RAJMACHI FORT- LONAVALA

Lonavala is a popular weekend getaway for residents of Mumbai and Pune. This mountainous town’s temperate climate provides relief from the intense summer heat. Lonavala is aptly referred to be the “Gem of the Sahyadri Mountains” due to the abundance of natural wonders there. You won’t be short on places to explore in this tiny hill station, either, from scenic valleys to amazing caves.

History

Rajmachi Fort is a historic fort located in the Pune district of Maharashtra, 15 km away from Lonavala.
Rajmachi Fort was a major fort to protect Bor Ghat, a historic trade route between Khopoli and Khandala on the Mumbai-Pune route. It is one of the best day trips you can take from Mumbai. The Satavahanas built the fort complex in its initial stages.

This fort was taken from the Adilshahi king of Bijapur in 1657 CE by Shivaji Maharaj along with several other nearby forts. The fort was taken from the Marathas by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1704 CE. But, in 1705 CE, the Marathas retook power. Kanhoji Angre received the Rajmachi fort from Shahu Maharaj in 1713 CE. Once the Marathas were defeated in 1818 CE, the British eventually acquired control of the Rajmachi Fort.

Shrivardhan and Manaranjan Forts are the two citadels that make up Rajmachi Fort. The fort complex is made up of massive walls, massive entrances, residential buildings, water tanks, administration buildings, and hidden escape gates. Between the forts of Shrivardhan and Manaranjan is the canyon where the Kal Bhairav shrine is located. With numerous waterfalls, streams, and lush, verdant forests and meadows, this area is even more lovely during the rainy season.

Camping

Camping is a great option at Rajmachi Fort. There are two caves on the fort that can house 40 people.
You can stay in Kalbhairavnath Temple, which is at the fort’s base if you’re worried about camping on the fort. While there are different crawlers like scorpions and snakes at Rajmachi, stay away from placing your camping near bushes or corners.
You have two options for food: bring your own packed meals or have something prepared for you by the locals.
Safety trips
● shoe for trekking, sports, and walking.
● Avoid from using a trolley or suitcase
● bag for sleeping
● Pack 3 sets of clothes that dry quickly.
● three sets of socks
● Raincoat, a bag cover, and cell phone zip-lock bags
● You can carry a light weight bag pack for a hassle free trip
● Make sure to come in comfortable clothes. You will hardly get any chance to change clothes in the mountains.
● If you are unable to arrange a sleeping bag, you can take a light blanket or a thin bedsheet.
● Very important- Power bank. You would not find any electricity facility over there. We suggest you to keep your power banks charged, and use it only when very necessary.
● You can keep light snacks like wafers, energy bars, candies, ORS, or electoral, to keep your energy charge.
● Carry two bottles of 2 litres. Avoid using plastic bottles.
● Make sure to carry two flashlights, and extra batteries. We advise you to avoid using mobile flashlights, so that you can save your phone’s battery.
● Do not forget to carry important medicines like- paracetamol, vicks, balms, pain reliefs, etc.

Trekking

Trekking brings about inner calmness and allows you to feel connected to and in touch with nature’s main components that is Air, Water, Earth, Fire. Together with your trail, you also leave your sorrows behind as you walk further from the land and up the mountains.