Overview:
| Type: | Hill Fort |
| Location: | 6.5 Kms from Lonavala, Pune |
| District: | Pune |
Rajmachi Fort (Killa) is one of the many historical forts in the rugged hills of Sahyadri mountains. The Rajmachi Fort lies at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level. Rajmachi Fort has two stronghold forts, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. Visible from Mumbai Pune Expressway on right hand side of Borghat. It is a famous spot for trekking. Rajmachi Fort is 16 km trekking distance from Lonavala there are many routes to reach Rajmachi Fort. We will be camping at Udhewadi Village located below the two Balekilla. Surrounded by huge waterfalls during monsoon you can view the beautiful kataldhar waterfall from Shrivardhan Fort. Rajmachi Fort has many caves used by trekkers for night halt. Pre monsoon the forest around the forts is glowing with Fireflies at night. You can also trek towards Kondane Caves during monsoon and enjoy the beautiful caves and waterfall. Rajmachi Fort is located strategically overlooking Borghat an historical trade route.
History:
Constructed by the Satavahanas, the historical Rajmachi fort complex has an interesting history. Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort in 1657 and also the surrounding forts from the Adilshahi ruler of Bijapur. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb again seized the fort from the Marathas in 1704. The very next year, the Marathas regained its control and later in 1713, Shahu Maharaj gave over the Rajmachi fort to Kanhoji Angre. With the downfall of the Marathas in 1818, the British took over the control of the Maratha territories and also the Rajmachi fort.
Places to visit on Rajmachi Fort:
Udaysagar Lake constructed in 1712.
Temple of Mahadev by the side of Udaysagar Lake. Temple of Bahiroba on the plateau near Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. Kataldhar waterfall during monsoon only.
During pre-monsoon you can watch Fireflies.
Realated video (Rajmachi Fort):
How to Reach:
The visitors travelling by rail have to first reach the Lonavala railway station and from there private cabs are available to reach the fort. You can also take a flight to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport and then hire a taxi which directly drops you to the fort. The Rajmachi Fort is also easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune by road.
The Rajmachi fort offers an amazing view of the Shirota Dam and the Sahyadri mountain ranges. If you have some more time in hand after exploring the fort then pay a visit to the wax museum at Lonavala where you will find structures of wax of many well known celebrities.
Best Time to visit:
The best time to plan holidays to the Rajmachi Fort is during the months of September to March when the climate is apt for sightseeing.
