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Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort is a historical fort located in the Sahyadri mountains near Lonavala, Maharashtra, India. Here’s a comprehensive overview based on the information available:History and Structure:

  • Rajmachi Fort consists of two twin fortresses, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, with a wide plateau or “machi” surrounding them. It was originally built by the Satavahanas but gained prominence under the rule of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century. The fort played a strategic role during the First Anglo-Maratha War and has since been declared a protected monument.

Trekking and Access:

  • There are two main routes to access Rajmachi Fort: one from Lonavala and the other from Kondivde or Kondhane village in Karjat. The trek from Lonavala is about 15 km, while the one from Kondhane involves a steeper ascent. The Lonavala route is easier, taking around three and a half hours on foot, whereas the Kondhane route is more challenging but can be done in about two and a half hours by experienced trekkers. During the dry season, vehicles can reach up to Udhewadi, the base village of the fort.

Attractions and Activities:

  • The fort offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys, including sights like Madan Point, Dhak Bahiri, and Bhimashankar to the north, and Lonavala, Karjat, and Kataldhar Waterfall to the south. It’s particularly beautiful during the monsoon when the area turns lush green with numerous waterfalls. The trek is also famous for its firefly sightings in the pre-monsoon season, making it a magical experience. Camping at Rajmachi is popular, especially for stargazing due to clear night skies.

Nearby Attractions:

  • Close to Rajmachi, there are the Kondhane Caves, ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves with historical significance. Additionally, the Udaysagar Lake near the fort is another spot for visitors to enjoy.

Best Time to Visit:

  • The best time to visit Rajmachi Fort is considered to be from May to September, with the monsoon season offering the most scenic beauty. However, for trekking, the winter months from November to March are also favorable due to more manageable weather conditions.

Local Information:

  • Udhewadi, a small village at the base of the fort, has about 60 households and offers basic accommodation and food options for trekkers. During the monsoon, the trek becomes a bit slippery, so caution is advised.

Rajmachi Fort not only offers a glimpse into history but also provides an excellent opportunity for those interested in trekking and nature.

Here’s a detailed overview of the food and stay options available at Rajmachi Fort:Stay Options:

  • Camping:

    • Camping is a popular choice, particularly during the winter and summer months at Udhewadi village or near the fort. However, camping on the fort itself might not be allowed anymore. If you choose to camp, you can bring your own tent or rent one. The experience of camping under the stars, especially for firefly watching or stargazing, is often highlighted.

  • Village Homestays:

    • Locals in Udhewadi village offer basic accommodation in their homes, providing a rustic experience. These homestays are simple, reflecting the village lifestyle with basic amenities.

  • Caves:

    • There are caves on the fort where overnight stays can be arranged, although this would require prior knowledge of the area or guidance from locals or guides.

  • Resorts and Hotels Near Lonavala/Karjat:

    • If you’re looking for more comfortable accommodations, there are numerous resorts and hotels in nearby Lonavala or Karjat, but these would require traveling from the fort area.

Food Options:

  • Local Cuisine:

    • The villagers at Udhewadi can prepare home-cooked meals, often traditional Maharashtrian dishes like Pithla Bhakri. You’ll need to inform them in advance if you require food. The food is generally appreciated for its authenticity and taste.

  • Pack Your Own:

    • Especially for treks, it’s advisable to carry some packed food like snacks, fruits, or easy-to-cook meals like Maggi, as facilities might not be available along the trekking routes.

  • Food from Villagers:

    • During the trek, especially when reaching the village, you can opt for local dishes like egg/chicken curry, usal, dal, bhakri, and rice. Snacks like pohe, bhajis, and Maggi are also available.

  • Firewood and Cooking:

    • For those camping, carrying firewood or using local sources for cooking your meals might be an option, though this is less common and depends on local regulations and environmental considerations.

  • Pandit Umbare
    Chaitanya Mankar
    • Type of Service: Transport (Lonavala to Rajmachi)
    • Village – Lonavala
    • 8698701170
    Suhas Umbare
    • Type of Service: Local Guide, Food, and Accommodationhi)
    • Village – Kune
    • 9689102409
    Roshan Ware
    • Type of Service: Transport (Lonavala to Rajmachi)
    • Village – Lonavala
    • 89998 58482
    Sangam Ware
    Subhash Ware
    • Type of Service: Transport (Lonavala to Rajmachi)
    • Village –
    • 9158413493
    Pratap Umbre
    • Type of Service: Local Guide, Food, adn Accommodation
    • Village – Udhewadi
    • 9518775904
    • 9623952884
    Here are some local contacts for Rajmachi Fort, based on the available information:
    • Local Jeep Service:
      • Akhil Sheikh: 9623150280
    • Sawant Bungalow (for stay and food arrangements):
      • Contact numbers: 9226125535, 9881215091, 9011564522, 9209821826
    • GoNeeDa Wadi (Camping Site):
      • For booking accommodation, transport, and route guide: Call 9223579685 or WhatsApp on 9011768348. Email: rajamachi@gmail.com (Note: there might be a typo in the domain; ensure to verify the correct email.)
    • Sangam Ware/Nilesh Ware (for traditional Maharashtrian food):
      • Contact: +91 9922282388
    Please note that these numbers are subject to change, and it’s advisable to confirm them before planning your visit. Additionally, mobile connectivity can be limited at the fort, so these contacts might be more useful when you’re in areas with better signal, like Lonavala or Karjat.

Additional Tips:

  • Advance Booking:

    • For both stay and food, especially during peak seasons, it’s wise to book or inform in advance for a better experience.

  • Environment:

    • Remember to be mindful of the environment; avoid using plastic and ensure you leave no trace behind.

  • Local Contacts:

    • There are specific local contacts mentioned for arranging transport, stay, and food. For example, Akhil Sheikh for jeep services and numbers for Sawant Bungalow for arranging stay and food.

  • Connectivity:

    • Cellular service might be patchy or non-existent at the top of the fort, so plan accordingly.

This information is based on general trekking experiences and could be subject to change, so it’s always good to check with local guides or recent traveler reviews for the most current situation

Akhil Sheikh provides jeep services for transportation related to the Rajmachi Fort trek. Here’s what you need to know about his services:

  • Jeep Service:

    • Contact: You can reach Akhil Sheikh at 9623150280.

    • Purpose: His service is specifically aimed at providing transportation for trekkers and visitors heading to or returning from Rajmachi Fort. This can be particularly useful for those who want to avoid the long trek from Lonavala or for those needing transport from Udhewadi village, which is closer to the base of the fort.

  • Details:

    • The jeep service can take you from Lonavala or Karjat up to Udhewadi, the base village for the trek to Rajmachi Fort. From Udhewadi, you would then proceed on foot to reach the fort.

    • The availability and pricing might vary based on the season, number of passengers, and specific requirements, so it’s recommended to contact him directly for the most current details.

  • Additional Notes:

    • During peak trekking seasons, especially weekends or during the monsoon, it’s wise to book this service in advance to ensure availability.

  • The jeep ride can significantly reduce the time and effort to reach the starting point of the trek, especially if you’re carrying camping gear or are not in the mood for a long trek to the base village.

Here are several other transport options for reaching Rajmachi Fort or its base camps:

From Lonavala:

  • Private Vehicles or Taxis:

    • You can drive or hire a taxi from Lonavala to Fanasrai or Udhewadi. The road condition varies, especially during the monsoon season when only SUVs might be able to make the journey to Udhewadi. The cost for a round trip from Lonavala to Fanasrai or Udhewadi can be around INR 3000.

  • Jeep Services:

    • Apart from Akhil Sheikh, there might be other local jeep services available, especially during peak trekking seasons. These can take you halfway to the trek or directly to Udhewadi.

  • Local Rickshaws:

    • Shared or private rickshaws might be available for the initial part of the journey from Lonavala to Tungarli Dam or Fanasrai, from where you would proceed on foot or by further jeep service.

From Karjat:

  • Auto Rickshaws:

    • From Karjat Railway Station, auto rickshaws or TumTum (a type of three-wheeler) can take you to Kondiwade or Kondivde village, which is the starting point for the trek. This journey is about 10 km and takes approximately 30 minutes.

  • Local Jeep Services:

    • Similar to Lonavala, there might be local jeep services from Karjat to the base of the trek, though these might not be as commonly advertised.

General Tips for Transport:

  • Public Transport:

    • There’s no direct public transport to Udhewadi; you’ll need to rely on private vehicles or local services for the last leg of your journey. Buses and trains get you to Lonavala or Karjat, but from there, private arrangements are necessary.

  • Biking:

    • Biking enthusiasts can ride up to Udhewadi, though the road can be challenging, especially in the monsoon season. It’s an adventurous way to reach the base village.

  • Shared Transport:

    • During peak trekking times, shared rickshaws or jeeps might operate from the railway stations to the base villages. This could be a more cost-effective solution for solo travelers or small groups.

  • Contacting Locals:

    • Often, local villagers or trekking groups can help arrange transport. Local contacts like those for homestays or camping sites might also offer or arrange for transport.

  • Pre-Booking:

    • Especially for weekends or during the firefly season, it’s recommended to pre-book transport to ensure availability.

  • Here’s a detailed guide on how to get from Mumbai to Rajmachi Fort, including various transport options:

    By Train:

    • To Lonavala or Karjat:

      • Mumbai to Lonavala: Catch an early morning train from CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), Dadar, or other stations on the Central Line. The Indrayani Express or any local train heading towards Pune will get you to Lonavala. Travel time is approximately 2-3 hours.

      • Mumbai to Karjat: Similarly, take any local train or express train to Karjat, which is about 1.5-2 hours from Mumbai.

    • From Lonavala or Karjat to Rajmachi:

      • Lonavala: From Lonavala station, you can:

        • Hire a Jeep or Taxi to Fanasrai or Udhewadi, which is the base for the trek. This ride can cost between INR 1200-1800 for a group in a taxi or jeep.

        • Auto-rickshaws might be available for the initial part of the journey to Tungarli Dam or Fanasrai, from where you’d trek or arrange further transport.

      • Karjat:

        • Shared Auto-rickshaw or TumTum from near Karjat station to Kondiwade village, the trek starting point. The fare is around INR 40-50 per person. From Kondiwade, you’ll trek to Rajmachi.

    By Road:

    • Drive or Hire a Vehicle:

      • To Lonavala: Drive via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway to Lonavala, then follow directions to Fanasrai or Udhewadi. The drive from Mumbai is about 2 hours, depending on traffic.

      • To Karjat: Alternatively, drive to Karjat, which takes about 1.5-2 hours from Mumbai. From Karjat, proceed to Kondiwade village.

    • Private Car or Taxi from Mumbai to Base Villages:

      • You can book a private car or taxi for a direct trip from Mumbai to either Fanasrai or Kondiwade. This could be more comfortable but pricier, with costs varying based on the type of vehicle and distance.

    Public Transport to Base Villages:

    • Buses: There aren’t direct buses from Mumbai to Rajmachi’s base villages. However:

      • MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses go to Lonavala from Mumbai. From Lonavala, you’d need to arrange local transport as described above.

      • Private Buses or travel companies might offer services to Lonavala or nearby areas, from where you can continue with local transport.

    Additional Tips:

    • Pre-Arrangement: Especially during peak trekking seasons, consider booking your transport from Lonavala or Karjat to the trek’s starting point in advance.

    • Shared Transport: Sometimes, local transport can be shared, reducing costs if you coordinate with other trekkers.

    • Local Contacts: Having a local contact or guide might help in organizing transport more efficiently.

    • From Base to Rajmachi: Remember, from Fanasrai or Udhewadi (Lonavala side) or Kondiwade (Karjat side), you’ll need to walk or trek to reach Rajmachi Fort. The trek can take 3-4 hours from each base depending on your pace and the route’s condition.

    • Return Journey: Plan your return transport similarly, whether you’re coming back via Lonavala or Karjat.

    Always check for the latest road and trail conditions, especially during monsoon, as routes might change or become inaccessible.