Overnight trek to ‘Rajmachi’ on 20th July and 21st July 2013

Dear All,

We @ ‘Nisarg Trust’, invite you for overnight trek to ‘Rajmachi’ on 20^th July and 21^st July 2013.

Information about Rajmachi:

Height: ~2710 ft (Over MSL)

Grade: Medium

Endurance Reqd: High

Rajmachi:

Beyond our crowded cities, busy schedules and hectic lifestyles, there lies a peaceful place, located right in the laps of the Sahyadris, embraced by nature, shelled by greenery, overlooking the Konkan Coast and the Mawal plateau at the same time, a historic fort called – Rajmachi !!!

The Buddhist caves on the western slope of Rajmachi plateau, known as ‘Kondane’ caves, were carved by ‘Satvahanas’ in the period around 200 BC. The existence of these ancient caves indicates that Rajmachi had been identified as an important place right from the Buddhist period. It can also be assumed that ‘Rajmachi’ was originally built during the same period.’ Later, in 1657, Shivaji Maharaj captured this fort from ‘Adilshahi ruler.’ Rajmachi was built to protect ‘Bor Ghat’ in the surrounding region which was used to transport unloaded goods from Kalyan, Bhiwandi, Nalasopara ports to Pune region.

It is a unique fort having wide plateau on all sides of the twin citadels. Rajmachi(Udhewadi) village is situated on the same plateau. There are two citadels, ‘Shrivardhan’ and ‘Manaranjan’ situated on Rajmachi. There is a rich treasure of historical monuments on Rajmachi, viz. mighty ramparts and walls, gateways, secret exit gates, remnants of administrative offices, water storage tanks and reservoirs, remnants of residential quarters, temples and idols of deities. ‘Kalbhairav’ temple is situated in the col between Shrivardhan and Manaranjan. Local inhabitants worship ‘Kalbhairav’ even today.

A big water reservoir constructed about 200 years ago is situated to the South of Rajmachi village. The route to the lake goes through the dense forest. A carved stone plate in the wall of the water reservoir indicates that it was built by Ramrav Narayanrav Deshmukh, Mamlatdar of Danda Rajpuri. An ancient Shiva temple, built in Hemdpanthi style, is situated on the western side of the water reservoir. 

Rajmachi offers excellent views of Borghat, Shiravta and Valvand dam, Manjarsumbha, Dhak fort, Lohagad, Visapur, Tung, Tikona, Kothaligad, Bhimashankar hills. Route towards Rajmachi from Lonavla offers excellent views as we encounter many waterfalls on the way.

Minutiae:

Saturday, 20^th July 2013

Meeting Point: Lonavla Railway Station

You can board Deccan Express, Timings are given as below:

CST: 7:00 AM

Dadar: 7:13 hrs

Thane: 7:33 hrs

Kalyan: 7:58 hrs

Karjat: 8:48 hrs

Lonavla: 9:38 hrs

If you miss the train, you will miss the trek with us.

Please do carry your tickets for Deccan Exp upto Lonavla.

9:45 AM: Gather at Lonavla station

10:15 hrs: Move to Fanasrai by private vehicle

11:30 hrs: Reach Fanasrai, Start trek towards Rajmachi

2:00 PM: At Rajmachi / Udhewadi, Freshen up, Lunch at Udhewadi village at villager’s house.

16:00 hrs: Start trek to Manaranjan fort, explore and descend

18:30 hrs: Back to Udhewadi, Rest, Dinner

21:00 hrs: Nature trail in the forest behind Manaranjan and Shrivardhan forts.

23:00 hrs: Retire for the day.

Sunday, 21^st July 2013

6:00 AM: Wake up call, Finish morning chores and breakfast

7:30 hrs: Trek to Shrivardhan fort, explore, descend

11:00 hrs: Rest for a while, Move to lake and see ancient Lord Shiva temple.

1:30 PM: Back to village, Lunch in the village

3:00 PM: Start return journey. Trek to Fanasrai, Move to Lonavla by Jeep from there.

6:30 PM: Reach Lonavla station

Board either Intercity / Indrayani express from Lonavla.

We will be back in Mumbai around 21:30 hrs (Tentatively)

Estimated expenditure is about 900/-

This includes Lonavla to Lonavla travelling charges,

Lunch and Dinner for the 1^st day,

Breakfast and Lunch for the 2^nd day,

2 Tea.

For registration, kindly transfer 900/- in the following account:

Axis Bank Account No: 911010053009069
Branch: Badlapur, Thane(MH)
Name: Ruturaj S Joshi
IFSC Code: UTIB0001342

Note: Registrations through phone calls only.

Registration / Queries:

Ruturaj: 9158266904

Anup: 7798050085

Email: nisargtrust@gmail.com

Things To Carry: -

ID Proof

Torch (MUST)

A Water Bottle (~2 Litres is a must)

Proper bedding

Extra pair of clothes

Camera, Cell Phone (Optional)
Please avoid wearing Gold and other ornaments
Some ready to eat food. Plum cakes, Biscuits etc.
Personal medicines if u require usually (Optional)

Windcheater

Wear Good footwears

A haversack to put all these things

Note: Pack your bags properly to prevent your valuable things from getting wet.

Regards,

Team Nisarg Trust