RAJMACHI FORT TREK

 

Rajmachi Fort Trek near Lonavala — Quick Guide

Rajmachi Fort is one of Maharashtra's most iconic forts, made up of two stronghold balekillas — Shrivardhan and Manaranjan — set in the heart of Lonavala and overlooking the historic Borghat trade route through the Sahyadri Mountains. Visible from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway near Khandala's Rajmachi View Point, the fort is accessible from both Lonavala and Karjat, making the Rajmachi Fort trek a favourite weekend escape from Mumbai and Pune.

 

The Lonavala to Rajmachi trek covers 16 km through dense forest, valleys, and scenic viewpoints — one of the best trekking places in Maharashtra for beginners and seasoned trekkers alike. The base is Udhewadi Village, below the twin forts, where overnight camping runs through winter and summer. In the monsoon, Rajmachi turns lush green and Shrivardhan Fort opens up stunning views of the Kataldhar Waterfall — combining Maratha history, Sahyadri landscapes, and an unforgettable camping experience

 

Rajmachi Trek  2026 — Event Details

🏔️ Detail  Information

🏰 Shrivardhan Fort Height   2,710 feet (approx.)

📍 Nearest City  Lonavala & Karjat

⛺ Stay — Summer & Winter        

🥾 Trek Highlight  Shrivardhan Fort Exploration

🍱 Food Authentic home-cooked local village food

🌊 Scenic Highlight  Best views of Kataldhar Waterfall

🚻 Toilets  Available

🚗 Parking  Available

📸 Trek Photos  Available in the Photo Gallery

💰 Rajmachi Trek Cost     Rs1800 /- per person

(75 % ADVANCE PAYMENT COMPULSORY & 25 % payment at the event )

Rajmachi Trek — Itinerary

 

🗓️ Saturday :- POWAI TO LONAVALA

⚠️ Monsoon note: During the rainy season the jeep road closes, so trekkers walk 8 km one way to reach Udhewadi base village. Wear good trekking shoes and carry rainwear.

 

Day 1 — Saturday |

06:00 AM:- Pickup from Powai and departure for Lonavala.

09:00 – 09:30 AM:- Reach Lonavala. Freshen up and have breakfast.

09:45 AM:- Start the trek towards Rajmachi Fort.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM :- Reach Rajmachi Fort. Explore Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort, enjoy scenic viewpoints, photography, and nature.

01:00 PM :- Lunch break.

02:00 PM:- Explore Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort, enjoy scenic viewpoints, photography, and nature.

03:30 PM :- Start descending and trek back to the base village.

05:30 – 06:00 PM:-Reach the base and depart for Mumbai.

09:30 – 10:00 PM:-Arrive back at Powai. Trip ends with wonderful memories.

⚠️ Please Note — Rajmachi Trek

🙏 Jeep delays: During peak season jeeps can be busy or overbooked. Please wait patiently for your turn.

🚶 Road conditions: If the forest road is not motorable, you'll walk from Lonavala to the base village. Wear good trekking shoes and carry water and snacks.

📅 Date changes: Changes within 3 days of departure cost ₹200 per person. Double-check your date before paying.

💡 Pro tip: Read all event details before booking and join the WhatsApp group for live updates from your trek leaders.

 

Inclusions/Exclusions

What we'll give/What we won't

What is included in the trek:-

• Travelling powai - Lonavala - powai
• 1 Veg Breakfast, 1 veg Lunch
• Common Washrooms
• Trek leader

 

 What is NOT included in the tour:-

• Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
• All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered.
• Any kind of personal expenses.
• Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above.
• All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather.
• Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required.

Things to Carry :-

• 2/3 liters of water
• Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on the trek
• A good torch must with an extra battery
• Sleeping bag or two bed-sheets
• Warm clothes
• Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars
• Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets
• One Day Backpack 20 to 30 liters
• Sun Cap and Sunscreen
• Personal First aid and Personal Medicine
• Identity Proof
• Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pant this will protect you from Summer Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles
• Rains are expected, so pack your bags accordingly to save them from getting wet
• Double pack your valuables/phones in plastic bags
• Rainwear / Poncho / Waterproof jacket etc. if you don’t want to get wet

Cancellation Policy and Charges :-

Stay: 90%till 30 days prior to departure

75% till 15 days prior to departure 

50% till 5 days prior to departure 

10% till 2 days  prior to departure 

No refund if less than 24 hours

Note: After the Finalization of the quotation a detailed schedule would be provided to you.

ADVENTUREAIMS Event Rules

Kindly carry one Identity proof, at least for the trek with your address.

We all are going for an adventurous and exciting trekking expedition; please Do Not misinterpret it as a PICNIC or LEISURE TOUR.

The leader's decision will be final, and all the members should abide by it.

We do not destroy or dirty the archaeological, historical monuments, natural habitat on the trek.

Swimming is not allowed in the lake or water tank on the forts. Locals use that water for drinking.

Putting your feet in water tanks or on the canon is not allowed on our treks.

Any addiction is strictly prohibited, e.g. drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco anyone caught doing it will have to exit the trek without a refund and travel back on own expense.

People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to exit the event on an immediate basis.

Please do not carry or wear any valuables, ornaments, jewellery, etc. If carried, then we Do Not take any liability for the same.

Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Trekking, or any adventure activity is potentially risky. For all these events, you are at your own risk. Organizers are not responsible for any accident or compensation in whatsoever manner.

We should strictly follow the code of conduct to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.

Listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking.

Bluetooth speaker not allowed inside the homestay or camping tents.

Drinking/smoking,/eating is not allowed inside the tents.

If you damage the tent, break the tent poles, you will have to pay us for the whole new tent on MRP.

If you are late for the bus pickup and are not reachable on the phone during your bus pickup, the trek leader will leave without you, and we will provide no refund.

Please check things to carry and wear trekking shoes on our treks.

 

Rajmachi Trek FAQs

Can I do the Rajmachi trek from Mumbai?

Yes. Mumbai participants follow our standard itinerary, and we set up a WhatsApp group so you can coordinate travel with fellow hikers (and a Mumbai trek leader, when available). Adventureaims is a leading trekking group in Thane, and Rajmachi is one of the most popular Maharashtra treks.

Do you arrange a Rajmachi bike ride?

We don't organise bike rides, but we provide camping support at the base village. The 16 km trail is popular for Rajmachi off-roading among bikers. Our Rajmachi Fort trek suits both beginners and experts, with safe, well-marked routes, Sahyadri waterfalls, fireflies, homestays, food, and bonfire evenings.

Is Lonavala's Rajmachi Fort the same as Khandala's Rajmachi Point?

No, they're different spots. Rajmachi View Point in Khandala (near Duke's Retreat) offers panoramas of Rajmachi Killa, the Ulhas valley, and Ulhas waterfalls, plus a temple, kids' park, and garden. The fort itself is reached via the trek from Udhewadi.

What waterfalls can I see near Rajmachi?

During monsoon you can spot several — Kune, Ulhas, Giri, Kataldhar, and the Kondana caves waterfall along the Rajmachi–Kondana route.

Is there a resort along the route to Udhewadi?

Only homestays and camping are available at the trailhead. For resorts, stay at Khandala, Lonavala, Mulshi, or Karjat before or after the trek.

Can I trek Rajmachi with kids?

Yes, with the right prep — choose age-appropriate trails, pack snacks and water, take regular breaks, and dress in layers. For easier family options, see our kids' treks near Mumbai. 

Is monsoon trekking in Maharashtra safe?

Yes, with precautions — stick to well-maintained trails, follow your guide, check the weather, and avoid risky river crossings. Be ready for slippery terrain.

What should I pack for a monsoon trek?

Waterproof backpack, rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, spare socks, good-grip trekking shoes, insect repellent, waterproof phone cover, first-aid kit, water, and energy snacks.

Are leeches a problem in the monsoon?

They can be, in forested areas. Wear long socks, tuck pants in, apply repellent on your legs, and carry a salt or lime solution to remove any that attach.

 

What are some other popular monsoon treks in Maharashtra?

Harishchandragad, Andharban, Kalsubai, Bhimashankar, Tikona, Torna, Ratangad, Naneghat, and Visapur.

 

Rajmachi Trek & Camping

✨ Fireflies Season — When to Visit

The magical Rajmachi fireflies (Kajawa) are visible only from May 15 to June 15, — the peak pre-monsoon firefly season in the Western Ghats. During this short window, thousands of glowing fireflies light up the forest around Udhewadi village in a breathtaking natural light show. Book your preferred weekend slot within these dates to catch this once-a-year spectacle.

🌿 Fireflies Walk & Campsite Experience

The guided fireflies walk happens around dinner each evening, when the forest comes alive with twinkling lights. After the walk, the magic continues right at your tent — fireflies glow around the campsite through the night, making your Rajmachi camping experience truly one of a kind. 🏕️

🚗 Own Vehicle — Parking & Pickup

Participants driving in can park near Della Adventure, Lonavala; our guides share the exact GPS location closer to the event date. Please note: parking is at your own risk — Treks and Trails is not responsible for any damage or loss to vehicles.

🚙 Driving to the Campsite — SUV Only

Only SUVs and 4WD vehicles can handle the rugged forest trail to the Rajmachi campsite. Hatchbacks, sedans, and small cars are not recommended — the last stretch is a rough dirt track that can damage your vehicle. When in doubt, hire a local jeep: safer, easier, and a lot more fun. 🌄