Rajmachi is a small village in the rugged mountains of Sahyadri in India. The fortification at Rajmachi consists of two forts, namely Shrivardhan fort and Manaranjan Fort. Rajmachi Fort is a popular trekking destination. It is a very famous fort located near two famous hills of Maharashtra, Lonavala and Khandala. Rajmachi can be reached by 2 ways, the tough route is from Kondivade village near Karjat and it involves climb-up of about 2000 feet. The other route is from Lonavala (Udhewadi), which is almost a plain walk of about 15 km. In rainy season this region all the more beautiful with silvery waterfalls, streams and lush green forests and meadows. Best time to visit is August to October.
History: Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Borghat(ghat between Khopoli and Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. The fort played a strategic role in the First Anglo-Maratha War. Rajmachi Fort has been declared as a protected monument.
*(All the above information are from Wikipedia.)
Transport:
Airport: The nearest commercial airports are Pune International Airport at 64 km and Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at 104 km.
Rail: Lonavla is well-connected by train. Local trains run from Pune at 2-hour intervals. Those originating from Mumbai along the central line have Khopoli as their last station. It takes 2.5 hours by train from Mumbai and 1 to 1.5 hour from Pune. All trains, travelling between Mumbai and Pune, halt at Lonavala. Trains from Mumbai halt at Karjat to attach banker locomotives before the train starts journey up the western ghats to reach Lonavla.
Road: Lonavala is on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and is well-connected to several towns of Khopoli, Karjat, Talegaon Dabhade, etc. Buses are available at regular intervals from Khopoli bus station to Lonavala. Rajmachi base Point is located about 6.5 km from Lonavla.
Local: Auto Rickshaws are available to commute within Lonavala and Khandala. Regular State Transport buses ply between Rajmachi Point and Lonavla from the State Transport Bus Stand.
Tourist Interest:
The tourist interest around Rajmachi are:
Ryewood Park & Shivaji Udyan: This is an extensive garden situated in Lonavla. The garden covers a lot of ground and it is full of tall trees. There is an old Shiva temple in the park. The garden has plenty of places for children to play.
Valvan Dam: Valvan Dam has a garden at its foot, and is a popular evening spot 2 km from the town. The dam supplies water to the Khopoli power station at the foothills of the Sahyadris for generating electricity. The Kundali River feeds into the dam’s reservoir.
Lonavla Lake: Lonavla Lake is surrounded by natural scenery, about 1.6 km from the town. The lake dries up during the winter months.
Duke’s Nose: Duke’s Nose stands 12 km from Lonavla, clearly visible from the highway while driving towards Mumbai. This landmark in Khandala is popular with hikers. Also known locally as Naagphani (Cobra’s Hood), the cliff owes its name to the Duke of Wellington, whose ample nose it resembles.
Tiger’s Leap: Tiger’s Leap also known as Tiger’s Point is a cliff-top with a sheer drop of over 650 m, giving an extensive view. Just around tiger’s leap, there is a small waterfall active only during the monsoon. It serves the purpose of relaxing in the water better than Bushy dam, as the force of the fall is higher. Also, after the brief steep descent, the fall becomes a stream with a fair amount of force to go all the way down to the base of the Tiger’s Leap. Adventurers can trek down the stream whilst intermittently stepping back on land where the water current is too strong and the fall is steep.
Karla Caves: Karla caves, located near Lonavla, is a complex of cave shrines built by Buddhist monks around 3rd to 2nd century B.C. A famous temple of Goddess Ekvira Devi is also present here.
Bhushi Dam: A waterfall near the dam is a popular spot between Lonavla and I.N.S. Shivaji.
Lion Point: Scenic point midway between Bhushi Dam and Aamby Valley.
Tungarli Lake and Dam: This lake and Dam come to life during the Monsoon season, where youth climb the mountain top to the Dam. This dam was built during the British era and features a serene surrounding.
Shooting Point: Another scenic point in the town of Khandala (Bazaar peth), which provides a magnificent view of the Rajmachi Fort and the valley. Also the home for the St. Mary’s villa.
Tour Planner: To cover Rajmachi and all the above-mentioned destinations two-day trip is required. Reaching Lonavala early, one can cover all the spots other than Rajmachi in a day. With a night halt at Lonavala, Rajmachi trek can be done the next day. In the evening back from Lonavala.
Hotels: All accommodation of various rates are available in Lonavala and Khandala. Some of them are Picaddle Boutique Resort, Whispering Woods Resort, Orchard Resort, Upper Deck Resort, Della Adventure Resort, Fariyas Resort, The Metropole, Girivihar Holiday, Royal Park, Indus Valley Resort and many more.