20 years !!! and … Things remain unchanged…

I could see the things are exactly as they were 20 years before, beauty of Rajmachi is as ever before, Walls of fort Manoranjan & Shriwardhan are intact, facing to the heavy rain and winds …

We started our walk on Saturday evening 8.30 pm from Lonavala and walked @ 23 kilometers to Rajmachi village , reached there at @1.30 am. As usual we took shelter in school veranda and had our dinner on the way to Rajmachi.

Morning was cool and we had nice breakfast in one of the farmer house.

Twin forts Manoranjan and Shriwardhan are very close to each other and we could see both in around 3 hours.

After lunch we moved to see Kataldhara waterfall view, which was one of the best view I ever saw in my life.

We decided to move to Karjet from village Rajmachi, and it took around three hours hectic down the hill walk to Karjet.

One can see lush green everywhere, glowing bugs during night, waterfalls, green grass creating waves due to wind … you can experience walking through clouds ….

Rajmachi Fort consist of two fortified peaks, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, there is a wide plateau separating these two peaks. The taller one in the east is Shrivardhan fort and the other in the west is Manaranjan fort. On the fort top, you can see few temples, water reservoir, caves, ramparts and the ruins.

Tip : Monsoon is best season to visit Rajmachi during night to see millions of fireflies.

Rrajmachi upcoming events: Rejmachi Fireflies festival begins from 26 May 2019 to 30 June 2019 .. Read more on Rajmachi fireflies festival ….

Rajmachi fort History

Rajmachi fort was originally constructed by the Satavahanas. Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort from Adilshaha in 1657. Aurangzeb captured the fort from the Marathas in 1704. and Marathas regained it in 1705. Later Shahu Maharaj handed over Rajmachi fort to Kanhoji Angre in 1713. Eventually in the year 1818 British defeated the Peshwa & acquired the control of the Maratha territories including the fort Rajmachi.

A big water reservoir built by Ramrav Narayanrav Deshmukh, Mamlatdar of Danda Rajpuri (near Murud Janjira in Raigad District) about 200 years ago is situated further down from the forest. An ancient Shiva temple, built in Hemdpanti style, is situated on the western side of the water reservoir.

Difficulty Level

Easy, from the base village Udhewadi you can reach Rajmachi fort top in 1.5 hours (approx), easy and defined route.

Alternatively if you wish to have more excitement in trek, you can start trekking from Kondhane caves or Tungarli Lake. Do not forget to read the guide on Best Trekking shoes for Rajmachi Trek

Further the list of things to carry during trekking will help you plan your trek

Rajmachi fort Height

2710 feet approx

Base village

Udhewadi

Best time to visit

Monsoon : Is best time to visit to see numerous waterfalls, fireflies in night, lush green surroundings and finally walking through clouds!

Winter : Also a good season, you get lush green surroundings, chilling cold and good for sky gazing

Summer : Most difficult season for day trekking, hence Rajmachi trek is doing during night time in Summer season.

Camping at Rajmachi

Generally you will face high winds on the fort top and hence it is recommended to get back to the base for camping. You can pitch your tents at the Kal Bhairavnath Temple which is at the base of fort.  Alternatively home stays are available in the base Udhewadi village.

See Video of high winds at Rajmachi Fort

Home stay :  Rajmachi hotels

Hotel Shirish – Ram: 9881162648 Suresh: 9850104191

Hotel Atul – 9011564522, 9881215091, 9209821826

Read guide on Best camping tent in India

What to see at Fort Rajmachi ?

• Amazing views of the Sahyadri mountains and the backwaters of Shirota Dam.
• Caves on the fort
• Old temples and monuments
• Fireflies during monsoon season

How to reach Rajmachi from Mumbai ?

Mumbai to Rajmachi fort distance is around 95 kms

Take a train from Mumbai to Pune, and get down at Karjat.

How to reach Rajmachi fort from Karjat ?

From Shree Ram Bridge, Karjat you can catch a shared Auto Rickshaw (Tum –Tum) (approx 40 Rs) to reach Kondiwade village. From this village walk towardds Rajmachi, it will take around 3 to 4 hours to reach rajmachi, on the way you can see Kondhane Caves.

How to reach Rajmachi from Pune ?

Pune to Rajmachi fort distance is around 92 kms

You can catch a Pune Lonavala local train. From Lonavala, there are 2 routes to reach Udhewadi (base village of Rajmachi fort).

Route 1 from Lonavala to Rajmachi

Lonavala – Kunhe village – Della adventure Park – Udhewadi

Route 2 from Lonavala to Rajmachi

Lonavala – Tungarli – Nandgaon – Udhewadi

How to reach Rajmachi from Lonavala Railway station easily ?

Instead of walking too long till, directly hire a Jeep from Lonavala railway station they charge around 1200 Rs and drop complete group in the base village Udhewadi.

Tip for riders : Select Della adventure route if you wish to ride till Rajmachi, it is better route in terms of road conditions specially during monsoon season.

Rajmachi Fort Trek [Waterfalls & Fireflies during Monsoon]

trek to rajmachi lonavala

rajmachi fort trek

Kataldhara Waterfalls rajmachi lonavala

Kataldhara Waterfalls lonavala

rajmachi fort lonavala

Video on Rajmachi Fort Lonavala

Cheers !