Cuddled on the majestic ranges of Western Ghat, Rajmachi Fort is a stunning historical fort, that is located just about 95 km from Mumbai and 80 km from Pune. The fort is composed of two citadels, namely, Shrivardhan and Manoranjan.

The beautiful fort was built by Satavahanas, but was captured by Shivaji Maharaj in the year 1657. The fort served as a brilliant strategic location, since it overlooked the Bor Ghat, and was an important trade route in the past that connected Mumbai and Pune.

The fort went into the hands of Mughals briefly, but after the fall of the Marathas, the fort was completely under the control of the British in 1818.

This historically significant fort is now a sought-after destination for trekkers. Trekking clubs mainly from Mumbai and Pune, plan regular trips to the Rajmachi Fort.

Best Time To Visit Rajmachi

The best time to visit Rajmachi is between June to September during monsoon . The whole landscape will look fresh and make you feel rejuvenated. Trekking can be done during monsoon as well and you might encounter streams of water through the trail.

However, if you are a beginner, it is advised to visit Rajmachi post-monsoon, since trekking through such streams might be difficult or dangerous.
Kondana Caves

Located about 3 km from Rajmachi Fort, Kondhana caves are a group of 16 Buddhist caves that were first excavated in the 1st century BC. These mountain caves are one of the most popular caves to explore near Mumbai.

While trekking up to the Rajmachi Fort, trekkers commonly visit the Kondana Caves as well since it is 3 km away by foot. To reach the caves from the fort by road, you need to take a huge roundabout of 68km.

Trek via Lonavala

There are two trekking trails to the Rajmachi Fort. The easier one that takes a day is the trail through Lonavala. This trek can be extended to a two-day trek by camping in either one of the two fortresses of Rajmachi.

It is an easy and well-defined 16 km trek since most of it will be hiking through flatland. The trek begins at the Rajmachi village and ends at the fort. After camping there for a night, you may return through the other trail, and that way you can even visit Kondana Caves.
Trek via Karjat

The slightly tougher trail is the one via Karjat. This is also a one-day trek that can be extended to two, depending on whether or not you intend to camp. This is a rocky trail that begins from the Udhewadi village.

The trail might have many waterfalls and small streams during monsoon so it advised to go along with a professional trekker or avoid trekking in monsoon. The first place to reach through this trail is Kondana Caves. After resting here for a bit you may proceed to the Rajmachi Fort.