Rajmachi Fort
A more interesting route to Rajmachi is to climb up from Kondiwade in the
Ulhas Valley (see the description of Kondana caves). After reaching the
plateau at the level of Kondana caves, instead of turning right, go straight
ahead where the path starts climbing again. After climbing for some time,
and crossing various small plateaus and a stream, one sees a bifurcation
in the route. One track climbs up to a plateau with open fields. The hill
seen ahead from this plateau is not Rajmachi, which is hidden from view.
This track is hence the wrong choice. Therefore at the bifurcation one
should take the other track, at the edge of the mountain. It traverses
all around the hill and after some time, one can see the peak of Manoranjan.
This traverse is about 2km long and very beautiful, crossing several streams.
The route then leads to a nala where one can see arrows, at regular intervals,
directing the way. After climbing the nala one has to climb some broad
steps (which are slippery in the monsoon) to reach a grassy plateau, with
a great view of the Ulhas valley. From the plateau another track climbs
steeply and leads to the top plateau through a gap in a fence. From this
place the village is visible and one can see the fortifications of Manoranjan
clearly. The village is a 15 minute walk from here, through a path which
is very muddy in the monsoon. From the village one can climb the two peaks,
as described before.
There can be a problem with route finding, on this route, since there
are many paths made by woodcutters in the forest. It is easier to find
the route while descending than while climbing up. But one normally gets
to see a few villagers on the way and one can keep asking them for directions.
It takes about three hours in total, to reach the Rajmachi village from
Kondiwade, and this route is much more fun than the flat walk from Lonavala.
There are several other ways to the top. One is to just climb the ridge behind the Kondana village, this leads all the way to the top, and is a good choice if you are doing a night trek.
The other note to keep in mind is that if you are heading out from Kondana CAVES to the top, then after about ten or fifteen minutes from the Caves, following the obvious path (with arrows marked), then you will come to a clearing. At this point you should start climbing, to your left --- look for a stone with an arrow pointing UP. (There is also a red arrow on another stone pointing to the CAVES).
If you are climbing in the monsoon, remember the route is somewhat slippery and muddy.
The forts look fantastic, wreathed with mist and clouds --- and the view from the top can be fantastic, if you can get a clear view (worth your while to wait for the clouds/mist to clear).
For some pictures follow this link.