Trek to Rajmachi

Rajmachi is a fort in Karjat region of the Shayadri mountains that stand majestic down the entire West Coast of India . There are two forts which were built by Shivaji Emperor during 17th century. 

It is a famous spot for trekking. It is a 17 km trekking distance from Lonavla. Rajmachi fort is a strategic fort overlooking Borghat (ghat between Mumbai and Pune) which was a historical trade route. Rajmachi peak has two fortified structures - the Shrivardhan fort and Manaranjan fort. Rajmachi can be reached by 2 ways, the tough route from Kondivide village near Karjat and the other easy but long way route from Lonavala.

We travelled to Lonavla , by the afternoon train , and then trekked to Rajmachi , a distance of 17 kms, where we reached by midnight  and stayed at the Rajmachi village with the local people. . Next day, the descent was   around 13 kilometres,  via the Kondane Caves , en route to Karjat , below the ghats, from where we reached Mumbai by suburban train. 

                        Taking the  afternoon train from Mumbai to Lonavla
                                                          and arrival ....

              A visit to Tungarli Dam en route to Raajmachi from Lonavla with the Trekkers on top.

                                              A typical scene along the trek. The monsoon was yet to arrive , but the jungles were green.  
The Rajmachi village where we stayed the night, and had meals with the local folks.

   A fulfilling traditional simple meal .  With seconds and thirds ....

                      Some parts of the trekking region had touches of civilization...

                                      An old temple with some relics en route  


                                                 Another view

 
 A view of sunrise the next day when we started the trek through the Forts down to Karjat.

 

                                                  A view of the climb 

Another view looking up

                                               The entrance to the Fort 

                          Various structures  designed for security and defence 


 A long shot of the Fort parapet that overlooks the mountains and the valley and flies the flag..

  A closer shot

 
                 A still closer shot at the flagpole

                        Caves encountered along the way, Possibly used for storage .

                                 Several such water reservoirs were seen 

 

                  The  majestic mountains and the undulating  valleys 

          Another view of the Rajmachi village where we stayed overnight

 
                                  A  view at the top near the fortifications

       Several such water bodies were encountered , and although unused now , must have been of great utility in those days, since they appear to have water even at the height of summer, when we did this trek.  

                        Interesting mushrooms encountered on the trek

And yes, the seasons change, growth happens, sometimes it doesn't, and life goes on.