Rajmachi Trek
Rajmachi Fort (Killa) is one of the many historical forts in the rugged hills of Sahyadri mountains (Western Ghats). It consists of two twin fortresses Shriwardhan Ballekilla and Manaranjan Balekilla, with a wide machi (plateau) surrounding the two Balekillas. Udhewadi is a small village of about 22 houses situated on the machi, at the southern foot of Manaranjan Balekilla of Rajmachi Fort.
There are two approaches to Fort Rajmachi, (a) from Lonavala and (b) from Kondivde or Kondhane village in Karjat Taluka of Raigad District. Lonavala – Rajmachi distance is 15 km and it is almost a plain walk, though there are a few ups and downs on this path. It takes about three and a half hour to cover the distance on foot. From Kondivde or Kondhane village, it is a steep climb up to Rajmachi. The fort played a strategic role in the First Anglo-Maratha War. Rajmachi Fort has been declared as a protected monument. There was a famous trade route located in the valley which was used by the people in the ancient times. The Shriwardhan Fort was used for official purposes, to keep an eye on the trade and commerce. While the Manaranajan Fort was used for leisure and entertainment purposes.