Rajmachi Trek

Overview

Rajmachi is the friendly giant of the Lonavala hills — two joined fort peaks, Manaranjan and Shrivardhan, sitting together on a broad plateau above the ghats, reached by an old trade route that winds up through forest exactly the way it has for centuries. It's become the classic 'first real trek' for a huge number of Mumbai trekkers: long enough to feel like a genuine adventure, easy enough that almost anyone can complete it, and rewarded with big monsoon waterfalls on the climb and wide open meadows on top made for pitching a tent.

The walk begins from either the Kondivade or Udhewadi base and climbs gently through woodland and grass for about 4 to 5 km, with a handful of stream crossings to navigate once the rains set in — nothing technical anywhere along the route, just a steady, forgiving ascent. On the plateau itself sit both peaks (each a short extra scramble if you want the additional climb), the scattered ruins of the old fort walls, and wide views out over the Pawna reservoir and the surrounding ghats.

Wild Rangers runs it as an overnight, with a campsite right on the plateau rather than a rushed same-day round trip — which means the group gets the evening mist rolling in, a full night under genuinely dark skies, and a quiet sunrise over the ghats before the day-trippers even arrive. Monsoon delivers the waterfalls and the deepest green; winter brings clear, cold nights that suit campers who'd rather skip the rain. Either season works, though the hot pre-monsoon weeks are worth avoiding.

At about 110 km from Mumbai and roughly 65 km from Pune via Lonavala, the two-day batch includes transport, camping, meals, a guide and full safety cover throughout. It pairs naturally with a lakeside stop at Pawna, or with the nearby Lohagad and Visapur forts if the group wants to turn the weekend into a bigger fort-hopping trip. For a huge number of trekkers, Rajmachi is simply where it all started — the gentlest possible introduction to sleeping on a Sahyadri fort plateau under the stars.

Because both peaks are short optional add-ons from the main plateau rather than compulsory summits, groups with mixed fitness levels handle Rajmachi comfortably together — some can push on to Shrivardhan's higher point while others stay on the plateau enjoying the campsite and the views, and everyone regroups for the same overnight camp regardless.

Based in Lonavala, this easy 2-day trek is best attempted during June, July, August, September, October, November, December, January, February — when the trail and surroundings are at their most rewarding.

Day-wise Itinerary

Trip Highlights

• ✓Twin fort peaks — Manaranjan and Shrivardhan
• ✓Easy forest-and-meadow climb, great for first-timers
• ✓Monsoon waterfalls on the way up
• ✓Overnight campsite on the plateau (stars + sunrise)
• ✓Two-day batch from Mumbai & Pune
• ✓Pairs with Pawna camping or Lohagad/Visapur

Gallery

Inclusions & Exclusions

Things to Carry

FAQs