Rajmachi Trek - Walk Through the Mystical Mountains!
Rajmachi Fort was built by Shivaji Maharaj during the 17th century. Located in the laps of Sahyadri mountain range, this fort offers great views of the nearby lush green mountains, colourful meadows and many spontaneous waterfalls. The peace and quiet at the top of the fort is something every soul craves for! Situated near Lonavala, this fort is easily accessible from both Pune and Mumbai. So, dig out your trekking shoes and head out to Rajmachi!
Rajmachi trek - Reaching the base
Image Source: Ravinder Singh Gill/flickr.com
Close to the town of Lonavala, the road leading up to the Tungrali lake will take you to the Rajmachi fort. Autos are available from Lonavala bus stop that will drop you to the base of the fort. If you are driving from Pune, reach Kunhe Gaon after taking an exit before the Khandala Ghat. From Kunhe, you can directly reach the base of the Rajmachi fort. If you find yourself lost, you can ask the locals for directions. Make sure you ask for ‘Rajmachi Fort’.
Rajmachi Trek Routes
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
The trek usually starts from Udhewadi. You will need to walk approximately 1 kilometre from Udhewadi to the Rajmachi base camp. The trek to the top takes approximately 1 hour and the route is truly exciting. The whole place is filled with numerous shades of greens. You will see many native flowers blossoming here during the monsoon. It's a scenic one day trek from Pune and Mumbai.
Is this trek for you?
The trek difficulty level is moderate. Although not super easy for beginners and first-time trekkers, if you are into trekking, this trek is pretty do-able!
Mesmerising views you can enjoy
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Once at the top, you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Leave behind the chaos of the city life and spend a few moments among nature that will leave you completely refreshed. The Rajmachi fortification consists of two forts: Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort. There are many Buddhist caves located here apart from a few old temples like the Bhairavnath and Mahadev temple, Rajmachi lake and a few ancient stone monuments.
Also Read: The Shivneri Fort - Visit The Birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj
Activities at Rajmachi
Apart from trekking your way to the top of the fort, there are a bunch of activities for you at the Rajmachi Fort.
Camping: Camping is one of the most loved activities at Rajmachi fort. The caves located here accommodate close to 40 people. You can also bring along your tents and spend the night here with your friends. Make sure you carry food and plenty of water with you.
Fireflies’ festival: Just before the first showers, the place is abuzz with a million fireflies. At dusk, you will see fireflies illuminate themselves as a call for mating and the whole place turns into a magical wonderland. Stroll through the meadows and the rustic nature around you will leave you mesmerised.
Things to pack for Rajmachi trek :
- Water bottles
- Hiking/Trekking/Sports shoes
- Rainwear (Jacket / Ponchos) if visiting during Monsoon season
- Extra set of clothes (chances are you will get wet during the trek)
- Quick-eat food items like dry fruits, energy bars
On your shoes, walk through the dense forests, cross many streams reach the top to enjoy the most breathtakingly beautiful green valleys.
Also Check Out:
Places to Visit Near Mumbai in Monsoon
