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 & Camping 2026 — Event Details
| 🏔️ Detail | ℹ️ Information |
|---|---|
| 🏰 Shrivardhan Fort Height | 2,710 feet (approx.) |
| 📍 Nearest City | Lonavala & Karjat |
| ⛺ Stay — Summer & Winter | Overnight camping in tents |
| 🌧️ Stay — Monsoon Season | Local villager's homestay |
| 🚻 Gender Accommodation | Separate stay for male & female participants |
| 🥾 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 | Rs. 1,599/- per person |
Rajmachi Trek — Itinerary
🗓️ Saturday–Sunday | Lonavala 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 |
🚂 Trains to Lonavala
- Mumbai: Konark Express 11019 — CSMT 2:00 PM · Dadar 2:12 · Thane 2:33 · Kalyan 2:55 · Lonavala 4:27 PM
- Pune: Pune–Lonavala Local — Pune 3:00 PM · Shivaji Nagar 3:05 · Chinchwad 3:24 · Talegaon 3:45 · Lonavala 4:20 PM
- Just grab a general ticket from your nearest station.
16:45 Assemble at Lonavala Railway Station, meet your trek coordinator
17:30 8 km jeep ride through Western Ghats forest trails to trek start point (monsoon: 8 km trek instead)
18: 00 - Trek starts till base village
20:30 PM Arrive Udhewadi Village, below the twin forts of Rajmachi
21:00 PM Home-cooked Maharashtrian village dinner
22:00 PM Night walk to Uday Sagar Lake & Godhaneshwar Temple ( If weather permits )
23:00 Homestay allocation ( Male & Females Seperate rooms ) ( Couple rooms are not available )
00:00 Good Night
Day 2 — Sunday | Summit & Sunrise
06:00 Wake up
06:30 Begin ascent to Shrivardhan Fort
07:30 Summit (2,710 ft) — panoramic Borghat & Sahyadri & Kataldhar Waterfall views
09:30 Begin descent
10:30 Back at Udhewadi base village
11:00 Home-cooked village breakfast
11:30 Walk towards pickup point ( 8 Kilometers)
15:30 Jeep ride back to Lonavala
16:30 Arrive Lonavala Railway Station
16:45 Trek ends — see you on the next one!
📲 How to Book Your Rajmachi Trek
Booking online is quick and easy — just follow these steps:
- 🖱️ Click BOOK NOW on this page.
- 📅 Select your date and hit Pay & Book.
- 🎟️ Choose tickets and apply any coupon code for a discount.
- 👤 Fill in your details and review your booking.
- 💳 Pay securely via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking.
- ✅ Get confirmation instantly by email.
- 💬 Join the WhatsApp group — the link is sent to your registered number 8 hours before departure, with all trek and trek-leader details.
⚠️ Please Note — Rajmachi Trek
- 🚆 Train boarding: Board the recommended train from whichever station is closest to you. Arrive at least 15 minutes early.
- ⏰ Don't miss the train: A missed train means a missed trek — no refund is given, so plan your timing carefully.
- 🙏 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.
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📅 Date changes: Changes within 3 days of departure cost ₹200 per person. Double-check your date before paying.
🛏️ Sleeping & Facilities — Good to Know - We provide a yoga-type sleeping mat. Please bring two bedsheets as your sleeping material.
- Common washrooms are available at the base village.
- Couple/private rooms are not available — accommodation is on a shared basis.
💡 Pro tip: Read all event details before booking and join the WhatsApp group for live updates from your trek leaders.
Rajmachi Lake
Rajmachi Map
What is included in the tour
- Travelling Lonavala to mid village and back to Lonavala by local jeep
- 1 Veg Dinner, 1 veg Breakfast
- Homestay on sharing basis ( Male & Female in different rooms )
- Common Washrooms
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel till Lonavala and back (Option 1)
- 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.
- 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
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days prior to the event date.
- 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days prior to the event date.
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
- If the event gets canceled we will refund "Trek Amount" only.
- If the event is canceled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.
- Refunds won't be issued if you cannot attend the event due to heavy rains, floods, traffic jams, car breakdowns or a personal medical emergency.
- Your booking cannot be shifted to another date if you cannot attend the event due to heavy rains, floods, traffic jams, car breakdowns, or a personal medical emergency.
- If your area is prone to flooding, traveling from a flooded area, heavy traffic, heavy rains, missing the train, or any other reason, if you cannot attend the event, we won't issue a refund or shift you to another date.
- Management won't be held responsible if you are stuck due to heavy rains, traffic jams, personal emergencies or floods during the event.
- If you are bringing kids, please understand the possibility of getting stuck or delayed. You might have to stay back due to heavy rains, floods, bus breakdowns, and rush at the trekking destination. We won't be able to refund or shift you to another date. You will have to wait it out till the weather clears.
- Due to bad weather, floods, sudden changes in government rules, and overcrowding at the destination trek, the organizer has the right to change the trekking destination.
- During the trek , due to any circumstances seen or unseen trek leader has the right to cancel the trek for safety reason. No refund shall be issued.
Treks and Trails 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.
🌿 Why Choose Rajmachi Trek & Camping?
Rajmachi Fort Trek is widely regarded as one of the best treks in Lonavala — and for good reason. This offbeat, crowd-free trekking destination in the heart of the Western Ghats offers a rare combination of Maratha history, stunning Sahyadri landscapes, and an authentic village experience that most weekend treks simply cannot match.
Standing tall at approximately 2,710 feet, Shrivardhan Fort rewards trekkers with breathtaking panoramic views of the Sahyadri ranges and the historic Borghat pass. During the monsoon season, the fort offers the most spectacular views of the magnificent Kataldhar Waterfall — a roaring cascade that transforms the entire landscape into a lush green paradise.
Whether you choose to camp under the stars in a cozy tent during winter and summer, or cosy up in a warm village homestay during the rains, the hospitality of Udhewadi Village ensures a memorable stay every time. With separate accommodation for male and female participants, comfortable toilet facilities, and parking available for those arriving by personal vehicle — every detail is taken care of so you can focus entirely on the adventure ahead.
🏆 With its offbeat trails, stunning fort views, authentic village food, and zero crowds — Rajmachi Trek & Camping is truly one of the best trekking experiences near Mumbai and Pune.
How to Reach Rajmachi Fort from Lonavala
Take a train or bus to Lonavala, then choose your route to Udhewadi base village:
- Trek: about 16 km from Lonavala
- Private jeep: from Lonavala Railway Station to the base village
- Rickshaw + trek: ride to Tungarli Dam, then trek ~12 km
In monsoon, jeeps run only up to Fanasrai village — the start point for the Kataldhar trail — and you trek the rest to Rajmachi Fort. The route stays well-connected, with bikers, hikers, and villagers along the way.
Why Choose Treks and Trails for the Rajmachi Fort Trek?
- 7+ years of experience running the Rajmachi Fort trek with full safety SOPs
- Trusted by 20,000+ trekkers last year, rated 4.7 / 5
- One trek leader for every 10 trekkers, with a female trek leader on each batch
- Self-operated treks — no third-party aggregators
- Adventure insurance for every trekker and leader
- Lifetime trekking e-certificate on completion
- Group discounts available
We're one of the leading trekking clubs in Mumbai, supporting local conservation, clean-up drives, and rural employment. Unlike most aggregators, we verify our operators and provide on-ground emergency support — never cutting corners on safety or trek-leader quality.
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). Treks and Trails India 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. 🌄
📧 Still have a question? Email highfive@treksandtrails.org or WhatsApp 8828004949 (Mon–Sat, 11:30 AM–7:00 PM).
