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Looking at the beautiful,lush green mountains,I felt a feeling of hope.Hope against what,is what I still have to understand.
Rajmachi is very famous fort near twin hill stations in Maharashtra - Lonavala and Khandala. Rajmachi fort is nearby 18/20 Kms from Lonavala but a nice way to reach the fort is from Tungarli Lake.Shrivardhan and Manoranjan can also be considered as two separate forts. There is one small plateau in between them. A temple of 'Bhairoba' is very beautiful. Shrivardhan is 'Bale killa' of Rajmachi.
It is almost 3000 feet high. But it was mainly built to keep watch on Konkan area. The other - Manoranjan is 2700 feet high.
Manoranjan consists of strong walls,3 doors and many water tanks. One can see Ulhas river, Dukes Nose also called Nagphani,Karnala ,Matheran, Mahuli and Bhimashankar.
The old caves of Kondhavi on Rajmachi fort are worth to see.The way to the fort is long but has a good view. One can enjoy the forest, Tungarli lake and many waterfalls along as well.
Two Forts were built by Shivaji Raja here-The Shrivardhan and Manoranjan forts.I couldn't help but marvel at them.Built 2700-3000 feet above sea level,I was just awed at the sight of them.
If we were huffing and puffing just to reach there,just imagine what would be the state and conditions of the people that lived around 2500 years ago,when there would have been almost no road to get on the top of the mountain.
The most beautiful part about Rajmachi is the place itself.Its very laid-back.Calm,serene environment..cool breeze...Its just amazing.The people over there are courteous and helpful.
There are quite a number of Houses that will accommodate you, The cost is minimal, and you get a good service.All houses in the village accommodate trekkers and provide simple meals, tea and snacks. The nachni bhakri, thecha (fiery chutney) and pithla (Maharashtrian speciality) are simply delicious.We stayed at Rajaram Umbre's house,his place being called as "Hotel Ganesh".
Respect the house rules where u staying. You are like a paying guest there.
check out our trek pictures by clicking on this link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=4545&l=cb82c&id=503408278
I really hope that Rajmachi doen't get converted into a town or something like Lonavala.I am 100 percent confident that fellow trekkers who have visited Rajmachi will agree on this.
Rajmachi is a wonderful place.If any one does go there,marvel at that place and respect it.
Cheers!
