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Rajmachi Fort Maharashtra
The Maharashtra tour is incomplete without visiting the famous Rajmachi Fort which is well known tourist attraction of the state. Rajmachi which is also called Udhewadi is a small village found in the Sahyadri Mountain. There are mainly two forts in Rajmachi one being the Shrivardhan Fort and the other is the Manaranjan Fort. The Rajmachi Fort is an amazing place for the trekkers which make the tourism even more interesting. There are basically two routes which lead to the Rajmachi Fort. The difficult one is from the Kondivade village where you need to climb about 2000 feet and the easier route is going from Lonavala which is just a plain walk. The true beauty of Rajmachi is seen during the monsoons when the place adorns a complete new look. The lustrous streams, pearl-like waterfalls and the lush green meadows endeavor a verdant look to the landscape which is a treat to the eyes. The trekkers can set up their camps near the Kalbhairavnath Temple and if you wish to camp overnight then do carry ample amount of food with you. You will also get chicken and chutney from the nearby village. The camping session will spice up your tour and you will gather a lifetime memory. There are several caves and monuments which can be explored in the fort. Among the other places to visit in the village is the beautiful Udaysagar Lake which is a delight to the photographers. The surrounding of the lake is quite picturesque. A little distance away from the lake you have the caves at Kondane which are famous Buddhist caves. The Lonavala and Khandala hillstations of Maharashtra are also nearby which are a must visit on your trip here. The tourists can go for a small picnic with family and friends in the Reywood Park which is an amazing place in Lonavala. You will also find an old Shiva temple in the park. Experience the untouched beauty of nature of the place and for all the trekkers out there, Rajmachi is the place waiting for you to give you an offbeat experience in camping and trekking.
History of the Attraction
Constructed by the Satavahanas, the historical Rajmachi fort complex has an interesting history. Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort in 1657 and also the surrounding forts from the Adilshahi ruler of Bijapur. The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb again seized the fort from the Marathas in 1704. The very next year, the Marathas regained its control and later in 1713, Shahu Maharaj gave over the Rajmachi fort to Kanhoji Angre. With the downfall of the Marathas in 1818, the British took over the control of the Maratha territories and also the Rajmachi fort.
Opening/Closing Timings and days
The Rajmachi Fort is open on all days of the week.
Entry Fees
The fort has no entry fees.
Getting There
The visitors travelling by rail have to first reach the Lonavala railway station and from there private cabs are available to reach the fort. You can also take a flight to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International airport and then hire a taxi which directly drops you to the fort. The Rajmachi Fort is also easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune by road.
Things to do in and around
The Rajmachi fort offers an amazing view of the Shirota Dam and the Sahyadri mountain ranges. If you have some more time in hand after exploring the fort then pay a visit to the wax museum at Lonavala where you will find structures of wax of many well known celebrities.
Best time to Visit
The best time to plan holidays to the Rajmachi Fort is during the months of September to March when the climate is apt for sightseeing.