Rajmachi Fort: A Majestic Mountain Escape
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Rajmachi fort
Altitude: 3600 feet
Type: Giridurg
Hill Range: Lonavala
District: Pune
Category: Medium
Rajmachi Fort is a very famous giridurg located in the Lonavla hill range of Pune district. The height of this fort is about 3600 feet (1097 m). This fort is one of the central forts and is basically considered a medium range fort.
Rajmachi Fort has two main forts: Srivardhan and Manar. This fort is very popular for trekkers as it offers a unique view and a unique trekking experience. It takes a few hours to climb the Rajmachi fort and reach its summit, and one can experience the clean and green environment here.
Things to see in this fort include traditional fort building, various caves and beautiful places to visit. Also, the fort also offers a breathtaking view, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and trekkers.
Rajmachi Fort Rajmachi Fort is located in the area formed by the river Ulhas and its valley, which originates in the Lonavala Khandala region of Sahyadri. This fort is situated at a distance of 15 km north-west of Lonavala. In ancient times, Kalyan – Nalasopara were trading ports, and Borghat was an ancient trade route to Pune, carrying heavy traffic. The forts at the gates of the Konkan and Ghats were used to control this trade route and collect zakat.
Rajmachi Fort is the most prominent among these forts. Geographically, Rajmachi has Tung, Tikona, Lohgad and Visapur forts on one side, while Peth, Bhimashankar, Dhaka Fort, Gorakhgad, Siddhagad and Chanderi forts can be seen on the other side. The fort has two separate forts, i.e. Rajma fort is divided into two main forts.
Location: 15 km North West of Lonavala
Ulhas River: This river basin originates here
Ancient Trade Route: Ancient route from Kalyan – Nalasopara ports to Pune via Borghat
Military Significance: Use of forts for control of trade routes and collection of taxes
Geographical Location:
On one side: Tung, Tikona, Lohgad, Visapur forts
On the other side: Peth, Bhimashankar, Dhaka Fort, Gorakhgad, Siddgad, Chanderi Fort
Forts: Two separate forts
Rajmachi Fort Inside the fort of Rajmachi there is an important cave named ‘Kondane Caves’, located 2 km south-east of Kondana village. These caves were created in the second century BC, i.e. at the beginning of the Satavahana period. These caves include a chaityagriha and seven viharas. The exquisite architectural design of these caves is carved in stone, indicating that they were built under the rule of Rajmachi. Therefore, it is estimated that this fort is about 2500 years old. Earlier, Rajmachi Fort was called ‘Gateway of Konkan’.
In 1657, Shivaji Maharaj took the forts of Rajmachi, Lohgad, Tung, Tikona and Visapur forts in the Pune and Kalyan Divisions under his control. This established the supremacy of Shivshahi between Pune and Thane. During the lifetime of Sambhaji Maharaj, i.e. till 1689, all these forts were under the control of the Marathas.
In 1713, Shahu Maharaj gave the fort of Rajma to Kanhoji Angre. Later, in 1730, the fort came to Bajirao Peshwa. In 1776, Sadashivarao Bhau Totaya captured the fort of Rajma, capturing the entire Konkan region. Thereafter, the Peshwas attacked and recaptured the fort and the surrounding area. In 1818, the fort was captured by the British.
Near Kondiwade, Kondhana in the vicinity of Ulhas River, there is a large rock carved with a cradle that can hold 21 buckets of water, in which an idol of a child is carved. It is called ‘Jijau Kund’ and locals bathe here with great reverence.
Kondane Caves:
Location: 2 km south east of Kondana village
Period: 2nd century BC (Satavahana period)
Structure: Consisting of Chaityagriha and Seven Viharas
Historical Significance: 2500 years old fort
History:
Shivaji Maharaj (1657): The forts at Borghat in Pune and Kalyan Division were taken under Swaraj
Sambhaji Maharaj (1689): Fort captured by Marathas
Shahu Maharaj (1713): Gave the fort to Kanhoji Angre
Bajirao Peshwa (1730): Captured the fort
Sadashivarao Bhau (1776): Captures the fort and Konkan province
Jijau Kund:
Location: Near Kondiwade v Kondhana near Ulhas river
Special: A large stone with a cradle and a baby statue enough to hold 21 buckets of water
Beliefs: Local people take vows here and bathe
Rajmachi Fort
Coming to Rajmachi fort, passing through Tungarli from Lonvala, one can see a warrior’s monument near the gate of the village, partially broken ramparts, remains of a gate, idols of Ganapati and Marutiraya. The surrounding area of ’Udhewadi’, which is inhabited on the fort’s loft, is surrounded by natural beauty.
The deep ravines to the east and south of Rajmachi fort are known as ‘Kataldara’. The river Ulhas originates from the depths of these valleys. The hill on the western side of the river is called ‘Bhairav Hill’. The major attraction of the fort is its two forts – Shrivardhan and Manranjan. Between these forts is a low-lying strip, on which stands the temple of Bhairavanatha. In front of the temple there are 3 lamps and an idol of Lakshmi. This information is available from the routes leading to Shrivardhan and Manranjan forts.
Rajmachi Fort
Udayasagar Lake: This lake overflows during monsoons. A large plateau can be reached by descending the hills in front of the lake. Here one can see the view of waterfalls falling from the valley and lush green forests.
Manranjan Fort: It takes half an hour to reach Manranjan Fort which is less in height than Srivardhan. The fort has ruins of ancient forts, a roofed temple, sculptures of Ganesha, water tanks, and ramparts. Here you can see the view of Karnala, Prabalgad, Ishalagad, Dhakbahiri, Hagfaniche Tok.
Shrivardhan Fort: This is the highest fort, and its ramparts and bastions are still intact. The fort has a flagpole, cave, water tank and ammunition depot. Dhakbahiri cone and Shirotya lake can be seen from the fort.
Shankara Temple: On the western side of the lake is an amazing Kalshi-shaped temple of Shankara. The temple is particularly eye-catching due to its attractive Kalshi form and is important among local devotees. There is a cow in front of the temple and its water falls into the tank in front.
Warrior’s Monument: A warrior’s monument is located near the village gate. The monument includes a partially broken rampart, remains of a gate, and idols of Ganapati and Marutiraya. This place is reminiscent of history and cultural heritage.
Udhewadi: A settlement on the fort’s loft, an area surrounded by natural beauty.
Kataldara: Deep gorge in east and south direction, source of river Ulhas.
Bhairav Hills: Hills west of the river.
Rajmachi Fort
Udayasagar Lake:
It overflows during monsoon.
Large waterfalls and lush green forests on the plateau.
Amusement Fort:
Shorter than Srivardhan in height.
Ruins of ancient palaces, roofed temple, sculpture of Ganesha, water tank, fortifications.
The view of Karnala, Prabalgad, Ishaalgad, Dhakbahiri and Nagfani tip from Rajmachi fort is very beautiful and breathtaking. From the top of this fort, you can see the magnificent and picturesque view of all these forts, which allows you to experience the various colors and forms of nature together.
Shrivardhan Fort:
the tallest.
Ramparts, bastions, flagpoles, caves, ammunition depots.
Dhakbahiri cone, Shirotya lake.
Temple of Shankara:
Kalshidar temple.
Gomukh and water.
There are various routes available to reach Rajmachi Fort. Rajmachi village can be reached from Lonavala via Tugarli. The route is about 19 km long and takes 5 hours to reach the fort. Another way is to take a bus from Karjat to Kondivade village and from there go to the fort. It takes 3 to 4 hours.
For accommodation, Udhewadi village has good facilities. Accommodation is also available in the temple of Bhairavnath and in the cave on the fort. Accommodation is also available in rooms built by the Rajmachi Ruler Aid and Development Programme.
Rajmachi village has various options for dining. Also, water facility is also available in Rajmachi village. It takes 5 hours to reach the fort via Tungarli and 4 hours via Karjat – Kondivade
Reach share:
From Lonavala via Tugarli:
Distance: 19 km
5 hours
From Karjat via Kondiwade:
3 to 4 hours
Accommodation:
In Udhewadi Village:
In the temple of Bhairavnath
In the cave of the fort
Rajmachi Ruler Aid and Development Programme:
Built-up rooms
Dining Facilities:
Great food options in Rajmachi village
Water facility:
Available in Rajmachi village
Travel time:
Via Tungarli: 5 hrs
Via Karjat – Kondiwade: 4 hrs