Rajmachi is situated in the Lonavala district of Maharashtra State. It is at a close distance from Khandala and Lonavala ?two hill stations of the region. The place is known for two forts and it is a popular trekking spot. It is located in the Sahyadri mountain range. This is the spot for the nature lovers. How to reach: You can reach Rajmachi via Pune which is just 70 km away. Pune is well connected to other cities by air/road and railways. Lonavala Station is the nearest railway station. Rajmachi is well connected by road to all other cities. What to see: This is the longest trekking point in the region. Trekkers usually start from Lonavala which is about 15 km away by walk. Udhgiri is the base point. Two day trek would be ideal. One day to reach the top and another day to descend. The peak point consists of two forts: one is the Shrivardhan fort and the other one is the Manaranjan fort. These forts were built by the Satavahana rulers (1657) and later Shivaji seized them from the Adilshahi rulers of Bijapur. The fort was in the hands of Aurangzeb and again came back to the Marathas later. However the British took over the forts after 1818. The Shreevardhan fort is on the eastern side. There is an ancient Shiva temple inside the fort and also there are two water tanks. There is a Kalabhairava temple situated between the two fortifications. The place hosts a cluster of Buddhist caves which are on the western side of it. The whole area was largely inhabited by the soldiers and other administrative officials of the Maratha rule and ruins of their residences could be viewed today. If you have time you can visit some places nearby such as: the Tungarli dam and water reservoir, and Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary.
