Rajmachi
Twin forts, a wide green plateau, and a valley full of waterfalls.
Photo: Elroy Serrao / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Moderate
Difficulty
16 km
Distance
2D / 1N
Duration
900 m / 2,953 ft
Peak Altitude
Monsoon, Post-Monsoon, Winter
Best Season
Why This Trek
Rajmachi
Rajmachi is the trek we'd point a first-timer toward for an overnight in the hills - the climb is forgiving, the plateau at the top is wide and green, and camping at Udhewadi under the twin forts feels more like a slow weekend than an expedition. It's also one of the few Sahyadri forts that's genuinely good to visit in the rains, when the waterfalls along the trail are running.
Before You Book
- Forest access may require a valid permit.
- Authorised guide support may be mandatory.
- Departure depends on current route availability.
- Weather and wildlife conditions may affect access.
- Route and timings can change for safety reasons.
- Camping is only offered where currently permitted.
- Government ID may be required for permit registration.
- Final confirmation is issued only after operational verification.
The Trail
From Lonavala the trail winds through forest and past streams to Udhewadi village, the base for both forts. From there it's a short, steady climb to Shrivardhan Fort and a shorter one to Manaranjan. The route is well-trodden and considered one of the easier overnight forts in the region, though the final stretches get slippery in heavy monsoon rain.
- Twin forts, Shrivardhan and Manaranjan, connected by a wide grassy plateau
- Waterfalls and streams along the trail, especially through monsoon
- A relatively gentle grade that works well for first-time overnight trekkers
Itinerary
- 1
Lonavala to Udhewadi via the forest trail
Trek from Lonavala through forest, past streams and viewpoints, to Udhewadi village below the twin forts. Set up camp, evening at leisure.
12 km
- 2
Twin forts and return
Climb to Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort, explore both, then descend and return via the same trail.
4 km · +275 m
Who Is This Trek For?
Fitness level required: moderate. Group size runs 6–16 people. Age range: 10–60 years.
Participants above 55 years must share a valid medical fitness certificate with our team before the trek.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Trek leader and on-trail first-aid support
- Tents and camping equipment
- All meals through the trek
- Travel to and from Lonavala
- Personal trekking gear (shoes, backpack, rain cover, etc.)
- Any stay before or after the trek days
- Medical certificate fee, where applicable
What to Carry
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Rain cover / poncho, especially in monsoon
- 2L water capacity
- Change of clothes for the campsite
Safety
- Trek leader carries a first-aid kit and on-trail first-aid support
- Stream crossings are guided during monsoon when water levels rise
- Group pace is set by the slowest member, not the fastest
- Weather-based rescheduling takes priority over the itinerary
Cancellation Policy
A ₹1,000 Booking Advance secures your booking request. Final confirmation is issued only after operational and permit verification. The advance is non-refundable and non-transferable, as it blocks your spot in the group.
If we cancel a trek due to weather, safety, or forest department restrictions, you get a full refund or a free reschedule.
Notes
A small local parking/forest entry fee is sometimes collected at Udhewadi - no formal trekking permit is currently required.
Sustainability
Udhewadi is a small village campsite - we keep group sizes capped and carry out all camp waste rather than leaving it on site.