Rajmachi

Quick note

A fort adjoining a historic trade route, Rajmachi (2,710ft) is one of the most exciting and enduring trekking trails around Pune. An 18km trail one way is nothing short of adventure with ancient Buddhist caves, waterfalls, lush greenery, temples, fort ruins that make this place a sought after trekking destination.

more about

Rajmachi (Udhewadi) is a small village in the rugged mountains of Sahyadri in India. The fortification at Rajmachi consists of two forts , namely Shrivardhan fort and Manaranjan Fort. Rajmachi Fort is a popular trekking destination. [1] It is a very famous fort located near two famous hills of Maharashtra, Lonavala and Khanadala.[2]

It is about 15 km treking distance from Lonavala.

Historically, Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Borghat(ghat between Khopoli and Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. Rajmachi peak has two fortified structures - the Shrivardhan fort and Manaranjan fort. Rajmachi can be reached by 2 ways, the tough route is from Kondivade village near Karjat and it involves climb-up of about 2000 feet. The other route is from Lonavala, which is almost a plain walk of about 15 km. In rainy season this region all the more beautiful with silvery water falls, streams and lush green forests and meadows.

Overview

Rajmachi is also unique in the way that an NGO, Rajmachi Rural Aid and Development Program has done commendable work in Udhewadi village by providing the villagers with better education, medical aid, drinking water, houses and Economic Development through Eco-tourism.

As examples, in the recent times better sanitation facilities have been provided. Solar panels have also been installed. This has helped the villagers to power CFL bulbs during the evenings.



History

The fort played a strategic role in the First Anglo-Maratha War.



Rajmachi Fort has been declared as a protected monument.



Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation has started work to develop Rajmachi for tourism.