The Rajmachi Fort is one of the top tourist places in Lonavala. The fort stands at a height of 2,710 ft above sea level and offers an amazing view of the Sahyadri Hills and the backwaters of the Shirota Dam. The Rajmachi Fort has witnessed several empires, including Shivaji Maharaj, Emperor Aurangzeb, Shahu Maharaj and the British regime. The fort has two Balekillas (twin fortresses) – Shrivardhan and Manaranjan – which were made to keep an eye on the surroundings and are the main attraction points. The fort has many ancient caves and temples, such as the Kal Bhairava Mandir, with few of them dating back to before the fort was built. This place offers soothing green views and is extremely popular among tourists, especially nature lovers and trekkers. Rajmachi Trek is nestled amid Lonavala and Karjat. There are two ways to reach the Rajmachi Fort. The trek from Lonavala is a 15-km flat walk (approximately) and the one from Karjat is a gradual climb of around 5 km. The Karjat route has a steeper climb through a forest section and adjoins the Udhewadi village.
