on the mountain. Instead, this cave atop Shrivardhan fort is the best place to spend the night.

Kalbhairavnath Temple

At the base of Shrivardhan Fort is the temple of Kalbhairavnath. This temple is also a place where you can set up your camp for the night. The surrounding mountains seem very high due to their close proximity. We visited this place on the way to Shrivardhan Fort. You can see it in the picture above which I clicked from the top of Shrivardhan, from nearby the caves. The temple is in ancient Konkani style architecture.

Manaranjan Fort (Balekilla) at Rajmachi

As we had to descend towards Kondane village in time before sunset, we skipped Manaranjan fort. Manaranjan was clearly visible from the highest point of Shrivardhan Fort. Manaranjan Fort like the name suggests was used for leisure. Even today you can find rock-cut jacuzzi tubs filled with natural water on the top. From the top of Manaranjan fort, you can see Dhak Bahiri, Sinhagad, Raigad, Rajgad, Lohagad and some mountains of Matheran on a clear day. It is an interesting exercise trying to find out which mountains is which fort. Dhak Bahiri is clearly visible due to its close proximity.

Kataldhar Waterfall near Rajmachi Forts

Kataldhar Waterfalls can be seen from Shrivardhan Fort. But alas, when I visited the waterfall was dry. I could still see the beautiful circular shaped rocks, from where it falls. Kataldhar is the highest waterfall in Pune district. Its also called the Horseshoe Waterfall due to its beautiful arched shape. There is no water here except for the monsoon. While visiting Rajmachi, keep 4-5 hours reserved for Kataldhar waterfall trek.

If you wish to go near to the waterfall, you have to descend through the dense forest of Ulhas Valley. Even experienced trekkers cannot find there way near to the waterfalls. It is best to go with a local guide or someone who knows the Kataldhar waterfall trekking route. Behind the waterfalls is an eye-shaped cave which can easily accommodate a 100 people. When you reach the falls you can see the twin-forts in distance.

You need to take a tiny forest trail from near a mango tree. This trail cannot be found so easily. But once you find it, there is a huge waterfall ahead that needs to be crossed. Later you will reach a concrete road leading towards the falls.

Uday Sagar Lake

After coming down from Shrivardhan Fort, we headed straight towards the Udaysagar Lake and the adjacent temple. This is a very good spot to cool off after the trek. This lake is like a reservoir of water for the village and also for everyone who treks to Rajmachi. Several trekkers use the banks of this lake as a campsite.

Godhaneshwar Shiva Temple

Besides the lake, is a quaint old Shiva temple, which dates long back in time. It is a must-visit place in Rajmachi. The finest details of the carved architecture of this basalt rock temple will leave you speechless. The lake nearby adds a cool and calm atmosphere to this place. Godhaneshwar temple is the best place to meditate by yourself.

There is a Gomukh – water outlet here which miraculously gives water for 365 days a year. At the time we visited, there were small drips falling through. This ancient architecture is so cleverly built by our ancestors, that apart from standing tall for centuries, it also functions as if it were built yesterday!

Descent to Kondana Caves

After lunch, we started our descent towards Kondhane caves. Kondana caves are located near a small village called Kondane near Karjat. This was the challenging yet the most beautiful part of the trek. As we went below, we seldom met other trekkers trying to climb the Rajmachi from this side. The way is through some dense forest. If there was no guide with us, we could have been lost easily. On the way, there were numerous pretty waterfalls and other beautiful sights. But I couldn’t capture much, because by now I was into survival mode. The trek leaders were extremely supportive at this part of the journey.

Kondana Caves

I was tired after trekking from Rajmachi to Kondana Caves. But as soon as I saw the caves in the distance, I pushed forward with newfound energy. Inside the caves, at once you feel really cool and clam. There is a mighty waterfall which comes out through the caves. These Buddhist caves were carved in the 1st century B.C. and found out in the 19th century. There are various carvings and ancient style sculptures here. It also has one inscription which tells about the donors of the caves. There are some vendors selling snacks and lemon sherbet outside the caves.

Homeward Journey

After the Kondana Caves, we headed to the Kondane Village, then took a cab towards Karjat. I headed to Pune – my home with heavy feet and lots of memories.

What to Pack for Rajmachi Trek?

• Waterproof Backpack:  It is most important to have a backpack which means your hands remain free while you climb.
• Water bottles and Water Filters:  You will need 2-3 litres of water for a single trek. Bring one or two energy drinks too. You can take a water bottle with a filter (that removes bacteria and turbidity from water) if you want to drink water straight from the waterfalls or lakes.
• Trekking Shoes : Needless to say you will need proper trekking footwear to scale the Sahyadri.
• Personal Medical Kit:  You can take a pain relief spray for just in case and your regular medicines, etc. Do take an insect repellent with you. You will also need a good sunscreen in winters.
• And your  Cameras !

AN APPEAL TO TOURISTS AND TREKKERS

Please carry your trash and also the trash left by others! I saw several plastic bottles atop the Shrivardhan Fort, and also along the descent towards Kondana caves. It is very easy to throw a plastic bottle in the valley. But it is extremely difficult to find and collect the plastic trash strewn by tourist trekkers. If you are coming to the mountains, leave them in a better condition than you found them yourself.

Other places to visit nearby

• Shirota Lake
• Kune Waterfalls

Frequently Asked Questions about Rajmachi trek

Rajmachi trek is easy from Lonavala side. However it is difficult from Kondane village.

Satavahanas built the twin forts at Rajmachi.

June – Sept.

Karjat – Kondane village – Kondane caves – Rajmachi.

Lonavala – Dellas Adventures – Kune Waterfalls – Fanasarai – Rajmachi.

There is a dirt road, when you get off from the Lonavala highway near Dellas Adventures. This dirt road leads to Udhewadi village, which is the base village for Rajmachi trek.

Pune – Lonavala – Dellas adventures – Kune Waterfalls – Fanasarai – Rajmachi.

This post is sponsored by  Treks and Trails , which is a Mumbai based trekking club that started in 2012. You can join them for the Rajmachi Monsoon Trek.

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Rajmachi Fort: Where History and Nature Converge in Maharashtra’s Sahyadris

Rajmachi Fort, ensconced amidst the breathtaking Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, is a living testament to the rich tapestry of history and the unspoiled beauty of nature. This formidable fort has not only borne witness to centuries of historical events but also beckons trekkers, history aficionados, and those yearning to immerse themselves in Maharashtra’s glorious heritage.

History of Rajmachi Fort: Rajmachi Fort boasts a storied past that dates back over 300 years. Initially constructed by the Satavahanas, it later found significance during the reign of the Maratha Empire, primarily under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort underwent several shifts in power over the centuries, witnessing pivotal events that have left an indelible mark on its history.

Architecture and Structures: The architectural marvel of Rajmachi Fort mirrors the military genius of its era. Its robust stone walls, formidable bastions, and imposing gateways are a testament to its strategic importance. The fort is divided into two distinct hilltops, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, each housing unique attractions. While exploring the fort, trekkers often encounter remnants of old structures and water cisterns, adding to the mystique of this historical treasure.

Cultural and Historical Significance: Beyond its historical value, Rajmachi Fort is a repository of cultural heritage. It stands as a tribute to the valor and vision of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the Marathas in safeguarding their land and culture. The fort’s significance extends to literary circles, with renowned author Shri. V.S. Khandekar setting his celebrated novel ‘Yayati’ within its historic confines.

Visitor Information: Reaching Rajmachi Fort requires a picturesque trek through dense forests, rocky trails, and steep inclines. The fort is accessible year-round, and a nominal entry fee contributes to its preservation. Trekking to Rajmachi offers an adventure that allows you to connect with the pristine natural beauty of the Sahyadri mountains.

Best Time to Visit: The post-monsoon season, spanning from October to March, presents the most favorable conditions for exploring Rajmachi Fort. During this period, the weather is salubrious, and the landscape is adorned with vibrant greenery, providing an ideal setting for trekking and savoring the fort’s historical and natural wonders.

Nearby Attractions: The vicinity of Rajmachi Fort abounds with attractions. Nature enthusiasts can explore the tranquil Kataldhar Waterfall and the scenic Duke’s Nose viewpoint. For those keen on historical exploration, Kondhane Caves and the Karle Caves, known for their rock-cut architecture, are nearby.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

1. How long does it take to trek to Rajmachi Fort from the base village?

The trek to Rajmachi Fort can take approximately 2 to 3 hours from the base village, depending on your trekking pace and the chosen trail. 2. Is it possible to camp at Rajmachi Fort overnight?

Yes, camping is allowed at Rajmachi Fort. Many trekkers opt for overnight stays to experience the fort’s serene ambiance and starlit skies.

3. Are there any guides available for the Rajmachi trek?

Yes, local guides are available at the base village to assist trekkers and provide insights into the fort’s history and trails.

4. Can you visit both Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts in a single day trek?

Yes, it’s possible to explore both Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts in a single day trek. However, this might require an early start and efficient time management.

5. Are there any accommodation options at the Rajmachi base village?

Yes, there are basic accommodation options, including homestays and small lodges, available at the Rajmachi base village for those planning an extended stay.

Conclusion: Rajmachi Fort invites you to embark on a remarkable journey through history, nature, and adventure in the embrace of the Sahyadri mountains. It is more than just a fort; it’s a living chronicle of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy and the Maratha spirit. As you navigate its challenging trails and explore its ancient structures, you are not just visiting a historical site; you are participating in a timeless narrative of valor, endurance, and the enduring allure of Maharashtra’s heritage.

Featured Image – https://en.wikipedia.org/

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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..

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

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.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by हृदयस्पर्शी महाराष्ट्र ✪ (@hrudaysparshi_maharashtra)

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

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by  समाधान भरत नावडेकर  (@im_viratian18_forever)

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

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Vicky Mistry (@vickym_220)

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

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Pranav Prashant Rembulkar (@pranavvvvvvvv__)

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).

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Maharashtra amchi shaan (@maharashtra_amchi_shaan)

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

• Rajmachi Fort
• roadtrips maharashtra
• Treks in Maharashtra
• weekend treks

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. Read Less

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• ‘Rajmachi Trek and Camping’- the name itself tells what this trek is most famous for in Maharashtra. One of the wonders you will witness on this trek is watching Fireflies at night. The environment here in Sahyadri Hills is very favorable for fireflies to live and flourish. During Rajmachi camping at night, you can easily enjoy nature's light show by playing with them while the little creatures will amuse you, the whole night. Stargazing during the night while camping on this fort would nurture the astronomical interest in one. The Rajmachi trek will be a lifetime experience for you. 
• Rajmachi Fort is one of the many forts that have been cuddled by the Sahyadri mountains with its rugged and lush green arms in the western ghats which is the world biodiversity heritage site. The fort is 2700 ft. above the sea which promises the most scenic view of western ghats and their flora-fauna along with the backwaters of the Shirota dam. Rajmachi Fortification comprises two forts- Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort. Shrivardhan Fort was used as a watchtower due to its height (3000 ft.) while Manaranjan Fort is comparatively low in height but one can enjoy views of Karnala Fort from here.
• From the roots of Indian history, it is found that the Rajmachi fort was built as a defensive fort to have a lookout on Bor Ghats since this is a significant route for traders to reach Mumbai, an important trade center in the west. Because of its significant importance, it has a very interesting history. This fort was built by Satavahana who established their kingdom after the decline of the Maurya Empire. The fort came to light when Shivaji became the king of Marathas. In the year 1657, Shivaji fought with Adilshaha and brought this fort under his control. In 1704, after the death of Sambhaji Maharaj (son of Shivaji Maharaj), the Mughals attacked the fort and took it under control only to lose it again to Marathas when they attacked it in the following year. In the 19th century, the Maratha dynasty started declining, and finally, in the year 1818, this fort was under British-India rule. 
• After India’s independence, this fort was announced as an ancient heritage place and a protected monument in Maharashtra. Different Buddhist caves, manmade water storage tanks, temples, ruined complexes, and walls of forts attract a lot of archeological, architectural, and historical enthusiasts. Apart from the historical and architectural brilliance, one would surely fall in love with the beauty of nature and the surrounding in which this fort has perched. As Rajmachi fort is situated midway between Pune and Mumbai, and just a few km away from the all-time favorite Lonavala hill station, it’s one of the best trekking places in Mumbai. In short, the Rajmachi fort fireflies trek and Camping is the all-in-one package to get one step closer to nature and experience it thoroughly.
• With time, the fort has developed its identity and came up with the new identity as 'Rajmachi Trek’. It attracts trekkers from all around the world to enjoy the trails that are an indivisible part of the Western Ghats. It also excites novice trekkers more because of its easy to moderate difficulty level but an exhausting trail at the same time. Generally, it takes two days to completely explore this trek as a result 'Rajmachi camping’ becomes a synergistic part of this trek. After getting exhausted by exploring the trek on day 1, camping at night encourages your energy level to explore unexplored parts of this trek on day 2. Rajmachi trek and Rajmachi camping together make a complete package that you are looking for to spend your valuable holidays in nature's surroundings.
• Witnessing the sunrise and the sunset from the fort during Rajmachi camping is a mesmerizing memory that can be preserved for years to come. It also helps you to experience the fascinating night at Sahyadri hills by witnessing the fireflies during Rajmachi camping. The fort has witnessed a lot of mesmerizing treks and campings but still waiting for you to come and enjoy its glorious legacy.

Trek Details :

• Base Village: Udhewadi
• Fort Name: Shrivardhan
• Nearest City:  Lonavala (15km Approx. from Udhewadi- offroading)
• Difficulty:  Easy to Moderate
• Trail Trek Length: Approx. 7 km one way (From the Start point Of the trek to the Base Village)
• Duration of Night Trail Trek:  Approx. 2 hrs (From the Start point to the Base Village)
• Shrivardhan Fort Trek Elevation:  Normal
• Duration of Shrivardhan Fort Trek:  45-75 mins
• Endurance:  Moderate
• Height of fort: 3000 feet approx. (From Sea Level)
• Accommodation:  Tent stay (Triple/ Quad Sharing)
• Sightseeings: Shrivardhan Fort Exploration, Shiva Temple, Lake
• Meals:  Maharashtrian Veg food
• Washrooms:  Basic Village Toilets / Toilet Tents

 Batches : 

• May:  3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
• June:   1, 7, 8.

Important Note:

• We highly recommend joining Thursday, Friday, and Sunday departure dates to avoid a rush . We can also arrange weekday departures on request.
• In case it's starting to rain , we assure you to provide you with a common hall of the villager's hom e, where you can sit or sleep. The hall will be accommodating 40-50 people, it won't be convenient but that's the best possible solution to the situation.
• The chances of seeing fireflies on the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th are very low.
• Lonavala to Lonavala (Thursday & Friday Departures) : 1599/- per person
• Lonavala to Lonavala (Saturday & Sunday Departure) : 1599/- per person
• Pune to Pune (Thursday & Friday Departures): 1599/- per person
• Pune to Pune (Saturday Departure):  1599/- per person
• Mumbai to Mumbai (Friday & Saturday Departures):  2199/- per person
• Base Village (Udhewadi): 1199/-   per person
• Couple Tent: Rs 200/- per person

Tents will be sanitized. However, we request you sanitize them before use.

Similar Events:

• Sandhan Valley Fireflies Trek
• Bhandhardara Fireflies Trek
• Prabalmachi Fireflies Trek

Itinerary 01: (Lonavala To Lonavala)

• 06:00 PM:  Reach Lonavala Railway Station and report to the Trek leaders 
• 06:30 PM:  Post briefing and instructions start the journey towards the start point of the trek by private Jeeps.

07:15 PM:  Reach starting point of the trek. We will start the trek to the base village post briefing and instructions by Trek Leaders.

• 09:30 PM:  Enjoy beautiful jungle trail hiking with mesmerizing view of fireflies and reach the base village. Get relaxed and settle down.  
• 10:00 PM:  Have a delicious Dinner ( Authentic Maharashtrian Veg Thali)
• 11:00 PM:  tent allotment by Trek Leaders and time to Enjoy the overnight camping stay with strangers turned into the family under the sky full of stars, and enjoy the view of lightning fireflies. Have rest and reenergize yourself for the next morning trek.
• 05:00 AM:  Wake up call, Get freshen up
• 06:00 AM:  Start trek to Rajmachi Fort (Shrivardhan Fort)
• 07:00 AM:  Reach the peak and enjoy a beautiful view of sunrise and the surrounding. Click photos.
• 08:00 AM:  Start descending to the base village
• 09:00 AM:  Reach base village, relax, and have breakfast
• 10:30 AM:  Start return journey to Lonavala by private vehicle
• Due to sudden High Demand and low availability of jeeps, it might take longer than usual to get the return jeep for Lonavala to the base village. we recommend you take Mumbai to Mumbai or Pune to Pune package to avoid unnecessary waiting time at the base village for jeeps.
• 11:30 PM:  Reach Lonavala. Goodbye until the next time!!!

Due to the heavy rush of trekkers in this season and the scarcity of local vehicles, return transportation service from Base Village to Lonavala may get delayed by a few hours. also, we may have to transfer the participants in batches, so we request you to be patient and cooperative)

Also, If you're going to book Return Journey train/ bus/ flight tickets to your respective cities in advance, kindly concern with Sales and Operations team once so that you will not face any inconvenience in your return journey.

Itinerary 02: Pune to Pune (With Bus Transportation)

• 09:45 PM:  Report to the Trek Leaders at Fergusson College Main Gate, FC Road (opposite Starbucks) (  https://goo.gl/maps/53XNsyDPwcSVReZW9  )
• We request you have dinner before boarding the bus or bring packaged dinner. We won't take a Hault for Dinner.
• 10:15 PM:  Pickup from Wakad (  https://goo.gl/maps/8aTY1UsQmiSciTfR9?coh=178573&entry=tt  )
• 12:30 AM:  Reach Base Village. Enjoy the view of the mesmerizing view of Fireflies on the way. Get Relaxed. Tent allotment by Trek leaders.
• Enjoy the overnight camping stay with strangers turned into the family under the sky full of stars, and enjoy the view of lightning fireflies. Have rest and reenergize yourself for the next morning trek.
• 10:30 AM:  Start return journey to Pune by Private Bus
• 02:00 PM:  Reach Pune. Goodbye until the next time!!!

1. Half Way from Lonavala To Base Village Rote is off-road. and thus if it rains it becomes Muddy and thus non-motorable. In such circumstances, we will have to take a walk for 6 to 8 km. So please be cooperative.

2. Arrival time in Pune is subjective to road congestion till Lonavala and weather conditions. It may get delayed by an hour or two.

Itinerary 03: Mumbai to Mumbai (With Bus Transportation)

• 03:00 PM: Report to the Trek Leaders at Borivali National Park ( https://goo.gl/maps/qvxmxjK8Tmn5JgScA )
• 03:05 PM:  Samta nagar police station, Kandivali ( https://goo.gl/maps/kRgGJ9XvYK3d8FWAA )
• 03:15 PM:  Sufi Irani Cafe, Goregaon ( https://goo.gl/maps/4ZTNqab65pKPDoNC9 )
• 03:30 PM:  Hanuman Road Bus Stop Andheri ( https://goo.gl/maps/SWKWuGMXSWgajCsSA )
• 03:45 PM:  Kalanagar Bust Stop, Bandra ( https://goo.gl/maps/jGkGpBZrRto5gRTJ9 )
• 04:00 PM:  Neeta Volvo, Sion ( https://goo.gl/maps/iidWMx1DKGybV9jC9 )
• 04:10 PM:  Mankhurd Vashi Link Road ( https://goo.gl/maps/m6TtFVkCkHd6MdKr7 )
• 04:30 PM:  Vashi (under the bridge) ( https://goo.gl/maps/3dpGHKPvf49FgJj6A )
• 04:45 PM:  Nerul LP ( https://goo.gl/maps/tpntbzeYVijHQieF7 )
• 04:55 PM:  Kharghar station ( https://goo.gl/maps/y7hNW9wxMV7tByPr5 )
• 05:15 PM:  Kalamboli McD ( https://goo.gl/maps/F4bqaobJhjcPQ8zK9 )
• 06:30 PM:  Take Halt at Lonavala. Participants can have snacks at their own convenience. 
• 07:30 PM: Reach the starting point of the trek by bus. We will start the trek post briefing by the Trek Leaders.
• 09:30 PM:  Enjoy beautiful jungle trail hiking with mesmerizing view of fireflies and reach the base village which will be followed by Tent Allotment By Trek Leaders and time to get relax and settle down.
• We insist you on carrying your own mat and blanket or a sleeping bag.
• 10:00 PM:  Have a delicious Dinner ( Authentic Maharashtrian Local Veg Thali)
• 11:00 PM:  Enjoy the overnight camping stay with strangers turned into the family under the sky full of stars, and enjoy the view of lightning fireflies. Have rest and reenergize yourself for the next morning trek.
• 10:30 AM:  Start return journey to Mumbai by Private Bus
• 04:00 PM:  Reach Mumbai. Goodbye until the next time!!!

2. Arrival time in Mumbai is subjective to road congestion till Lonavala and weather conditions. It may get delayed by an hour or two.

Itinerary 04: (Base Village To Base Village)

• 09:30 PM: Reach the base village which will be followed by Tent Allotment By Trek Leaders and time to get relax and settle down.
• 09:00 AM:  Reach base village, relax, and have Breakfast
• 10:30 AM: Your trip ends here

Inclusion :

•  Transportation by Jeep from Lonavala to the Starting Point of the trek and return from the Base village to Lonavala/  (For itinerary 1)
• Mumbai to Mumbai Transportation By Private Bus  (For itinerary 2)
• Pune to Pune Transportation By Private  Bus  (For itinerary 3)
• Dinner (Veg Thali)  (Only for itineraries 1, 2, and 4)
• Breakfast & Tea 
• Accommodation:  Camping Tent Stay with Ground sheets inside the tent (Triple/ Quad sharing)
• Forest Entry Charges.
• Experienced Trek leaders and Trek Expertise Charges. 
• First Aid Charges

Exclusion :

• Travel till pickup points
• Lunch for the second day
• Dinner ( Only For Itinerary 2 - Pune to Pune)
• Pillow and sleeping bag (however you can carry a shawl or chaddar as per your requirement)
• Mineral water or Lime water or purchased for personal consumption
• All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered 
• Any kind of personal expenses
• Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost including above
• All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
• Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
• Any kind of Health/ Medical Insurance

How to reach Lonavala:

(For Mumbai Participants)

   Take Konark Express 11019 (Mumbai to Bhubaneswar)

• 01:45 PM:  CSMT
• 02:15 PM:  DADAR
• 02:33 PM:  THANE
• 02:55 PM:  KALYAN 
• 04:27 PM:  LONAVALA 

HYDERABAD EXP (22732)

• 02:10:  C SHIVAJI MAH T 
• 04:43:  LONAVALA

​ Option 3:

Take the Local train to Khopoli. From Khopoli, take local jeep transportation to Lonavala Railway Station.

(For Pune Participants)

Take Pune To Lonavala Local Train 

• 04:25 PM:  PUNE 
• 04:31 PM:  SHIVAJI NAGAR 
• 04:52 PM:  CHINCHWAD
• 05:13 PM:  TALEGAON
• 05:45 PM:  LONAVALA 

Things to carry:

(Highly Required and Mandatory Things)

• backpack (waterproof or covered with waterproof cover) 
• trekking shoes or any sports shoes with a Good grip
• Trekking pants (compulsory), 2 T-Shirts (Preferably full sleeves or Half T-shirt with sleeves), Raincoat/ waterproof jacket/ windcheater, Handnapkin/Towel, etc
• Water Bottle (1- 2 ltr)
• Ready-to-eat food like plum cakes, Dry fruits, dry snacks and biscuits, Chikki, chocolate bars, etc.
• Personal Medicines and Personal First aid 

(Required but Optional Things)

• Sleeping Bag/ Shawl etc
• To change after trekking - Facewash, Extra pants/ shorts, Extra T-shirt, sleeper/ floaters, an extra bag to carry your trekking shoes, innerwear, etc
• Sweater For bus journey
• Electoral or Glucose D powder. 
• Portable Phone Charger, Earphones, etc.
• Sun protection cap, sunglasses, Sunscreen lotion, toothbrush-toothpaste, etc
• Proper face mask or shield 
• Extra Pair of clothes.
• We provide Tent Accommodation with a ground sheet. We request you to carry a sleeping bag/shawl/chaddar and pillow as per your requirement.
• Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pants,  this will protect your body and skin from Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles, etc) 

Important Notes:

• As Rajmachi is famous for Fireflies season many trekkers and travelers Visit this place in this season which leads to a huge rush on weekends. Thus we suggest choosing Friday- Saturday Batch.
• The visibility of fireflies is an absolutely natural phenomenon depending upon climatic conditions and the Atmosphere on that particular day.
• We provide Tent Accommodation on a Triple/ Quad sharing basis in 3 Men Capacity and 4 men capacity tents respectively with ground sheets inside the tent for overnight camping stay. If you do not find it comfortable you have the option to choose a Twin/Couple Sharing Tent (3 Men capacity) while booking with an additional charge of 200 Rs per person. No arguments and requests from participants will be entertained at the campsite for tent allotment.
• These events are happening in pre-monsoon time and thus it may rain on the day of the event during our camping stay. In such a situation, we will try to provide available homestay in the village but considering the huge rush of trekkers, there might be a shortage of the stay facility, so trekkers are expected to adjust and cooperate accordingly. 
• The Base Village is situated in a very remote location and does have a scarcity of Basic Facilities like washrooms, Stay, network, hotels, etc. So participants have to adjust and cooperate with each other and the organizers.
• Lonavala to Base Village Road is offroad and if it rains heavily it becomes Muddy and not motorable. In this case, trekkers may have to walk halfway to the Base Village and Return (5-7 KM one way). 
• Due to the huge rush of trekkers and shortage of local vehicles, there might be a long queue for return transportation from the base village to Lonavala and thus return time may get delayed. so we request you to be patient and cooperative.
• Above mentioned circumstances totally depend upon weather and technical conditions and are beyond our control hence the alterations that we will have to make in our scheduled itinerary, camping stay, transport, etc. are not liable to claim for any sort of refund.

How to reach Rajmachi:

• Rajmachi Fort is located midway between Pune and Mumbai so you can choose either to come from any of the cities. There are two ways one can take to reach the fort, one is from the Karjat side and the other is from the Lonavala side. If you are planning to visit Rajmachi on local transport then take any local train which travels between Pune- Mumbai. Get down at Karjat from where you can hire an auto to reach Kondhana village. It is the base of the Rajmachi trek from where you have to trek for around 3-4 hours to reach the top.
• Another way to reach Rajmachi is to take a local train from either of the city to reach Lonavala from where you can hire an auto to reach the Tungarli dam which is 4 km from Lonavala station. The rest 16 km from Tungarli to Udhewadi base village has to be covered on foot. It hardly takes 30 mins to reach the top from the Udhewadi base village. If you are planning to drive by road, then the distance of the Rajmachi trek from Pune is 82 km, and from Mumbai, it is 94 km. After reaching Lonavala which is about 75km from either of the cities you will have to reach Udhewadi- the base village of the trek. If it’s not the rainy season, you are lucky enough to get local transport to cover that 16 km phase from Lonavala to Udhewadi. If you have your transport you can directly reach the base in your car/bike but please make sure your vehicle has enough ground clearance to cover that off-road patch.

Things to do at Rajmachi:

•  Trekking up to Rajmachi Point is the only way you are going to reach the top. Surrounded by lush tall grasses, with the flitting butterflies and the chirping birds, a trek to Rajmachi is what any urban trekker would ask for.

  Off-Roading:

• If you have your bike then there is a patch of about 16 km from Lonavala to the base of the hill, full of pebbles and slippery mud, where you can enjoy off-roading.

Bird watching:

• The Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary has several endemic and migratory birds that fly in for the winter. So if you go at the right time, you will get a chance to watch different birds and enjoy their chirping while climbing the trek.

Photography:

• Caves, Temples, westerns Ghats, Birds, and Flourished nature are some of the many reasons why one should carry a camera on the trek.
• If you want quality rich content and gain some subscribers to your channel, vlogging is the best option to do here.
• Camping is another favorite thing trekkers like to do here. Camping on the fort in caves with like-minded people and sharing experiences with each other would help you to lose all the trekking fatigue. There is another option of camping out in Udhewadi- the base village where you can get some good food and the best hospitality from the villagers.

Fireflies Spotting:

• The most important thing to do while night camping is to watch fireflies. Come early monsoons and late summers, you will find a hoard of these little creatures, illuminating the night sky like millions of stars.

Stargazing:

• Stargazing is yet another favorite thing people come to do. Due to the lack of any artificial light during the night, one can easily take fun stargazing.

​ Site seeing:

• Carrying a telescope will surely give a feast to your eyes as the view of Pune- Mumbai expressway, Karnala fort, Shirota dam backwater, and a lot more waterfalls is a way different experience.

Places to visit near Rajmachi:

• The trek to Rajmachi will make you exhausted. However, if you are willing to explore more places, there is a list of places you can explore nearby. Lonavala is the nearest city and Hill station where you can visit Bhushi dam, Ekvira temple, and Karla & Bhaja caves which are situated next to the Ekvira temple.
• If you are still not tired of the trek then there is a medium trek for you which is the Lohgad fort trek at an elevation of 1033 m. above sea level. One can enjoy the lakeside camping at Shirota Dam backwaters which is east of the Rajmachi fort. Since the fort is surrounded by Sahyadri hills from almost all of its sides, different waterfalls are a very common thing that you will get to explore while on the route to the fort.
• Bhairavnath temple is one of the famous attractions that attracts lots of devotees on special occasions like Mahashivaratri. Kondana Buddhist caves are yet another famous attraction and piece of architecture which is in the way of trekking the fort from the Karjat side.
• The most famous campsite near Rajmachi Fort is Pawana lakeside camping. It is the most visited artificial lake in Maharashtra. If you are planning some more days then don’t forget to visit nearby adventure parks and resorts to enjoy different adventures and some rest that you deserve after trekking the marvelous Rajmachi fort.

COVID Guidelines :

• Mask and maintaining social distance with others are mandatory throughout the trip.
• Buses will be fully sanitized before use.
• Carrying your own sanitizers, gloves, face shield and mask is compulsory.
• Food will be freshly cooked and packed as per WHO guidelines.

Trekhievers Policies:

• Seats will be reserved only after full payment.
• Fees paid are non-refundable but transferable on the same event.
• The complete schedule of the trek will be given later to registered participants
• Organizers have all the right to modify or change the schedule in case
• Organizers hold the right to cancel any event and refund with prior notice.
• We strictly follow a no alcohol, no drugs, and no litter policy.

Cancellation Policy:

• 100% amount is to be paid in advance to book the trip.
• If the booking is canceled 10 days or before the event date then 50% of the booking amount will be refunded.
• No refund if canceled 9 days before the event.
• No show = No refund.

Contact details:

 Mukesh - 7387642734 | Pravin - 7208620046  |  Vrutti - 7304236273  | Nitin - 7387523876 

• Instagram -  https://www.instagram.com/trekhieversofficial/     
• Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/trekhievers/    

Disclaimer:

The tour is weather-based and depends on the weather conditions. There may be last-minute cancellations if weather conditions deteriorate.

Can I travel solo for the Rajmachi trek?

Of course yes, even we encourage people to travel solo so that they can meet more like-minded people on trek and enjoy the trek in a whole different way. While coming to safety, safety is the first most priority of our community. So there are almost zero problems with doing a solo trek to Rajmachi.

Is the Rajmachi trek difficult?

It’s an ideal trek to start your trekking routine with as the difficulty level of this trek is easy to moderate. There are not many stiff climbs but one will get exhausted while walking the trail full of lush greenery and views to the fort. So even experienced trekkers won’t get bored while doing the trek.

What is the best time to visit Rajmachi trek?

The ideal time is in the monsoon as you can enjoy lush green vegetation all around the region along with a lot of waterfalls on the way to the trek. These scenic views and experiences would help you to feel fresh throughout the trek. In addition to the treat to your eyes, you can experience a lot of adventures like slippery trails and climbs, dense fog, rain, and windstorms that won’t let you stand steadily. Winter is also a good option to do this trek as the trek will keep you warm in the cool and pleasant weather of winters. The hidden peaks of forts above the clouds are yet another lifelong lasting experience one can take during winters. Summer is not a good time to visit this place as humid and hot weather in summer will trouble you trekking this fort and perhaps will not let you enjoy the real fun of trekking this fort.

What is the best time to visit Rajmachi fireflies?

Monsoon or pre-monsoon is an ideal time to visit Rajmachi fort to experience the view of fireflies at night. There is some chance where you can get to see fireflies in the winter but if you have to experience the real thrill of watching fireflies, visit the place in the monsoon.

When will Rajmachi fireflies season 2021 start?

Rajmachi fireflies season 2021 will arrive before the monsoon starts, the weather between summer and rainy season, a period where you can play with fireflies, the little creatures while they keep awaken you all night.

What is the Rajmachi trek distance from Mumbai?

It is approximately 94 km away from Mumbai if you are traveling by road from the Lonavala side. You will have to reach Lonavala which is 75 km away from Mumbai. Lonavala to Rajmachi is approximately 17 km.

If you are traveling from the Karjat side, you will have to reach Karjat by local train. There are auto transport services from Karjat to Kondhana village- the base village.

What is the Rajmachi trek distance from Pune?

Rajmachi is approximately 82 km away from Pune if you are traveling by road through Lonavala. You will have to reach Lonavala which is 65 km away from Pune. Lonavala to Rajmachi is approximately 17 km.

Are toilets available on the Rajmachi trek?

No, but if it’s urgent you can attend nature's call in open. Toilets are available in the base village so you can freshen up there too.

What is the condition of the mobile network at Rajmachi fort?

While climbing up the trek, you can get poor network connectivity but when you reach the top there is less possibility of not getting a network. If you are lucky enough then you can get a good network to send some messages and to make some calls but again possibility is close to zero.

Is smoking and drinking alcohol allowed during the Rajmachi fort trek?

Smoking and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited on this trek. One found doing this is not allowed to join the expedition and will be told to leave the place immediately. This place comes under the world biodiversity heritage site so it's our national duty to not spoil this place with such notorious activities.

Is Rajmachi fort trek safe?

Yes, it is completely safe. You will be guided by professional trekkers and your safety is their first most priority. While trekking you will be provided with safety equipment where there is a need. Also, you will be told to bring personal safety-related things e.g. First aid kits, insect repellant, and other such things to ensure your safety. You will need to be more cautious if you are visiting trek in the monsoon as there will be many slippery places.

Is there an ATM nearby?

There are ATMs of union bank, IDBI Bank, Vijaya bank, state bank of India, Bank of India, and several other banks near Rajmachi.

How can we get food during camping?

You can ask locals from the base village to cater your food as per your requirement. They will provide you food at your preferred time at the campsite. You can also camp at the base village and get food from them. As a part of camping activities, You can also carry some easy-to-make food packages with you on camping like Maggi, Eggs, etc. to have it while enjoying bonfire but don't spoil the beauty of the premises by throwing empty packets in open. Keep them with you and take them down the fort to the dustbins.

How many days will be required for this Event?

Two days and one night are enough to enjoy trekking, night camping, and other activities at this fort. If you are short of time then you can also do one day trek. Again it’s as per your convenience.

Can we drive to the base of this trek?

You can drive from Lonavala to the base village of this trek but you should check that your car has enough ground clearance to tackle that 16km of the off-road patch. It will be more dangerous if you are planning to drive in the monsoon as the complete off-road patch would be full of pebbles and slippery mud. So it’s good to avoid driving here in the monsoon.

Where can we park our cars?

Lonavala. But if you are planning to cover the Rajmachi trek distance from Lonavala to base village Udhewadi then you can park your car at the village. You can ask nearby local people to take care of your car but again it’s at your own risk. There is no commercial car parking at all.

Are kids allowed on the trek?

Kids below the age of 9 are not allowed on the trek hence you will need to carry an I card so that age of the kid can be identified. Moreover, kids under the age of 17 should be accompanied by the parents to enjoy the camping activities more safely.

How can I get drinking water on the trek?

You can carry water with you on the trek. If it gets over then there is no chance of getting filtered water throughout the trail to the fort. But you can get normal well water which can be refilled in the reusable water bottles that are carried by you. At the top, you can get water from the old manmade water tanks which will quench your thirst with some real natural flavor, which is also a camping activity.

Can I charge my phone?

Udhewadi village doesn’t receive electricity so carrying a Power bank would be a great option to look for.

Can we listen to music on a Bluetooth speaker?

Listening to music on a speaker or earphones is not allowed while trekking the fort for safety purposes. You can listen to music at the campsite on speaker unless and until no one is getting disturbed. Again using speakers at homestays is not permitted.

Can we complete the trek in one day?

Yes, you can complete the trek in one day but it is advisable to give it two days to explore the complete fort and the caves.

Which trekking route is most preferable?

If you want to enjoy the trek in a full-fledged adventurous way then you should go from the side of Kondhane caves which will take up to 4 hours to climb. This is considered one of the best treks in Maharashtra. You can also drive right up to Udhewadi village and climb up the trek in 30-40 min to the top. You can choose one of these two routes at your convenience.

Can we do an overnight trek to Rajmachi?

Overnight trek to Rajmachi is one of the things in camping activities which is possible and an adventurous thing to do in full moonlight. Also, make sure you carry torches and wear full shoes during the night trek and night camping.

What are the permissions and charges for the Rajmachi trek?

You don’t need any permission to trek this fort however a fee of rupees 5 is collected at the base village by the local committee for the wellness of the trekkers. If you are traveling in your own vehicle from Lonavala and Rajmachi then Rs 100 needs to be paid for a 4 wheeler and Rs 20 needs to be paid for 2 wheeler

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Home » Treks in Maharashtra » Treks Near Pune » Trek to Rajmachi Fort via Lonavala

Trek to Rajmachi Fort (Via Lonavala)

• Treks in Maharashtra
• Treks Near Pune

Rajmachi trek via Udhewadi/Fanasrai is a easy difficulty grade trek in the Sahyadri – Lonavala region of Maharashtra, India. The highest point of the trek at 2999 ft (914 m).

Visit this trek for its beautiful sunset, fireflies during early June, ultimate experience of rural lifestyle, and the beautiful waterfalls along the way.

You Should Visit Rajmachi Fort if You..

- Want to go for an easy and pleasant trek - Love waterfalls - Want to watch fireflies - Love sunsets - Wish to experience village lifestyle

Rajmachi Trek Navigation Route Map (Lonavala)

Contact us at [email protected] to download the KML file of Rajmachi Trek Route Map.

Rajmachi Trek Route (Via Lonavala)

The trek to both forts, Manaranjan and Shreevardhan, is very short from Udhewadi. You can either climb both of them back to back in 3-4 hours or choose to spread the visits over 2 days.

Both forts house multiple water tanks, bat caves, flags, and consist of the ruins of the fortification. The sight of these places takes you back in the time and makes you wonder how the life of the people living here before you would have been.

How to Reach Rajmachi Trek Base Village

Rajmachi Fort Trek is a combination of hiking 2 forts, namely, Manaranjan and Shreevardhan which are twin forts. These forts are easy to climb with minimum exposure at all points. The difficulty of the trek depends on where you start this trek from. The route from Lonavala is fairly simple and involves long, flat, patches to walk. The Karjat route, on the other hand, is shorter in distance but involves a lot of incline climbing and is really difficult to navigate through.

Udhewadi Village

The base village for Rajmachi trek is Udhewadi village. This village is 16 kms from Lonavala railway station and it is possible to drive all the way up to this village. Since the second half of the route is a dirt road, it becomes really challenging (and sometimes impossible) to reach to this village in a vehicle. You should plan your stay (whether in tents or in local homestays) and meals at Udhewadi - The village has vast, beautiful plateaus overlooking layers upon layers of mountains. The locals are loving and the food is delicious. Do not miss the “Matki chi Bhaji” at Maruti Vare’s residence.

How to reach Udhewadi village with Local transport via Lonavala?

The best way to reach Udhewadi village via Lonavala from Mumbai or Pune is by travelling to Lonavala railway station in an Express train (if travelling from Mumbai) or a local train (if travelling from Pune) and hiring a Jeep from there. Try to get your reservations done as soon as possible if you’re traveling from Mumbai. Although the journey is just for 3 hours, the general compartments of all Mumbai-Lonavala-Pune train are usually crowded.

From Lonavala station, you need to catch a jeep to travel till Udhewadi. Please note that not all vehicles can go all the way up to the village and it’s always best (and cheaper) to pre-book your transport for Rajmachi. For the cost of 1200-1800 INR, you can book a 10-seater car that will drop you all the way up to the village. In monsoons, these vehicles can cover only the first half of the journey since the remaining road in filled with mud. You would need to walk another 8-10 kms (depending on how far the vehicle is able to go) to reach Udhewadi village.

The entire route is filled with breathtaking views of mountains and valleys. On top of this, if you plan to take this walk between late September to October, the fields are filled with Sonki (Senecio bombayensis) flowers giving the entire route a bright yellow colour.

How to reach Udhewadi village with Private transport via Lonavala?

Once you reach Lonavala, there are 2 ways to reach Udhewadi village. First way is the default route that is shown in Google Maps which is via Della Adventure Park. For the second route, you will specifically need to put “Upper Deck Resort” as an additional point in your route in Google Maps.

Although both the routes are in a bad condition and it’s more or less a dirt road after the first leg of the ride, the first route is better. It is shorter and there’s a concrete road till Della Adventure Park which keeps expanding on every visit.

This road is difficult to manoeuvre through, especially during monsoons. Try going all the till Udhewadi only if you have a 4x4 Car or a powerful Bike. In monsoons, it’s best to park your vehicles in Fanasrai and walk from there. Always talk to a local regarding the condition of the road before starting the journey. (Find this in the local contacts section)

Availability of Resources near Rajmachi Fort

Drinking water:.

There are water sources on both the forts but none of them have potable water. You can get your bottles refilled at Udhewadi and carry at least 2 litres water when you climb Manaranjan and Shreevardhan.

Traditional maharashtrian food, packed food, maggi, etc. can be found in Udhewadi village at multiple stalls at slightly higher prices than the MRP. The locals in Udhewadi can arrange a delicious home-cooked meal (approximately 130 to 180 INR for unlimited food) at your request.

There is one stall at the base of Shreevardhan fort selling Lemonade (Nimbu Pani), bottled water, maggi, etc.

Accommodation:

Camping on the forts is possible but since there are no water sources on the top, it’s best to camp at Udhewadi which has huge meadows surrounded by a dense forest. You can rent the tents from the locals if you haven’t carried your own tents.

Alternately, you can choose to stay in a homestay at Udhewadi. This is the best option if you’re going during the monsoons. Surprisingly, the cost of staying in a homestay is much cheaper than renting tents at Rajmachi. If you go there during off-season, the locals might not even charge you for the stay until you’re buying all your meals from them. (Or they might charge as little as 50-100 INR per person). Please note that you won’t be getting any personal rooms here. These are the cute little homes with huge verandas where locals stay themselves. During the peak season, you might have to share this house with 20-30 other trekkers and sleep in the verandas - this feels really fun and beautiful if you ask me (until someone starts snoring during the night).

During peak season, it’s usually difficult to find a place to stay in Rajmachi. Thus, make sure you talk to the locals well in advance and make a booking.

Local Contact for Rajmachi Fort Trek

Transport from lonavala to udhewadi (sumo):.

Sangam Vare: +91 9762266987 / +91 9765816294

Guide at Udhewadi Village

Subhash Maruti Vare: +91 9158413493

Food and Refreshments at Udhewadi Village

Maruti Vare: +91 7798661850

Homestay at Udhewadi village

Best time to visit rajmachi and why, late may to early june: (fireflies festival).

Udhewadi is popular for the sightings of fireflies towards the end of summer. Thousands of fireflies gather on the trees and emit light to attract their mates. The humid climate facilitates their growth and thus they thrive in this small window of a few weeks.

Hundreds of people gather here to witness the magical experience. If you are planning to visit Rajmachi in this window, be prepared to witness a lot of crowd. Additionally, ensure that you do not cause any disturbance to their mating process.

Blazing speakers at full-blast, car horns, loud noises, pointing torches towards the trees where fireflies are present, damaging the grasses around the mating area can all be destructive for the fireflies and might cause a fall in their population.

Be a responsible trekker and explorer and respect the nature. Observe the magic in silence, refuse to stay in campsites that are within 500m of the mating area, opt for homestays, and avoid causing any kind of disturbance. Your efforts will ensure that your future generations get to witness this magic as well.

June to January:

Rajmachi is a pleasant place to visit pretty much throughout the year. The monsoon for the waterfalls, greenery, and magical clouds; the winter for the chilly climate (which you do not get in Mumbai) and fun camping; and the summer for its beautiful sunsets. Hiking up the forts might not be as pleasant in summer due to the scorching heat. Thus, you can avoid going to Rajmachi in between late February and early May.

Attractions at Rajmachi

Bhairav temple and the lake besides the temple - a beautiful forest walk leads you to this behind Udhewadi village. During Shraavana, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, people from all nearby villages come to this temple to get blessings from Lord Shiva. Similarly, there’s a huge gathering of people during the Mahashivratri Festival.

The Schedule for the trek can be as follows:

Day 1: 08:00 AM - Reach Lonavala (Indrayani Express 0540 HRS from CST) 08:30 AM - Leave for Fanasrai in Jeeps 09:30 AM - Start the hike towards Rajmachi 12:00 PM - Reach Rajmachi, rest and have lunch 04:00 PM - Start trek towards Shrivardhan Fort - watch sunset from there 06:30 PM - Back to Rajmachi, have a hot cup of tea, and Poha. 09:00 PM - Dinner followed by a visit to a nearby meadow

Day 2: 05:30 AM - Wake up and freshen up 06:00 AM - Start the trek to Manoranjan fort 08:00 AM - Back to Rajmachi, breakfast and tea. 09:00 AM - Start the journey towards Fanasrai 11:30 AM - Reach Fanasrai, move towards Lonavala

Things to Pack for Rajmachi Trek

- 3 Liters of water (compulsory)

- Torch with extra batteries (Do not rely on your phone’s torch) - preferably buy a headlamp

- Sun hat or cap

- Blankets and sheets (if you plan to camp or if it’s a night trek)

- Warm clothes during winters (Temperature could drop below 10° Celsius)

- Sports shoes or trekking shoes (strictly no sandals or chappals)

- Comfortable t-shirt (preferably dry-fit and full sleeves)

- Comfortable trousers (no jeans or shorts)

- Extra pair of clothes and a hoodie (weather gets chilly before sunrise)

- Electrolyte powder (such as Electral, Enerzal, etc.)

- Light snacks to munch on during breaks

- Fresh fruits / Dried fruits such as dates, figs / Nuts mix, etc for eating along on the trail

- A small day pack to carry all the above (Kindly avoid handbag/sling bag)

- Personal medications, if any

- Optional items: sun goggles, wet tissues, hand sanitizer, cameras, etc.

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nice info great article it is one of the Maharashtra

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🗓 Best Time To Visit: June to September (Monsoon Season)

⏰ Open Hours: 24 hours

🏞 Things To Do: Trekking, Visit Udhewadi Village, Explore Rajmachi Fort, Camping, Bird-Watching

💰 Budget: N/A

🧳 Traveller Types: Adventure Seekers, Nature Lovers, Photographers

🔖 Known For: Two fortresses Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, Ancient Buddhist caves, Panoramic views of the Sahyadri mountains

📍 Distances: 15 kms from Lonavala, 80 kms from Mumbai, 66 kms from Pune, 114 kms from Mumbai Airport, 90 kms from Pune Airport

🥾 Trek Difficulty: Moderate

🏕 Camping: Available with prior booking

📌 Tip: Carry enough water and snacks, wear comfortable shoes for trekking, avoid trekking during heavy rains

🚫 Restrictions: No littering, respect local culture and wildlife

Are you looking for an adventurous and rewarding getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city life? Do you want to explore the rich heritage and the stunning landscapes of the Western Ghats? If yes, then Rajmachi Trek is the perfect choice for you.

Rajmachi Trek is one of the most popular and thrilling treks near Mumbai and Pune, attracting thousands of nature lovers and history buffs every year. The trek takes you to the Rajmachi Fort, a 17th-century fortification that served as a strategic outpost for the Maratha Empire. The fort is located on a plateau between two hills, Shreevardhan and Manaranjan, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, forests, waterfalls, and lakes.

The Rajmachi Trek is not only about the fort, but also about the journey itself. The trek offers two routes to reach the fort, each with its own challenges and rewards. The Lonavala Route is shorter and easier, but less scenic, while the Karjat Route is longer and harder, but more scenic. Along the way, you will encounter various attractions, such as the Kondane Caves, a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, and the Udhewadi Village, a quaint hamlet that hosts the trekkers and offers a glimpse of the rural life.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Rajmachi Trek, such as how to reach, what to see, where to stay, what to eat, etc. We will also give you some tips and advice on how to make the most of your Rajmachi Trek experience. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Rajmachi Trek Difficulty

The first thing you need to know about the Rajmachi Trek is the difficulty level. The difficulty of the trek depends on several factors, such as the route you choose, the weather conditions, your fitness level, your trekking experience, etc.

The Rajmachi Trek offers two routes to reach the fort, the Lonavala Route and the Karjat Route. The Lonavala Route is shorter and easier, covering a distance of about 15 km (one way) and taking about 3 to 4 hours to complete. The route is mostly flat and well-marked, with a few gentle ascents and descents. The route is suitable for beginners and families, as well as for those who want to save time and energy.

The Karjat Route is longer and harder, covering a distance of about 18 km (one way) and taking about 5 to 6 hours to complete. The route is more rugged and steep, with a lot of ups and downs, and some rocky patches. The route is more scenic and adventurous, passing through dense forests, streams, waterfalls, and villages. The route is suitable for experienced and fit trekkers, as well as for those who want to enjoy the beauty and thrill of the trek.

The weather conditions also affect the difficulty of the trek, as they can change the terrain and the visibility. The Rajmachi Trek can be done throughout the year, but each season has its own pros and cons. The summer season (March to May) is hot and dry, making the trek more tiring and less enjoyable. The monsoon season (June to September) is wet and humid, making the trek more slippery and risky, but also more lush and refreshing. The winter season (October to February) is cold and pleasant, making the trek more comfortable and clear, but also more crowded and expensive.

Your fitness level and trekking experience also play a role in the difficulty of the trek, as they determine your stamina and endurance. The Rajmachi Trek is not a very demanding trek, but it does require a moderate level of fitness and some prior trekking experience. You should be able to walk for at least 4 to 6 hours a day, carrying a backpack of about 10 kg, and cope with the altitude and the weather changes. You should also be familiar with the basic trekking skills, such as navigation, camping, first aid, etc.

To prepare for the trek, you should do some physical exercises, such as jogging, cycling, swimming, etc., at least a month before the trek. You should also do some mental exercises, such as meditation, yoga, etc., to boost your confidence and motivation. You should also pack wisely, carrying only the essential items, such as clothes, shoes, water, snacks, medicines, etc., and avoiding any unnecessary items, such as books, gadgets, etc.

Rajmachi Trek Route

The next thing you need to know about the Rajmachi Trek is the route. The route is the path you follow to reach the fort, and it can make or break your trekking experience. The route can vary in terms of distance, time, scenery, attractions, etc., and you should choose the one that suits your preference, skill, budget, etc.

The Rajmachi Trek offers two routes to reach the fort, the Lonavala Route and the Karjat Route. Both routes start from different points, but end at the same destination, the Rajmachi Fort. You can choose either route, or even combine both routes, depending on your availability and interest. Here is a brief description of each route, along with their pros and cons.

Lonavala Route

The Lonavala Route is the shorter and easier route to reach the Rajmachi Fort. The route starts from the Lonavala Railway Station, which is well-connected by trains and buses from Mumbai and Pune. From the station, you can take a local bus or a shared jeep to reach the Tungarli Dam, which is about 5 km away. The dam is the starting point of the trek, and you can see a signboard indicating the direction to the fort.

From the dam, you have to follow a dirt road that leads to the Rajmachi Village, which is about 10 km away. The road is mostly flat and well-marked, with a few gentle ascents and descents. The road passes through some open fields, dry forests, and small villages, offering some views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The road is also frequented by vehicles, so you have to be careful and watch out for the traffic.

The Rajmachi Village is the end point of the trek, and you can see the Rajmachi Fort looming over the village. The village is also known as Udhewadi, and it is a quaint hamlet that hosts the trekkers and offers some basic facilities, such as food, water, accommodation, etc. The village is also the base camp for exploring the fort and the nearby attractions, such as the Kondane Caves and the Shreevardhan Fort.

Karjat Route

The Karjat Route is the longer and harder route to reach the Rajmachi Fort. The route starts from the Kondhane Village, which is about 15 km away from the Karjat Railway Station. The station is well-connected by trains and buses from Mumbai and Pune. From the station, you can take a local bus or a shared jeep to reach the Kondhane Village, which is the starting point of the trek.

From the village, you have to follow a trail that leads to the Kondane Caves, which are about 2 km away. The caves are a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, dating back to the 1st century BC. The caves are a major attraction of the trek, and you can see some sculptures, carvings, and paintings depicting the life and teachings of Buddha. The caves are also a good place to take a break and refresh yourself.

From the caves, you have to follow a trail that leads to the Rajmachi Village, which is about 16 km away. The trail is more rugged and steep, with a lot of ups and downs, and some rocky patches. The trail passes through dense forests, streams, waterfalls, and villages, offering some views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trail is also less frequented by vehicles, so you have more peace and solitude.

The Rajmachi Village is the end point of the trek, and you can see the Rajmachi Fort looming over the village. The village is also known as Udhewadi, and it is a quaint hamlet that hosts the trekkers and offers some basic facilities, such as food, water, accommodation, etc.

Rajmachi Trek Attractions

The Rajmachi Trek is not only about the fort, but also about the attractions and sights to see along the way. The trek offers a variety of attractions, such as historical, cultural, natural, and spiritual, that will enrich your trekking experience and make it more memorable. Here are some of the main attractions of the Rajmachi Trek, along with their history and significance.

Rajmachi Fort

The Rajmachi Fort is the main attraction and the destination of the Rajmachi Trek. The fort is a 17th-century fortification that served as a strategic outpost for the Maratha Empire. The fort is located on a plateau between two hills, Shreevardhan and Manaranjan, at an altitude of about 2700 feet above sea level. The fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, forests, waterfalls, and lakes, such as the Ulhas River, the Duke’s Nose, the Karjat Valley, the Bhimashankar Hills, the Pawna Lake, etc.

The fort consists of two smaller forts, Shreevardhan and Manaranjan, each with its own ramparts, gateways, bastions, water tanks, temples, etc. The forts are connected by a narrow saddle, which also houses the Rajmachi Village. The forts are named after the brothers Shreevardhan and Manaranjan, who were the sons of Prabhu, the founder of the Prabhu Deshastha Brahmin community.

The fort was built by the Satavahana dynasty in the 2nd century BC, and later occupied by various rulers, such as the Nizamshahi, the Mughals, the Marathas, and the British. The fort witnessed several battles and sieges, such as the Battle of Rajmachi in 1657, when Shivaji Maharaj captured the fort from the Adilshahi general Bahlol Khan, and the Siege of Rajmachi in 1818, when the British forces under Colonel Prother attacked the fort and forced the Maratha garrison to surrender.

The fort is a testament to the glorious history and the architectural marvel of the region, and it is a must-visit for any history lover and adventure seeker. The fort is also a popular spot for photography, birdwatching, stargazing, and camping.

Kondane Caves

The Kondane Caves are a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves, dating back to the 1st century BC. The caves are located near the Kondhane Village, which is the starting point of the Karjat Route. The caves are a major attraction of the trek, and they are about 2 km away from the village.

The caves consist of 16 excavations , including chaityas (prayer halls), viharas (monasteries), and cells (dormitories). The caves are adorned with some sculptures, carvings, and paintings depicting the life and teachings of Buddha. The caves also have some inscriptions in Brahmi script, which mention the names and donations of the patrons and the monks.

The caves are a reflection of the ancient culture and the religious beliefs of the region, and they are a must-see for any culture lover and art lover. The caves are also a good place to take a break and refresh yourself, as they offer some shade and coolness.

Shreevardhan Fort

The Shreevardhan Fort is one of the two smaller forts that make up the Rajmachi Fort. The fort is located on the Shreevardhan Hill, which is the higher and the larger of the two hills. The fort is about 1 km away from the Rajmachi Village, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the fort from the village.

The fort is named after Shreevardhan, who was the son of Prabhu, the founder of the Prabhu Deshastha Brahmin community. The fort was built by the Satavahana dynasty in the 2nd century BC, and later occupied by various rulers, such as the Nizamshahi, the Mughals, the Marathas, and the British. The fort was the main seat of power and the residence of the Maratha generals, such as Sardar Phadke and Sardar Kibe.

The fort has some structures and features, such as ramparts, gateways, bastions, water tanks, temples, etc. The fort also has a secret tunnel that leads to the Kondane Caves, which was used as an escape route in times of emergency. The fort offers splendid views of the surrounding valleys, forests, waterfalls, and lakes, such as the Ulhas River, the Duke’s Nose, the Karjat Valley, the Bhimashankar Hills, the Pawna Lake, etc.

The fort is a symbol of the bravery and the pride of the region, and it is a must-visit for any history lover and adventure lover. The fort is also a popular spot for photography, birdwatching, stargazing, and camping.

Udhewadi Village

The Udhewadi Village is a quaint hamlet that hosts the trekkers and offers some basic facilities, such as food, water, accommodation, etc. The village is also known as Rajmachi Village, and it is located on the saddle between the two hills, Shreevardhan and Manaranjan. The village is about 15 km away from the Tungarli Dam (Lonavala Route) and 16 km away from the Kondane Caves (Karjat Route).

The village is home to about 60 families, who belong to the Mahadev Koli tribe. The villagers are mostly farmers, who grow rice, vegetables, and fruits, such as mangoes, jackfruits, etc. The villagers are also hospitable and friendly, who welcome the trekkers and offer them some services, such as food, water, accommodation, guide, etc.

The village has some options and facilities for staying at Rajmachi, such as camping, homestays, hotels, etc. The village also has some attractions and sights to see, such as temples, ponds, wells, etc. The village is also the base camp for exploring the fort and the nearby attractions, such as the Kondane Caves and the Shreevardhan Fort.

The village is a glimpse of the rural life and the culture of the region, and it is a must-visit for any nature lover and culture lover. The village is also a good place to relax and rejuvenate, as it offers some peace and tranquility.

Rajmachi Trek Cost

The Rajmachi Trek is a budget-friendly trek, as it does not involve a lot of expenses. The trek can be done in a day or two, depending on your availability and interest. The trek can also be done solo or in a group, depending on your preference and safety. The trek can also be done throughout the year, but each season has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The Rajmachi Trek involves some costs, such as transportation, accommodation, food, entry fees, guide fees, etc. The costs can vary depending on the route you choose, the season you visit, the option you prefer, etc.

The Lonavala Route is the cheaper and easier route to reach the Rajmachi Fort. The route starts from the Lonavala Railway Station, which is well-connected by trains and buses from Mumbai and Pune. The transportation cost from Mumbai or Pune to Lonavala is about Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per person, depending on the mode and the time of travel.

From the Lonavala Railway Station, you can take a local bus or a shared jeep to reach the Tungarli Dam, which is about 5 km away. The transportation cost from Lonavala to Tungarli Dam is about Rs. 20 to Rs. 50 per person, depending on the mode and the availability of transport.

From the Tungarli Dam, you have to trek to the Rajmachi Village, which is about 10 km away. The trekking cost is nil, as you do not need any guide or permit to trek on this route. However, you may have to pay some entry fees or donations at some places, such as temples, water tanks, etc. The entry fees or donations are nominal, and they are optional.

At the Rajmachi Village, you have to stay for the night, as there is no transport available after sunset. The village has some options and facilities for staying, such as camping, homestays, hotels, etc. The accommodation cost ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per person, depending on the option and the season. The village also has some options and varieties of food available, such as local cuisine, snacks, beverages, etc. The food cost ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200 per person, depending on the option and the quantity.

The next day, you have to explore the fort and the nearby attractions, such as the Kondane Caves and the Shreevardhan Fort. The exploration cost is nil, as you do not need any guide or permit to explore these places. However, you may have to pay some entry fees or donations at some places, such as caves, temples, etc. The entry fees or donations are nominal, and they are optional.

After exploring the fort and the attractions, you have to trek back to the Tungarli Dam, which is about 10 km away. The trekking cost is nil, as you do not need any guide or permit to trek on this route. However, you may have to pay some entry fees or donations at some places, such as temples, water tanks, etc. The entry fees or donations are nominal, and they are optional.

From the Tungarli Dam , you can take a local bus or a shared jeep to reach the Lonavala Railway Station, which is about 5 km away. The transportation cost from Tungarli Dam to Lonavala is about Rs. 20 to Rs. 50 per person, depending on the mode and the availability of transport.

From the Lonavala Railway Station , you can take a train or a bus to reach Mumbai or Pune. The transportation cost from Lonavala to Mumbai or Pune is about Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per person, depending on the mode and the time of travel.

The total cost of the Lonavala Route is about Rs. 400 to Rs. 1200 per person, depending on the mode, option, season, etc. The cost can be reduced by opting for public transport, camping, homestays, etc. The cost can also be reduced by sharing the expenses with a group of friends or fellow trekkers.

The Karjat Route is the more expensive and harder route to reach the Rajmachi Fort. The route starts from the Kondhane Village, which is about 15 km away from the Karjat Railway Station. The station is well-connected by trains and buses from Mumbai and Pune. The transportation cost from Mumbai or Pune to Karjat is about Rs. 150 to Rs. 300 per person, depending on the mode and the time of travel.

From the Karjat Railway Station, you can take a local bus or a shared jeep to reach the Kondhane Village, which is the starting point of the trek. The transportation cost from Karjat to Kondhane is about Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per person, depending on the mode and the availability of transport.

From the Kondhane Village, you have to trek to the Rajmachi Village, which is about 16 km away. The trekking cost is nil, as you do not need any guide or permit to trek on this route. However, you may have to pay some entry fees or donations at some places, such as caves, temples, etc. The entry fees or donations are nominal, and they are optional.

After exploring the fort and the attractions, you have to trek back to the Kondhane Village, which is about 16 km away. The trekking cost is nil, as you do not need any guide or permit to trek on this route. However, you may have to pay some entry fees or donations at some places, such as caves, temples, etc. The entry fees or donations are nominal, and they are optional.

From the Kondhane Village , you can take a local bus or a shared jeep to reach the Karjat Railway Station, which is about 15 km away. The transportation cost from Kondhane to Karjat is about Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per person, depending on the mode and the availability of transport.

From the Karjat Railway Station , you can take a train or a bus to reach Mumbai or Pune. The transportation cost from Karjat to Mumbai or Pune is about Rs. 150 to Rs. 300 per person, depending on the mode and the time of travel.

The total cost of the Karjat Route is about Rs. 600 to Rs. 1500 per person, depending on the mode, option, season, etc. The cost can be reduced by opting for public transport, camping, homestays, etc. The cost can also be reduced by sharing the expenses with a group of friends or fellow trekkers.

Rajmachi Trek Best Time

The Rajmachi Trek can be done throughout the year, but each season has its own advantages and disadvantages. The season can affect the difficulty, scenery, availability, and cost of the trek, and you should choose the one that suits your preference, availability, safety, etc.

Summer season

The summer season is the least preferred season for the Rajmachi Trek, as it offers the least variety and excitement. The scenery can be dull and dusty, as the vegetation can be dry and brown. The waterfalls can be dry or reduced, and the lakes can be low or muddy. The views can be hazy or obscured, and the wildlife can be scarce or hidden.

The summer season is the least crowded and noisy season for the Rajmachi Trek, as it attracts the least number of trekkers and tourists. The availability and cost of the facilities can be high, as the demand can be low. The transport, accommodation, food, etc. can be easily available and affordable, and you can have more privacy and flexibility.

Monsoon Season

The monsoon season (June to September) is the wettest and most humid season for the Rajmachi Trek. The temperature can range from 20°C to 30°C, and the humidity can be high. The trek can be more slippery and risky, as the rain can be heavy and frequent.

The monsoon season is the most preferred season for the Rajmachi Trek, as it offers the most variety and excitement. The scenery can be lush and green, as the vegetation can be fresh and blooming. The waterfalls can be full and roaring, and the lakes can be high and clear. The views can be clear and stunning, and the wildlife can be abundant and active.

The monsoon season is the most crowded and noisy season for the Rajmachi Trek, as it attracts the most number of trekkers and tourists. The availability and cost of the facilities can be low, as the demand can be high. The transport, accommodation, food, etc. can be scarce and expensive, and you can have less privacy and flexibility.

The trek can be done throughout the year, but each season has its own advantages and disadvantages. The trek can be done in a day or two, depending on your availability and interest. The trek can also be done solo or in a group, depending on your preference and safety. The trek can also be done on a budget, as it does not involve a lot of expenses.

We hope this article has given you all the information you need to plan your Rajmachi Trek. We hope you have a great time and a memorable adventure. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.

If you have already done the Rajmachi Trek, please share your experience and tips with us. If you want to read more articles on similar topics, please check out our website. Thank you for reading and happy trekking.

Rajmachi Reviews

Places To Visit In Maharashtra

Travel Blogs for Rajmachi Park

Rajmachi Trek, Maharashtra

Located in the middle of the two famous hill stations Lonavala and Karjat, the Rajmachi trek in Maharashtra can be easily reached by both the Lonavala side and Kajrat sides. The journey to Rajmachi allows the trekkers to mount two forts Manaranjan fort and Shriwardhan fortstarting from the same base village of Udhewadi. The trekking from Lonavala to Rajmachi includes a much easier but longer path. The Rajmachi Trek from Lonavala will cover the muddy track accompanied by forest areas until the Udhewadi Village.

If you choose the Kajrat side the path will be filled with rich flora and fauna. Crossing the forest there might be a chance of sighting the mighty leopards in this forest belt. Although choosing any of the sides either Lonavala or Kajrat will be adventurous and memorable. As the area is located outer of the city, during the journey watching the sky carpeted with stars and the to witness the mesmerizing canvased sunrise is the best part of the Rajmachi Trek. Rajmachi trek is very famous for sightingfireflies. The moment will take you to the magical world with these beetles glowing after the sunset.Rajmachi Trekkers are preferred by many trekkers both beginners and professionals as it is one of the best treks that can be covered only on weekends.

A mesmerizing Journey to Behold

Rajmachi Fort is one of the most fascinating historical forts located in the rocky hills of the Sahyadri mountains. Encompassed by abundant green mountains, magnificent flora and fauna, cascading waterfalls, and lush green valleys, this fort is a perfect place for trekking. Through the Rajmachi Fort trek, associate yourself with the beauty of nature and experience an exciting day out with your friends and families. It is a beautiful place that can be enjoyed throughout the year, the silvery flowing streams, lush green forests &grasslands, and foggy clouds look just fascinating altogether.

Important Information on Rajmachi Trek

Difficulty Level

The Rajmachi Trekis aneasy-level and less challenging trek. The altitude is not very high in comparison to other treks and a person without any professional training or help can do this trek. Although during the monsoon seasontrekking here can be a little risky and challenging.

Altitude to Cover

• Lonavala – 2047 ft
• Rajmachi Trek – 2700 ft
• Shrivardhan fort – 3600 ft

Weather Conditions

The weather during the monsoon season is amazing and pleasant. During this season the trail to the Rajmachi fort will be at its peak, with greenery all around and cascading waterfalls to witness. In the winter season, the place becomes dry quite tremendously, and there will be less chance of seeing green lands or waterfalls. Although, the temperature will be quite comfortable and cozy, and because the trails will be dry it will much easier for the trekkers to walk them.

Trek companies

Some famous trekking sites organize trekking camps at Rajmachi Trek in Maharashtra

• Trek and Trails – INR 1,299/person (https://www.treksandtrails.org/)
• Trekhievers – INR 1,499/person (https://www.trekhievers.com/)
• Thrillophilia – INR 1,150/person (https://www.thrillophilia.com/)
• TrekPanda – INR 1,199/person (https://www.trekpanda.in/)

Things to Keep

• Necessary accessories – Raincoat or Umbrella, water bottle, torchlight, toilet paper, and wet wipes.
• Refreshments like dried fruits and nuts, biscuits and chocolates, and Packets of instant foods, in case of any emergency.
• Good quality trekking shoes lightweight with enough grip, and a pair of sandal floaters and slippers.
• Suitable clothes including a warm jacket, waterproof trek pants, warm thermals, waterproof gloves, woolen, and regular socks
• Personal medical kit with pills for headache, fever, cough, motion sickness, spray for sprains, band-aid, cotton, and mosquito repellent cream
• A notebook and pen for writing any important notes.
• Fully charged camera, extra battery backup.

The Rajmachi Trek is a 2 day and one-night journey, because of which there won’t be a problem with food. You will easily get authentic Marathi thali for dinner and lunch and a delicious breakfast during the trek.

Rajmachi Trek Itinerary

• At 11:30 a.m., Drive from Lonavala station to the base village
• Reach the Base Village at 12:30 p.m., and settle down in the allotted camps.
• At 2:00 p.m. embark on the journeyof a jeep ride to the Y fork junction and explorethe thrilling jungle trail.
• Reach the back to the base villageat 6:00 p.m. At 8:30 p.m. enjoy delicious Authentic Maharashtrian Local Veg Thali.
• Wake early morning to explore the majestic Forts at the premises
• At 06:30 a.m.witness, the splendid sunrise after you hike up to the Shrivardhan fort.
• At 7:00 a.m. trek down back to the base village
• Reach the base village at 9:15 a.m. and have a delicious breakfast.
• At 10:30 a.m., trek back to the jeep
• At 1:30 p.m.,Start the return journey to Lonavala

Best Time to do Rajmachi Trek

The best time to explore the trek to Rajmachi is from June to September. This time will be the beginning of monsoon when you’ll be able to witness the water springs and greenery throughout the trekto the fort.However, itis a beautiful place that can be visited anytime throughout the year, the glistening flowing streams, lush green forests &grasslands, and foggy clouds look majestic during the rainy season the best time to visit.

How to Reach Kathgodam for Roopkund Trek

• By Train: Kathgodam can be reached from Delhi and Dehradun easily and trains ply everyday from there. From Delhi, you can take Ranikhet Express or Uttar Sampark Kranti and from Dehradun, the Doon Express departs to Kathgodam.
• By Bus: There are regular buses from Delhi and Dehradun to Kathgodamthat you can take from the ISBT.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What is the best time to trek in the rajmachi trek.

The Rajmachi Trek can be explored at any time of the year, although the monsoon season is preferred to be the best time of the year. During this time, you’ll be able to witness the flowing streams, lush green forests & grasslands, and foggy clouds.

What is the difficulty level of the Rajmachi Trek?

The trek to Rajmachi fort is rated as easy to medium level. This trek can be covered by beginners also without any help froma guide.

What is the highest elevation of the Rajmachi Trek?

The highest elevation of Rajmachi Trekis 3600 ft.

What is the total trekking distance of the Rajmachi Trek?

The trekking distance of the Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek is around 16 km.

What is the total duration of the Rajmachi Trek?

The Nanda Devi Base Camp Trek in Maharashtrais a 2 days trek.

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Rajmachi trek blog❤️this easy trek is the pride of lonavla.

Rajmachi trek is the most sought after trek in Lonavla. Why? Rajmachi fort is near to Lonavla & Khandala which are one of India’s most famous hill station. Rajmachi is perfect day trip with beautiful monsoon waterfalls enroute & the mighty Kataldhar waterfall visible from the fort. Add to that the historical significance & since it is perfect for beginners makes it a must do activity in Lonavla. This Rajmachi trek blog covers my experience from summer & monsoon visit which will give you the perfect idea about the fort. You might ask Niraj is monsoon the better time to visit. Well read this Rajmachi Trek Blog and find for yourself. This blog will act as your Rajmachi trek guide to plan this trek yourself. Similar adventures like this one at the end of the post .

How difficult is the Rajmachi Trek?

Rajmachi Trek itself is very easy with half the trek from Udhewadi paved with stones. The trek is easy during all the seasons and I recommend it for families as well. The real difficulty is in reaching the Rajmachi base village of Udhwadi. Udhewadi is about 15 kms from Lonavla with bad to worse offroads. If you walk all of this 15 kms its tiring & if you take your vehicle its a bad offroad exercide for your vehicle.

How long is the Rajmachi Trek?

Niraj how much time does it take for the Rajmachi trek ? As i said earlier Rajmachi trek gets completed in an hour but the major time taken is to reach Udhwadi village which can require 2 hrs from Lonavla by walking or an hour of back breaking drive

Khane me Kya hia ?

The base village Udhwadi has sprout many hotels serving home made food. Pithala Bhakri – a local delicacy is a must try. Bro- Tip: When you reach Udhewadi select a particular hotel , order your food and take their mobile number and ask them to start preparing when you start to descend . Since its home made food it takes time. There are rock cut water cisterns / tanks but are no more in regular use. Hence carry your own drinking water . Avoid plastic consumption

Can we stay at Rajmachi ?

You can stay at Udhewadi. These are normal village homes so you can request locals for the stay. You can expect basic comforts of a village stay. If you want something luxurious one can stay at Lonavla ( During my Lonavala stay I had at the luxury resorts of Dukes Retreat & Upper Deck ). You can can always carry your tents and set up in udhewadi. Last i heard camping on Rajmachi was not allowed.

How to reach Rajmachi Fort from Pune & Mumbai ?

Where is Rajmachi fort located? Rajmachi is the most famous trek in Lonavala. It is 18 kms from Lonavala, 85 kms from Pune & 95 kms from Mumbai. Rajmachi can be reached from Lonavla side & Karjat side. The routes from Karjat are bit obscure & I will just give you an overview

Rajmachi Trek from Lonavla:

From Lonavla side is where Rajmachi is often visited because of the ease & ofcourse the views. Lonavla Railway station is the nearest one. From here are again two routes which will take you to Udhewadi – the base village of Rajmachi fort.

Route 1: ( 1 5km walk from Lonavla Railway station to Udhewadi )From Lonavla Railway Station ask/search route to Rajmachi route and start walking. Use google maps to search Upper Deck Resort which is at 5kms . Just ahead of this resort is Waterfall1 where you meet the road from Route 2. This route is famously known as the Upper Deck resort Route . From here onwards just walk straight to Udhewadi. There is only one road fork called Valvand fork take left from there to Udhewadi Route 2: ( 14.3km road from Mumbai-Pune Expressway ) Route from Kune Village: This would be nearer for people from Mumbai side or for those who want to take their vehicle. Just start walking from under the Mumbai- Pune expressway towards the Della Adventure & continue ahead to Rajmachi. After Della the road is nothing but rocks, good for offroading but bad for your vehicle. ( I guess Della has paid the officials to get the road concretised till their entrance ) This is route taken by all vehicles to reach Udhewadi

TAXI: there are sumo Taxi’s available from Lonavla Railway station which would charge for 1000 bucks till Fanasrai , from where you can walk for another 1hr to reach Udhewadi. They will take you all the way to Rajmachi (Base village- Udhewadi) for 1500 Rs. If you are lucky you might get a shared Sumo Taxi for 100 Rs per seat but chances of that happening are less

Lonavla Route is described in this blog

Rajmachi Trek Route Map from Lonavla

Rajmachi Trek from Karjat:

Route 1: There is single trail which starts from near Kondana Cave & it will take about 2-3 hours from there to reach Udhewadi village. You wll need to follow the orange ribbons tied throughout the way to stay on track

Route2: There is tough, long & confusing route know as “Ghodichi Vaat to Rajmachi” which starts from Mundewadi near Kondana . This will require a guide and will discuss that route in another blog.

Rajmachi Trek Route Map from Karjat

What should I carry on this trek ?

First few things you must carry are qualities of a good human being - never trouble wild life, never draw on fort walls, never risk your life for selfies, never throw plastic anywhere (carry back all waste) and never play loud music. When in nature behave like animals. BE ONE WITH NATURE

On treks, first preference for food is ghar ka khana, fruits, dry fruits, lemon juice & lots of water over biscuits, breads and carbonated drinks. Also I do carry 1₹ chocolates for quick energy boosts. My normal attire includes full sleeved clothes , cap & proper trek shoes ( No flip-flops) Good goggles i.e anti-glares are must for summer treks. I also carry safety gadgets like fire starter, waterproof torch, whistle, first-aid just in case.

Trek Gear on Amazon

fire🔥starter

arm sleeves

sleeping bag

selfie stick & tripod

buff/bandana

mountain watch

costly shoes

backpack 30l

mountain books

Knee pain oil

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Most common question

Travel full time

This is perfect fit for a traveller mindset. You can trade from anywhere around the world be it some off the grid village in Himachal or Meghalaya, be it some camping spot from Sahyadris. All you need is an internet connection and a trading account . You can earn by trading for 1-2 hrs a day and would have freedom to do anything in the free time.Or you might have just earned enough in a day to take the month off travelling around the world

As with anything in life many have suceeded & many have failed as well. Its not easy , but if sucessfull this has enormous wealth creation potential to make all your dreams come true. Hence its worth a shot. I would suggest you get a feel for it and take it up as a side project for 6 months to see if you have patience & intellect to learn it.

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Rajmachi Fort Trek Blog: TheFreeBird’s Story

I have done this trek in monsoon as well as summer from Lonavla as well as Karjat hence i have so many different perspectives. For starters i had taken my bike all the way to Udhewadi via the Della Route. You think below road is bad wait for the monsoon version

The route after Della Adventure is bad would be a huge understatement. But then if you want to save some time on walking offroading is the only option. The first point where i stopped was waterfall 1 this is the place where the upper deck resort trail meets the Della road trail.

I remember spending a lot of time in monsoon and really got me excited as I took so many pics. During my summer trip i barely stopped here for 2 minutes. On the same route falls the Kataldhar trek start point . It was difficult to spot this entry when i first visited here. But now a days it has not remained offbeat and attracts a lot of crowd. As such the entrance is also well marked these days.

Going ahead a bit more is the waterfall 2 . During monsoon the walk till the waterfall 2 itself can classify as a proper monsoon trek with such picture perfect waterfalls. Here is another before & after photos.

In monsoon you will find many people enjoying the easily accessible waterfalls. There is a small make shift hotel in monsoon which served some maize & vada pav. After getting drenched in the waterfall chai tasted the best ever.

From here onwards one has to walk to truly beautiful landscape of sahyadris on the left side & occasional waterfalls on the right. I was enjoying the off-roading on my xpulse.

Once i reached Udhewadi, the Rajmachi trek appeared like a real small one. The real exercise is in reaching Udhewadi itself. There are two parts of Rajmachi fort – Manranjan & Shrivardhan ballekilla. The Shrivardhan is the one which is mostly visited for the great view of Kataldhar warterfall it offers . I planned to do both but could only visit the Shrivardhan due to lack of time.

The fort is well maintained & the trek route from Udhewadi is properly laid stone track.

I crossed some 150 -200 stairs to enter the fort in about half an 20minutes . This is a straightforward trek hence I highly recommend it to beginners& families (if they can reach Udhewadi by vehicle)

View from Rajmachi top

Another 15-20 minutes and i was at the top of the Shrivardhan ballekilla . The view from here provides a vista of entire range of Karjat forts. I spotted Manikgad , Karnala , Songiri , NathBaba Caves , Matheran , Sondai , Irshalgad on one side. Towards the right one can spot Bhimashankar , Padargad , Kothaligad etc. On the left side is ofcourse the beloved Kataldhar waterfall. Get ready for a beautiful before & after photos.

This baston / buruj is has the best view. Rajmachi was surrounded by clouds with rain drops just floating in the air i.e. clouds making it impossible to take out my camera. I remember sitting here for hours in rain waiting for the clouds to clear up just to get a proper look at Kataldhar . Finally the clouds cleared up and i was able to see the vast green expanse till Lonavla.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Niraj Bhagat (@i_am_thefreebird)

I remember taking so many pics with a completely drenched mobile. I knew my mobile may stop working and i may loose all my data but such was the beauty that I couldnt stop myself from risking the rain.

Within few moments the clouds were back again in action covering the entire area,. With that i called it a day and rushed as fast as i could to my Hot Pithala Bhakri wating for me at the Udhwadi hotel. Quick lunch & I was off to my return journey.

That’s it for the Rajmachi trek blog .

If you have any doubts add a comment at the end of this post or reach out to me through my social media channels. To explore all my social platforms, just continue scrolling to the end of this page.

I've written blogs covering numerous Sahyadri treks, all accessible in the section below. Additionally, I create ambient Sahyadri videos on YouTube, featuring solely natural sounds such as birdsong, wind rustling through the trees, and the soothing patter of rain—the elements of nature that I hold dear.

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• ← Beatrice Cliff Trek ❤️Toughest Matheran Trek is beautiful
• Matheran Trekking Routes ❤️ All Matheran Treks #ProjectMatheran →

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Rajmachi Fort Trek, adventurous one day trip (INR 350)

Are you sad because you don’t have leaves left for a long trip? Are you looking for a place where you can experience most of nature’s gifts in just a one day trip? If yes, Rajmachi Fort trek is waiting for you. A trek which blesses you with lush green mountains, numerous waterfalls, deep valleys, beautiful fort, amazing trails, flowing river, vast plateaus, village life, water reservoir and much more.

Rajmachi Fort 

A bit risky option on Rajmachi Fort Trek

Rajmachi fort trek , a historical fort amidst the rugged hills of Sahyadri is a popular destination for nature lovers, travellers, and trekkers. I did this trek in the last monsoon season, but the memories are still so fresh.

Rajmachi Fort Trek

How to reach Rajmachi fort from Mumbai and Pune

Rajmachi Fort lies somewhere in the mid of Mumbai Pune route . Mumbai and Pune are well connected to major Indian cities via railways and roadways.

From Mumbai , one can catch a train going towards Pune and get down at Karjat . From Shree Ram Bridge, Karjat catch a shared Auto (Tum –Tum) (INR40) to reach Kondhane village. You can start the trek from this village. On the way, you can also see the beautiful Kondhane Caves .

Note: This is the longer route to reach Rajmachi and trek can take easily around 3-4 hours (one way), but the views all along the way are breathtaking.

From Pune , one can catch a local train to reach Lonavala. From Lonavala , there are 2 routes to reach Udhewadi (base village of Rajmachi fort). Lonavala – Kunhe village – Della adventure Park – Udhewadi and Lonavala – Tungarli – Nandgaon – Udhewadi are the two routes.

One can drive all the way to the base village Udhewadi except in the monsoon season as the road conditions are very bad. Most of the vehicles can go only up-to Fanasrai, from where Udhewadi is another 6.2 kms. Shared taxis are available for Fanasrai from Lonavala railway station in the monsoon season(100-120 INR per person). From Fanasrai, it would take around 2 hours to reach the base village.

Note: Take the Della adventure park route if you are riding by yourself as it is better when compared to Tungarli road route.

Difficulty level of Rajmachi Fort Trek

I would rate Rajmachi Fort Trek as a medium level trek . If you are a beginner, I would suggest you start the trek from base village Udhewadi(if your vehicle can reach till there). Experienced trekkers can start trekking from Kondhane caves or Tungarli Lake. The trail from the base village is clearly marked and it generally takes around one hour to reach the top . Also, there are many shelters all along the trail, which helps to catch your breath. If you are doing the trek in monsoon, just be extra cautious as the route becomes little slippery.

Views on Rajmachi Fort trek

Huge waterfall as seen on Rajmachi Fort Trek

My journey to Rajmachi Fort

I rarely visit a place again, but the beauty of Rajmachi Fort Trek brought me here twice in a span of 3 months. Previously, I visited the place in the summer season and looking at the route, I knew I was definitely coming back here in the coming monsoon season.

The Great Wall on Rajmachi Fort Trek

Along with a friend, I started for Rajmachi Fort from Pune around 5:00 AM. We took the Lonavala – Tungarli – Nandgaon – Udhewadi route. Owing to the monsoon, somewhere near the Tungarli Lake, the road was in very bad condition. So we decided to park our bike and trek all the way till Rajmachi.

Rajmachi Fort Trek route

Our decision to do Rajmachi Fort trek was justified, as we were blessed with breathtaking views all along the way. There are numerous small waterfalls on the route till Rajmachi, taking a bath in those waterfalls was really amazing. It re-energizes you to move forward.

Rajmachi Fort Trek 

There are small food joints on the way to erase your hunger. Having tea and pakora in that surroundings would definitely make a memory for a lifetime. After walking for around 2 ½ hours, we made it to the base village.

River in route to Rajmachi Fort 

It generally takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the top of the fort, including few pit stops along the way. The beautiful and lush green surroundings reminded me of what I miss in modern concrete cities. The view of the lush green western Ghat from the top is incredible.

Breathtaking views on Rajmachi Fort trek

Breathtaking scenes as seen on Rajmachi Fort Trek

Places to see at Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort has two fortified peaks, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, with a wide plateau separating the two peaks. Also, the fort has few temples, water reservoir, caves, ramparts and the ruins of fortification. The structure at the top may not delight you, but yes the journey to reach the top is really amazing.

Rajmachi Fort

Shirota Lake

On my third visit to Rajmachi, I got to know about this beautiful lake (thanks to zoom in function in Gmaps) which is just a few kilometers away from the base village Udhewadi. Finding the route of this lake is a tough task, but after few efforts, I finally made it to the Shirota Lake. Search for Valvand village road fork on Gmaps, and once you reach that fork, take the right road. After few meters on that road, there would a road going uphill on the right-hand side. From there, walk towards the lake using blue dot(your location) on GPS.

Shirota Lake on Rajmachi Fort trek

Fireflies at Rajmachi Fort trek

Most of you might have seen the fireflies.  But have you ever seen them in large numbers in a small area? If not, here is an opportunity!! On the way to Rajmachi Fort, in the last few days of May and the first few days of June, one can see fireflies which are concentrated to a few trees. Watching them glowing together on a small tree, I felt as if it was a Christmas tree where some has put on the twinkling lights. Below click is not at all doing justice to what I saw in reality.

Note :- I did the night trek to Rajmachi on 2nd June 2018, it was very humid, which is said to be the perfect condition to spot fireflies.

Fireflies as seen on Rajmachi Fort trek 

If you visiting Rajmachi in the monsoon season and have a extra day or two in hand, don’t miss doing the Kataldhar waterfall Trek which lies in the same region. The waterfall trek will leave you stunned. You can read details of the same on my post:   Kataldhar Waterfall Trek – A journey through the dense forest.

Me at Kataldhar Waterfall

Stay and food options at Rajmachi Fort

Generally, no one stays overnight at the fort as it can be covered on a day trip from Mumbai or Pune. If you are looking for camping, you can pitch a tent at the Kal Bhairavnath Temple which is near to the base of the fort. Tents are available for rent if you don’t have one. The locals also offer home-stays; you can stay at their home if you are not comfortable camping.

Local selling lemon drink to earn his living 

The tent that I carry during the treks is Quechua Arpenaz 2 Tent . It has enough space for 2 people.

If you are too tired to come down to the base village, you can take shelter in the cave. Setting up tents at the top would be difficult due to high-speed winds, which prevail almost for the entire day.

Trails being cleaned by the trekkers

The locals can cook food for you if informed in advance. I would suggest you taste the Pithla Bhakri – a traditional Maharashtra food. The Pithla has a semi-solid consistency. It is made from chickpea flour and is eaten with Bhakri.

Waterfall seen from top of fort

There are many options of fort treks in Maharashtra. If you are looking for some other option, you can check my previous post on Tikona Fort and Torna Fort .

Amazing view from Rajmachi Fort top

To believe that whatever I am talking about Rajmachi Fort trek is not an exaggeration but the reality, you need to plan a trip soon to this amazing gift of nature.

Do follow me on Instagram as I am regularly posting travel posts and stories over there. Also, you can message me on Instagram if you want to join me on my next trip.

Are you looking for some essential travel gear? Check out my post on What’s in my Backpack .

Looking for more weekend gateway options near Pune? Check out these posts:

• A cycle trip to Lavasa city from Pune (INR 100)
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52 thoughts on “ Rajmachi Fort Trek, adventurous one day trip (INR 350) ”

Hi Abhishek..great write up… Just wanted to know how much time does it usually take to trek from Kondane village to Rajmachi fort?

Which will be the easiest treck with my 8 yrs daughter In Feb next month?

Hello Abhishek, Your blog posts are really appreciated. I read your both write-up on Rajmachi and Rajgad fort. I am planning for a trip in December 1st week. If I have only 1 day to spend, which one I should prefer during this time period – Rajmachi or Rajgad? Thanks in advance for your suggestion.

Hey Makshum, thank you so much!! Both are equally beautiful. If I had to make a choice, I would go for Rajmachi

if i start my trip around 7 am by ola cab from badlapur then after all treking time , on what time i will be return back at badlapur Please reply the whole timing when i will be return back??

What types of shoes i should wear to do safe treking?

From where rajmashi trek is near we are planning to trek we r from Mumbai so tell us how we can plan one day trek

You can take a train till Lonavala and from there a shared taxi for Fanasrai. From Fanasrai, you can begin with the trek!!

Beautiful pictures ! Great work ! Thanks for the info.

Hi Abhishek, After reading your blog planning for a Rajmachi Trek with my family in July or August. Till which point can I go with my own four wheeler? From there what is the trek distance to the fort? I am planning a day trip. What will be a good time to leave Pune ?

Hey Jai, that’s great to hear!!You can probably take the 4 wheeler upto half way from there you would need to walk for 3-4 kms to reach the base village. Plan to leave Pune by 6 am or so if you can.

Thank you for sharing all such amazing experiences. nice write-up and Awesome pictures. will definitely share with my friends about this blog.. we are planning for a one day trip to Rajmachi fort.we can reach to lonavala railway station by morning 9:00AM Please help us out how can we reach the base village from station and to start our trek? what would be the cost generally? awaiting for your reply.

thanking you,

From Lonavala station, you do get shared taxis sometimes for the base village. If you don’t get the same, you can take the auto up to the point till where the roads are good. Cost per person would be around 100/person for the taxi/Auto.

Hello Abhishek, The explanation which you have given about your trek was excellent. I planned a trip to lonavala in july, I would be staying there for 3N 4D. Would you please help me to plan my 3 days lonavala trip .what all the places can I visit in that 3N 4N .

Thank you!! Can you text me on my Instagram handle (@onacheaptrip) and I will help you with the details.

Excellent description of your trek here!! Really found almost all the information and the pictures I was looking for. Just one question though… can I reach Udhewadi village on a bike if I start from Pune at around 10am? July month :).. Is the road motorable for a bike?

Thank you Gopal. It all depends on the rain . But you will probably be able to make it to Udhewadi village on bike if you go till 10th July or near about.

Hey, me and my friends are planning to visit rajmachi from hyderabad so could you please let me know how to reach to the place.

Hey that’s great to hear. I must have mentioned the details on how to reach Rajmachi on my blog. You can check the same.

Trekking to Rajmachi in 2 week of May would be good ?

In the day time, it gets very hot so won’t recommend. You can do a night trek to Rajmachi Fort.

Hello, the description is very amazing. Me and my frnds ka planning to go for rajmachi-fort-trek so can uh please guide me about coming back to Mumbai how is the transportation mode for the same day

Thank you so much Nikita. From the trek, if you aren’t tired. you can walk all the way to Della adventure park from where you can hire auto for Lonavala station. From the station, you can take any train plying towards Mumbai Other option is to trek till Kondhane village from where you can opt for shared Tum-Tum. The auto will drop you at Jataka from where you can catch any train for Mumbai.Hope that helps. Happy Journey 🙂

Wow what a detailed description !! I’m planning to do 2 two trek+camping in lonavala region in January. Which two would you recommend? Rajmachi (camp at shirota or bhairavnath) / Lohagad (camping at Pawna) / Tung / Tikona … there are too many options that I see

Rajmachi and camping at Shirota as Pawna becomes too crowded generally.

Thanks Abhishek! I want to pick one more camping site as I’ll be there for 2 nights. What would you suggest apart from Shirota?

I would suggest you to camp at Rajgad Fort.

Hey …thanks for the detail info… We are planning for Rajmachi in 1st week of November. In your pics I can see many waterfalls..etc but that was during monsoon…..Would we be able to see any waterfall or water streams in between route to base village from Lonavala Railway Station so that we can get some relax from heat..

Hey Rehan, thank you so much for your appreciation!! All the waterfalls on the trek route from Lonavala to Rajamachi are seasonal and by November 1st week all would have already dried up. A day before yesterday, surprisingly it rained here in Pune, and if you are lucky enough it may even rain in Rajmachi region in November. But the chances are very little!!! I would suggest you to start the trek a bit early in order to avoid excessive heat!! Happy journey 🙂

Thank you for sharing all details of your amazing experience. We are group of 5 peoples planning to visit Rajmachi on 13th Oct. We are plaaning to reach at Udhewadi base village on 12th oct at night and stay there overnight. We are visiting here for the first time so i have few questions to ask. I Just wanted to know whether i can stay on fort overnight? Also we are planning to descending via Karjat. So is it a safe path for descending? How much time it will take?

There are as such no stay option at the fort. You can pitch in a tent over there. I would suggest you to stay at the base village overnight and trek to the top at early morning. Yes the Karjat route is pretty good for the descend. It will take around 2-3 hours for the descend.

Hello abhishek, My friends and I were planning to trek on Oct 7,as a one day trek,do we need a guide or is it safe to trek without one,where do we need to park the car? We wanted to get back before 4pm

Hey Ravi, that’s great to hear.that you are planning to go for the Rajmachi Fort trek. You don’t need a guide at all, you can do it all by yourself. Most probably you will be able to take the car all the way to the base village Udhewadi as the monsoon have almost gone. Otherwise, you can drive as far as you could and park anywhere on the roadside. It’s absolutely safe over there so there won’t be any issue at all. You can start your day early (6 am) and you will be easily back by 4 pm. If you still have any doubts, please let me know. Happy journey!! Cheers 🙂

Is it safe for a solo female trekker??

Hello everyone. We are group of friends planning to trek rajmachi fort. Few of us from Mumbai and few from pune. So can you suggest a spot for gathering to start trek and path. We don’t have bike or car. Anyone knows please guide.

Both of the groups can catch a train to Lonavala station. From Lonavala, hire an auto and ask him to drop you till Della adventure park. From there you can trek all the way to Rajmachi. Remember its a long trek so start early from Mumbai- Pune.

Nice writeup. Can you please help me on best way for one day trek from Mumbai? We will be visiting in first week of August.

Hey Raj, from Mumbai, you can catch a train going towards Pune and get down at Karjat. From Shree Ram Bridge, Karjat catch a shared Auto (Tum –Tum) (INR40) to reach Kondhane village. You can start the trek from this village. This is the longer route to reach Rajmachi and trek can take easily around 3-4 hours (one way), but the views all along the way are breathtaking. You can also get down at Lonavala station, catch an auto for Della adventure park( 5 kms) and start your trek from there. The trail is well marked and you will find a lot of trekkers all along the way.

Hi, I am planning to go alone for one day trek to Rajmachi. Is it safe to travel along? Also guide where i can park my car safely?

Hey Aakash, no issues at all. It’s absolutely safe!! There is a bridge to the point where the cars go easily. You can park over there, you will find many other vehicles parked over there. Happy traveling 🙂

Hello Abhishek, That seems like an amazing experience. We are planning on a trek in the next few weeks. We will be coming from Pune but are experienced trekkers. From your post, the Tungarli Lake sounds like a good start point. Can we park our car there? Also can you share a route map from Tungarli Lake to the fort? We would want to camp at the Fort or the temple through the night. What time we need to start from Pune to be able to reach there on time?

Hey Nirajan, yeah it was an amazing experience. I would suggest you take the Della adventure park route, and take the car as far as you can. You might have to stop at a point where the roads would be in pretty bad condition. You can park your car anywhere there, no safety issues!! I have already shared route on the post. You can just use Gmaps and type in Udhewadi and follow the directions. Also, there will be a lot of trekkers over there, so you may find the route easily. You can start from Pune by 10:00 am, reach Della adventure around 1:00 pm and go little more ahead. From there you would reach the base by 4-5 pm. Let me know if you have more doubts.

Thanks that was helpful. By parking at Della adventure, Would it take 3 hours to the base? From the base I am assuming it will take only about 2 hrs to climb to the top? The constraint is that i can leave Pune only after 2. Is the route dangerous after sunset?

Yes it would take around 3 hours to reach the base from Della adventure and route is mostly flat. From the base, it would take around 1-1.5 hours to reach the top . If you start from Pune around 2, you will be at Della adventure by 3:30 -4 pm. So you can reach the base by 7 pm. No worries, I recently did a night trek to catch views of fireflies at Rajmachi, I started from pune around 12 pm. So don’t worry its pretty safe!!

Thank you for sharing alll details of amazing experience. I am planning to go to Lonavala in Feb. What time would be best to reach there? Would we be able to see everything like this if we reach there after 11am

Thanks for reading!! The post is on Rajmachi Fort which is near to Lonavala. The pics I have taken are of Monsoon season so you won’t be experiencing the lush green surroundings and foggy weather as in pics. Also till 11 am the weather would be hot so it’s better to reach little late. You can enjoy the view of the sunset from this fort.

nice piece of information.. thanks a lot… planning rajmachi fort trek for the coming weekend.

Thank you so much!! Wishing you a great journey 🙂

Nice write-up. Have been following all your write-ups and have to say they are very informative. The pictures are the icing on the cake!

Thank you so much 🙂 Hope you keep reading my upcoming posts !!!

Yes Abhishek it was surely a lifetime experience for me. The nature at its best and can’t be described better than this with the breathtaking photographs. Waiting for your next post as badly was waiting for this.

Yes it was indeed a great experience!! yes next post is coming soon 🙂

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Rajmachi Trek and Kondane Caves: The ideal weekend getaway!

Rajmachi Trek and Kondane Caves: The ideal weekend getaway! Highlights

• Trek through lush green forests and take a dip in streams and waterfalls!
• Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the Sahyadris!
• Ideal for beginners and avid trekkers!

Rajmachi Trek and Kondane Caves: The ideal weekend getaway! Overview

Rajmachi Trek is a perfect trek that promises the most scenic views of Sahyadri Hills and its flora-fauna. It is the full nature package where you will experience lush green mountains, waterfalls, green valleys, beautiful forts, the most amazing thrilling trails & many more attractions. Another wonder you will experience on this trek is watching fireflies at night from the campsite. This trek is also known as the Rajmachi Fireflies trek. Here the environment in the Sahyadri Hills region is very easy for fireflies to live and flourish. These belong to the bug family and exhibit bioluminescence which makes them special. During the night from the campsite, you can easily spot them which will make you spellbound. It will be a wonderful experience for you throughout life. The Rajmachi Fort is near Lonavala which is the famous hill station near Mumbai, Pune settled in the Western Ghats at Sahyadri Hills. The Western Ghats is a world biodiversity heritage site. It is perched at the elevation of 2710 m above sea level. Throughout the route on the Rajmachi trek, you will have the chance to see the flora & fauna of the Western Ghats. The specialty of this area is it remains evergreen and in the monsoon season, it becomes green heaven.  It is the best getaway near Mumbai, Pune to rejuvenate your selves from routine work stress. Here you will enjoy being kind in the lap of mother nature. If you have time available then you can also visit one of the wonders near Rajmachi Fort which is Kataldhar Waterfall.    While trekking to the fort you will find 3 mango trees from there is the only way to reach Kataldhar Fall. There you will find a cave that 100 people occupy at the same time. From there enjoying the views of Rajmachi -Shrivardhan Fort Balekilla is the most amazing thing. During monsoon, you will experience many small waterfalls throughout the route which makes it wonderful. Rajmachi Fort Trek is the full package for the person that has an interest in archeology and history as well as for nature lovers also.  The surroundings make it so beautiful as from there, you can capture the natural beauty of the Sahyadri range’s lush green hills and forest. It is the perfect spot for shutterbugs for quenching their thirst for photography.  The difficulty level of the trek is easy to moderate. It is advised that if you are a beginner-level trekker then start trekking from the base village Udhevadi and if you are an experienced trekker then the trek route from Kondane caves will be the most amazing option for you. During monsoons, the trek becomes a little slippery so be careful about that and trek carefully.   About Location Rajmachi Fort is one of the best examples of Maratha architecture. It is settled in the Sahyadri Hills of Western Ghats. It comprises two forts Manaranjan and Shrivardhan near Udhewadi Village. Shrivardhan Fort is named based on Shrivardhan Ganpatrao Patwardhan who was one of the Maratha officials. The structure of this fort looks like a watch tower. It has two water tanks and one water tank has an iron pole in between the tank. It is considered that it was used as a watch tower. Manaranjan Fort is low in height as compared to Shrivardhan Fort. It is a neighboring fort and has large rampant and three gates. From Manaranjan Fort you can enjoy the views of Karnala Fort.  The base village is Udhewadi from where the trek route starts. It is situated in Mawal Taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra. The exact location of Udhewadi is the southern foot of Rajmachi Fort. As a brief history, Satvahans established this fort under their rule, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort from the Bijapur Sultan in the year 1657, After as time passed Mughals ruled over this fort and stayed the year 1704 to 1705. In the year 1818 British took over this fort as the Maratha powers became weak.  The Architecture of Rajmachi Fort is impressive and shows glimpses of past ruling times. This fort has secret gates, water reservoirs, vast ramparts, strong walls, broad and high gateways, residential units, and many more attractions. All these specialties are enough to make you in awe.  Apart from these attractions, there are several temple complexes there in the Kal Bhairava temple between Shriwardhan and Manaranjana Fort is main. It is the central religious spot for the nearby peoples, and also visitors can seek blessings from there. Another point of attraction is that ancient caves belonging to Buddhism are considered to be built-in 200 BC.  Activities to Do The main activity on this trek is trekking. Other activities are camping, bird watching, firefly watching at night, photography, vlogging, etc. The Rajmachi Trek is one of the heavenly treks in the western ghats. You can capture all the amazing scenes in your camera for a lifelong memory. Trekking and Camping in the lush green surroundings cast a spell on you. You will be mesmerized by the views. Vlogging will also be the most interesting activity there. There you can make the most wonderful blog which will be a gift to your subscribers from your side.  About Stay There are two kinds of stay options available there one is Camping and another one is a homestay. The Kalbhairav Temple complex is suitable for camping and is nearby the base of Rajmachi Fort. Another good option is homestay offered by locals. You can stay there and enjoy their hospitality. It is the best way to know about the area with the help of locals.  How to Get in There The Rajmachi Fort lies in between the Mumbai - Pune route. So either from Mumbai or Pune, you can reach from both sides for the Rajmachi Trek. The direct train is not available for Rajmachi as there it does not have a railway station. The nearest railway station is Lonavala which is 84 km away from Mumbai. After reaching there you can hire a private tourist cab or through sharing taxi services to reach the start of the trek.    The Udhevadi is the base village to ascend Rajmachi Trek. There are two ways to reach Udhevadi, one is from Kunhe Village, and another route goes to Udhevadi from Lonavala via Tungarli, Nandgaon. 

Itinerary For Rajmachi Trek and Kondane Caves: The ideal weekend getaway!

Day 1 - Pune Itenary

• Gather at Pune Railway Station at 4:00 pm and issue your local tickets to Lonavala from the ticket counter.
• Board the local train and arrive in Lonavala by 5:30 pm.
• 6:00 pm: Board the Sumo vehicles from Lonavala to Rajmachi.
• 7:30 pm: The vehicles will drop us at the trekking starting point, allowing us to enjoy the mesmerizing sight of fireflies along the way.
• 9:45 pm: Reach the base village, savor a delectable dinner, and set up camp.
• 11:00 pm: Spend the night with friends beneath a star-studded sky, accompanied by the soothing melodies of guitar music (on Saturdays).
• 6:00 am: Wake up and trek to Shrivardhan Fort to witness the breathtaking sunrise.
• 8:00 am: Capture stunning photographs from the summit and return to the base.
• 9:00 am: Enjoy a hearty breakfast and board your SUMO vehicle to Lonavala.
• 12:00 pm: Arrive at Lonavala station and catch the next available train, reaching Pune as per the train schedule.

View Images

Day 1 - Mumbai Itinerary

• 3:00 pm: Depart from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSTM) on the HYD Express train bound for Lonavala.
• 5:30 pm: Arrive at Lonavala station.
• 7:30 pm: The vehicles will transport us to the trekking starting point, where we can enjoy the enchanting sight of fireflies during our journey.
• 9:45 pm: Reach the base village and indulge in a delightful dinner, followed by setting up our camp.
• 11:00 pm: Spend a memorable night with friends, gazing at the starry sky and listening to guitar music (on Saturdays).
• 6:00 am: Wake up early and commence our trek to Shrivardhan Fort to witness the captivating sunrise.
• 9:00 am: Enjoy a satisfying breakfast and board the SUMO vehicle back to Lonavala.
• 12:00 pm: Arrive at Lonavala station and catch the next available train, returning to Mumbai according to the train schedule.

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Rajmachi Trek and Kondane Caves: The ideal weekend getaway! Reviews

Sahil nagpal, amazing trekking experience.

One of the best fort and peak for trekking and the views from the top were just amazing . you will enjoy the beauty .

Ravi Gajanand

Very nice trek , enjoy there with friends a lot .

Abhishek Sharma

Amazing experience.

One of the best trekking i have ever done . It was so beautiful and the waterfalls views were amazing . and food provided at the base camp was Good .

Bhusan Patil

Rajmachi trek.

Awesome place, the view on the way is breathtaking. The road is not good during monsoon. The way is filled with water, so plan accordingly. There are many beautiful waterfalls on the way.

Trekking Experience

Rajmachi trek is one of the awesome during rainy season . The difficulty level of this trek is easy and you can easily reach at top in 3-4 hrs .

Shivam Patil

Amazing trek experience.

Best trek that I ever had Done. Best Time to visit is from August to march. Views are so mesmerising .😍😍😍

Amrutanshu Deshmukh

Such a beautiful place...

Abhinav Pandey

Beautiful views.

Amazing Fort and very clean. It is easy trek and enjoy the beautiful view.

Amayra Khan

Trek to rajmachi.

One of the major forts in Maharashtra. The trek was very good and views were Adorable .

Amazing Trek

Tranquility, scenic, and beautiful nature .

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Rajmachi Trek and Kondane Caves: The ideal weekend getaway! FAQs

How to reach rajmachi trek.

To reach for the Rajmachi trek, Lonavala is the nearest railway station. From Mumbai and Pune, you can easily reach there. The distance between Lonavala and Mumbai is 83 Km, and from Pune, it is 66.3 Km.

What is Rajmachi known for?

The Rajmachi is known for the fort and its serene surroundings. This fort is located near the Udhewadi Village of Raigad district Maharashtra. The trek route to the fort passes through lush green jungle trek, and it becomes more incredible during the monsoon because of extreme greenery. 

At which height, Rajmachi Fort is situated?

The Rajmachi fort is perched at the elevation of 2710 feet above sea level. It is one of the most famous forts in and around Lonavala, Maharashtra.

How to reach Rajmachi trek from Mumbai?

The best option is to reach Rajmachi trek from Mumbai by train. Lonavala is the nearest railway station. On regular interval trains are there where you can board them.

How to reach Rajmachi trek from Pune?

To reach Rajmachi Trek from Pune is very easy. You can board the train from Pune and as you reach there,  meet our company representative. He will transfer you to the point where your trekking will start. You can also take a bus to reach Lonavala from Pune.

What is the maximum no in a batch for trekking?

Generally, the batch size will be 10-12 people. The batch will be comprised of women, men, and children(9 yrs old or more than this.). The number of trekkers in a batch is fixed so there are no chances of mismanagement because each customer is important. 

Is PickUp and Drop facility available from Pune or Mumbai?

No, PickUp and drop facility is not available from Pune or Mumbai. This facility is available only from the base village to Lonavala and vice versa.

Is this trek safe for Solo travelers?

Yes, Rajmachi Fort trek is safe for solo travelers. There has not been any such incident reported until now. Most of the time in our batch there are solo females or males going on the trekking. 

What is the total trek distance of Rajmachi Trek?

The total distance of the Rajmachi trek is 15 km. An average fit person can easily attempt this route. 

What is the best time to visit Rajmachi Trek?

The best time to visit Rajmachi trek is Monsoon season. At that time you will experience lush green valleys and surroundings, many small waterfalls throughout the route and walking on the cloudy routes is a different kind of feeling that is offered by only the Rajmachi Trek route. During monsoons, the weather remains pleasant.

Is camping safe at Rajmachi Trek?

Yes, Camping is safe at Rajmachi trek. Our company representative will take care of you. The only thing is that please do not carry valuable jewellery, expensive gadgets and other valuable items. If you are carrying them then taking care of those items will not be our responsibility. 

Is the washroom facility available on the trek ?

No, there is not any kind of washroom/toilet facility available. If it is urgent then you have to attend nature's call in open space. Toilets are available only at base village Udhewadi.

Is connectivity good at Rajmachi Trek?

As the trek route exists on the forest trail so the connectivity is not good. So it is advised that before the commencement of trekking from the base village. Inform your relatives that you are going for trekking so they will not worry about you.

Is smoking and drinking allowed during trekking?

No, Drinking alcohol and smoking during the trek is strictly prohibited. If anybody finds indulgence in these kinds of activities he/ she will be debarred from the batch and ask to leave the trip immediately. In this case there is no refund will be provided.

What kind of footwear should I carry for trekking?

As the Rajmachi Trek route goes through jungle trails and there will be long walk so good quality trekking shoes are a must. Simple shoes are just for normal walking. They will be not suitable for trekking in terms of stability and comfort. Trekking shoes provide you stability and grip on the rugged and rough terrains.    

How difficult is Rajmachi Trek?

The difficulty level of the Rajmachi trek is easy to moderate. There are two routes of trekking, one is from Udhewadi and another one is from Kondane Caves. The village Udhewadi is the base village and settled at the foot of Rajmachi Fort. This route is suitable for beginners. The route that exists from Kondane Caves is a little bit tricky so it is for experienced trekkers.   

Is Rajmachi Trek suitable in winters?

Yes, The Rajmachi trek is suitable for winters. At that time the weather remains pleasant and the view remains clear. However, at that time landscapes will not be much green as they remain in monsoons but the enjoyment is promised.

Is Rajmachi Fort Trek suitable for beginners?

How to reach base village rajmachi fort.

To reach Udhewadi base village, Rajmachi Fort, you can hire a private jeep or sharing basis jeep. It will take hardly 20-30 minutes to reach the base village. 

Is Rajmachi Trek suitable for the weekend?

Yes, it is the most suitable weekend trek near Lonavala. You can attempt this trek in one day and if you want to experience the wonder of nature then one night two days are required. During the night watching fireflies in nearby forest trails from the campsite will be the most memorable experience of life. 

How much time is required to do Rajmachi Trek?

There are two options required to do Rajmachi Trek. If you want to do only day trekking then one day is required and if you want to experience trekking and camping then package is of one night two days. For booking call +919001504000.

What will be the temperature at Rajmachi Trek in summers?

During summertime, the weather remains hot and humid. The Rajmachi Fort is situated in the Sahyadri Hills region and has natural enriched surroundings with flora & fauna. So it will also be a nice experience to have trekking at Rajmachi Trek in summer.

What is the distance between Rajmachi Trek and Udhewadi Village?

The distance between Rajmachi Trek and Udhewadi Village is 2.5 km and it will require 45 minutes to one hour to complete the trek.

Why is Rajmachi Trek also known as fireflies trek?

Yes, indeed, it is also known as fireflies trek. Fireflies belong to the bug category of insect families. They manifest bioluminescence which makes the observer or visitor in awe. There are certain environmental conditions required for the flourishing and survival of fireflies. The surroundings of Rajmachi fort fulfill these conditions so during the night you can experience this kind of natural wonder. 

What is the Rajmachi Fort Trek distance from Kondane Side?

The Rajmachi fort trek distance from the Kondane side is 3.5 km. It will take almost 2 hrs to reach the fort. 

What is the height of Rajmachi Fort?

The Rajmachi Fort is seated at the elevation of 2710 m above the sea level and surrounded by lush green valleys of the Sahyadri region in the Western Ghats.

I want to do the Rajmachi Trek in one day. Is it possible?

yes, if you have only one day available from your schedule then you can easily attempt this trek in just a day.

Rajmachi Trek is situated in which district of Maharashtra?

The Rajmachi trek is situated in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is nearby Lonavala which is again a popular tourist destination.

What are the other nearby visiting places of Rajmachi Fort?

• Bhushi Lake
• Tiger’s Leap
• Tungarli Lake
• Ryewood Maharashtra
• Amrutanjan Point
• Lonavala Lake
• Duke’s Nose
• Shiv Sagar Lake
• Kondane Caves

Is photography allowed at Rajmachi Fort ?

Yes, Photography is allowed at Rajmachi Fort. From any area of the fort, you can see the beauty of surrounding valleys in a 360-degree view. Here you can capture the scenic views in your camera and also you can shoot the videos of blogs or share with your family, friends and loved ones. Her photography will be a lifetime experience.

Confirmation Policy

• Upon booking, the traveller will receive a confirmation voucher via email, within 24 hours.
• In the special cases of slots not being available, feasible alternatives will be provided to the customer, in regards to the customer’s preference. In such cases, a new voucher would be sent via email, consisting of the new travel details.

Cancellation Policy

• Any cancellation made 20 days prior to the date of departure, would levy a 30% of total tour cost as cancellation charges.
• Any cancellation made within 7-20 days prior to the date of departure, would levy a 60% of total tour cost as cancellation charges.
• Any cancellation made within 0-7 days prior to the date of departure, would levy a 100% of total tour cost as cancellation charges.
• Due to any restrictions such as sudden government policies or regulations, health hazards, medical emergencies, or unprecedented weather conditions, activities and tours may be nonoperational and be cancelled. In cases such as these, operators will attempt to cater to the traveller an alternate, which is feasible in nature. However, any refund would not be catered.

Refund Policy

• Any refund applicable will be processed within 7 business days.
• Carry a hard copy of the Trip Vouchers provided by BanBanjara Travels. 
• Wear suitable clothes for trekking
• Carry minimum weight with necessary items it will help you in the trekking
• Do not carry valuable items, i.e., a laptop, an expensive watch, jewelry, etc. 
• Do not wear valuable accessories like jewelry, chain, bracelets, ring, or watch during trekking, and other adventure activities.
• Carrying any kind of weapon is against the law, so it is strictly prohibited
• Do not use any kind of drugs or toxic chemicals during the trek. If something happens to you, then you will be solely responsible.
• Take care of your luggage for any loss; we are not responsible.
•  The washroom facility is standard for all.
• Do not litter
• Avoid plastic as much as possible. In any case, if you have used it, then properly dispose of it.
• Do not harm the ecosystem by any means.
• If you are facing any issues, then report immediately to the Team Leader.
• Follow the instructions of the Group/Team Leader carefully as you will be trekking on the jungle route, so It may lead you to significant difficulty. 

Lonavala Top Attractions

Bhaja Caves

Korigad Fort

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Trail Length

13 Kilometers

Rajmachi Killa

Fitness Requirement

General Fitness

Highest Altitude

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Rajmachi Trek

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Forget 5 Star When You Can Sleep Under Billions of Stars. Join us for the Radiant Rajmachi Trek and Camping Experience!!

Rajmachi Fort is one of the many historical forts in the rugged hills of Sahyadri mountains of Western Ghats. It consists of two twin fortresses Shriwardhan Ballekilla and Manaranjan Balekilla, with a wide machi or plateau surrounding the two Balekillas. Udhewadi is a small village of about 22 houses situated on the machi, at the southern foot of Manaranjan Balekilla of Rajmachi Fort.

Rajmachi trek

Is a popular destination for nature lovers, trekkers and for outdoor campers. Historically, Rajmachi Fort was a strategic fort to control Borghat (a historical trade route). One can easily slip into ancient times in the alleys of ruins of fortifications, ramparts and gateways on the fort.

Places of attraction on Rajmachi Trek: Tiger point Lonavala: A weekend destination from the maddening crowd of city Tungarli Dam/Lake: A standstill water body with an amazing view of the Lonavala city Phanasarai plateau: One of the numerous waterfalls enroute along with a lush green plateau Rajmachi Temple: An ancient rock-made Shiva temple with a 17 th century lake nearby

Information about the Rajmachi Fort:

• Type: Hill Fort
• Height: 5400 Feet above MSL (Approx)
• Base Village: Udhewadi
• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Endurance Level: Easy

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Account Details: Bank Name: ICICI Bank Account Name: Treks And Hikes Account No: 641505000696 Account Type: Current IFS Code: ICIC0006415 Branch: Vile Parle (W)

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(Please drop an e-mail after transaction to confirm your registration)

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations prior to 30days from the start of the trek — 90% refund., cancellation before 15 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund., cancellation a week to the start of the trek — no refund..

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Ideal duration: 1 day

Best Time: June to September Read More

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Rajmachi Tourism

Rajmachi is a small village situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Rajmachi is famous for the historical fortress which has two fortified peaks - Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts, located near two famous hills of Lonavala and Khandala .

At the base of the fort is the village Udhewadi which is another name for Rajmachi. Rajmachi has seen many change of hands from Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj and eventually the British reign. The fort of Rajmachi is famous among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. If you want to experience a full-fledged trek, you can start from the Kondhane caves side which will take 3-4 hours of climbing, but otherwise you can drive right upto Udhewadi village (from the Lonavala side) and then trek for hardly 20-30 minutes to the top of the fort. The simple and clearly marked trail on both the paths make Rajmachi a very popular beginner's trek.

Things to do in Rajmachi

1. trekking in rajmachi.

More on Rajmachi Travel

Trek to rajmachi fort from mumbai, trek to rajmachi fort from pune, history of rajmachi fort, architecture of fort rajmachi.

• The Rajmachi Fort has a brilliant architecture and comprises of vast and robust walls, gigantic gateways, residential units, administrative centres, water reservoirs and some secret gateways which were used for exiting purpose at that time.
• The fort is built upon two hill stretches namely Shrivardhan Hill and Manaranjan Hill. Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort inside the Rajmachi Fort have been constructed in a traditional Indian style.
• Inside the forts are a few ruined complexes. Since the area is considered as a heavy monsoon area, it has a number of man-made as well as natural water catchment areas. Some manmade lakes have been built in the area for the summers.
• A famous temple known as Kal Bhairavi Temple too has been established here which is decorated beautifully on auspicious occasions.  
• The various functionaries and officers in the military and administrative set-up for Rajmachi region under the Maratha rule resided at Rajmachi till the British defeated the Peshwa in the year 1818. Ruins of their big residential houses are found in the forest on the south side of the hamlet Udhewadi.
• A big water reservoir constructed about 200 years ago is situated further down from the forest mentioned above. A carved stone plate in the wall of the water reservoir indicates that it was built by Ramrav Narayanrav Deshmukh, Mamlatdar of Danda Rajpuri (near Murud Janjira in Raigad District).
• An ancient Shiva temple, built in Hemdpanti style, is situated on the western side of the water reservoir. A fountain in the shape of cow-head and a water tank in the front of the temple has been discovered.

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A Guide to Rajmachi Trek: Rajmachi Trek

Rajmachi Trek

Rajmachi fort trek is situated near Lonavala. The Rajmachi trek is one of the most popular fort treks in Maharashtra. In Pune and Mumbai the Rajmachi trek is famous among the trekkers. The Rajmachi trek  is 75 kilometres far from Pune, North West. The distance between the Rajmachi trek and Mumbai is 20,095 kilometres, South East.

Guidance for Rajmachi fort trek:

In Rajmachi trek there are two main trekking routes. For the Rajmachi fort trek you don’t need any guidance and permission. Only just need to continue this trek is google map with your mobile device.

 For the Rajmachi trek there aren’t any public transport facilities.

Guide from Kondhane side:

The Rajmachi trekking route starts from the Mumbai side. You just need to open google maps to find out the preferred path to go on. From Kondhane side to Rajmachi trek the distance is around 3.5 kilometres. And it will take almost two hours. If you want a guide to hire for your trek, you can. They provide you with a parking lot near a local village.

From Udhewadi side guide:

To reach Udhewadi there are available driving routes from the Pune side. Always keep in mind that the road from Lonavala to Udhewadi is too bad to trek because of the rainy season. During the heavy rain it is hard to keep driving. From Lonavala if you want a vehicle you can contact local guidance. They would help you. From the Udhewadi side to Rajmachi trek the total distance is approximately 2.5 kilometres. And it will take around 45 minutes.

When you are returning try to return before the sunset because you might get stuck in there. There are also private cab or taxi facilities from Lonavala to Rajmachi or Udhewadi village. At the Rajmachi fort there are two vast caves. You can also visit some famous forts around Rajmachi fort which are Shrivardhan Balekilla, Bhairavnath temple, Manoranjan Balekilla, and Kondane caves.

Best time to go for Rajmachi trek:

The Rajmachi trek is best time between June to September. Between the months of May to June you will be witnessed the fantastic views of fireflies on the sky at the night. For the two months the glory of the dark sky shows a beautiful site right before the monsoon it only for the two months. There are several firefly festivals  to allow the all visitors for the stunning panoramic views.

For the others month there’s a great time to visit specifically in monsoon. In the monsoon there are lush greenery, foggy skiy, small waterfalls and valleys. These plot twist scenario makes you energetic and mesmerized your soul.

If you don’t want to visit during the monsoon, you’ll meet the multiple colors of autumn. And in this time you can see the colorful ageing leaves, clear skies and clear air.

The Rajmachi trek is located between the hill stations of Lonavala and Karjat in the Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats. Those place are famous amongst tourists in Maharashtra. The Rajmachi is based on two forts – one is the Manaranjan fort which is 2510 feet , faces with the West and the other one is the Shriwardhan fort which is around 2710 meet and faces the East.

The two forts are more easier than other. But it will take more time to reach. The route of those forts are enriched with beautiful forests and easy path to walk. In the meantime you will be witnessed with various types of insects, birds, and reptiles on your path. On the path there are multiple plants and weeds. This route will reach you to the Udhewadi which is the base of this Rajmachi trek.

You can hire a rickshaw till Tungarali from Lonavala. From the Lonavala station the destination will take time approximately 3 hours. You can also take four wheelers from the base camp. It will be easier to explore some new things during the starting your journey.

From the Karjat route:

To reach the Kondivade village from Karjat you have to walk. During this time you can pass through the waterfalls and various maple trees. The route which you pass there are also some viewpoints to see for a while like Kondhane caves which makes you  feel more amazing to explore some great scenario. Ans finally you will be reached at Rajmachi. From the Rajmachi you will reach the Udhewadi. You just relax with yourself with the mesmerizing views.

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

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Tomás · August 27, 2012 at 11:34 pm

The Moscow metro stations are the best That I know, cars do not.

Alberto Calvo · September 25, 2016 at 8:57 pm

Great videos! Moscow Metro is just spectacular. I actually visited Moscow myself quite recently and wrote a post about my top 7 stations, please check it out and let me know what you think! :)

http://www.arwtravels.com/blog/moscow-metro-top-7-stations-you-cant-miss

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