Overview

 

Rajmachi Fort Monsoon Day Trek ( Karjat / Kondivita Route ) 

 

Duration :-

 

 

 

 

 

 

     1 Day (Approx. 12-14 hours from city to city)

Grade  :-

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Medium

Endurance

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Medium

 

A full-day trek to the historic Rajmachi Fort (twin forts: Shrivardhan and Manoranjan) nestled in the Sahyadri mountains. The monsoon season transforms the route into a lush green paradise, featuring numerous waterfalls, misty valleys, and a challenging ascent/descent, typically starting from the Karjat side (Kondivita village) to maximize the trekking experience.

10 Hours 30 Minutes Available on request Khandala, Maharashtra
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Transportation: Non-AC local transport (Jeep/Tumtum/Trax) from Karjat/Lonavala station to the base village and back.
  • ​Meals: 1 Veg Breakfast and 1 Veg Lunch (often local village thali or simple packed meal).
  • ​Safety: Basic First-Aid kit and expertise/charges of the Trek Leader(s).
  • ​Permits: Forest Entry Charges (if applicable).

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Main Travel: Travel expenses (train/bus) to and from the starting point (e.g., Karjat/Lonavala Railway Station).
  • ​Personal Expenses: Packaged drinking water, soft drinks, cold drinks, snacks, tea/coffee outside of included meals.
  • ​Insurance: Any kind of personal or medical insurance.
  • ​Emergency: Costs arising from unforeseen circumstances like medical evacuation, natural calamities, or roadblocks.
  • ​Anything not mentioned in the 'Inclusion' section.
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • Monsoon Beauty: Trekking through dense green forests, misty mountain views, and flowing streams.
  • ​Waterfalls: Experiencing seasonal waterfalls, especially along the Karjat route (often near Kondana Caves).
  • ​Twin Forts: Exploring the majestic ruins of the two fortresses, Shrivardhan and Manoranjan, at the top.
  • ​Viewpoint: Panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri ranges and the Mumbai-Pune expressway from the fort's peak.
Things to carry
  1. Identity Proof: Aadhar Card/PAN Card (Mandatory).
  2. ​Water: Minimum 2-3 Liters of personal reusable water bottle (Mandatory).
  3. ​Footwear: Good trekking shoes with excellent grip (very important for slippery monsoon trails).
  4. ​Clothing: Quick-dry full-sleeve T-shirts and full-length quick-dry trekking pants.
  5. ​Protection: Raincoat/Poncho/Windcheater (Avoid umbrellas).
  6. ​Eats: Personal dry snacks (Chikki, energy bars, dry fruits, biscuits, Glucon-D/Electrolyte powder).
  7. ​Essentials: Basic personal medicines, hand sanitizer, personal toilet kit, headlamp/torch (with extra batteries).
  8. ​Electronics: Mobile phone, power bank (optional: camera/Gopro, protected in a Ziplock/dry bag).
How to Travel

Rajmachi is accessible from two main sides: Lonavala and Karjat.

  • ​From Lonavala Side (Shorter Trek/Road Access):
    • ​Reach Lonavala Railway Station (easily accessible by local or long-distance train from Mumbai/Pune).
    • ​Hire a private Jeep/Utility Vehicle (best during monsoon) from Lonavala to Udhewadi/Fanasrai village (Rajmachi base). The road is rough/muddy, making a 4x4 necessary in the rains.
    • ​A short 30-60 minute walk from Udhewadi to the fort top.
  • ​From Karjat Side (Full Trekking Experience):
  • ​Reach Karjat Railway Station (easily accessible by local or long-distance train from Mumbai/Pune).
  • ​Take local transport (auto/shared cab) to Kondivita/Kondana Caves area (trek starting point).
  • ​Trek: This route is steeper and takes about 3.5 - 4 hours one way to reach the base village.
Pickup point
Directions.
Rajmachi Point, Khandala, Lonavala, Maharashtra View on Map
Best Time to Visit
  • Monsoon (June to September): Best time for the lush green views, numerous waterfalls, and misty weather, which is the prime attraction for this trek.
  • ​Winter (October to March): Pleasant weather and clear skies, but the greenery and waterfalls will be missing.
Attractions places
  • On the Trek Route:
    • ​Shrivardhan & Manoranjan Forts: The twin peaks of the Rajmachi Fort complex.
    • ​Udaysagar Lake & Shiva Temple: A serene spot near the base village of Udhewadi.
    • ​Kataldhar Waterfall View (Visible from the fort/Karjat route).
    • ​Kondana Caves (If starting/ending from the Karjat side, a stop at these ancient Buddhist caves is possible).
  • ​Near Lonavala/Karjat:
  • ​Lohagad Fort & Visapur Fort (Other popular treks nearby).
  • ​Tiger's Leap / Duke's Nose (Scenic viewpoints)
  • ​Bhushi Dam / Tungarli Lake (Popular spots