Rajmachi trek connected to Lonavala and Karjat is a hill station at an altitude of 2,670 feet high. It is known to be a historical place which holds the significance of its forts and cultural values. You can carry the trek either from Lonavala side or from Karjat where you climb to two forts namely Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. Shrivardhan is about 2,510 feet high facing west whereas Manaranjan is about 2,710 feet high facing the east. You will be camping from Udhewadi village which is situated below between the two Balalaika. Through this you see the beautiful Kataldhar waterfall and the rock caves. Rajmachi trek is one of the best trekking places which you can go for in Maharashtra and have adventurous fun.
What you can look out for:
The view of twin forts of Manaranjan and Shrivardhan offers an amazing site. When you start from the north you see Madan point, Dhak Bahiri and Bhimashankar. Whereas the south side offers Kataldhar, Lonavala and Karjat valleys. Not only this you see the valleys of Valvan dam, Tungarli dam and Duke’s nose at the end point. You can also notice the Monkey hill on the right from Shrivardhan fort.
You trek through rich flora and fauna of the Karjat and Khandala forests. As you see the wildness of forest and birds, lizards and insects. And no one knows you can also spot a leopard there in the midst of the forest belt. And from wherever you choose to travel from either Lonavala or Karjat you will trek through thick forest land covered with trees all around.
And the most awaited view you have in Rajamchi trek is the view of sunrise at the top of the forts. The sunrise hits the spectacular colours on mountains is spell bound to watch. Also at night you see the stars twinkling on the clear night skies. The experience you gain is worth watching.
The magical sight of fireflies is what Rajmachi trek is popular for. You will be shifted to a completely imaginary world of beetles sparkling during pre monsoon season.
Trail information:
Rajmachi trek starts from Udhewadi campsite, a village near Pune district of Maharashtra. To reach Udhewadi you can trek through two routes either by Lonavala or Karjut. Then when you reach Udhewadi the trek divides into three sections:
-Udhewadi village to Bhairavnath temple
-Trek to Manranjan fort and then back to Bhairavnath temple
-Trek to Shrivardhan and then back to the base camp
The trek covers the duration of one day and it can be done in two days too where beginners can easily go for this trek.
Best time to visit:
Rajmachi trek can be done in any of the seasons and in every season you see different changes which offers ecstatic views.
The months of May and June is the best time as you witness fireflies in Rajmachi trek. And you will be taken aback by the splendid beauty of these beetles glowing bright during the evenings and night time.
While in monsoon you will see the dense forests covered with lush greenery and it offers the unique charm of valleys filled with waterfalls.
Whereas post monsoon and the winter season you see the vibrancy of colours over mountains. The colour of autumn trees and clear sky is something distinctive to watch out for.
Note: The trek is not difficult but you have to be careful when you trek after Valvand village as the water level over streams increase rapidly which makes the trek difficult to cross.
How to reach Rajmachi trek:
You can reach Rajmachi either by your own vehicle or by public transport system. The trek starts from Udhewadi which is the base point about 100 kms away from Mumubai.
So if you are reaching by your own vehicle then you have to head from Panvel and take the Mumbai pune highway and then continue till you reach Khandala.
However if you wish to take the public transport system then you can take the express train from Mumbai to reach Lonavala station.
The trek not only ends here you can explore many sights nearby Rajmachi trek. So let’s have a quick look:
You can explore Dhak Bahiri caves in Sahyadri hill located over Jhambivli village.
You can visit Udaisagar lake which was built 200 years ago and has its own magnificence. The lake is near Udhewadi base village which is just 1.5 kms away.
Shirota lake camping which is 11 kms away from Lonavala is another site to look out for.
Kataldhar waterfall rappelling is another amazing place as the monsoon goes down and you can have a super fun there.
So get ready to explore Rajmachi trek offering endless sites to look out for.