Rajmachi Camp September 19, 2009.
About Rajmachi
Time to wear adventure hat again, get into shape and you are ready to explore one of the many forts in
Maharashtra. Most of these forts are either directly or indirectly connected with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the Maratha Emperor who is reported to have either built or fortified over 111 of them.
One of such
fortenchaiting is the Rajmachi, near Lonavala. Virtually unknown - expect to a few small band of trekkers – until a decade ago years ago, Rajmachi has become a popular weekend destination.
The trek to Rajmachi begins at Lonavala, a 3 km motor able trail brings you to Tungarli lake. There is a little forest near the dam, and some dilapidated stone structures. Tungarli makes a nice place for a overnight halt. Beyond the emerald expense ahead, Rajmachi, with its twin peaks, Shrivardhan and Manoranjan are visible from the track that trails ahead. They may look very near but, but to get there, a longer route must be taken. The trail onward is easy to negotiate, but rather long, about 3 to 4 hours trek from Tungarli. It is wonderful experience, but takes more time. The forest here harbour one of the most fascinating, yet little-known bioluminescent algae, which grows on deadwood, and glows in the dark during the monsoon. By the end of the season, nearly every tree is encrusted with the algae. Another attraction is Karvi flowers which blooms once in seven years, let us check weather this is the seventh year.
At the base of the two fortresses lies a small hamlet village having ancient bathing ghat (swimming pool) just out side the village.
To get a feel of the place, we need to spend some time there, and soak in the local flavor. Both the peaks of fortress are easy to scale from the village. The fort's walls wrap around the hill at several levels, forming terraces, blending, almost perfectly, manmade structure and natural rock formation. Walking along the fort's walls lead to many vantage points, with beautiful views. Looking out from over the black stone balustrade of one of Shrivardhan's bastions, one can see the village, the trail to Lonavala and beyond, in the distance, trains, miniaturized by distance, worming their way across the Mumbai-Pune railway line. From Rajmachi, a number of detours are available, including
ShirottaLake, Sowandi Dam, Valvati Dam and the scenic UlhasValley where we will climb down on our way back. The village and the forts might attract number of trekkers this weekend so let us get there before they do.
Programme:
Date: September 19, 2009:
Pickup Points:
21:00 hrs Andheri West Near
S.V. Road, Outside Bus Depot near Merwans Bakery
21:30 hrs – Kalanagar Bus Stop (Bandra – Western Express Highway), near end of Sky walk
21:45 hrs – Sion Lunch home; around 50 meters from Sion station
22:00 hrs – Chembur Opp to Akbar Allis Departmental Stores
22:15 hrs – Vashi (Junction of NH4 and Station Road)
23:15 hrs – Express Mall
24:00 hrs – Lonavala
Hit the sack at Cottage Dormatory with (attached toilets and baths available)
September 20, 2009
05:00 hrs wake-up call
05:45 hrs Take our transport till Tungarli Dam
06:10 hrs Trek strats (Packed breakfast on the way)
11:30 hrs expected to reach Rajmachi
Local Village Lunch at Rajmachi, Explore the fort and Dip in Pound
Start trek back towards Tungarli, expected to be back at Tungarli by 5:30 pm
Start our journey back; take express highway. Stop at Express mall for Freshen-up / Tea and snacks.
Exprected to be back in Mumbai by 22:00 hrs
Contribution for the
campRs.1350/= per head (Rs.150/- discount for members).
(it includes private transport; stay at Lonavala for the night in cottage dormatory;
Sunday (Breakfast, Afternoon – Lunch (Village Veg Meal); Evening Tea and Snacks). Does not include Dinner for September 19th and September 20th
Click here to register
Capacity: 20 team members
What to carry?
Gear: Rucksack or backpack, spare plastic bags, tough shoes, spare slipper, spare emergency money Rs.300/=, blood group, family doctor and emergency phone number.
Other essentials items: Sleeping bag or 2 bed sheets, cap, flash light with spare batteries, one or two change set of clothes, shorts, spare socks, towel, essential medical kit, mosquito repellents, small plate, glass, spoon and pocket knife.
Other Good to Know for Trekking and Eco-Adventures
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