Written by: Bhushan
Rajmachi
A less harsh terrain, easy access, ample availability of water makes Rajmachi one of the most ideal treks in the rugged mountains which make the Sahyadri mountain range. It overlooks the stunning Bhor ghat.
Orientation
Rajmachi comprises of two forts namely the Shreevardhan and Manaranjan. The two peaks are at a height of 3000 and 2700 feet respectively. What makes the fort ideal for trekkers is its proximity to two of the most popular hill stations in Western Maharashtra Lonavala and Khandala. Rajmachi can also be accessed from Karjat, which is a Mumbai suburb.
Weather/Best times to visit
Monsoons are an ideal time to visit these forts, because that’s the time when the sun’s almost down-and out-and the mountains sweat with potable spring water.
Getting there / Route information
Distances from nearest major cities:
- Pune – (70 km )
- Mumbai – (120 km )
Connectivity
| By Bus | Rajmachi is well connected by the state bus service from nearby cities. Regular tourist bus services too can be arranged to Rajmachi from Mumbai and Pune. |
| By Train | If you heading for Rajmachi from Mumbai, alight at Karjat railway station and head for a village called Kondivade, from where the trek actually begins. If it’s Pune, you are heading from alight at Lonavala or Khandala. The distance to Rajmachi is 25 km from Lonavla. |
| By Air | The nearest airport is in Pune. |
Pictures of Rajmachi
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Major attractions
Whether it’s the gentle waterfalls at Walvan village — which is enroute the fort, or the fascinating ancient Buddhist caves located at the base of the forts, you cannot afford to miss out on this trek. The twin forts of Shreevardhan and Manaranjan too are dotted with water tanks, a few falls and some somber ruins. The Kalabhairav temple is also worth a look-a-see.
Nightlife
There is virtually no nightlife at Rajmachi, unless you are using Lonavla or Khandala as base camp.
Cuisine
Carry you own stuff, although the village of Udhewadi enroute, does serve basic food to trekkers.
Shopping
Lonavla has a lot of avenues for shopping. You can buy woodwork, leather articles and sweetmeats (particularly varieties of chikki) from Lonavala.
Vital Tourist Information
Things to carry
Bottled water, first aid kit, trekking boots, mosquito repellent etc.
Accomodation
The temple is a decent place to camp unless you decide to trek back to Lonavla for the night.
Local transport
Means of transport are autos which you can hire from Kondivade. But do not expect much.
Contacts in case of contingency
| Hospital: | Chaitanya hospital Tel: 02148-222137/22285 |
| Police: | Addl. Superintendent of police. Tel: 0241-2416103 Superintendent of police. Tel: 0241-2416101 SDPO Karjat. Tel: 02148-2223333 Karjat Police Station. Tel: 02148-2222100 |
To view pics of Rajmachi, click on the following link.
http://picasaweb.google.com/sudarshan.multimedia/Rajmachi#