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Rajmachi Fort – A Complete Trekking Guide

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If you are an adventure enthusiast and looking for a perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune, the Rajmachi Fort Trek is an ideal choice. This trek is one of the most popular and picturesque treks in Sahyadris. It is a two-day trek that takes you through beautiful forests, breathtaking waterfalls, and scenic landscapes.

Table of Contents

Rajmachi Fort Trek: An Introduction

The Rajmachi Fort Trek is located in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra. It is situated at an altitude of 2,710 feet and is approximately 17 km from Lonavala. The fort has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was ruled by the Maratha Empire. The fort was a strategic location for the Marathas, allowing them to control the trade routes between Mumbai and Pune.

The trek starts from the base village, Fanasrai (Lonavala) & Kondivade (Karjat), and takes you through a beautiful trail that winds through lush green forests and waterfalls.

The trek to Rajmachi Fort is an experience that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty. It is a moderate-level trek that can be completed by both beginners and experienced trekkers. The walk offers a perfect blend of adventure, soul, and history.

Best Season

The best time to visit Rajmachi Fort is from May to September .
From May 2nd week to June 2nd week, you can witness the fireflies festival , and during the monsoon season, the entire trek and the fort are covered in green.
The waterfalls around the fort are in full flow.

Attractions on the Trek

Udhewadi Village : The base of the fort is the small village of Udhewadi. The village has a rustic charm and is a perfect place to take a break and interact with the locals. One can camp here as there are dedicated camping sites.
Kataldhaar Waterfall : This is a huge waterfall located in the Lonavala region. The waterfall can be seen from the top of the Rajmachi Fort; the waterfall is a trek in itself.
Shrivardhan Fort : This is the main attraction of the trek. The fort is a magnificent structure and offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The fort has two entrance gates, and the architecture blends Maratha and Mughal styles.
Manoranjan Fort : This fort is located near Shrivardhan Fort and is a perfect spot to catch the sunset. The fort is smaller than Shrivardhan Fort but offers equally stunning views.
Kondana Caves : Kondana Caves are a group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves near Rajmachi Fort. These caves date back to the 1st century BC and feature intricate carvings and sculptures of Buddhist deities. The caves are in a scenic location amidst lush green forests and a waterfall, making it a must-visit spot during the trek.
During this festival, thousands of fireflies come out at night, creating a spectacular light show in the forests.
The festival is usually organized by trekking & travel groups. Visitors can participate in night treks and camping trips at Rajmachi to witness the fireflies in their natural habitat.

How to Reach Rajmachi Fort?

You can reach Rajmachi Fort from Karjat as well as Lonavala. In this guide, we will cover how to trek from both locations, Lonavala & Karjat.

Via Lonavala:

The starting point of the trek is the village of Fanasrai , located around 11 kms from Lonavala Railway Station. The town can be reached by public transportation, car, or bike from Lonavala or Pune.
You can take a shared or private cab from the station or bus stand to Fanasrai village.
The cab will cost you INR 3000 for pick and drop from Lonavala to Fanasrai or Udhewadi.
It will take around 40-60 mins to reach the start point.
During the monsoon season the cabs will only go till Fanasrai village, as the road till Udhewadi is inaccessible.

Via Karjat:

The starting point of the trek is Kondivade village . You can reach the base village via shared/private rickshaws from Karjat station.
The distance is around 10 kms and takes approximately 30 mins to reach.

Rajmachi Fort Trekking Route & Difficulty

The trek difficulty from the Karjat route is challenging and is recommended only for experienced trekkers with prior trekking experience in the Sahyadris. As there are steep climbs from time to time.
Trek Route from Kondiwade village.
The difficulty of this route is easier compared to the Karjat route and is ideal for beginners.
Trek Route from Fanasrai Village on Ramblr.

These routes offer unique experiences and are popular among trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

Food & Accommodation:

If you want, you can also get accommodation at Udhewadi village, the locals charge INR 1000 for 2-person tent & around INR 260-INR 310 for dinner & breakfast.

You can get in touch with Mayu from Little Nest who arranges for food & stay at Rajmachi.

The Rajmachi Fort Trek is an experience that will leave you mesmerized by the beauty of nature and the rich history of Maharashtra.
It is a perfect weekend getaway from Mumbai or Pune, and the trek offers an ideal blend of adventure, nature, and culture.
So, if you are looking for a thrilling adventure and a chance to explore the hidden gem of Maharashtra, the Rajmachi Fort Trek should be on your bucket list.

The trek to Rajmachi Fort is a moderate-level trek that can be completed by both beginners and experienced trekkers.

Yes, the trek to Rajmachi Fort is safe. However, it is always recommended to hire a local guide and follow basic safety precautions.

The Rajmachi fort trek via Karjat, is about 12-13 km long (including the distance exploring the fort) and takes 5-6 hours to reach the fort.

Via Lonavala, the distance is about 10 kms and takes around 3-4 hours to reach the fort.

Yes, the Rajmachi fort is open throughout the year. However, during heavy rainfall in the monsoons, trekking to the fort might be suspended.

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The Only Guide You'll Ever Need To Plan A Trek To Rajmachi Fort

Frequented by trekkers, rajmachi fort is a relatively easy trek, which is great for beginners. here's your complete guide to the trek..

By: Anushka Goel Published: Aug 16, 2022 08:00 AM IST

The Only Guide You'll Ever Need To Plan A Trek To Rajmachi Fort

Nestled between Karjat and Lonavala, two popular hill stations in Maharashtra, the Rajmachi Fort trek is a popular one. Frequented by trekkers from Mumbai and Pune, it is a relatively easy trek which is great for beginners, and allows trekkers to experience the best of nature and culture. Here’s your complete guide to the trek. By Anushka Goel

Your guide to the Rajmachi Fort trek

About rajmachi fort.

Rajmachi is situated between the hill stations of Lonavala and Karjat in the Sahyadri mountains of the Western Ghats, both popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Rajmachi is home to two forts – the Manaranjan Fort, at an elevation of 2,510 feet which faces the west, and the Shriwardhan Fort, at an elevation of 2,710 feet which faces the east.

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The two forts were built by the Satavahanas. However, they gained popularity under the rule of the Maratha warrior, Shivaji Maharaj, who took over these two forts in the 15th century. Apart from fortifying and expanding the structures, he made additions to the premises. The forts, since then, saw (and survived) many battles between the Marathas and the Mughals, before being taken over by the British during their rule.

According to reports, the forts also acted as a trade route between present-day Mumbai and Pune, being located at a convenient distance from both cities.

Trekking to the Rajmachi Fort

You can do the Rajmachi for treks via two routes – Lonavala and Karjat. Both routes offer varying levels of ease and distance, and make for a different experience at both ends. The routes reach the same base – Udhewadi – but offer unique views that will be etched onto your memory forever.

Lonavala route

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The Lonavala route is the easier of the two, but will take you more time. This makes it great for those trekking with family and friends, or are beginners to the adventure activity. The route is enriched with forests and easier walks, and you will encounter several birds, reptiles and insects on your way, along with a wide variety of plants and weeds. The route will take you to Udhewadi, which acts as the base for the trek.

From Lonavala, walk or hire a rickshaw till Tungarali, which is about three kilometres from the Lonavala station. Grab some snacks and water here, since you will not be able to get any of that till you reach the base village. In case you don’t want to walk the distance till Udhewadi, you can also opt for four-wheelers which will take you till the base camp. Not only will this knock time off your Rajmachi Fort trek, it will also make the experience a much easier one for you.

Karjat route

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From Karjat , either walk or take an auto to reach the Kondivade village. Stock up on your basic needs here – food, water and more, and start your trek from Gupta’s Emu Park. Walk past streams, waterfalls and more on your route. You’ll even come across some Maple trees here.

The route also includes viewpoints such as the Kondhane Caves, which will make for a great break as well as an exploration journey. From here, take the small trail on the right of the caves, until you find a board that says Rajmachi. Walk along the same, following arrows and maps, until you reach Udhewadi.

From Udhewadi to Rajmachi Forts

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Fill up on your supplies here and sip on some hot chai , and after your break, it’s time to move ahead on the trek. Walk on the trail that takes you outside the village, in the direction of the Lonavala route, until you spot a trail graduating upwards.

The concrete road that your trek hits will take you to the Bhairavnath Temple. Spend some time here before heading out to the two forts – Manaranjan and Shriwardhan – which constitute the Rajmachi trek.

The trek to Manaranjan starts from behind the temple. The simple, straightforward route has a mud trail that takes you to the top of the fort, which will be complete with some of the most stunning views of the Western Ghats.

The path to the Shriwardhan trek is filled with concrete steps for the most part. The end is a mixture of mud and rock-cut steps, which will take you to the top of the fort. The views here are equally stunning, and will make you forget all your fatigue and body aches as you soak in the misty skies and lush green hills. Explore the area and visit the nearby temple and water reservoir, refresh yourselves and take a nice break before you begin your descend to Udhewadi (and then back home).

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June to September are said to be the best months to go on the Rajmachi Fort treks. The months of May and June will allow you to witness the beautifully glimmering fireflies at night . These glow-in-the-dark beetles emerge for just two months, right before the monsoon, and several trekking companies organise specialised firefly festivals to allow guests to witness this stunning phenomenon.

The other months, which comprise the monsoons, make for a great time to visit as you will be able to witness lush greenery, foggy skies, and valleys filled with waterfalls. These will rejuvenate and energise you like nothing else can!

In case you want to visit during the winter months, you will be met with the colours of autumn – ageing leaves, clearer skies, and a slight nip in the air – which makes for a completely contrasting (and equally fun) experience.

How to reach

You can reach or Karjat Lonavala to begin your trek. Both these places are accessible by cars or trains from Mumbai and Pune, and will take you through stunning ghat views and waterfalls even before you begin your adventure.

Hero and Featured Image: Courtesy of Shutterstock

Related: 15 Places Within 150 Kilometres From Mumbai That Are A Must-Visit

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Anushka Goel

Anushka has previously worked with publications such as the Times of India and Being Indian. A graduate from Xavier Institute of Communications, she specialises in entertainment, food and travel. She also likes to write about sustainability and beauty. When not working, you can catch her reading a book, tending to her plants, cooking or playing an instrument. Read Less

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Home » Treks in Maharashtra » Treks Near Pune » Trek to Rajmachi Fort via Lonavala

Trek to Rajmachi Fort (Via Lonavala)

Treks in Maharashtra
Treks Near Pune

Rajmachi trek via Udhewadi/Fanasrai is a easy difficulty grade trek in the Sahyadri – Lonavala region of Maharashtra, India. The highest point of the trek at 2999 ft (914 m).

Visit this trek for its beautiful sunset, fireflies during early June, ultimate experience of rural lifestyle, and the beautiful waterfalls along the way.

You Should Visit Rajmachi Fort if You..

- Want to go for an easy and pleasant trek - Love waterfalls - Want to watch fireflies - Love sunsets - Wish to experience village lifestyle

Rajmachi Trek Navigation Route Map (Lonavala)

Rajmachi Trek Route (Via Lonavala)

The trek to both forts, Manaranjan and Shreevardhan, is very short from Udhewadi. You can either climb both of them back to back in 3-4 hours or choose to spread the visits over 2 days.

Both forts house multiple water tanks, bat caves, flags, and consist of the ruins of the fortification. The sight of these places takes you back in the time and makes you wonder how the life of the people living here before you would have been.

How to Reach Rajmachi Trek Base Village

Rajmachi Fort Trek is a combination of hiking 2 forts, namely, Manaranjan and Shreevardhan which are twin forts. These forts are easy to climb with minimum exposure at all points. The difficulty of the trek depends on where you start this trek from. The route from Lonavala is fairly simple and involves long, flat, patches to walk. The Karjat route, on the other hand, is shorter in distance but involves a lot of incline climbing and is really difficult to navigate through.

Udhewadi Village

The base village for Rajmachi trek is Udhewadi village. This village is 16 kms from Lonavala railway station and it is possible to drive all the way up to this village. Since the second half of the route is a dirt road, it becomes really challenging (and sometimes impossible) to reach to this village in a vehicle. You should plan your stay (whether in tents or in local homestays) and meals at Udhewadi - The village has vast, beautiful plateaus overlooking layers upon layers of mountains. The locals are loving and the food is delicious. Do not miss the “Matki chi Bhaji” at Maruti Vare’s residence.

How to reach Udhewadi village with Local transport via Lonavala?

The best way to reach Udhewadi village via Lonavala from Mumbai or Pune is by travelling to Lonavala railway station in an Express train (if travelling from Mumbai) or a local train (if travelling from Pune) and hiring a Jeep from there. Try to get your reservations done as soon as possible if you’re traveling from Mumbai. Although the journey is just for 3 hours, the general compartments of all Mumbai-Lonavala-Pune train are usually crowded.

From Lonavala station, you need to catch a jeep to travel till Udhewadi. Please note that not all vehicles can go all the way up to the village and it’s always best (and cheaper) to pre-book your transport for Rajmachi. For the cost of 1200-1800 INR, you can book a 10-seater car that will drop you all the way up to the village. In monsoons, these vehicles can cover only the first half of the journey since the remaining road in filled with mud. You would need to walk another 8-10 kms (depending on how far the vehicle is able to go) to reach Udhewadi village.

The entire route is filled with breathtaking views of mountains and valleys. On top of this, if you plan to take this walk between late September to October, the fields are filled with Sonki (Senecio bombayensis) flowers giving the entire route a bright yellow colour.

How to reach Udhewadi village with Private transport via Lonavala?

Once you reach Lonavala, there are 2 ways to reach Udhewadi village. First way is the default route that is shown in Google Maps which is via Della Adventure Park. For the second route, you will specifically need to put “Upper Deck Resort” as an additional point in your route in Google Maps.

Although both the routes are in a bad condition and it’s more or less a dirt road after the first leg of the ride, the first route is better. It is shorter and there’s a concrete road till Della Adventure Park which keeps expanding on every visit.

This road is difficult to manoeuvre through, especially during monsoons. Try going all the till Udhewadi only if you have a 4x4 Car or a powerful Bike. In monsoons, it’s best to park your vehicles in Fanasrai and walk from there. Always talk to a local regarding the condition of the road before starting the journey. (Find this in the local contacts section)

Availability of Resources near Rajmachi Fort

Drinking water:.

There are water sources on both the forts but none of them have potable water. You can get your bottles refilled at Udhewadi and carry at least 2 litres water when you climb Manaranjan and Shreevardhan.

Traditional maharashtrian food, packed food, maggi, etc. can be found in Udhewadi village at multiple stalls at slightly higher prices than the MRP. The locals in Udhewadi can arrange a delicious home-cooked meal (approximately 130 to 180 INR for unlimited food) at your request.

There is one stall at the base of Shreevardhan fort selling Lemonade (Nimbu Pani), bottled water, maggi, etc.

Accommodation:

Camping on the forts is possible but since there are no water sources on the top, it’s best to camp at Udhewadi which has huge meadows surrounded by a dense forest. You can rent the tents from the locals if you haven’t carried your own tents.

Alternately, you can choose to stay in a homestay at Udhewadi. This is the best option if you’re going during the monsoons. Surprisingly, the cost of staying in a homestay is much cheaper than renting tents at Rajmachi. If you go there during off-season, the locals might not even charge you for the stay until you’re buying all your meals from them. (Or they might charge as little as 50-100 INR per person). Please note that you won’t be getting any personal rooms here. These are the cute little homes with huge verandas where locals stay themselves. During the peak season, you might have to share this house with 20-30 other trekkers and sleep in the verandas - this feels really fun and beautiful if you ask me (until someone starts snoring during the night).

During peak season, it’s usually difficult to find a place to stay in Rajmachi. Thus, make sure you talk to the locals well in advance and make a booking.

Local Contact for Rajmachi Fort Trek

Transport from lonavala to udhewadi (sumo):.

Sangam Vare: +91 9762266987 / +91 9765816294

Guide at Udhewadi Village

Subhash Maruti Vare: +91 9158413493

Food and Refreshments at Udhewadi Village

Maruti Vare: +91 7798661850

Homestay at Udhewadi village

Best time to visit rajmachi and why, late may to early june: (fireflies festival).

Udhewadi is popular for the sightings of fireflies towards the end of summer. Thousands of fireflies gather on the trees and emit light to attract their mates. The humid climate facilitates their growth and thus they thrive in this small window of a few weeks.

Hundreds of people gather here to witness the magical experience. If you are planning to visit Rajmachi in this window, be prepared to witness a lot of crowd. Additionally, ensure that you do not cause any disturbance to their mating process.

Blazing speakers at full-blast, car horns, loud noises, pointing torches towards the trees where fireflies are present, damaging the grasses around the mating area can all be destructive for the fireflies and might cause a fall in their population.

Be a responsible trekker and explorer and respect the nature. Observe the magic in silence, refuse to stay in campsites that are within 500m of the mating area, opt for homestays, and avoid causing any kind of disturbance. Your efforts will ensure that your future generations get to witness this magic as well.

June to January:

Rajmachi is a pleasant place to visit pretty much throughout the year. The monsoon for the waterfalls, greenery, and magical clouds; the winter for the chilly climate (which you do not get in Mumbai) and fun camping; and the summer for its beautiful sunsets. Hiking up the forts might not be as pleasant in summer due to the scorching heat. Thus, you can avoid going to Rajmachi in between late February and early May.

Attractions at Rajmachi

Bhairav temple and the lake besides the temple - a beautiful forest walk leads you to this behind Udhewadi village. During Shraavana, the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, people from all nearby villages come to this temple to get blessings from Lord Shiva. Similarly, there’s a huge gathering of people during the Mahashivratri Festival.

The Schedule for the trek can be as follows:

Day 1: 08:00 AM - Reach Lonavala (Indrayani Express 0540 HRS from CST) 08:30 AM - Leave for Fanasrai in Jeeps 09:30 AM - Start the hike towards Rajmachi 12:00 PM - Reach Rajmachi, rest and have lunch 04:00 PM - Start trek towards Shrivardhan Fort - watch sunset from there 06:30 PM - Back to Rajmachi, have a hot cup of tea, and Poha. 09:00 PM - Dinner followed by a visit to a nearby meadow

Day 2: 05:30 AM - Wake up and freshen up 06:00 AM - Start the trek to Manoranjan fort 08:00 AM - Back to Rajmachi, breakfast and tea. 09:00 AM - Start the journey towards Fanasrai 11:30 AM - Reach Fanasrai, move towards Lonavala

Things to Pack for Rajmachi Trek

- 3 Liters of water (compulsory)

- Torch with extra batteries (Do not rely on your phone’s torch) - preferably buy a headlamp

- Sun hat or cap

- Blankets and sheets (if you plan to camp or if it’s a night trek)

- Warm clothes during winters (Temperature could drop below 10° Celsius)

- Sports shoes or trekking shoes (strictly no sandals or chappals)

- Comfortable t-shirt (preferably dry-fit and full sleeves)

- Comfortable trousers (no jeans or shorts)

- Extra pair of clothes and a hoodie (weather gets chilly before sunrise)

- Electrolyte powder (such as Electral, Enerzal, etc.)

- Light snacks to munch on during breaks

- Fresh fruits / Dried fruits such as dates, figs / Nuts mix, etc for eating along on the trail

- A small day pack to carry all the above (Kindly avoid handbag/sling bag)

- Personal medications, if any

- Optional items: sun goggles, wet tissues, hand sanitizer, cameras, etc.

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One response to “trek to rajmachi fort (via lonavala)”.

nice info great article it is one of the Maharashtra

Rajmachi Trek, Camping, Fireflies & Kondana Caves

Post author: Shraddha
Post published: April 6, 2021
Post category: shepherdtraveller / Trips near Pune
Post comments: 0 Comments

This post is about my adventures of Rajmachi trek, Kataldhar waterfall, fireflies at Rajmachi, camping near the fort & descend towards Kondana caves. I am sharing my beautiful experience so that you can plan your Rajmachi trek easily.

I had already heard numerous tales of the natural paradise at Rajmachi. Earlier in 2016, we hiked halfway up to the Kune falls. We chose to go back due to the heavy rains storms and insane winds. But I realised that I will have to come back one day. Now that I had already seen the wild side of nature at this place in monsoon. I choose a pre-monsoon trek to avoid the wild nature and the monsoon crowds. I was also quite eager to see the fireflies which appear at Rajmachi only before the monsoon.

At this point, I had no previous experience in trekking. The Vasota trek I had done earlier was with my office colleagues. I thought it would be fun to join some trekking group in Pune. I found an organised trek to Rajmachi with a quick online search, which was by a trekking group from Mumbai. A few more searches and reviews later I knew that they can be relied upon for my adventure.

Quick Details of My Rajmachi Trekking Adventure

Rajmachi Fort Trek duration: 2 days, 1 night.
Time of my visit: June 2019
Best time for the trek: June to Sept.
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
From Fanasarai to Kondana: 14 km.
Up and down on Shrivardhan Fort and around Rajmachi: 7 km.
Camping areas and Washrooms: Available at the Udhewadi base village.
Accessibility: Minimum level of physical fitness is necessary. Obviously, not accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
Rajmachi Fort distance from Pune: 81 km
Rajmachi from Mumbai distance: 94 km

About Rajmachi

Rajmachi is often mistakenly called as Rajmachi fort. In fact, Rajmachi is the name of the place, which is alternatively called the Udhewadi village. Udhewadi is the base village for the trek. After reaching here, I got to know that Rajmachi fort is actually a set of twin fortresses- Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort.

The twin forts at Rajmachi were built by the Satavahanas to protect the most important historical trade route called the Borghat . Borghat is now declared as a protected monument. This route connected the inland Deccan plateau region (now Pune) to the western coast of India (now Mumbai) in ancient times. The fort was later captured by Chp. Shivaji Maharaj, then by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, again recaptured by Shahu Maharaj and eventually captured by the British.

Rajmachi Trek route details

Rajmachi Forts are located in the popular hill stations of Lonavala-Khandala. They can be reached from Mumbai side via Kondane village or from Pune side via Lonavala.

Kondane village to Rajmachi trek

This route is from Karjat – Kondane village – Kondane caves – Rajmachi. It is a difficult and challenging trek with extremely beautiful nature and scenery. It is quite hard to climb from that side. You can use this trek for polishing your trekking and mountaineering skills. In our organised trek, we were going to reach the top via Lonavala and then descend via Kondane village.

Lonavala to Rajmachi trek

Lonavala is the easiest route to reach Rajmachi. From Lonavala railway station, you can find numerous jeeps and SUVs that will take you to the base village of Udhewadi. We were asked to reach the Lonavala station from Pune city by 4.30 pm. And the Mumbai participants were also going to come here at the same place. The SUVs organised by the trekking club were ready and waiting near the station.

There is no proper tar road once you leave the highway near Dellas Adventures. If you are going by your car, make sure it is a powerful SUV or Jeep. Some daredevils have managed to do this journey on a bike! We were driven past the Kune falls, to a point called as Fanasarai. From this point, it is around 8 km walk to the Udhewadi village. You can hike from Dellas adventures to Udewadi village. It is an easy route and will take you 2-4 hours.

There is something about being in the nature between the mountains that rejuvenates you. As we walked the sun was already setting. The hiking route is in between the mountains, inside the valley, so the dusk was falling fast. In no time it was dark, and the last bit of the hike was to be done in darkness with torches. I was walking with full hopes of meeting the fireflies at this point. But unfortunately, I didn’t get to see any. Rajmachi night trek should be done in humid weather in order to witness the magical fireflies.

Rajmachi Camping

There are several options of camping at the base of the twin forts of Rajmachi. If you have your own tent and food, you can set up your camp near the Udaysagar Lake or at Kalbhairav temple. If you don’t have tents, you can easily rent them at Udhewadi village. Another way is to stay for the night at traditional local houses in Udhewadi village. Our trek organisers opted for the 2nd option of local homestays.

Udhewadi Village is nothing but a small group of houses at the foothills of Rajmachi twin forts. It has approximately 22 households. The locals are extremely tourist-friendly as this is their source of livelihood. These people offer amazing homestays at some cheap rates. They also provide you with delicious local Maratha food. We reached Udhewadi village after sunset and had our dinner. Unfortunately, untimely rains had caused the fireflies to turn away, meaning we didn’t get to see any.

Shrivardhan Fort (Ballekilla) at Rajmachi

Rajmachi trek - rajmachi fort - hotels near Rajmachi fort - rajmachi hotels

The next day after a quick breakfast we started up the Shrivardhan Fort. Shrivardhan is higher in height than its other twin. It was used for keeping an eye on the Borghat trade route. Going atop Shrivardhan fort is easy because there are stone stairs for half of the way. At later stages, you have to climb over the rocks, which is easy too. Make sure to stop and enjoy the views of Rajmachi.

You will find a person selling lemon sherbet (lemonade) at the top. The remains of the ancient architecture will remind you of the grandeur of our ancestors. From atop the Shrivardhan Fort you can see in the Ulhas valley below. You can also see Kataldhar waterfall in distance.

At the time I visited Shrivardhan Fort the entire valley was full of clouds and the weather was very humid. But standing atop the mountain fort seemed like being above the clouds. For a moment the valley was covered in the clouds, the next moment we could see clearly for miles. While climbing up Shrivardhan Fort, if you look towards your right you can see a small mirror-like Udaysagar Lake.

Rajmachi Caves

There is a cave on the way, where we stopped for resting. The first picture in this blog is clicked at this Rajmachi Cave. You can even set up your camp at this cave. The caves at Rajmachi can accommodate almost 40 people. It is difficult to set up a tent here, as it is always windy on the mountain. Instead, this cave atop Shrivardhan fort is the best place to spend the night.

Kalbhairavnath Temple

At the base of Shrivardhan Fort is the temple of Kalbhairavnath. This temple is also a place where you can set up your camp for the night. The surrounding mountains seem very high due to their close proximity. We visited this place on the way to Shrivardhan Fort. You can see it in the picture above which I clicked from the top of Shrivardhan, from nearby the caves. The temple is in ancient Konkani style architecture.

Manaranjan Fort (Balekilla) at Rajmachi

As we had to descend towards Kondane village in time before sunset, we skipped Manaranjan fort. Manaranjan was clearly visible from the highest point of Shrivardhan Fort. Manaranjan Fort like the name suggests was used for leisure. Even today you can find rock-cut jacuzzi tubs filled with natural water on the top. From the top of Manaranjan fort, you can see Dhak Bahiri, Sinhagad, Raigad, Rajgad, Lohagad and some mountains of Matheran on a clear day. It is an interesting exercise trying to find out which mountains is which fort. Dhak Bahiri is clearly visible due to its close proximity.

Kataldhar Waterfall near Rajmachi Forts

kataldhar waterfall trek - rajmachi trek - rajmachi fireflies

Kataldhar Waterfalls can be seen from Shrivardhan Fort. But alas, when I visited the waterfall was dry. I could still see the beautiful circular shaped rocks, from where it falls. Kataldhar is the highest waterfall in Pune district. Its also called the Horseshoe Waterfall due to its beautiful arched shape. There is no water here except for the monsoon. While visiting Rajmachi, keep 4-5 hours reserved for Kataldhar waterfall trek.

If you wish to go near to the waterfall, you have to descend through the dense forest of Ulhas Valley. Even experienced trekkers cannot find there way near to the waterfalls. It is best to go with a local guide or someone who knows the Kataldhar waterfall trekking route. Behind the waterfalls is an eye-shaped cave which can easily accommodate a 100 people. When you reach the falls you can see the twin-forts in distance.

You need to take a tiny forest trail from near a mango tree. This trail cannot be found so easily. But once you find it, there is a huge waterfall ahead that needs to be crossed. Later you will reach a concrete road leading towards the falls.

Uday Sagar Lake

After coming down from Shrivardhan Fort, we headed straight towards the Udaysagar Lake and the adjacent temple. This is a very good spot to cool off after the trek. This lake is like a reservoir of water for the village and also for everyone who treks to Rajmachi. Several trekkers use the banks of this lake as a campsite.

Godhaneshwar Shiva Temple

Besides the lake, is a quaint old Shiva temple, which dates long back in time. It is a must-visit place in Rajmachi. The finest details of the carved architecture of this basalt rock temple will leave you speechless. The lake nearby adds a cool and calm atmosphere to this place. Godhaneshwar temple is the best place to meditate by yourself.

There is a Gomukh – water outlet here which miraculously gives water for 365 days a year. At the time we visited, there were small drips falling through. This ancient architecture is so cleverly built by our ancestors, that apart from standing tall for centuries, it also functions as if it were built yesterday!

Descent to Kondana Caves

After lunch, we started our descent towards Kondhane caves. Kondana caves are located near a small village called Kondane near Karjat. This was the challenging yet the most beautiful part of the trek. As we went below, we seldom met other trekkers trying to climb the Rajmachi from this side. The way is through some dense forest. If there was no guide with us, we could have been lost easily. On the way, there were numerous pretty waterfalls and other beautiful sights. But I couldn’t capture much, because by now I was into survival mode. The trek leaders were extremely supportive at this part of the journey.

Kondana Caves

I was tired after trekking from Rajmachi to Kondana Caves. But as soon as I saw the caves in the distance, I pushed forward with newfound energy. Inside the caves, at once you feel really cool and clam. There is a mighty waterfall which comes out through the caves. These Buddhist caves were carved in the 1st century B.C. and found out in the 19th century. There are various carvings and ancient style sculptures here. It also has one inscription which tells about the donors of the caves. There are some vendors selling snacks and lemon sherbet outside the caves.

Homeward Journey

After the Kondana Caves, we headed to the Kondane Village, then took a cab towards Karjat. I headed to Pune – my home with heavy feet and lots of memories.

What to Pack for Rajmachi Trek?

Waterproof Backpack: It is most important to have a backpack which means your hands remain free while you climb.
Water bottles and Water Filters: You will need 2-3 litres of water for a single trek. Bring one or two energy drinks too. You can take a water bottle with a filter (that removes bacteria and turbidity from water) if you want to drink water straight from the waterfalls or lakes.
Trekking Shoes : Needless to say you will need proper trekking footwear to scale the Sahyadri.
Personal Medical Kit: You can take a pain relief spray for just in case and your regular medicines, etc. Do take an insect repellent with you. You will also need a good sunscreen in winters.
And your Cameras !

AN APPEAL TO TOURISTS AND TREKKERS

Please carry your trash and also the trash left by others! I saw several plastic bottles atop the Shrivardhan Fort, and also along the descent towards Kondana caves. It is very easy to throw a plastic bottle in the valley. But it is extremely difficult to find and collect the plastic trash strewn by tourist trekkers. If you are coming to the mountains, leave them in a better condition than you found them yourself.

Other places to visit nearby

Shirota Lake
Kune Waterfalls

Frequently Asked Questions about Rajmachi trek

Rajmachi trek is easy from Lonavala side. However it is difficult from Kondane village.

Satavahanas built the twin forts at Rajmachi.

June – Sept.

Karjat – Kondane village – Kondane caves – Rajmachi.

Lonavala – Dellas Adventures – Kune Waterfalls – Fanasarai – Rajmachi.

There is a dirt road, when you get off from the Lonavala highway near Dellas Adventures. This dirt road leads to Udhewadi village, which is the base village for Rajmachi trek.

Pune – Lonavala – Dellas adventures – Kune Waterfalls – Fanasarai – Rajmachi.

This post is sponsored by Treks and Trails , which is a Mumbai based trekking club that started in 2012. You can join them for the Rajmachi Monsoon Trek.

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Rajmachi Fort Lonavala (Entry Fee, Timings, History, Built by, Images & Location)

Rajmachi fort lonavala entry fee.

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Rajmachi Fort Lonavala Phone

022 6910 7600.

Rajmachi Fort Lonavala Address : Pune , Maharashtra , 410405 , India

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Rajmachi Fort Lonavala Timings

Nestled above the popular twin hill stations Lonavala-Khandala, Rajmachi Fort is one of the lesser-known tourist destinations. What you might not know is that it’s among the frequented trekking destinations in the region. The Rajmachi Fort trail takes you through lush forests and water-dripping rocks. The view from the top is another reason it appeals to trekkers.

Rajmachi Fort trek attracts people throughout the year. It’s in two parts, each a fortress on its own. And both these fortresses are a short trek away from Lonavala.

Apart from the natural beauty of the fort, its historical charm and architecture also appeals to tourists. It’s one of the few forts in the region that has changed its control several times.

Where is Rajmachi Fort located?

Rajmachi Fort is a group of two fortresses, situated near a small village in the mountains of Lonavala. It offers a beautiful view of the Sahyadri hills and its mist-clad valleys. It also offers a sweeping view of nearby waterfalls and streams. If you’re looking for a green getaway, a trek to Rajmachi Fort Lonavala is a must.

History of Rajmachi Fort

The twin fortresses of Rajmachi Fort were built during the Satavahana period. The fort is at a strategic point that helps control the historical trade route at Bor Ghat. It has witnessed the rule of several kingdoms. Many battles were fought between the Marathas and the Mughals.

Rajmachi Fort Khandala-Lonavala gained fame under the rule of Shivaji Maharaj, who took its control in the 17th century. He fortified it and added ramparts, gateways and several other structures according to his needs.

In the early 18th century, the British took over the fort. After India gained independence from the British, the government declared Rajmachi Fort a protected monument.

Architecture of Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort is divided into two fortresses: Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. Manaranjan Fort is the higher point in the complex and Shrivardhan Fort is the lower one.

Each of them has robust stone walls and imposing gateways signifying the importance of the fort. You’ll find residential units, water cisterns and secret passages within the fort complex. Although the fort was primarily rebuilt and fortified under the Maratha rule, its architecture is a mix of different architectural styles.

Things to do at Rajmachi Fort Lonavala

1. Enjoying a trek to Rajmachi Fort – Trekking through the lush green forests of Khandala is the best thing to do at Rajmachi Fort. It’s also the only way to reach the top. Rajmachi Fort trekking takes you on an adventure in which you see many birds and insects. The trail also has several small waterfalls and streams on the way. You might even come across the rare sight of leopards.

2. Exploring fort ruins – The main attraction at Rajmachi is Shrivardhan Fort; the other one is Manaranjan Fort. The towers have remains of once-functioning ramparts and gateways. A group of ancient Buddhist rock-cut Kondana Caves is another highlight of Rajmachi trek Lonavala. During the trek, you can also see temples like Hemadpanti-style Shiva Temple and Kaal Bhairav Temple.

3. Savouring panoramic views – You get stunning views of the valley from the twin forts. They offer excellent vantage points to watch the hills and waterfalls nearby. You can even see several landmarks of Lonavala-Khandala depending on how Rajmachi Fort weather is. Before starting the trek, you should also visit Rajmachi Point. It’s a viewpoint from where you can see the Rajmachi fort in full glory.

4. Camping during the night – When trekking from Lonavala to Rajmachi Fort, also try out overnight camping. It provides you an opportunity to enjoy a picnic and relax in the serene surroundings. If you trek during the early-monsoon or pre-monsoon treks, you can see many fireflies in the region. Stargazing and firefly-chasing make the Rajmachi night trek magical.

5. Watching breathtaking sunrise – Whether you’re camping near the fort or at the base village in Udhewadi, you must witness the sunrise. Just about dawn, the sky is filled with spectacular colours. The calm and quiet surroundings and fresh air make Rajmachi Fort trek and camping rejuvenating.

Rajmachi Fort Trek Details

You can do the Rajmachi trek via two routes. One is the short (but more difficult) trek from Karjat. Another one is the longer (but easier) Rajmachi trek from Lonavala. If starting from Lonavala, the Rajmachi trek starting point is near Tungarli Dam. It’s a well-marked trail.

When the weather permits, you can drive up to Rajmachi Fort trek village and walk to the fort from there. The village, called Udhewadi, has a rustic charm, and it’s an excellent place to camp for the night. You can also find simple homestays with home-cooked food there.

Rajmachi Fort trek difficulty level: Easy to Moderate
Rajmachi Fort trek height: 2710 ft
Rajmachi Fort trek distance: 16 km
Rajmachi Fort trek duration: 7-8 hours
Rajmachi Fort base village: Udhewadi village

Rajmachi Fort Timings and Entry Fee

Rajmachi Fort is open throughout the year. You can take the route from Lonavala and visit the fort any day you want. While the fort can be visited anytime during the day, it’s best to be there between 6 AM and 6 PM entry timings.

You don’t have to pay any entrance fee to visit Rajmachi Fort Lonavala.

Best time to visit Rajmachi Fort

The best time to visit Rajmachi Fort is from November to February. It’s the winter season in Lonavala and you can cover the 16 km of Rajmachi Trek walking distance easily. When visiting Rajmachi Fort in winter, it’s also possible to take your car to the base village and start your trek from there. Udhewadi to Rajmachi Fort distance is about 4 km on foot.

For the adventurous ones, Rajmachi Fort in monsoon (July-August) is the best. The place turns into green heaven during those days, but the slippery trail makes trekking a bit difficult. You can walk the entire trek or take a bike on the muddy trail.

Time to explore Rajmachi Fort Lonavala

If you’re starting your trek from Udhewadi village, the time required to visit Rajmachi Fort is 3-4 hours. You need this much time to enjoy the views and explore the structures in the fort complex. The trail from the village is clearly marked.

However, if you start the trek to Rajmachi Fort near Lonavala (from Tungarli Dam), you must have a complete day (or night) to spare.

Things to keep in mind while visiting Rajmachi Fort

Carry medicines and a first aid kit.
Wear warm clothes if you're visiting early in the morning.
Put on comfortable trekking/walking shoes.
Carry plenty of water for your trek.
Pack snacks and energy bars.
Carry an umbrella.
Keep your camera handy.
Keep everything in a waterproof backpack.
Pack a torch if you're going to stay overnight.
Take mosquito-repelling creams and lotions.

How to reach Rajmachi Fort in Lonavala?

Lonavala to Rajmachi Fort trek distance is 16 km, starting from Tungarli Dam. It’s 3 km from Lonavala railway station and bus stop. The nearest major railway stations to Rajmachi Fort are in Pune (70 km away) and Mumbai (85 km away). The nearest airport to Lonavala is Pune airport, 72 km away.

And here are the different ways to visit Rajmachi Fort from Lonavala –

By bike – You can take a rental bike in Lonavala to the trekking base in Udhewadi, or even to the fort. From the village, Rajmachi Fort distance is 3-4 km.

By cab/taxi – You can also book a car to Tungarli Dam (16 km away from fort). If weather permits and the road is good, you can also reach Udhewadi by car, and cover the rest of the 3-4 km on foot. You can book a cab from the top car rental companies in Lonavala easily and visit all other places near Rajmachi Fort conveniently.

Lonavala and Khandala are two popular hill stations in Maharashtra frequented by tourists across the country. To make the most of your trip to these twin hill stations, book a Lonavala Khandala tour package with Lonavala Khandala Tourism . To know more about our offerings, please fill the Contact Us form.

Location Map for Rajmachi Fort Lonavala

Top Places to Visit in Lonavala & Khandala

Rajmachi Fort Lonavala
Bhaja Caves Lonavala
Karla Caves Lonavala
Lohagad Fort Lonavala
Pawna Lake Lonavala
Della Adventure Park Lonavala
Tiger's Leap Lonavala
Bhushi Dam Lonavala
Duke's Nose Lonavala
Ryewood Park Lonavala
Tikona Fort Lonavala
Valvan Dam Lonavala
Shrivardhan Fort Lonavala
Manranjan Fort Lonavala
Canyon Valley Khandala
Visapur Fort Lonavala
Aamby Valley Lonavala
Lonavala Lake Lonavala
Reverse Waterfall Lonavala
Bhairavnath Temple Lonavala
Narayani Dham Temple Lonavala
Kune Falls Lonavala
Sunil's Celebrity Wax Museum Lonavala
Amrutanjan Point Lonavala
Bhimashankar Trail Lonavala
Shirota Lake Lonavala
Bedsa Caves Lonavala
Reversing Station Khandala
Shooting Point Khandala
Lion's Point Lonavala
Shingroba Temple Lonavala

RAJMACHI FORT

A trek to the Rajmachi Fort will take you to the hidden landscapes of the region that will spellbind you. The Fort was built back in the 17th century and is one of the best trekking spots of Maharashtra. It is snuggled in the Karjat region and was built in the era of Shivaji Maharaj. From here, you can take a look at the Borghat which is a historic trade route and extends spectacular views. Apart from this, it is one of the best places to visit in Khandala.

Are you looking for a place where you can spend a weekend in the lap of nature's unbound beauty and participate in some engaging fun activities? If so, Rajmachi Fort has to be in your bucket list for next holiday trip.

The historical fort dating back to the time of the great Maratha ruler Chatrapati Shivaji is located amidst the lush green Sahyadri range and is one of the most sought after trekking destinations in Maharashtra where you can experience nature at her varying moods.

The trekking trail to Rajmachi Fort abounds several waterfalls, deep gorges and valleys, quaint villages, waterways and many more to feast your eyes on. To get a first hand experience of this amazing trek you should have a fair knowhow of the place and the pros and cons of Rajmachi Fort trek.

How To Reach

Rajmachi Fort is located in the middle of the Mumbai- Pune highway and is connected by road and rail network with the major cities of India. Before you embark on your Rajmachi Fort trek a rundown of the best accessible routes are provided below:

By Train: (From Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala)

From Mumbai you can get a local train to Pune and get down at Karjat. From Shree Ram Bridge at Karjat, hire a shared auto to reach Kondana village. It is the base of Rajmachi trek from where you have to walk for around 3-4 hours to reach the summit.

Another easy route is to take the Udayan Express at 8.10 a.m. from Dadar station and reach Lonavala at around 9.30 a.m. From there rickshaws are available till Tungarli Dam which is about 4 km from Lonavala station. The rest of 16 Km from Tungarli to Udhewadi base village has to be covered on foot.

By Bus: (By car, by bike) (From Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala)

There are two road routes from Mumbai up to Rajmachi. From Mumbai you can drive up to Kondhane side and trek a longer distance for 3- 4 hours to reach Rajmachi.

The other route is from Pune/Lonavala where you have to drive till the Udhewadi base village and trek a shorter distance for 30-40 minutes. Both the roads are a bit rough and the Pune route is more hazardous during monsoon.

By Air: (From Mumbai, Pune)

The nearest airport to Rajmachi is Mumbai International Airport which is connected to the major cities of India and abroad by regular flights. From the airport you can take a train or bus to Lonavala or Karjat. The Pune International Airport also operates regular flights to the major cities of India and abroad and is at a distance of 173 Km from Rajmachi.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Rajmachi Fort is between the months of June- September when monsoon sets in full swing and the entire region takes on a mystic charm being drenched in rain.

Summer season: March to May is the summer season when the temperature ranges between 21- 35 degrees Celsius.

Monsoon: Monsoon sets in Rajmachi in June and continues through September. Temperature ranges between 24- 29 degrees Celsius and the entire landscape is covered under a blanket of greenery.

Winter season: Winter in Rajmachi is quite pleasant and being a dry season, it is convenient to walk along the forest trails. Winter is also the perfect time for outdoor camping and stargazing when the outside temperature comes down to 17 degrees Celsius.

Other Essential Information

Places to visit around rajmachi fort:.

Rajmachi Fort is a must-visit trekking destination in Maharashtra which allures tourists for an exquisite panoramic view from the Rajmachi Point and its association with the legendary Maratha emperor Shivaji. Trekking to Rajmachi Fort is never complete without taking a tour around the prominent places of interest near Rajmachi Fort. Check out for some of the places that must have a place in your bucket list:

Tungarli Lake- A popular weekend getaway and picnic spot, the dam is located in Tungarli village amidst the majestic Sahyadris. The dam was initially constructed with the objective of providing irrigation facilities to the entire region of Rajmachi. Later, it became a coveted tourist spot for trekking, camping, and an outdoor picnic.

Valvan Lake- Located just about 10 km from Lonavala, Valvan village is an idyllic hamlet and a well-known tourist destination of Maharashtra abounding a number of waterfalls and spellbinding natural beauty to allure nature lovers and shutterbugs. The quaint hamlet is nestled within the twin hills of Shreevardhan and Manoranjan.

Ryewood Park- A sprawling picturesque garden located close to Lonavala is home to some rare species of trees dating back to several hundreds of years back. According to popular belief, the garden is named after Mr. Rye, an English army officer who lived in this place for many years. Some others believe that the name Ryewood is derived from the word “rai" which means thick forest.

Tiger's leap- If you look at the valley from an angular distance it gives an impression of a leaping tiger. On a sunny day the 650 metres side view of Tiger's Leap is a sight to behold. It is recommended not to go too close to the edge and watch the view from a designated viewing point. From here to and fro buses to Khandala are available.

Kune Waterfall- A marvelous crown of cascading water plunging 200 metres down a plateau is a must visit place in Lonavala. Kune waterfalls is one of the highest waterfalls of Maharashtra originating from the Khandala Ghats. The three-tiered waterfall takes on a breath-taking appeal during monsoon when the hilly terrains are covered with dense green foliage. Kune Waterfalls is a popular weekend destination and picnic spot for the local people.

Things to Do Around Rajmachi Fort:

Pawna Lake Camping- It is one of the most visited artificial lakes and a popular campsite in Maharashtra located about 10 Km away from Kamshet on the Mumbai– Pune Highway. The serenity and breath-taking charm natural beauty makes your camping experience rewarding in the true sense. Pawna Lake campsite packages come with sightseeing campfire with music and dinner. During monsoon waterproof tents are provided to the tourists for night stay.

Picnic at Bhushi Lake- It is one of the largest lakes and a popular weekend getaway in Maharashtra. A series of cascading waterfalls flowing into the lake during monsoon renders a surreal beauty to the surroundings. There are shops in the nearby village providing snacks and refreshments to the tourists and trekkers of Rajmachi Fort

Paragliding in Kamshet- Enjoy an exhilarating flying session under the surveillance of certified pilots and other paragliders in Kamshet. The beautiful valley is located about 46 Km from Pune skirted by the verdant Sahyadri Range on all sides. There are 3 different categories of paragliding courses namely- Classic Tandem, Instructional Tandem and Acro Tandem.

Explore Bhaja Caves- The Bhaja and Karla caves are a must visit site of attraction in Khandala. Located a little away from the main city, the caves reflect Buddhist influence on their architectural style. The pillars and walls of the cave temple are decorated with carvings of Lord Buddha depicting various stories related to his life. The caves also have their own “vihara" and “chaitya" where the monks offer prayers to Lord Buddha.

Mobile Connectivity:

During trek mobile connectivity is very poor and you can expect hardly any network to make any call. Sometimes there is strong signal for sending messages or making calls. But sometimes the connection vanishes away. So, it is recommended that you should make urgent calls or send important messages as soon as you receive the signals.

Rajmachi Fort Trek and Camping

Trekking to Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi fort trekking gives you a unique tour experience through the most pristine unspoilt trails of Maharashtra. Located in the Karjat region amidst the Sahyadris the ancient fort can be reached via two ways- one is along the Kondivade village which is the less traded route and the other most accessible route is from Lonavala which offers you wonderful experiences of sightseeing along your journey. Atop the ancient Rajmachi Fort which dates back to the 17th century you can enjoy panoramic view of Borghat and its surroundings.

Tourism Board Alliances

Rajmachi fort faqs, how can i go to rajmachi fort from mumbai.

The road distance between Mumbai and Rajmachi is 95 Km approximately. From Mumbai you can arrive at Lonavala, the nearest city to Rajmachi via Mumbai Pune Expressway.

Also, there are regular trains regularly plying between Mumbai and Lonavala which is located on the Mumbai Pune route of Central Railway. From Lonavala you can reach Udhewadi by a hired auto and trek the rest of the distance.

How do I get to Rajmachi Fort Trek?

There are 2 routes to reach the Rajmachi fort. One is a longer trek from Mumbai where you can drive up to Kondhane side and trek the rest of the distance in 3-4 hours.

The other is a shorter route from Pune/ Lonavala where you can drive up to Udhewadi base village and trek the rest of the distance in 30- 40 minutes.

Is Rajmachi Trek safe?

How do i get from lonavala station to rajmachi fort.

Lonavala is the busiest rail station near Rajmachi Fort and is connected with the major cities of India by railway network. You can get regular trains from Mumbai and Pune and reach Lonavala. From there autos, private cabs and taxis will drop you at Rajmachi Fort.

How can I reach Rajmachi from Pune?

The distance between Pune and Rajmachi is approximately 175 Km.

By Train: Local trains operate between Pune and Lonavala at regular intervals. From Lonavala, there are 2 routes to reach Udhewadi, the base of Rajmachi Fort trekking- one is the Lonavala- Kuehne- Della Adventure Park-Udhewadi and another route is Lonavala-Tungarli- Nandgaon- Udhewadi.

By Road: You can drive up to the base village Udhewadi except during monsoon when the roads are slippery for driving. Most of the vehicles reach up to Fanasari which is 6.2 Km away from Udhewadi.

You can also hire shared taxis from Fansari near Lonavala railway station that may cost (100-120) INR per person. From Fansari it takes about 2 hours to reach Udhewadi village.

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Walk to Remember : Rajmachi

Rajmachi Trek

Walk to remember...

It’s been 6 -7 months Suhas, Nikhil & I never been together for any trip, so three of us were talking about one day trek somewhere near to Mumbai or Pune since we were facing time restrictions which was literally thrown on us by Nikhil. Finally we decided to go Rajmachi fort from Lonavla route. There are two ways first from Karjat Side which is tough uphill starts from Kondivade village near Karjat and secound via Lonavala which is like a trail. As it was lazy Saturday we took Udayan Express at 8:10am from Dadar station & reached Lonavla station by 9:30. It’s a 20Km flat walk from Lonavla to reach Rajmachi. We decided to take rickshaw till Tungarli dam which has covered 4Km of the journey. Then we were set for the trek 16 km from Tungarli dam to Base village Udhewadi . We started with zeal & enthusiasm to complete the journey but after 3 hours we started struggling. People who were coming down from the trek giving their own piece of wrong advice to complete the trek, even the arrows, Distance boards made by past trekkers were misleading but we reminded of our final goal and the deadline, we move over with heavy hearts and start climbing.

After 5 hours of continues walk we reached base village & decided to take break of 15 min to have some snacks from the local shop. As we reached to Rajmachi we got to know, Rajmachi peak has two fortified structures – the Shrivardhan fort and Manaranjan fort - Both the forts are good in structure, still maintained, best for Camping & sky watching. Even you can stay up there at Udhewadi they give rooms on rent but we were only interested in one day trek so not bothered to ask about details on stay.

While having snacks we grab the chance to ask local people about history of the fort & we got very interesting facts from them.

The historical Rajmachi fort complex was originally constructed by the Satavahanas. In 1657, Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort along with other neighboring forts from the Adilshahi ruler of Bijapur . In 1704, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb captured the fort from the Marathas. However, the Marathas regained its control in 1705. In 1713, Shahu Maharaj handed over Rajmachi fort to Kanhoji Angre. Eventually in 1818 with the downfall of the Marathas, the British acquired the control of the Maratha territories including the forts such as Rajmachi.

There are two Fortresses on Rajmachi –the taller one in the east is Shrivardhan fort and the other in the west is Manaranjan fort. Rajmachi is a unique fort having wide plateau on all sides of the twin fortresses. There is a rich treasure of historical monuments on Rajmachi, viz. mighty ramparts and walls, gateways, secret exit gates, administrative offices, water storage tanks and reservoirs, residential quarters, temples and idols of deities. The various functionaries and officers in the military and administrative set-up for Rajmachi region under the Maratha rule resided at Rajmachi, till the British defeated the Peshwa in the year 1818. Ruins of their big residential houses are found in the forest on the south side of the hamlet Udhewadi. A big water reservoir constructed about 200 years ago is situated further down from the forest mentioned above. A carved stone plate in the wall of the water reservoir indicates that it was built by Ramrav Narayanrav Deshmukh, Mamlatdar of Danda Rajpuri (near Murud Janjira in Raigad District). An ancient Shiva temple, built in Hemdpanti style, is situated on the western side of the water reservoir. A large amount of silt coming in the storm water from the high land behind has been deposited around the Shiva temple.

Up trek journey was so time & energy consuming we were not mentally prepared to start down trek journey so we asked for Vehicle from local people which can directly drop us to Lonavla station which definitely going to save our 4 Hours.I will definitely recommend for one day trek. Best time to visit: Monsoon & WintersAccommodation / Food at Rajmachi village: Hotel Shirish -Ram: 9881162648 Suresh: 9850104191 HappY Travelling!!!

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A Guide to Rajmachi Trek: Rajmachi Trek

Rajmachi Trek

Rajmachi fort trek is situated near Lonavala. The Rajmachi trek is one of the most popular fort treks in Maharashtra. In Pune and Mumbai the Rajmachi trek is famous among the trekkers. The Rajmachi trek is 75 kilometres far from Pune, North West. The distance between the Rajmachi trek and Mumbai is 20,095 kilometres, South East.

Guidance for Rajmachi fort trek:

In Rajmachi trek there are two main trekking routes. For the Rajmachi fort trek you don’t need any guidance and permission. Only just need to continue this trek is google map with your mobile device.

For the Rajmachi trek there aren’t any public transport facilities.

Guide from Kondhane side:

The Rajmachi trekking route starts from the Mumbai side. You just need to open google maps to find out the preferred path to go on. From Kondhane side to Rajmachi trek the distance is around 3.5 kilometres. And it will take almost two hours. If you want a guide to hire for your trek, you can. They provide you with a parking lot near a local village.

From Udhewadi side guide:

To reach Udhewadi there are available driving routes from the Pune side. Always keep in mind that the road from Lonavala to Udhewadi is too bad to trek because of the rainy season. During the heavy rain it is hard to keep driving. From Lonavala if you want a vehicle you can contact local guidance. They would help you. From the Udhewadi side to Rajmachi trek the total distance is approximately 2.5 kilometres. And it will take around 45 minutes.

When you are returning try to return before the sunset because you might get stuck in there. There are also private cab or taxi facilities from Lonavala to Rajmachi or Udhewadi village. At the Rajmachi fort there are two vast caves. You can also visit some famous forts around Rajmachi fort which are Shrivardhan Balekilla, Bhairavnath temple, Manoranjan Balekilla, and Kondane caves.

Best time to go for Rajmachi trek:

The Rajmachi trek is best time between June to September. Between the months of May to June you will be witnessed the fantastic views of fireflies on the sky at the night. For the two months the glory of the dark sky shows a beautiful site right before the monsoon it only for the two months. There are several firefly festivals to allow the all visitors for the stunning panoramic views.

For the others month there’s a great time to visit specifically in monsoon. In the monsoon there are lush greenery, foggy skiy, small waterfalls and valleys. These plot twist scenario makes you energetic and mesmerized your soul.

If you don’t want to visit during the monsoon, you’ll meet the multiple colors of autumn. And in this time you can see the colorful ageing leaves, clear skies and clear air.

The Rajmachi trek is located between the hill stations of Lonavala and Karjat in the Sahyadri hills of the Western Ghats. Those place are famous amongst tourists in Maharashtra. The Rajmachi is based on two forts – one is the Manaranjan fort which is 2510 feet , faces with the West and the other one is the Shriwardhan fort which is around 2710 meet and faces the East.

The two forts are more easier than other. But it will take more time to reach. The route of those forts are enriched with beautiful forests and easy path to walk. In the meantime you will be witnessed with various types of insects, birds, and reptiles on your path. On the path there are multiple plants and weeds. This route will reach you to the Udhewadi which is the base of this Rajmachi trek.

You can hire a rickshaw till Tungarali from Lonavala. From the Lonavala station the destination will take time approximately 3 hours. You can also take four wheelers from the base camp. It will be easier to explore some new things during the starting your journey.

From the Karjat route:

To reach the Kondivade village from Karjat you have to walk. During this time you can pass through the waterfalls and various maple trees. The route which you pass there are also some viewpoints to see for a while like Kondhane caves which makes you feel more amazing to explore some great scenario. Ans finally you will be reached at Rajmachi. From the Rajmachi you will reach the Udhewadi. You just relax with yourself with the mesmerizing views.

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Rajmachi Travel Essentials

Ideal duration: 1 day

Best Time: June to September Read More

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Rajmachi Tourism

Rajmachi is a small village situated in the Sahyadri mountain range of the Konkan region of Maharashtra. Rajmachi is famous for the historical fortress which has two fortified peaks - Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts, located near two famous hills of Lonavala and Khandala .

At the base of the fort is the village Udhewadi which is another name for Rajmachi. Rajmachi has seen many change of hands from Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj and eventually the British reign. The fort of Rajmachi is famous among trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. If you want to experience a full-fledged trek, you can start from the Kondhane caves side which will take 3-4 hours of climbing, but otherwise you can drive right upto Udhewadi village (from the Lonavala side) and then trek for hardly 20-30 minutes to the top of the fort. The simple and clearly marked trail on both the paths make Rajmachi a very popular beginner's trek.

Things to do in Rajmachi

1. trekking in rajmachi.

More on Rajmachi Travel

Trek to rajmachi fort from mumbai, trek to rajmachi fort from pune, history of rajmachi fort, architecture of fort rajmachi.

The Rajmachi Fort has a brilliant architecture and comprises of vast and robust walls, gigantic gateways, residential units, administrative centres, water reservoirs and some secret gateways which were used for exiting purpose at that time.
The fort is built upon two hill stretches namely Shrivardhan Hill and Manaranjan Hill. Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort inside the Rajmachi Fort have been constructed in a traditional Indian style.
Inside the forts are a few ruined complexes. Since the area is considered as a heavy monsoon area, it has a number of man-made as well as natural water catchment areas. Some manmade lakes have been built in the area for the summers.
A famous temple known as Kal Bhairavi Temple too has been established here which is decorated beautifully on auspicious occasions.
The various functionaries and officers in the military and administrative set-up for Rajmachi region under the Maratha rule resided at Rajmachi till the British defeated the Peshwa in the year 1818. Ruins of their big residential houses are found in the forest on the south side of the hamlet Udhewadi.
A big water reservoir constructed about 200 years ago is situated further down from the forest mentioned above. A carved stone plate in the wall of the water reservoir indicates that it was built by Ramrav Narayanrav Deshmukh, Mamlatdar of Danda Rajpuri (near Murud Janjira in Raigad District).
An ancient Shiva temple, built in Hemdpanti style, is situated on the western side of the water reservoir. A fountain in the shape of cow-head and a water tank in the front of the temple has been discovered.

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Rajmachi trek blog❤️this easy trek is the pride of lonavla.

Rajmachi trek is the most sought after trek in Lonavla. Why? Rajmachi fort is near to Lonavla & Khandala which are one of India’s most famous hill station. Rajmachi is perfect day trip with beautiful monsoon waterfalls enroute & the mighty Kataldhar waterfall visible from the fort. Add to that the historical significance & since it is perfect for beginners makes it a must do activity in Lonavla. This Rajmachi trek blog covers my experience from summer & monsoon visit which will give you the perfect idea about the fort. You might ask Niraj is monsoon the better time to visit. Well read this Rajmachi Trek Blog and find for yourself. This blog will act as your Rajmachi trek guide to plan this trek yourself. Similar adventures like this one at the end of the post .

How difficult is the Rajmachi Trek?

Rajmachi Trek itself is very easy with half the trek from Udhewadi paved with stones. The trek is easy during all the seasons and I recommend it for families as well. The real difficulty is in reaching the Rajmachi base village of Udhwadi. Udhewadi is about 15 kms from Lonavla with bad to worse offroads. If you walk all of this 15 kms its tiring & if you take your vehicle its a bad offroad exercide for your vehicle.

How long is the Rajmachi Trek?

Niraj how much time does it take for the Rajmachi trek ? As i said earlier Rajmachi trek gets completed in an hour but the major time taken is to reach Udhwadi village which can require 2 hrs from Lonavla by walking or an hour of back breaking drive

Khane me Kya hia ?

The base village Udhwadi has sprout many hotels serving home made food. Pithala Bhakri – a local delicacy is a must try. Bro- Tip: When you reach Udhewadi select a particular hotel , order your food and take their mobile number and ask them to start preparing when you start to descend . Since its home made food it takes time. There are rock cut water cisterns / tanks but are no more in regular use. Hence carry your own drinking water . Avoid plastic consumption

Can we stay at Rajmachi ?

You can stay at Udhewadi. These are normal village homes so you can request locals for the stay. You can expect basic comforts of a village stay. If you want something luxurious one can stay at Lonavla ( During my Lonavala stay I had at the luxury resorts of Dukes Retreat & Upper Deck ). You can can always carry your tents and set up in udhewadi. Last i heard camping on Rajmachi was not allowed.

Kataldhar waterfall from Rajmachi fort trek

How to reach Rajmachi Fort from Pune & Mumbai ?

Where is Rajmachi fort located? Rajmachi is the most famous trek in Lonavala. It is 18 kms from Lonavala, 85 kms from Pune & 95 kms from Mumbai. Rajmachi can be reached from Lonavla side & Karjat side. The routes from Karjat are bit obscure & I will just give you an overview

Rajmachi Trek from Lonavla:

From Lonavla side is where Rajmachi is often visited because of the ease & ofcourse the views. Lonavla Railway station is the nearest one. From here are again two routes which will take you to Udhewadi – the base village of Rajmachi fort.

Route 1: ( 1 5km walk from Lonavla Railway station to Udhewadi )From Lonavla Railway Station ask/search route to Rajmachi route and start walking. Use google maps to search Upper Deck Resort which is at 5kms . Just ahead of this resort is Waterfall1 where you meet the road from Route 2. This route is famously known as the Upper Deck resort Route . From here onwards just walk straight to Udhewadi. There is only one road fork called Valvand fork take left from there to Udhewadi Route 2: ( 14.3km road from Mumbai-Pune Expressway ) Route from Kune Village: This would be nearer for people from Mumbai side or for those who want to take their vehicle. Just start walking from under the Mumbai- Pune expressway towards the Della Adventure & continue ahead to Rajmachi. After Della the road is nothing but rocks, good for offroading but bad for your vehicle. ( I guess Della has paid the officials to get the road concretised till their entrance ) This is route taken by all vehicles to reach Udhewadi

TAXI: there are sumo Taxi’s available from Lonavla Railway station which would charge for 1000 bucks till Fanasrai , from where you can walk for another 1hr to reach Udhewadi. They will take you all the way to Rajmachi (Base village- Udhewadi) for 1500 Rs. If you are lucky you might get a shared Sumo Taxi for 100 Rs per seat but chances of that happening are less

Lonavla Route is described in this blog

Rajmachi Trek Route Map from Lonavla

Rajmachi Trek from Karjat:

Route 1: There is single trail which starts from near Kondana Cave & it will take about 2-3 hours from there to reach Udhewadi village. You wll need to follow the orange ribbons tied throughout the way to stay on track

Route2: There is tough, long & confusing route know as “Ghodichi Vaat to Rajmachi” which starts from Mundewadi near Kondana . This will require a guide and will discuss that route in another blog.

Kondana caves trek blog : Kondana Caves route to rajmachi

Rajmachi Trek Route Map from Karjat

kondana rajmachi trek via karjat map gpx

What should I carry on this trek ?

On treks, first preference for food is ghar ka khana, fruits, dry fruits, lemon juice & lots of water over biscuits, breads and carbonated drinks. Also I do carry 1₹ chocolates for quick energy boosts. My normal attire includes full sleeved clothes , cap & proper trek shoes ( No flip-flops) Good goggles i.e anti-glares are must for summer treks. I also carry safety gadgets like fire starter, waterproof torch, whistle, first-aid just in case. Here are few trekking gears & food which i always carry on treks

Along with proper gear you must carry few qualities of a good human being - never trouble wild life, never draw on fort walls, never risk your life for selfies, never throw plastic anywhere (carry back all waste) and never play loud music. When in nature behave like animals. BE ONE WITH NATURE

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Most common question

Plan to travel full time

The most common question that i get asked is I want to travel a lot but I dont have leaves. Should I quit my job ? For years I have suggested to not quit anything unless you have another source of income. In search of this source of income I tried freelancing , trek leading, vlogging and I realised nothing works in the long term - untill I came across trading

This is perfect fit for a traveller mindset. You can trade from anywhere around the world be it some off the grid village in Himachal or Meghalaya, be it some island in Andaman. All you need is an internet connection and a trading account. You can earn by trading for 1-2 hrs a day and would have freedom to do anything in the free time.Or you might have just earned enough in a day to take the month off travelling around the world. If you are able to learn this then it has potential to make all your dreams come true. I would suggest you take it up as a side project for 6 months to see if you have patience & intellect to master it.

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Rajmachi Fort Trek Blog: TheFreeBird’s Story

I have done this trek in monsoon as well as summer from Lonavla as well as Karjat hence i have so many different perspectives. For starters i had taken my bike all the way to Udhewadi via the Della Route. You think below road is bad wait for the monsoon version

The route after Della Adventure is bad would be a huge understatement. But then if you want to save some time on walking offroading is the only option. The first point where i stopped was waterfall 1 this is the place where the upper deck resort trail meets the Della road trail.

I remember spending a lot of time in monsoon and really got me excited as I took so many pics. During my summer trip i barely stopped here for 2 minutes. On the same route falls the Kataldhar trek start point . It was difficult to spot this entry when i first visited here. But now a days it has not remained offbeat and attracts a lot of crowd. As such the entrance is also well marked these days.

Kataldhar trek start point in Rajmachi route

Going ahead a bit more is the waterfall 2 . During monsoon the walk till the waterfall 2 itself can classify as a proper monsoon trek with such picture perfect waterfalls. Here is another before & after photos.

In monsoon you will find many people enjoying the easily accessible waterfalls. There is a small make shift hotel in monsoon which served some maize & vada pav. After getting drenched in the waterfall chai tasted the best ever.

From here onwards one has to walk to truly beautiful landscape of sahyadris on the left side & occasional waterfalls on the right. I was enjoying the off-roading on my xpulse.

Rajmachi road - How to reach Rajmachi fort trek

Once i reached Udhewadi, the Rajmachi trek appeared like a real small one. The real exercise is in reaching Udhewadi itself. There are two parts of Rajmachi fort – Manranjan & Shrivardhan ballekilla. The Shrivardhan is the one which is mostly visited for the great view of Kataldhar warterfall it offers . I planned to do both but could only visit the Shrivardhan due to lack of time.

The fort is well maintained & the trek route from Udhewadi is properly laid stone track.

I crossed some 150 -200 stairs to enter the fort in about half an 20minutes . This is a straightforward trek hence I highly recommend it to beginners& families (if they can reach Udhewadi by vehicle)

View from Rajmachi top

Another 15-20 minutes and i was at the top of the Shrivardhan ballekilla . The view from here provides a vista of entire range of Karjat forts. I spotted Manikgad , Karnala , Songiri , NathBaba Caves , Matheran , Sondai , Irshalgad on one side. Towards the right one can spot Bhimashankar , Padargad , Kothaligad etc. On the left side is ofcourse the beloved Kataldhar waterfall. Get ready for a beautiful before & after photos.

This baston / buruj is has the best view. Rajmachi was surrounded by clouds with rain drops just floating in the air i.e. clouds making it impossible to take out my camera. I remember sitting here for hours in rain waiting for the clouds to clear up just to get a proper look at Kataldhar . Finally the clouds cleared up and i was able to see the vast green expanse till Lonavla.

The view from Rajmachi trek of Kataldhar

I remember taking so many pics & videos with a completely drenched mobile. I knew my mobile may stop working and i may loose all my data but such was the beauty that I couldnt stop myself from risking the rain. Here is a reel I shot.

Within few moments the clouds were back again in action covering the entire area,. With that i called it a day and rushed as fast as i could to my Hot Pithala Bhakri wating for me at the Udhwadi hotel. Quick lunch & I was off to my return journey.

That’s it for the Rajmachi trek blog .

If you have any doubts add a comment at the end of this post or reach out to me through my social media channels. To explore all my social platforms, just continue scrolling to the end of this page.

I've written blogs covering numerous Sahyadri treks, all accessible in the section below. Additionally, I create ambient Sahyadri videos on YouTube, featuring solely natural sounds such as birdsong, wind rustling through the trees, and the soothing patter of rain—the elements of nature that I hold dear.

SAHYADRI TREKS NEAR

famous treks

kp falls- railway bridge waterfall

kataldhar 400ft

kumbhe 400ft

nanemachi 500ft

easy treks near mumbai- pune

kondana caves

nathbaba caves

treks near kasara & nashik

bhandardurg/brahmagiri

bahulagad-closed

konkan sea forts

murud Janjira

kolaba fort

Difficult treks

bhairavgad Moroshi

rajapuri caves

matheran trekking routes from:

garbett plateau

rambaug point

one tree hill

sunset point

hashyachi patti

pisarnath ladder

beatrice cliff

← Beatrice Cliff Trek ❤️Toughest Matheran Trek is beautiful
Matheran Trekking Routes ❤️ All Matheran Treks #ProjectMatheran →

Rajmachi Fort Trek, adventurous one day trip (INR 350)

Are you sad because you don’t have leaves left for a long trip? Are you looking for a place where you can experience most of nature’s gifts in just a one day trip? If yes, Rajmachi Fort trek is waiting for you. A trek which blesses you with lush green mountains, numerous waterfalls, deep valleys, beautiful fort, amazing trails, flowing river, vast plateaus, village life, water reservoir and much more.

Rajmachi Fort

A bit risky option on Rajmachi Fort Trek

Rajmachi fort trek , a historical fort amidst the rugged hills of Sahyadri is a popular destination for nature lovers, travellers, and trekkers. I did this trek in the last monsoon season, but the memories are still so fresh.

Rajmachi Fort Trek

How to reach Rajmachi fort from Mumbai and Pune

Rajmachi Fort lies somewhere in the mid of Mumbai Pune route . Mumbai and Pune are well connected to major Indian cities via railways and roadways.

From Mumbai , one can catch a train going towards Pune and get down at Karjat . From Shree Ram Bridge, Karjat catch a shared Auto (Tum –Tum) (INR40) to reach Kondhane village. You can start the trek from this village. On the way, you can also see the beautiful Kondhane Caves .

Note: This is the longer route to reach Rajmachi and trek can take easily around 3-4 hours (one way), but the views all along the way are breathtaking.

How to reach Rajmachi Fort Trek from Mumbai

From Pune , one can catch a local train to reach Lonavala. From Lonavala , there are 2 routes to reach Udhewadi (base village of Rajmachi fort). Lonavala – Kunhe village – Della adventure Park – Udhewadi and Lonavala – Tungarli – Nandgaon – Udhewadi are the two routes.

One can drive all the way to the base village Udhewadi except in the monsoon season as the road conditions are very bad. Most of the vehicles can go only up-to Fanasrai, from where Udhewadi is another 6.2 kms. Shared taxis are available for Fanasrai from Lonavala railway station in the monsoon season(100-120 INR per person). From Fanasrai, it would take around 2 hours to reach the base village.

Note: Take the Della adventure park route if you are riding by yourself as it is better when compared to Tungarli road route.

How to reach Rajmachi Fort Trek from pune

Difficulty level of Rajmachi Fort Trek

I would rate Rajmachi Fort Trek as a medium level trek . If you are a beginner, I would suggest you start the trek from base village Udhewadi(if your vehicle can reach till there). Experienced trekkers can start trekking from Kondhane caves or Tungarli Lake. The trail from the base village is clearly marked and it generally takes around one hour to reach the top . Also, there are many shelters all along the trail, which helps to catch your breath. If you are doing the trek in monsoon, just be extra cautious as the route becomes little slippery.

Views on Rajmachi Fort trek

Huge waterfall as seen on Rajmachi Fort Trek

My journey to Rajmachi Fort

I rarely visit a place again, but the beauty of Rajmachi Fort Trek brought me here twice in a span of 3 months. Previously, I visited the place in the summer season and looking at the route, I knew I was definitely coming back here in the coming monsoon season.

The Great Wall on Rajmachi Fort Trek

Along with a friend, I started for Rajmachi Fort from Pune around 5:00 AM. We took the Lonavala – Tungarli – Nandgaon – Udhewadi route. Owing to the monsoon, somewhere near the Tungarli Lake, the road was in very bad condition. So we decided to park our bike and trek all the way till Rajmachi.

Rajmachi Fort Trek route

Our decision to do Rajmachi Fort trek was justified, as we were blessed with breathtaking views all along the way. There are numerous small waterfalls on the route till Rajmachi, taking a bath in those waterfalls was really amazing. It re-energizes you to move forward.

Rajmachi Fort Trek

There are small food joints on the way to erase your hunger. Having tea and pakora in that surroundings would definitely make a memory for a lifetime. After walking for around 2 ½ hours, we made it to the base village.

River in route to Rajmachi Fort

It generally takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the top of the fort, including few pit stops along the way. The beautiful and lush green surroundings reminded me of what I miss in modern concrete cities. The view of the lush green western Ghat from the top is incredible.

Breathtaking views on Rajmachi Fort trek

Lush green surroundings as seen on Rajmachi Fort trek

Breathtaking scenes as seen on Rajmachi Fort Trek

Places to see at Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort has two fortified peaks, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, with a wide plateau separating the two peaks. Also, the fort has few temples, water reservoir, caves, ramparts and the ruins of fortification. The structure at the top may not delight you, but yes the journey to reach the top is really amazing.

Rajmachi Fort

Shirota Lake

On my third visit to Rajmachi, I got to know about this beautiful lake (thanks to zoom in function in Gmaps) which is just a few kilometers away from the base village Udhewadi. Finding the route of this lake is a tough task, but after few efforts, I finally made it to the Shirota Lake. Search for Valvand village road fork on Gmaps, and once you reach that fork, take the right road. After few meters on that road, there would a road going uphill on the right-hand side. From there, walk towards the lake using blue dot(your location) on GPS.

Shirota Lake on Rajmachi Fort trek

Fireflies at Rajmachi Fort trek

Most of you might have seen the fireflies. But have you ever seen them in large numbers in a small area? If not, here is an opportunity!! On the way to Rajmachi Fort, in the last few days of May and the first few days of June, one can see fireflies which are concentrated to a few trees. Watching them glowing together on a small tree, I felt as if it was a Christmas tree where some has put on the twinkling lights. Below click is not at all doing justice to what I saw in reality.

Note :- I did the night trek to Rajmachi on 2nd June 2018, it was very humid, which is said to be the perfect condition to spot fireflies.

Fireflies as seen on Rajmachi Fort trek

If you visiting Rajmachi in the monsoon season and have a extra day or two in hand, don’t miss doing the Kataldhar waterfall Trek which lies in the same region. The waterfall trek will leave you stunned. You can read details of the same on my post: Kataldhar Waterfall Trek – A journey through the dense forest.

Me at Kataldhar Waterfall

Stay and food options at Rajmachi Fort

Generally, no one stays overnight at the fort as it can be covered on a day trip from Mumbai or Pune. If you are looking for camping, you can pitch a tent at the Kal Bhairavnath Temple which is near to the base of the fort. Tents are available for rent if you don’t have one. The locals also offer home-stays; you can stay at their home if you are not comfortable camping.

Local selling lemon drink to earn his living

The tent that I carry during the treks is Quechua Arpenaz 2 Tent . It has enough space for 2 people.

If you are too tired to come down to the base village, you can take shelter in the cave. Setting up tents at the top would be difficult due to high-speed winds, which prevail almost for the entire day.

trekkers cleaning the way Rajmachi Fort Trek

Trails being cleaned by the trekkers

The locals can cook food for you if informed in advance. I would suggest you taste the Pithla Bhakri – a traditional Maharashtra food. The Pithla has a semi-solid consistency. It is made from chickpea flour and is eaten with Bhakri.

Waterfall seen from top of fort

There are many options of fort treks in Maharashtra. If you are looking for some other option, you can check my previous post on Tikona Fort and Torna Fort .

Amazing view from Rajmachi Fort top

To believe that whatever I am talking about Rajmachi Fort trek is not an exaggeration but the reality, you need to plan a trip soon to this amazing gift of nature.

Do follow me on Instagram as I am regularly posting travel posts and stories over there. Also, you can message me on Instagram if you want to join me on my next trip.

Are you looking for some essential travel gear? Check out my post on What’s in my Backpack .

Looking for more weekend gateway options near Pune? Check out these posts:

A cycle trip to Lavasa city from Pune (INR 100)
Andharban jungle and Devkund Waterfall Trek – Time to get lost in the dense forest
Satara – A road trip to the Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers from Pune (INR 800)
Tikona Fort Trek and Pawna Lake – One day trip near Pune (INR 250)
A two-day trip to Torna Fort and Madhe Ghat Waterfall(INR 400)
Matheran – Asia’s only automobile free hill station
Daman – A Glimpse of Portugal Heritage
A road trip to Harihareshwar, Shrivardhan and Diveagar Beach from Pune (INR 1200)
Kalsubai Peak – Trek to the highest peak of Maharashtra (INR 600)

Hope you have enjoyed reading this article on Rajmachi Fort Trek. To get regular updates on upcoming budget blog posts from On a Cheap Trip , please subscribe by entering your name and E-mail address in the Newsletter below. You can follow me on Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest as well as on Twitter .

52 thoughts on “ Rajmachi Fort Trek, adventurous one day trip (INR 350) ”

Hi Abhishek..great write up… Just wanted to know how much time does it usually take to trek from Kondane village to Rajmachi fort?

Which will be the easiest treck with my 8 yrs daughter In Feb next month?

Hello Abhishek, Your blog posts are really appreciated. I read your both write-up on Rajmachi and Rajgad fort. I am planning for a trip in December 1st week. If I have only 1 day to spend, which one I should prefer during this time period – Rajmachi or Rajgad? Thanks in advance for your suggestion.

Hey Makshum, thank you so much!! Both are equally beautiful. If I had to make a choice, I would go for Rajmachi

if i start my trip around 7 am by ola cab from badlapur then after all treking time , on what time i will be return back at badlapur Please reply the whole timing when i will be return back??

What types of shoes i should wear to do safe treking?

From where rajmashi trek is near we are planning to trek we r from Mumbai so tell us how we can plan one day trek

You can take a train till Lonavala and from there a shared taxi for Fanasrai. From Fanasrai, you can begin with the trek!!

Beautiful pictures ! Great work ! Thanks for the info.

Hi Abhishek, After reading your blog planning for a Rajmachi Trek with my family in July or August. Till which point can I go with my own four wheeler? From there what is the trek distance to the fort? I am planning a day trip. What will be a good time to leave Pune ?

Hey Jai, that’s great to hear!!You can probably take the 4 wheeler upto half way from there you would need to walk for 3-4 kms to reach the base village. Plan to leave Pune by 6 am or so if you can.

Thank you for sharing all such amazing experiences. nice write-up and Awesome pictures. will definitely share with my friends about this blog.. we are planning for a one day trip to Rajmachi fort.we can reach to lonavala railway station by morning 9:00AM Please help us out how can we reach the base village from station and to start our trek? what would be the cost generally? awaiting for your reply.

thanking you,

From Lonavala station, you do get shared taxis sometimes for the base village. If you don’t get the same, you can take the auto up to the point till where the roads are good. Cost per person would be around 100/person for the taxi/Auto.

Hello Abhishek, The explanation which you have given about your trek was excellent. I planned a trip to lonavala in july, I would be staying there for 3N 4D. Would you please help me to plan my 3 days lonavala trip .what all the places can I visit in that 3N 4N .

Thank you!! Can you text me on my Instagram handle (@onacheaptrip) and I will help you with the details.

Excellent description of your trek here!! Really found almost all the information and the pictures I was looking for. Just one question though… can I reach Udhewadi village on a bike if I start from Pune at around 10am? July month :).. Is the road motorable for a bike?

Thank you Gopal. It all depends on the rain . But you will probably be able to make it to Udhewadi village on bike if you go till 10th July or near about.

Hey, me and my friends are planning to visit rajmachi from hyderabad so could you please let me know how to reach to the place.

Hey that’s great to hear. I must have mentioned the details on how to reach Rajmachi on my blog. You can check the same.

Trekking to Rajmachi in 2 week of May would be good ?

In the day time, it gets very hot so won’t recommend. You can do a night trek to Rajmachi Fort.

Hello, the description is very amazing. Me and my frnds ka planning to go for rajmachi-fort-trek so can uh please guide me about coming back to Mumbai how is the transportation mode for the same day

Thank you so much Nikita. From the trek, if you aren’t tired. you can walk all the way to Della adventure park from where you can hire auto for Lonavala station. From the station, you can take any train plying towards Mumbai Other option is to trek till Kondhane village from where you can opt for shared Tum-Tum. The auto will drop you at Jataka from where you can catch any train for Mumbai.Hope that helps. Happy Journey 🙂

Wow what a detailed description !! I’m planning to do 2 two trek+camping in lonavala region in January. Which two would you recommend? Rajmachi (camp at shirota or bhairavnath) / Lohagad (camping at Pawna) / Tung / Tikona … there are too many options that I see

Rajmachi and camping at Shirota as Pawna becomes too crowded generally.

Thanks Abhishek! I want to pick one more camping site as I’ll be there for 2 nights. What would you suggest apart from Shirota?

I would suggest you to camp at Rajgad Fort.

Hey …thanks for the detail info… We are planning for Rajmachi in 1st week of November. In your pics I can see many waterfalls..etc but that was during monsoon…..Would we be able to see any waterfall or water streams in between route to base village from Lonavala Railway Station so that we can get some relax from heat..

Hey Rehan, thank you so much for your appreciation!! All the waterfalls on the trek route from Lonavala to Rajamachi are seasonal and by November 1st week all would have already dried up. A day before yesterday, surprisingly it rained here in Pune, and if you are lucky enough it may even rain in Rajmachi region in November. But the chances are very little!!! I would suggest you to start the trek a bit early in order to avoid excessive heat!! Happy journey 🙂

Thank you for sharing all details of your amazing experience. We are group of 5 peoples planning to visit Rajmachi on 13th Oct. We are plaaning to reach at Udhewadi base village on 12th oct at night and stay there overnight. We are visiting here for the first time so i have few questions to ask. I Just wanted to know whether i can stay on fort overnight? Also we are planning to descending via Karjat. So is it a safe path for descending? How much time it will take?

There are as such no stay option at the fort. You can pitch in a tent over there. I would suggest you to stay at the base village overnight and trek to the top at early morning. Yes the Karjat route is pretty good for the descend. It will take around 2-3 hours for the descend.

Hello abhishek, My friends and I were planning to trek on Oct 7,as a one day trek,do we need a guide or is it safe to trek without one,where do we need to park the car? We wanted to get back before 4pm

Hey Ravi, that’s great to hear.that you are planning to go for the Rajmachi Fort trek. You don’t need a guide at all, you can do it all by yourself. Most probably you will be able to take the car all the way to the base village Udhewadi as the monsoon have almost gone. Otherwise, you can drive as far as you could and park anywhere on the roadside. It’s absolutely safe over there so there won’t be any issue at all. You can start your day early (6 am) and you will be easily back by 4 pm. If you still have any doubts, please let me know. Happy journey!! Cheers 🙂

Is it safe for a solo female trekker??

Hello everyone. We are group of friends planning to trek rajmachi fort. Few of us from Mumbai and few from pune. So can you suggest a spot for gathering to start trek and path. We don’t have bike or car. Anyone knows please guide.

Both of the groups can catch a train to Lonavala station. From Lonavala, hire an auto and ask him to drop you till Della adventure park. From there you can trek all the way to Rajmachi. Remember its a long trek so start early from Mumbai- Pune.

Nice writeup. Can you please help me on best way for one day trek from Mumbai? We will be visiting in first week of August.

Hey Raj, from Mumbai, you can catch a train going towards Pune and get down at Karjat. From Shree Ram Bridge, Karjat catch a shared Auto (Tum –Tum) (INR40) to reach Kondhane village. You can start the trek from this village. This is the longer route to reach Rajmachi and trek can take easily around 3-4 hours (one way), but the views all along the way are breathtaking. You can also get down at Lonavala station, catch an auto for Della adventure park( 5 kms) and start your trek from there. The trail is well marked and you will find a lot of trekkers all along the way.

Hi, I am planning to go alone for one day trek to Rajmachi. Is it safe to travel along? Also guide where i can park my car safely?

Hey Aakash, no issues at all. It’s absolutely safe!! There is a bridge to the point where the cars go easily. You can park over there, you will find many other vehicles parked over there. Happy traveling 🙂

Hello Abhishek, That seems like an amazing experience. We are planning on a trek in the next few weeks. We will be coming from Pune but are experienced trekkers. From your post, the Tungarli Lake sounds like a good start point. Can we park our car there? Also can you share a route map from Tungarli Lake to the fort? We would want to camp at the Fort or the temple through the night. What time we need to start from Pune to be able to reach there on time?

Hey Nirajan, yeah it was an amazing experience. I would suggest you take the Della adventure park route, and take the car as far as you can. You might have to stop at a point where the roads would be in pretty bad condition. You can park your car anywhere there, no safety issues!! I have already shared route on the post. You can just use Gmaps and type in Udhewadi and follow the directions. Also, there will be a lot of trekkers over there, so you may find the route easily. You can start from Pune by 10:00 am, reach Della adventure around 1:00 pm and go little more ahead. From there you would reach the base by 4-5 pm. Let me know if you have more doubts.

Thanks that was helpful. By parking at Della adventure, Would it take 3 hours to the base? From the base I am assuming it will take only about 2 hrs to climb to the top? The constraint is that i can leave Pune only after 2. Is the route dangerous after sunset?

Yes it would take around 3 hours to reach the base from Della adventure and route is mostly flat. From the base, it would take around 1-1.5 hours to reach the top . If you start from Pune around 2, you will be at Della adventure by 3:30 -4 pm. So you can reach the base by 7 pm. No worries, I recently did a night trek to catch views of fireflies at Rajmachi, I started from pune around 12 pm. So don’t worry its pretty safe!!

Thank you for sharing alll details of amazing experience. I am planning to go to Lonavala in Feb. What time would be best to reach there? Would we be able to see everything like this if we reach there after 11am

Thanks for reading!! The post is on Rajmachi Fort which is near to Lonavala. The pics I have taken are of Monsoon season so you won’t be experiencing the lush green surroundings and foggy weather as in pics. Also till 11 am the weather would be hot so it’s better to reach little late. You can enjoy the view of the sunset from this fort.

nice piece of information.. thanks a lot… planning rajmachi fort trek for the coming weekend.

Thank you so much!! Wishing you a great journey 🙂

Nice write-up. Have been following all your write-ups and have to say they are very informative. The pictures are the icing on the cake!

Thank you so much 🙂 Hope you keep reading my upcoming posts !!!

Yes Abhishek it was surely a lifetime experience for me. The nature at its best and can’t be described better than this with the breathtaking photographs. Waiting for your next post as badly was waiting for this.

Yes it was indeed a great experience!! yes next post is coming soon 🙂

Rajmachi Fort - History, Timings & Entry Fee

India | Maharashtra | Lonavala

#9 of 22 places to visit in lonavala, distance (from lonavala railway station): 15 kms, visited from: lonavala railway station, trip duration (including travel): half day to full day, place location: near udhewadi village, transportation options: bus / cab / + walk/trek, website: na, phone no: na, place address: na, travel tips: none.

At a distance of 15 km from Lonavala, 15 km from Khandala, 82 km from Mumbai & 82 km from Pune, Rajmachi Fort is an ancient fort situated in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is one of the popular tourist places near Mumbai for trekking and also among the best places to visit in Lonavala . This famous fort in Maharashtra lies at an altitude of 2710 feet. This is a protected monument and is among the most popular attraction not to miss in a Lonavala tour packages . Historically, Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Bor Ghat (between Khopoli and Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. It is one of the ideal one day trip near Mumbai . The fort complex was originally constructed by the Satavahanas. In 1657 CE, Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort along with other neighbouring forts from the Adilshahi ruler of Bijapur. In 1704 CE, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb captured the fort from the Marathas. However, the Marathas regained its control in 1705 CE. In 1713 CE, Shahu Maharaj handed over Rajmachi fort to Kanhoji Angre. Eventually in 1818 CE with the downfall of the Marathas, the British took over the Rajmachi Fort. Rajmachi Fort consists of two citadels namely Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Forts. It is a very famous fort located near Pune and also one of the top heritage sites in Lonavala. Surrounded by a wide plateau, this fort overlooks the Bor Ghat. The fort complex consists of huge ramparts, strong walls, massive gateways, residential units, water reservoirs, administrative centers and secret gates for exit. Kal Bhairav temple is situated in the gorge between Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts. In rainy season this region is more beautiful with several waterfalls, streams and lush green forests and meadows. Ancient Buddhist caves known as Kondhane caves are situated on the western side of the Rajmachi plateau, which were supposedly carved during 200 BC. There are 8 Buddhist caves of the Hinayana Buddhist tradition. The Kondhane caves enclose sculptures, vihara and stupas of ancient Buddhist architecture. Although many stupas, front entrance and the floor of the caves were damaged in an earthquake only the Chaitya remained intact. There are two ways to reach the Rajmachi fort, one is from Lonavala, roughly 15 km flat walk and the other one is from Karjat, a gradual climb of around 5 km. For beginners, it would be better to trek from Lonavala as this is a much easier path. It will take about 5 hours of hiking to reach Udhewadi, the base of Rajmachi fort by this route. Only SUVs can reach Udhewadi village which is situated at the base of Rajmachi Fort to avoid 15 km long trek. The route from Kondivade village near Karjat is tough and involves climb-up of about 2000 feet. From Kondivade village one can reach Rajmachi via the Kondhane village and visit the ancient Kondhane Buddhist caves on the way. The caves are 3 km away from Kondivade village and has mototable road. The trek to Rajmachi fort starts from Kondhane Caves, which is about 5 km from the fort. It takes around 3-4 hours to reach Rajmachi from Kondhane Caves. Camping in Rajmachi is a perfect idea especially because of the long trek. Rajmachi Rural Aid and Development Programme (NGO) have 2 dormitories to provide accommodation facilities for trekkers to Rajmachi in Udhewadi village at a nominal charge. Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM.

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‘Rajmachi Trek and Camping’- the name itself tells what this trek is most famous for in Maharashtra. One of the wonders you will witness on this trek is watching Fireflies at night. The environment here in Sahyadri Hills is very favorable for fireflies to live and flourish. During Rajmachi camping at night, you can easily enjoy nature's light show by playing with them while the little creatures will amuse you, the whole night. Stargazing during the night while camping on this fort would nurture the astronomical interest in one. The Rajmachi trek will be a lifetime experience for you.
Rajmachi Fort is one of the many forts that have been cuddled by the Sahyadri mountains with its rugged and lush green arms in the western ghats which is the world biodiversity heritage site. The fort is 2700 ft. above the sea which promises the most scenic view of western ghats and their flora-fauna along with the backwaters of the Shirota dam. Rajmachi Fortification comprises two forts- Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort. Shrivardhan Fort was used as a watchtower due to its height (3000 ft.) while Manaranjan Fort is comparatively low in height but one can enjoy views of Karnala Fort from here.
From the roots of Indian history, it is found that the Rajmachi fort was built as a defensive fort to have a lookout on Bor Ghats since this is a significant route for traders to reach Mumbai, an important trade center in the west. Because of its significant importance, it has a very interesting history. This fort was built by Satavahana who established their kingdom after the decline of the Maurya Empire. The fort came to light when Shivaji became the king of Marathas. In the year 1657, Shivaji fought with Adilshaha and brought this fort under his control. In 1704, after the death of Sambhaji Maharaj (son of Shivaji Maharaj), the Mughals attacked the fort and took it under control only to lose it again to Marathas when they attacked it in the following year. In the 19th century, the Maratha dynasty started declining, and finally, in the year 1818, this fort was under British-India rule.
After India’s independence, this fort was announced as an ancient heritage place and a protected monument in Maharashtra. Different Buddhist caves, manmade water storage tanks, temples, ruined complexes, and walls of forts attract a lot of archeological, architectural, and historical enthusiasts. Apart from the historical and architectural brilliance, one would surely fall in love with the beauty of nature and the surrounding in which this fort has perched. As Rajmachi fort is situated midway between Pune and Mumbai, and just a few km away from the all-time favorite Lonavala hill station, it’s one of the best trekking places in Mumbai. In short, the Rajmachi fort fireflies trek and Camping is the all-in-one package to get one step closer to nature and experience it thoroughly.
With time, the fort has developed its identity and came up with the new identity as 'Rajmachi Trek’. It attracts trekkers from all around the world to enjoy the trails that are an indivisible part of the Western Ghats. It also excites novice trekkers more because of its easy to moderate difficulty level but an exhausting trail at the same time. Generally, it takes two days to completely explore this trek as a result 'Rajmachi camping’ becomes a synergistic part of this trek. After getting exhausted by exploring the trek on day 1, camping at night encourages your energy level to explore unexplored parts of this trek on day 2. Rajmachi trek and Rajmachi camping together make a complete package that you are looking for to spend your valuable holidays in nature's surroundings.
Witnessing the sunrise and the sunset from the fort during Rajmachi camping is a mesmerizing memory that can be preserved for years to come. It also helps you to experience the fascinating night at Sahyadri hills by witnessing the fireflies during Rajmachi camping. The fort has witnessed a lot of mesmerizing treks and campings but still waiting for you to come and enjoy its glorious legacy.

Trek Details :

Base Village: Udhewadi
Fort Name: Shrivardhan
Nearest City: Lonavala (15km Approx. from Udhewadi- offroading)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Trail Trek Length: Approx. 7 km one way (From the Start point Of the trek to the Base Village)
Duration of Night Trail Trek: Approx. 2 hrs (From the Start point to the Base Village)
Shrivardhan Fort Trek Elevation: Normal
Duration of Shrivardhan Fort Trek: 45-75 mins
Endurance: Moderate
Height of fort: 3000 feet approx. (From Sea Level)
Accommodation: Tent stay (Triple/ Quad Sharing)
Sightseeings: Shrivardhan Fort Exploration, Shiva Temple, Lake
Meals: Maharashtrian Veg food
Washrooms: Basic Village Toilets / Toilet Tents

Batches :

May: 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31
June: 1, 7, 8.

Important Note:

We highly recommend joining Thursday, Friday, and Sunday departure dates to avoid a rush . We can also arrange weekday departures on request.
In case it's starting to rain , we assure you to provide you with a common hall of the villager's hom e, where you can sit or sleep. The hall will be accommodating 40-50 people, it won't be convenient but that's the best possible solution to the situation.
The chances of seeing fireflies on the 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th are very low.
Lonavala to Lonavala (Thursday & Friday Departures) : 1599/- per person
Lonavala to Lonavala (Saturday & Sunday Departure) : 1599/- per person
Pune to Pune (Thursday & Friday Departures): 1599/- per person
Pune to Pune (Saturday Departure): 1599/- per person
Mumbai to Mumbai (Friday & Saturday Departures): 2199/- per person
Base Village (Udhewadi): 1199/- per person
Couple Tent: Rs 200/- per person

Tents will be sanitized. However, we request you sanitize them before use.

Similar Events:

Sandhan Valley Fireflies Trek
Bhandhardara Fireflies Trek
Prabalmachi Fireflies Trek

Itinerary 01: (Lonavala To Lonavala)

06:00 PM: Reach Lonavala Railway Station and report to the Trek leaders
06:30 PM: Post briefing and instructions start the journey towards the start point of the trek by private Jeeps.

07:15 PM: Reach starting point of the trek. We will start the trek to the base village post briefing and instructions by Trek Leaders.

09:30 PM: Enjoy beautiful jungle trail hiking with mesmerizing view of fireflies and reach the base village. Get relaxed and settle down.
10:00 PM: Have a delicious Dinner ( Authentic Maharashtrian Veg Thali)
11:00 PM: tent allotment by Trek Leaders and time to Enjoy the overnight camping stay with strangers turned into the family under the sky full of stars, and enjoy the view of lightning fireflies. Have rest and reenergize yourself for the next morning trek.
05:00 AM: Wake up call, Get freshen up
06:00 AM: Start trek to Rajmachi Fort (Shrivardhan Fort)
07:00 AM: Reach the peak and enjoy a beautiful view of sunrise and the surrounding. Click photos.
08:00 AM: Start descending to the base village
09:00 AM: Reach base village, relax, and have breakfast
10:30 AM: Start return journey to Lonavala by private vehicle
Due to sudden High Demand and low availability of jeeps, it might take longer than usual to get the return jeep for Lonavala to the base village. we recommend you take Mumbai to Mumbai or Pune to Pune package to avoid unnecessary waiting time at the base village for jeeps.
11:30 PM: Reach Lonavala. Goodbye until the next time!!!

Due to the heavy rush of trekkers in this season and the scarcity of local vehicles, return transportation service from Base Village to Lonavala may get delayed by a few hours. also, we may have to transfer the participants in batches, so we request you to be patient and cooperative)

Also, If you're going to book Return Journey train/ bus/ flight tickets to your respective cities in advance, kindly concern with Sales and Operations team once so that you will not face any inconvenience in your return journey.

Itinerary 02: Pune to Pune (With Bus Transportation)

09:45 PM: Report to the Trek Leaders at Fergusson College Main Gate, FC Road (opposite Starbucks) ( https://goo.gl/maps/53XNsyDPwcSVReZW9 )
We request you have dinner before boarding the bus or bring packaged dinner. We won't take a Hault for Dinner.
10:15 PM: Pickup from Wakad ( https://goo.gl/maps/8aTY1UsQmiSciTfR9?coh=178573&entry=tt )
12:30 AM: Reach Base Village. Enjoy the view of the mesmerizing view of Fireflies on the way. Get Relaxed. Tent allotment by Trek leaders.
Enjoy the overnight camping stay with strangers turned into the family under the sky full of stars, and enjoy the view of lightning fireflies. Have rest and reenergize yourself for the next morning trek.
10:30 AM: Start return journey to Pune by Private Bus
02:00 PM: Reach Pune. Goodbye until the next time!!!

1. Half Way from Lonavala To Base Village Rote is off-road. and thus if it rains it becomes Muddy and thus non-motorable. In such circumstances, we will have to take a walk for 6 to 8 km. So please be cooperative.

2. Arrival time in Pune is subjective to road congestion till Lonavala and weather conditions. It may get delayed by an hour or two.

Itinerary 03: Mumbai to Mumbai (With Bus Transportation)

03:00 PM: Report to the Trek Leaders at Borivali National Park ( https://goo.gl/maps/qvxmxjK8Tmn5JgScA )
03:05 PM: Samta nagar police station, Kandivali ( https://goo.gl/maps/kRgGJ9XvYK3d8FWAA )
03:15 PM: Sufi Irani Cafe, Goregaon ( https://goo.gl/maps/4ZTNqab65pKPDoNC9 )
03:30 PM: Hanuman Road Bus Stop Andheri ( https://goo.gl/maps/SWKWuGMXSWgajCsSA )
03:45 PM: Kalanagar Bust Stop, Bandra ( https://goo.gl/maps/jGkGpBZrRto5gRTJ9 )
04:00 PM: Neeta Volvo, Sion ( https://goo.gl/maps/iidWMx1DKGybV9jC9 )
04:10 PM: Mankhurd Vashi Link Road ( https://goo.gl/maps/m6TtFVkCkHd6MdKr7 )
04:30 PM: Vashi (under the bridge) ( https://goo.gl/maps/3dpGHKPvf49FgJj6A )
04:45 PM: Nerul LP ( https://goo.gl/maps/tpntbzeYVijHQieF7 )
04:55 PM: Kharghar station ( https://goo.gl/maps/y7hNW9wxMV7tByPr5 )
05:15 PM: Kalamboli McD ( https://goo.gl/maps/F4bqaobJhjcPQ8zK9 )
06:30 PM: Take Halt at Lonavala. Participants can have snacks at their own convenience.
07:30 PM: Reach the starting point of the trek by bus. We will start the trek post briefing by the Trek Leaders.
09:30 PM: Enjoy beautiful jungle trail hiking with mesmerizing view of fireflies and reach the base village which will be followed by Tent Allotment By Trek Leaders and time to get relax and settle down.
We insist you on carrying your own mat and blanket or a sleeping bag.
10:00 PM: Have a delicious Dinner ( Authentic Maharashtrian Local Veg Thali)
11:00 PM: Enjoy the overnight camping stay with strangers turned into the family under the sky full of stars, and enjoy the view of lightning fireflies. Have rest and reenergize yourself for the next morning trek.
10:30 AM: Start return journey to Mumbai by Private Bus
04:00 PM: Reach Mumbai. Goodbye until the next time!!!

2. Arrival time in Mumbai is subjective to road congestion till Lonavala and weather conditions. It may get delayed by an hour or two.

Itinerary 04: (Base Village To Base Village)

09:30 PM: Reach the base village which will be followed by Tent Allotment By Trek Leaders and time to get relax and settle down.
09:00 AM: Reach base village, relax, and have Breakfast
10:30 AM: Your trip ends here

Inclusion :

Transportation by Jeep from Lonavala to the Starting Point of the trek and return from the Base village to Lonavala/ (For itinerary 1)
Mumbai to Mumbai Transportation By Private Bus (For itinerary 2)
Pune to Pune Transportation By Private Bus (For itinerary 3)
Dinner (Veg Thali) (Only for itineraries 1, 2, and 4)
Breakfast & Tea
Accommodation: Camping Tent Stay with Ground sheets inside the tent (Triple/ Quad sharing)
Forest Entry Charges.
Experienced Trek leaders and Trek Expertise Charges.
First Aid Charges

Exclusion :

Travel till pickup points
Lunch for the second day
Dinner ( Only For Itinerary 2 - Pune to Pune)
Pillow and sleeping bag (however you can carry a shawl or chaddar as per your requirement)
Mineral water or Lime water or purchased for personal consumption
All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
Any kind of personal expenses
Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost including above
All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
Any kind of Health/ Medical Insurance

How to reach Lonavala:

(For Mumbai Participants)

Take Konark Express 11019 (Mumbai to Bhubaneswar)

01:45 PM: CSMT
02:15 PM: DADAR
02:33 PM: THANE
02:55 PM: KALYAN
04:27 PM: LONAVALA

HYDERABAD EXP (22732)

02:10: C SHIVAJI MAH T
04:43: LONAVALA

Option 3:

Take the Local train to Khopoli. From Khopoli, take local jeep transportation to Lonavala Railway Station.

(For Pune Participants)

Take Pune To Lonavala Local Train

04:25 PM: PUNE
04:31 PM: SHIVAJI NAGAR
04:52 PM: CHINCHWAD
05:13 PM: TALEGAON
05:45 PM: LONAVALA

Things to carry:

(Highly Required and Mandatory Things)

backpack (waterproof or covered with waterproof cover)
trekking shoes or any sports shoes with a Good grip
Trekking pants (compulsory), 2 T-Shirts (Preferably full sleeves or Half T-shirt with sleeves), Raincoat/ waterproof jacket/ windcheater, Handnapkin/Towel, etc
Water Bottle (1- 2 ltr)
Ready-to-eat food like plum cakes, Dry fruits, dry snacks and biscuits, Chikki, chocolate bars, etc.
Personal Medicines and Personal First aid

(Required but Optional Things)

Sleeping Bag/ Shawl etc
To change after trekking - Facewash, Extra pants/ shorts, Extra T-shirt, sleeper/ floaters, an extra bag to carry your trekking shoes, innerwear, etc
Sweater For bus journey
Electoral or Glucose D powder.
Portable Phone Charger, Earphones, etc.
Sun protection cap, sunglasses, Sunscreen lotion, toothbrush-toothpaste, etc
Proper face mask or shield
Extra Pair of clothes.
We provide Tent Accommodation with a ground sheet. We request you to carry a sleeping bag/shawl/chaddar and pillow as per your requirement.
Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pants, this will protect your body and skin from Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles, etc)

Important Notes:

As Rajmachi is famous for Fireflies season many trekkers and travelers Visit this place in this season which leads to a huge rush on weekends. Thus we suggest choosing Friday- Saturday Batch.
The visibility of fireflies is an absolutely natural phenomenon depending upon climatic conditions and the Atmosphere on that particular day.
We provide Tent Accommodation on a Triple/ Quad sharing basis in 3 Men Capacity and 4 men capacity tents respectively with ground sheets inside the tent for overnight camping stay. If you do not find it comfortable you have the option to choose a Twin/Couple Sharing Tent (3 Men capacity) while booking with an additional charge of 200 Rs per person. No arguments and requests from participants will be entertained at the campsite for tent allotment.
These events are happening in pre-monsoon time and thus it may rain on the day of the event during our camping stay. In such a situation, we will try to provide available homestay in the village but considering the huge rush of trekkers, there might be a shortage of the stay facility, so trekkers are expected to adjust and cooperate accordingly.
The Base Village is situated in a very remote location and does have a scarcity of Basic Facilities like washrooms, Stay, network, hotels, etc. So participants have to adjust and cooperate with each other and the organizers.
Lonavala to Base Village Road is offroad and if it rains heavily it becomes Muddy and not motorable. In this case, trekkers may have to walk halfway to the Base Village and Return (5-7 KM one way).
Due to the huge rush of trekkers and shortage of local vehicles, there might be a long queue for return transportation from the base village to Lonavala and thus return time may get delayed. so we request you to be patient and cooperative.
Above mentioned circumstances totally depend upon weather and technical conditions and are beyond our control hence the alterations that we will have to make in our scheduled itinerary, camping stay, transport, etc. are not liable to claim for any sort of refund.

How to reach Rajmachi:

Rajmachi Fort is located midway between Pune and Mumbai so you can choose either to come from any of the cities. There are two ways one can take to reach the fort, one is from the Karjat side and the other is from the Lonavala side. If you are planning to visit Rajmachi on local transport then take any local train which travels between Pune- Mumbai. Get down at Karjat from where you can hire an auto to reach Kondhana village. It is the base of the Rajmachi trek from where you have to trek for around 3-4 hours to reach the top.
Another way to reach Rajmachi is to take a local train from either of the city to reach Lonavala from where you can hire an auto to reach the Tungarli dam which is 4 km from Lonavala station. The rest 16 km from Tungarli to Udhewadi base village has to be covered on foot. It hardly takes 30 mins to reach the top from the Udhewadi base village. If you are planning to drive by road, then the distance of the Rajmachi trek from Pune is 82 km, and from Mumbai, it is 94 km. After reaching Lonavala which is about 75km from either of the cities you will have to reach Udhewadi- the base village of the trek. If it’s not the rainy season, you are lucky enough to get local transport to cover that 16 km phase from Lonavala to Udhewadi. If you have your transport you can directly reach the base in your car/bike but please make sure your vehicle has enough ground clearance to cover that off-road patch.

Things to do at Rajmachi:

Trekking up to Rajmachi Point is the only way you are going to reach the top. Surrounded by lush tall grasses, with the flitting butterflies and the chirping birds, a trek to Rajmachi is what any urban trekker would ask for.

Off-Roading:

If you have your bike then there is a patch of about 16 km from Lonavala to the base of the hill, full of pebbles and slippery mud, where you can enjoy off-roading.

Bird watching:

The Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary has several endemic and migratory birds that fly in for the winter. So if you go at the right time, you will get a chance to watch different birds and enjoy their chirping while climbing the trek.

Photography:

Caves, Temples, westerns Ghats, Birds, and Flourished nature are some of the many reasons why one should carry a camera on the trek.
If you want quality rich content and gain some subscribers to your channel, vlogging is the best option to do here.
Camping is another favorite thing trekkers like to do here. Camping on the fort in caves with like-minded people and sharing experiences with each other would help you to lose all the trekking fatigue. There is another option of camping out in Udhewadi- the base village where you can get some good food and the best hospitality from the villagers.

Fireflies Spotting:

The most important thing to do while night camping is to watch fireflies. Come early monsoons and late summers, you will find a hoard of these little creatures, illuminating the night sky like millions of stars.

Stargazing:

Stargazing is yet another favorite thing people come to do. Due to the lack of any artificial light during the night, one can easily take fun stargazing.

Site seeing:

Carrying a telescope will surely give a feast to your eyes as the view of Pune- Mumbai expressway, Karnala fort, Shirota dam backwater, and a lot more waterfalls is a way different experience.

Places to visit near Rajmachi:

The trek to Rajmachi will make you exhausted. However, if you are willing to explore more places, there is a list of places you can explore nearby. Lonavala is the nearest city and Hill station where you can visit Bhushi dam, Ekvira temple, and Karla & Bhaja caves which are situated next to the Ekvira temple.
If you are still not tired of the trek then there is a medium trek for you which is the Lohgad fort trek at an elevation of 1033 m. above sea level. One can enjoy the lakeside camping at Shirota Dam backwaters which is east of the Rajmachi fort. Since the fort is surrounded by Sahyadri hills from almost all of its sides, different waterfalls are a very common thing that you will get to explore while on the route to the fort.
Bhairavnath temple is one of the famous attractions that attracts lots of devotees on special occasions like Mahashivaratri. Kondana Buddhist caves are yet another famous attraction and piece of architecture which is in the way of trekking the fort from the Karjat side.
The most famous campsite near Rajmachi Fort is Pawana lakeside camping. It is the most visited artificial lake in Maharashtra. If you are planning some more days then don’t forget to visit nearby adventure parks and resorts to enjoy different adventures and some rest that you deserve after trekking the marvelous Rajmachi fort.

COVID Guidelines :

Mask and maintaining social distance with others are mandatory throughout the trip.
Buses will be fully sanitized before use.
Carrying your own sanitizers, gloves, face shield and mask is compulsory.
Food will be freshly cooked and packed as per WHO guidelines.

Trekhievers Policies:

Seats will be reserved only after full payment.
Fees paid are non-refundable but transferable on the same event.
The complete schedule of the trek will be given later to registered participants
Organizers have all the right to modify or change the schedule in case
Organizers hold the right to cancel any event and refund with prior notice.
We strictly follow a no alcohol, no drugs, and no litter policy.

Cancellation Policy:

100% amount is to be paid in advance to book the trip.
If the booking is canceled 10 days or before the event date then 50% of the booking amount will be refunded.
No refund if canceled 9 days before the event.
No show = No refund.

Contact details:

Mukesh - 7387642734 | Pravin - 7208620046 | Vrutti - 7304236273 | Nitin - 7387523876

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/trekhieversofficial/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/trekhievers/

Disclaimer:

The tour is weather-based and depends on the weather conditions. There may be last-minute cancellations if weather conditions deteriorate.

Can I travel solo for the Rajmachi trek?

Of course yes, even we encourage people to travel solo so that they can meet more like-minded people on trek and enjoy the trek in a whole different way. While coming to safety, safety is the first most priority of our community. So there are almost zero problems with doing a solo trek to Rajmachi.

Is the Rajmachi trek difficult?

It’s an ideal trek to start your trekking routine with as the difficulty level of this trek is easy to moderate. There are not many stiff climbs but one will get exhausted while walking the trail full of lush greenery and views to the fort. So even experienced trekkers won’t get bored while doing the trek.

What is the best time to visit Rajmachi trek?

The ideal time is in the monsoon as you can enjoy lush green vegetation all around the region along with a lot of waterfalls on the way to the trek. These scenic views and experiences would help you to feel fresh throughout the trek. In addition to the treat to your eyes, you can experience a lot of adventures like slippery trails and climbs, dense fog, rain, and windstorms that won’t let you stand steadily. Winter is also a good option to do this trek as the trek will keep you warm in the cool and pleasant weather of winters. The hidden peaks of forts above the clouds are yet another lifelong lasting experience one can take during winters. Summer is not a good time to visit this place as humid and hot weather in summer will trouble you trekking this fort and perhaps will not let you enjoy the real fun of trekking this fort.

What is the best time to visit Rajmachi fireflies?

Monsoon or pre-monsoon is an ideal time to visit Rajmachi fort to experience the view of fireflies at night. There is some chance where you can get to see fireflies in the winter but if you have to experience the real thrill of watching fireflies, visit the place in the monsoon.

When will Rajmachi fireflies season 2021 start?

Rajmachi fireflies season 2021 will arrive before the monsoon starts, the weather between summer and rainy season, a period where you can play with fireflies, the little creatures while they keep awaken you all night.

What is the Rajmachi trek distance from Mumbai?

It is approximately 94 km away from Mumbai if you are traveling by road from the Lonavala side. You will have to reach Lonavala which is 75 km away from Mumbai. Lonavala to Rajmachi is approximately 17 km.

If you are traveling from the Karjat side, you will have to reach Karjat by local train. There are auto transport services from Karjat to Kondhana village- the base village.

What is the Rajmachi trek distance from Pune?

Rajmachi is approximately 82 km away from Pune if you are traveling by road through Lonavala. You will have to reach Lonavala which is 65 km away from Pune. Lonavala to Rajmachi is approximately 17 km.

Are toilets available on the Rajmachi trek?

No, but if it’s urgent you can attend nature's call in open. Toilets are available in the base village so you can freshen up there too.

What is the condition of the mobile network at Rajmachi fort?

While climbing up the trek, you can get poor network connectivity but when you reach the top there is less possibility of not getting a network. If you are lucky enough then you can get a good network to send some messages and to make some calls but again possibility is close to zero.

Is smoking and drinking alcohol allowed during the Rajmachi fort trek?

Smoking and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited on this trek. One found doing this is not allowed to join the expedition and will be told to leave the place immediately. This place comes under the world biodiversity heritage site so it's our national duty to not spoil this place with such notorious activities.

Is Rajmachi fort trek safe?

Yes, it is completely safe. You will be guided by professional trekkers and your safety is their first most priority. While trekking you will be provided with safety equipment where there is a need. Also, you will be told to bring personal safety-related things e.g. First aid kits, insect repellant, and other such things to ensure your safety. You will need to be more cautious if you are visiting trek in the monsoon as there will be many slippery places.

Is there an ATM nearby?

There are ATMs of union bank, IDBI Bank, Vijaya bank, state bank of India, Bank of India, and several other banks near Rajmachi.

How can we get food during camping?

You can ask locals from the base village to cater your food as per your requirement. They will provide you food at your preferred time at the campsite. You can also camp at the base village and get food from them. As a part of camping activities, You can also carry some easy-to-make food packages with you on camping like Maggi, Eggs, etc. to have it while enjoying bonfire but don't spoil the beauty of the premises by throwing empty packets in open. Keep them with you and take them down the fort to the dustbins.

How many days will be required for this Event?

Two days and one night are enough to enjoy trekking, night camping, and other activities at this fort. If you are short of time then you can also do one day trek. Again it’s as per your convenience.

Can we drive to the base of this trek?

You can drive from Lonavala to the base village of this trek but you should check that your car has enough ground clearance to tackle that 16km of the off-road patch. It will be more dangerous if you are planning to drive in the monsoon as the complete off-road patch would be full of pebbles and slippery mud. So it’s good to avoid driving here in the monsoon.

Where can we park our cars?

Lonavala. But if you are planning to cover the Rajmachi trek distance from Lonavala to base village Udhewadi then you can park your car at the village. You can ask nearby local people to take care of your car but again it’s at your own risk. There is no commercial car parking at all.

Are kids allowed on the trek?

Kids below the age of 9 are not allowed on the trek hence you will need to carry an I card so that age of the kid can be identified. Moreover, kids under the age of 17 should be accompanied by the parents to enjoy the camping activities more safely.

How can I get drinking water on the trek?

You can carry water with you on the trek. If it gets over then there is no chance of getting filtered water throughout the trail to the fort. But you can get normal well water which can be refilled in the reusable water bottles that are carried by you. At the top, you can get water from the old manmade water tanks which will quench your thirst with some real natural flavor, which is also a camping activity.

Can I charge my phone?

Udhewadi village doesn’t receive electricity so carrying a Power bank would be a great option to look for.

Can we listen to music on a Bluetooth speaker?

Listening to music on a speaker or earphones is not allowed while trekking the fort for safety purposes. You can listen to music at the campsite on speaker unless and until no one is getting disturbed. Again using speakers at homestays is not permitted.

Can we complete the trek in one day?

Yes, you can complete the trek in one day but it is advisable to give it two days to explore the complete fort and the caves.

Which trekking route is most preferable?

If you want to enjoy the trek in a full-fledged adventurous way then you should go from the side of Kondhane caves which will take up to 4 hours to climb. This is considered one of the best treks in Maharashtra. You can also drive right up to Udhewadi village and climb up the trek in 30-40 min to the top. You can choose one of these two routes at your convenience.

Can we do an overnight trek to Rajmachi?

Overnight trek to Rajmachi is one of the things in camping activities which is possible and an adventurous thing to do in full moonlight. Also, make sure you carry torches and wear full shoes during the night trek and night camping.

What are the permissions and charges for the Rajmachi trek?

You don’t need any permission to trek this fort however a fee of rupees 5 is collected at the base village by the local committee for the wellness of the trekkers. If you are traveling in your own vehicle from Lonavala and Rajmachi then Rs 100 needs to be paid for a 4 wheeler and Rs 20 needs to be paid for 2 wheeler

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Khandala Ghat 360 degree view
Shirvardhan Fort
Lord Shiva Temple and Lake
Manoranjan Fort
Magnificient Waterfalls
Dense Forest Trail
Offroading Ride
The fun-filled and exhilarating trekking experience

What is included in the tour

Private Transportation from Lonavala to Lonavala
Meals during the trek (1 Breakfast and 1 Lunch - veg only)
Expertise & Guide Charges
Fun and Learning experience with safety.
Basic First-Aid kit

What is NOT included in the tour

Cold drinks, mineral water, fast food articles, biscuits, etc.
Anything not included in the what's included list.

Rajmachi is one of the famous trek destinations in the Sahyadri mountains and one of the favorite destinations for every trekker and beginner. Fort stands at a height of 2750 feet overlooking the Bhorghat Pass (a major old trade route during the Maratha empire). This fort was built by Shivaji in the 17th century. You can spend lots of time over the fort by exploring twin forts “Manoranjan” & “Shrivardhan”. Visit Bhairavnath Temple, Mahadev Temple & Rajmachi lake. There are 2 routes to reach Rajmachi, first from Lonavala and the other being the Karjat route.

Places of Interest:

Kondana Caves Bhairavnath Temple Mahadev Temple Rajmachi Dam Shirvardhan Fort Manoranjan Fort

Rajmachi Trek Pickup locations: Lonavala Railway Station Platform 1 ticket counter at 8 am.
After roll count, proceed by private transportation towards the base point.
Reach the base point at 9 AM.
Breakfast at 8:30 am
Start the Trek at 9;30 am.
Enjoy jungle trail, Waterfalls, and Rajmachi Fort view
Lunch around 1:00 pm
Start the return trek towards Kataldhar Waterfall at 2 PM.
Reach Lonavala by 7:00 PM
We may reach an hour early or late.
Tour Concludes with Happy Memories :)

Note: The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances. This itinerary can be customizable based on your preferences and the availability of activities for private batches. Also, it's important to follow safety guidelines and respect the environment while exploring the wilderness

Things To Carry :

✓ Things packed in a good rucksack, heavy rains are expected in the monsoon, so pack your things properly.

✓ Raincoat / Poncho / Wind cheater (Avoid umbrella only for monsoon)

✓ Complete spare set of extra clothes, raincoat, lightweight jacket & socks if required

✓ Water bottle (1-2 liters)

✓ Personal Medicines if any

✓ Wear comfortable clothes during treks (full sleeves recommended)

✓ Good trekking/sports shoes (chappals, sandals, floaters not permitted during the trek)

✓ Power Bank for mobile charging, as many places, don't have an electricity connection

✓ Torch Light for Night Treks/events

✓ Identity proof (must)

✓ Personal hygiene kit.

✓ Light Snacks - Dry fruits, chocolate, fruits biscuits.

Rules And Regulations:

Alcohol, Smoking, or any intoxicant is strictly prohibited during the trek. If found participant will be terminated on the spot
Throwing garbage on trails is strictly not allowed.
Playing loud music in the mountains/Forest is prohibited.
Trek Leader's decisions on any particular situation will be final for the mutual benefit of the participants.
During the monsoon season and various rock patches on the trek route, we recommend you to please take care while walking/climbing/trekking.
If the behavior of any trekker is likely to cause distress or harm to themselves, our member of staff or other team members, reserve the right to terminate their trip at any time and they will have to make their arrangements; we will not be liable for any expenses incurred as a result. We will not entertain any claims arising due to such action.
In case of any injuries/illness on a mountain/river/waterfall during a trip/activity, Adventure Club Pune as a company or our local staff will not be responsible. We provide adequate human staff support in these areas to ensure the basic safety of the trekker. The participants must bear all the expenses that may arise in case of medical necessity or emergency conditions.
Wearing any valuables, ornaments, jewelry, etc. is prohibited.
You should strictly follow the code of conduct, to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.