Rajmachi Fort

Karjat, Raigad, Maharashtra (One Day)

Rajmachi Fort (Killa) is one of the many historical forts in the rugged hills of Sahyadri mountains (Western Ghats). It consists of two twin fortresses Shriwardhan Ballekilla and Manaranjan Balekilla, with a wide machi (plateau) surrounding the two Balekillas. Udhewadi is a small village of about 22 houses situated on the machi, at the southern foot of Manaranjan Balekilla of Rajmachi Fort. Rajmachi Fort is a popular destination for nature lovers, trekkers and for outdoor campers. In the rainy season from mid-June to mid-October, this region is all the more beautiful with clouds, silvery water falls, streams, lush green forests and meadows. Local families at Udhewadi on Fort Rajmachi welcome trekkers and nature lovers. The local families provide food and camping accommodation to the tourists. The tourism has enabled the local community to give up traditional occupations like agriculture and cattle rearing. Historically, Rajmachi Fort was a strategic fort to control Borghat (the Ghat between Khopoli and Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. It was in the possession of Angre family, the head of the Maratha navy in the 18th century. There are historical water reservoirs and ruins of fortifications, ramparts, and gateways on both the Ballekillas. A view from the top of the forts of the surrounding hills and valleys is quite mesmerizing. A Shiv Mandir built in the Hemdapanti style of architecture, approximately in the 8th century, on the west end of a big historical water reservoir is worth visiting. The water reservoir was constructed in 1780, by Ramrao Narayanrao Desmukh, Mamalatdar of Danda Rajpuri.

The other routes to Rajmachi are from Lonavla or Khandala in Mawal Taluka of Pune District. Lonavala is 15 km from Rajmachi and it is almost a plain walk, though there are a few ups and downs on this path. This route passes through Tungarli (an area in Lonavla town), Tungarli Dam, Pangoli Thakurwadi, Patel Dam, Phanasarai and Jambhali phata. It takes about three and a half hours to cover the distance on foot. The route from Khandala passes though Summer Hill, Kune village, Della Adventure Resort, Patel Dam, Phanasarai and Jambhali phata. The section of this route from Khandala to Della Adventure Resort is a good road fit for ordinary passenger cars. The further section of this route is a very rough track and therefore not fit for ordinary passenger cars. A sturdy utility vehicle can, however, be taken right up to Rajmachi, on this route. Dduring the rainy season from June to mid-October a 4-wheeler cannot be taken right up to Udhewadi (Rajmachi). A sturdy utility vehicle can be taken only up to Jambhali phata, on this route.