Rajmachi Fort, Lonavala

Rajmachi Fort, Lonavala | History, Timing & Entry Ticket Fee

Rajmachi is a small village in Maharashtra’s Konkan area, which is surrounded by the Sahyadri mountain range. The medieval fortification of Rajmachi, which is close to the well-known hills of Lonavala and Khandala, is renowned for its two fortified peaks, the Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts.

The settlement of Udhewadi, also known as Rajmachi, is located at the foot of the fort. Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj, and finally the British rule were among the various rulers who took control over Rajmachi. Trekkers and adventure seekers are well-known for the Rajmachi fort. You can drive directly up to Udhewadi village (from the Lonavala side) and then hike for about 20 to 30 minutes to the top of the fort, or you can start from the Kondhane caves side, which would take 3 to 4 hours of climbing. Rajmachi is a particularly well-liked hike for beginners because of the easy and well-marked track on both routes.

History of Rajmachi Fort 

The Satavahanas, who founded their kingdom shortly after the Mauryan Dynasty ended and governed it until 230 BC, constructed the powerful Rajmachi fort. When Shivaji Maharaj overthrew Adil Shah, the ruler of Bijapur, in 1657, this kingdom began to gain recognition. The Rajmachi fort was fortified during Shivaji’s reign, and other buildings were erected for battalion use. The Mughals ruled it from 1704 to 1705 before the Marathas took over following their conflict with Aurangzeb.

Following the decline of the Maratha Kingdom in the 19th century, the British occupied the fort from the Marathas. The Rajmachi Fort in Maharashtra was designated an old and protected monument shortly after the state gained its independence. On the western side of the Rajmachi plateau are Buddhist caves that were carved in 200 BC and are devoted to the local deity.

Architecture of Fort Rajmachi

Large, sturdy walls, enormous gateways, residential buildings, administrative buildings, water reservoirs, and a few hidden entrances that were used for escape during the period make up the magnificently designed Rajmachi Fort.

Manaranjan Hill and Shrivardhan Hill are the two hill sections on which the fort is situated. The Rajmachi Fort’s Shrivardhan and Manaranjan forts were built in the traditional Indian manner.

There are some abandoned complexes inside the forts. The region features several natural and man-made water catchment areas because it is regarded as a heavy monsoon area. For the summers, a few artificial lakes have been constructed nearby.

Here is also the location of the well-known Kal Bhairavi Temple, which is exquisitely decked on special occasions.

Until the British overthrew the Peshwa in 1818, Rajmachi was home to the several officers and officials in the military and administrative structure for the Rajmachi region under Maratha control. On the south side of the hamlet of Udhewadi, in the forest, are the remains of their large residential homes.

Located farther down from the aforementioned forest is a large water reservoir that was built approximately 200 years ago. A carved stone plate in the wall of the water reservoir shows that it was erected by Ramrav Narayanrav Deshmukh, Mamlatdar of Danda Rajpuri (near Murud Janjira in Raigad District).

On the western side of the water reservoir is an old Shiva temple constructed in the Hemdpanti style. In front of the temple, a water tank and a cow-head-shaped fountain have been found.

Trek to Rajmachi Fort from Mumbai

You can begin the hike from the Kondhane Caves side if you are traveling from the Mumbai side. Please be aware that this is the lengthy route to Rajmachi, and depending on your walking pace, the hike should take you three to four hours. However, given that the majority of the route is a moderate incline with clearly marked steps on the steep ascending legs, the walk is rather straightforward for novices. The trail is really well-marked, and in a few places when you might be confused about where to go, there are tiny arrows pointing in the direction of Rajmachi Fort.

Pro tip: To start the walk, enter these coordinates on Google Maps. You can park your car here, and you can find your way there (18.8418316,73.3764473).

Trek to Rajmachi Fort from Pune

The trip to Rajmachi is considerably shorter from the Pune side. Udhewadi village is reachable by driving all the way up. Be advised, though, that the 15-kilometer drive from Lonavala to Udhewadi is very difficult, and you should only use an SUV or a vehicle with high ground clearance. The trip to the top of the forts takes barely thirty minutes from there, and about half of the way there are new steps constructed by the tourism department. Though it would not give you much of a “trekking” experience, this is by far the more practical way to get to the top of the forts.

Pro tip: You may find your way here by just typing “Rajmachi Fort Udhewadi” into Google Maps.

Best Time to Visit Rajmachi Fort

The greatest time to visit Rajmachi is between June and September, when the monsoon season welcomes you with water springs and verdant surroundings as you continue to ascend the fort. Even though the Rajmachi Fort is a lovely location that is accessible all year round, the rainy season is the ideal time to come because of the silvery streams, verdant forests and meadows, and foggy clouds.

The best time to visit the fort with full visibility is thought to be from noon until sunset. At night, driving becomes relatively challenging.