hotels near Rajmachi Fort

The Rajmachi Fort trek is a classic and highly popular trek in the Sahyadri mountain range, famous for its two twin forts, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. It’s a fantastic trek that offers different experiences depending on the route and season.

In Lonavala (70-80 km away):

• The Kinara Village Dhaba: A traditional Indian restaurant with a colorful outdoor atmosphere. Located at Toll Plaza Old Mumbai – Pune Highway.
• Parsi Dhaba: Serves Parsi cuisine in a cheerful setting. Located at Kunegaon, Kune Village, Khandala.
• Café 24: A 24-hour restaurant offering Indian, Continental, and Asian fare with pool views. Located at Plot No. 129, Kunegaon, Kune Village, Khandala.

In Karjat (50-60 km away):

• Clink | Getaway Kitchen & Bar: Located at ANG Farms & Resorts.
• Saltt Restaurant & Bar: Located at Oleander Farms Pvt Ltd.
• The Plate Restaurant & More: Located near Morbe Dam colony.

Trek Difficulty

The difficulty of the Rajmachi Fort trek largely depends on the route you choose.

• From Lonavala: This route is considered easy to moderate. It’s a long but mostly flat walk (around 15 km) on a jeep track. While it’s a long distance, the minimal elevation gain makes it manageable for beginners and families.
• From Karjat: This route is moderate to difficult and is recommended for experienced trekkers. It’s a shorter distance (about 10 km) but involves a steep, continuous uphill climb with rocky sections.

The Two Routes to Rajmachi

1. The Lonavala Route

• Starting Point: The trek begins from Lonavala, with the official start point near Tungarli Dam.
• Distance & Duration: The walk is approximately 15 km one-way, taking about 4-5 hours to reach the base village of Udhewadi.
• Highlights: This is a scenic trail that passes through dense forests, open plateaus, and offers views of the surrounding hills. It’s a walk more than a climb, making it a favorite for night treks and firefly festivals during the early monsoon.

2. The Karjat Route

• Starting Point: The trek starts from Kondiwade village, which is a short drive from Karjat.
• Distance & Duration: The trek is around 10 km one-way and takes about 3-4 hours to reach Udhewadi.
• Highlights: This is a more challenging and adventurous route. A major highlight is the ancient Kondana Caves, a group of Buddhist rock-cut caves located along the trail. This route is known for its steep ascents and beautiful waterfalls during the monsoon.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Rajmachi Fort is highly dependent on your goals for the trip:

• Monsoon (June to September): This is arguably the most popular time for the trek. The entire region comes alive with lush greenery, misty clouds, and numerous waterfalls. The Lonavala route is particularly popular for the sight of the Kataldhar waterfall. Be prepared for a slippery and muddy trail.
• Winter (October to February): This is an excellent time for camping and night treks. The weather is pleasant and cool, and the skies are clear, making it a great location for stargazing. The trails are dry and easy to navigate.
• Summer (March to May): This is the least recommended time due to the intense heat, which makes the long trek very exhausting.

How to Reach

• From Lonavala: Take a local train from Mumbai or Pune to Lonavala station. From there, you can hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw to the starting point of the trek or even all the way to Udhewadi village if your vehicle has high ground clearance (especially during the dry season).
• From Karjat: Take a local train to Karjat station. From there, hire a shared auto-rickshaw or a private cab to Kondiwade village, the trek’s base.