Rajmachi Fort is the trek most people staying in Lonavala mean to do and never quite plan properly — they show up at noon, run out of water halfway, and turn back before reaching the twin forts. Here's what actually works.
Two Routes, One Very Different Difficulty
The Lonavala route (via Tungarli) is longer — around 15km one way, mostly used by serious trekkers doing an overnight at Udhewadi village. The Khandala/Kondivade route is shorter, closer to a half-day trek, and is what we recommend for most weekend guests staying at ADMAC.
When To Start
Leave by 7:00 AM. The trail has very little shade once you're past the initial forest stretch, and afternoon heat (or monsoon cloudbursts, in season) make the descent genuinely unpleasant if you start late. We pack breakfast for guests heading out early specifically for this reason.
Water & Difficulty
- Carry at least 2 litres per person — there is one reliable water point at Udhewadi village, not before.
- Moderate difficulty: manageable for a reasonably fit beginner, but not a casual stroll. Proper shoes matter more than fitness here.
- Monsoon season (June–September) makes sections slippery — doable, but budget more time.
What You'll See
Two forts — Shrivardhan and Manaranjan — connected by a saddle with sweeping views over the Sahyadri range. Most guests spend 30–40 minutes at the top before heading back the way they came.
Staying at ADMAC? Ask the hosts for this weekend's real-time conditions — trail crowding, road access and water levels change fast in the hills.