INTRODUCTION:
Rajmachi is usually erroneously known as Rajmachi fort. In fact, Rajmachi is the name of the place that is instead called the Udhewadi village. Udhewadi is the base village for the trek. Once reaching here, I have to be compelled to recognize that Rajmachi fort is truly a collection of dual fortresses- Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort.
The dual forts at Rajmachi were engineered by the Satavahanas to guard the foremost vital historical trade route called the Borghat. Borghat is now declared as a protected monument. This route connected the interior Deccan highland region (now Pune) to the western coast of Bharat (now Mumbai) in ancient times. The fort was later captured by Chp. Shivaji Maharaj, then by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, once more recaptured by Shahu Maharaj and eventually captured by the British.
Reasons to visit Rajmachi Trek :
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Rajmachi encampment
There are many choices of camping at the bottom of the dual forts of Rajmachi. If you have got your own tent and food, you’ll get wind of your camp close to the Udai Sagar Lake or at Kalbhairav temple. If you don’t have tents, you can simply rent them at Udhewadi village. otherwise is to remain for the night at ancient native homes in Udhewadi village. Our trek organisers opted for the 2d possibility of native homestays.
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Shrivardhan Fort (Balekilla) at Rajmachi
Shrivardhan is taller than its alternative twin. It was used for keeping a watch on the Borghat trade route. Going atop Shrivardhan fort is straightforward as a result of there are stone stairs for half the way. At later stages, you have got to climb over the rocks, that is easy too. to prevent and luxuriate in the views of Rajmachi.
The remains of the traditional design can inform you of the grandeur of our ancestors. From atop the Shrivardhan Fort you’ll see the Ulhas natural depression below. you’ll also see Kataldhar water in the distance.
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Rajmachi Caves
you’ll even set your camp at this cave. The caves at Rajmachi can accommodate virtually forty people. It’s tough to line up a tent here, because it is usually windy on the mountain. The finest place to spend the night is in this cave atop Shrivardhan fort.
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Kalbhairavnath Temple
At the bottom of Shrivardhan Fort is the temple of Kalbhairavnath. This temple is additionally a place where you’ll get wind of your camp for the night. The encircling mountains appear terribly high thanks to their close proximity. The temple is in ancient Konkani vogue architecture.
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Manaranjan Fort (Balekilla) at Rajmachi
Even these days you can find rock-cut bathing tubs crammed with natural water on the highest. From the top of Manaranjan fort, you can see Palas Bahiri, Sinhagad, Raigad, Rajgad, Lohagad and a few mountains of Matheran on a clear day. It’s a stimulating exercise attempting to search out which mountain is that fort. Palas Bahiri is clearly visible thanks to its close proximity.
Kataldhar water close to Rajmachi Forts
Kataldhar is the highest waterfall in Pune district. There’s no water here apart from the monsoon. whereas visiting Rajmachi, keep 4-5 hours reserved for Kataldhar waterfall trek.
If you would like to travel to the waterfall, you have got to descend through the dense forest of Ulhas Valley. Even older trekkers cannot realize their approach near the waterfalls. It’s best to travel with an area guide or somebody who is aware of the Kataldhar water trekking route. Behind the waterfalls is an eye-shaped cave which might simply accommodate one hundred people. after you reach the falls you’ll see the twin-forts in the distance.
you would like to require a little forest path from close to a mango tree. . Later you may reach a concrete road leading towards the falls.
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Godhaneshwar Shiva Temple
Besides the lake, there could be a recent Shiva temple that dates long back in time. it’s a must-visit place in Rajmachi. the best details of the sculpted design of this volcanic rock temple can leave you speechless. The lake nearby adds a cool and calm atmosphere to the present place.The greatest location to practise solo meditation is at the Godhaneshwar Temple.
there’s a Gomukh – water outlet here which miraculously provides water for three hundred and sixty five days a year.
Rajmachi Trek route details
Rajmachi Forts are placed within the well-liked hill stations of Lonavala-Khandala. They will be reached from the Mumbai side via Kondana village or from the Pune side via Lonavala.
Kondane village to Rajmachi trek
This path runs from Karjat to Rajmachi via Kondane Village and Kondane Caves. It’s a tough and difficult trek with extraordinarily lovely nature and scenery. it’s quite laborious to climb from that side. you’ll use this trek to sharpen your trekking and climbing skills. In our organized trek, we tend to progress to reach the highest via Lonavala then descend via Kondana village.
Lonavala to Rajmachi trek
Lonavala is the best route to reach Rajmachi. From Lonavala railway station, you’ll see various jeeps and SUVs which will take you to the bottom village of Udhewadi.