Rajmachi Trek

Rajmachi Fort is situated in Lonavla region, on the top of the Western Ghats. The highway from Khopoli to Khandala-Lonavla, known as Borghat, is an ancient trade route. Overseas trade of the Western India and the Deccan was carried through the ports of Chaul, Revdanda, etc., on the western coast. The trade route passing through the Borghat connected these ports to the region around Pune and beyond on the Deccan plateau. Fort Rajmachi was built to control the trade route of Borghat.

Rajmachi affords a magnificent view of sprawling ranges of the Sahyadri mountain and one can see from here a number of historical forts in the Sahyadri. Manik Gad, Karnala, Irsal and Prabal Gad (all forts) and Matheran (hill resort) are in the west. Dhak is in the North, Lohagad is in the east and Koyri Gad is in the south of Rajmachi. A beautiful view of Shiravta Lake in the east can be had from Fort Shrivardhan. Water from this lake is used by Tata Power Companies at their hydro electric power generation station at Khopoli. Sometimes, with the pre-monsoon showers the climate becomes very clear and affords visibility of very long distance. On such rare occasions, it is possible to identify from Rajmachi the Arabian sea and high-rise buildings in Mumbai. This year (i.e. 2003) in the wee hours of 15 June, the powerfull flickering signal on the high rise chimney of Tata Thermal Power Station at Trombay (in Mumbai) was visible from Rajmachi. After sunrise, people at Rajmachi could identify, in the west of Karnala Fort, the skyscrapers in Mumbai.

There are two Fortresses on Rajmachi –the taller one in the east is Shrivardhan and the other in the west is Manoranjan. Rajmachi is a unique fort having wide plateau on all sides of the twin fortresses. There is a rich treasure of historical monuments on Rajmachi, viz. mighty ramparts and walls, gateways, secret exit gates, administrative offices, water storage tanks and reservoirs, residential quarters, temples and idols of deities. Kal Bhairav temple is situated in the col between Shrivardhan and Manoranjan. Local inhabitants worship Kal Bhairav even today. The Budhdist caves on the western slope of Rajmachi plateau (at present known as Kondhane caves) were carved in the period around 200 BC. The existence of these ancient caves indicates that Rajmachi had been identified as an important place right from the Budhdist period.

28th October 2006
6:00 AM My Alarm Clock goes...Cock a Doodle Doooooooo I get up rubbing my eyes surprised, its already 6, feels like i just went to sleep like always..:) Quickly, headed for a shower after waking up my other two companions who were just as exited about the trek as me. With anticipation and nervousness I headed for my first overnight trek not knowing yet that it was going to be one of its kind...;)

We took a train at 7:10 from Ghatkopar to Karjat. Met other Nisarga Brahman folks including the comforting familiar faces Rohit, Sameer and Shrikant , the NB Group. The scenic stretch from the train was worth having a look at. After wat was supposed to be few hrs of Train Journey that passed away in a jiffy getting aquainted with each other, we all got down together 'all set to Trek'.

Took an Auto to the bottom of the village and then started the trek with gr8 aspirations of getting glimpses of natures creative feat. After passing through a few fields and thatched Houses we had begun to climb upwards on the stoney and winding paths carved by passing cattle and villagers.

I was out of breath before i knew it due to the scorching heat and the steep rocky path. There were times when i was so out of breath that i realised i need to cut down on my snack and eat healthy...kidding..It was probably because of the Heat and also that i was trekking after quite sometime, besides, it has always been tough for me to climb up with gravity at its foul play.

After what felt to all like millions of breaks and tons of glucose, i finally reached the top with everyone else and it seemed like the effort had paid it off. The beautiful ambience topped with amazing food and hospitality not only made me forget my ordeal of climbing up but also gave me energy and enthusiasum to go on. Only If I had known earlier that such a grad feast was awaiting at the top of the hill i probably would have had the inspiration from the start. It was endless dishes of Marathi Cuisine for instance Taandul(rice), Naachni Bhakris(Rice Rotis), Masoor ki Amti (Dry Moong Sabzi), Potato aur Cauliflower ka Dry teekha bhajji, Waran(marathi Daal), Lonchai.e pickle, Kaanda(chopped onions), Papad and Taak(buttermilk). My mouth still waters when I think of it. This was definately not the end of trek.


After a small seista, we headed to the manoranjan fort to get a glimpse of sunset, all loaded with energy and geared with cameras. After getting through the beautiful entrance where sameer and ronald did a small act of gaurding the entrance and scared the wit out of the others. Shivaji Maharaj ki JAI!! echoed fiercly into the ears of other trekkers, as though time has moved back couple of centuries.

We went a little further up to have a look at the subtle yet impressive Sunset. Impeccably Circular in shape ,the Sun, almost like an Orange creating amazing silhouettes. Gazing at the Sun going behind the clouds and then the mountains, all of us were mesmerised by GOD's play with colours.

In no time the sun had set and we had started heading towards our next destination Shrivardhan Fort. After about 30 more mins of climbing up the almost destroyed staircase, destroyed by britishers to avoid any further use of the forts as they were considered invincible, ironically enough, told to me by Rohit our Trek Leader, we finally made it to the top.

Our fellow trekker, Sameer, didn't sieze to surprise all of us, by saying out aloud the whole call that is done before Shivaji maharaj himself arrives at the Fort, flawlessly in the same tone and pitch. I have not seen passion going this far, Kudos to Shree Shree Shree Samir...!! trying it myself. Ain't gud enough!

Playing Chineese whispers had never been this much fun, sitting at one of the highest forts at the highest point, its was so wonderful. Snacking, playing, teasing each other the time swept by like comforting breeze of wind.

Noone can beat me when it comes to coming down a hill, i am sure NB folks will agree. If i climb at the pace of turtle i get come down with swiftness of squirrel. In no time we were back to what was going to be our abode for that night, mausi's home where another sumptous meal was awating us. Sleep came in as soon as we we hit the bed, tired that we were from the trek, anticipating more fun the next day.

Before we knew it, its shining sunrays next morning, and Rohit's clicking of snaps wakes me up. Some guys decided to go up the shrivardhan fort again while the rest of us who were almost slaughtered by the climbing up and down, decided to get some more sleep.

We all hung out around the village Pond and the Shiv Temple near it, till it was time for some breakfast and group snaps. and As going down a Hill is my favourite excercise, no prizes for guessing who was down with the first group to return. Moi!!

Until the others from the group returned, we rested at a temple in the village. We all headed to the railway Station to return to our homes with memories and time again, it gets easier to bid adieu to people, in the hope of meeting in one of the future treks organized by NB.

P.S. Those of you who are wondering wat this NB is? It stands for Nisarga Brahman and its a community on Orkut Started by a group of avid trekkers imbibing and enlivening the spirit of Trekking and Outing. Trust me, they are really good at it. Post 3 treks and 1 nature trail with them, I feel like its one big family. NB Rocks!