Rajmachi Trek

Rajmachi Trek

Short Summary:

Starting Point: Pune Junction.

Total Distance: 78km

Travel Time: 2hr 10min.

Ideal Start time: 7am.

Rajmachi is an ancient fort situated in Pune district of Maharashtra. Rajmachi is one of the popular tourist place near Mumbai. Rajmachi fort in Maharashtra lies at an altitude of 2710 ft. Rajmachi Fort has two stronghold forts, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan.

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.  

 

Historically, Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Bor Ghat which was a historical trade route. It is one of the ideal one day trip near Mumbai. The fort  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.

Ancient Buddhist caves known as Kondhane caves are situated on the western side of the Rajmachi plateau, which were  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.