Settled over the well-known twin slope stations of Lonavala and Khandala in Maharashtra, Rajmachi Fort is quite possibly the most famous and frequented journey in the Sahyadri Hills. While its amazing regular magnificence and shocking scene appeal to nature darlings and explorers the same, its noteworthy engineering and memorable appeal attract history buffs too. Here’s the beginning and end you need to think about this tremendous notable and regular magnum opus.
A concise history
The Rajmachi Fort is perhaps the most captivating noteworthy construction in the Western Ghats that has seen the standard of a few realms. Despite the fact that the fortification lies in remnants, all its alcoves radiate an old-world appeal and helps guests to remember its superb past.
The fortification was worked by the Satavahanas however acquired its popularity under the standard of Shivaji Maharaj, who assumed control over the fortress in 1657. Shivaji Maharaj braced and extended the fortress by adding a few constructions inside the premises. In 1704, it was caught by Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb, and the following year, it was heavily influenced by the Marathas. In the eighteenth century, it filled in as a significant shipping lane, interfacing present-day Mumbai and Pune. In the nineteenth century, the British assumed control over the post from the Marathas. What’s more, not long after India acquired freedom, the stronghold was pronounced a ‘secured landmark’.
The sanctuaries inside the premises are likewise worth looking at. Probably the best ones incorporate the Hemadpanthi-style Shiva Temple and the Kal Bhairav Temple, settled on a crevasse between the two bastions.
Another feature is the Kondana Caves, a gathering of 16 Buddhist caverns found simply a short distance from the fortress. Going back to the first century BC, these caverns are stone-cut designs, total with mind boggling carvings, columns and cascades that upgrade their excellence. They can be reached by foot while slipping the Rajmachi Fort.
THE TREK
There are two climbing courses to Rajmachi Fort – one is simple, while the other is somewhat harder. Pick your ideal course contingent upon your wellness level.
The most straightforward one is the course that runs through Lonavala. It is a one-day journey, which can be stretched out to two days, should you wish to camp in one of the two bastions. It is an all around checked 10-mile long trip and the vast majority of the course is moderately level, flanked by the rich greenery on each side. The trip starts from the town of Udhewadi and comes full circle with a shocking perspective on the post and its environmental factors, total with rich green slopes, valleys and woods. On your way back, try to visit the Kondana Caves that fall en route. The journey by means of this course should be possible without a guide.
The other course goes through Karjat. It’s likewise a one-day journey, which can be stretched out to two days (in the event that you wish) and is best portrayed as moderate. The course is rough, going through little streams and cascades. The base town is Kondivade and the principal stop on this course is the Kondana Caves, where you can invest some energy investigating and wondering about its staggering magnificence. We recommend having an accomplished adventurer along on this course.
Tips for the journey
The most effective method to arrive:
The closest rail line station is the Lonavala railroad station. Numerous trains work from Pune and Mumbai to Lonavala, and from that point, you can take a taxi/taxi to arrive at the base town of Udhewadi. It is likewise effectively available by means of street from Mumbai and Pune.
What to pack:
Great hold journeying shoes are an absolute necessity. Additionally, an individual drug or medical aid pack, a water bottle (two liters), toiletries, dry tidbits and energy bars are fundamental. On the off chance that you are journeying during the rainstorm season, pack a downpour coat or an umbrella.
When to visit:
Traveling to Rajmachi Fort is accessible consistently. Be that as it may, the vast majority of the adventurers favor taking in the sublime scene during rainstorm season (June-September), which is maybe the pinnacle traveling season. During this time, the course is encompassed in rich greenery and a horde of brief cascades and shimmering streams, which appeal to nature sweethearts and swashbucklers the same. In the event that you’d preferably make the most of its excellence in isolation, do the journey outside of these months.
