Rajmachi

**Rajmachi Fort Highlights** Arriving from Lonavla via Tungarli, you'll see a warrior statue, fort wall ruins, an old entrance remnant, and Ganesh/Maruti idols near the village. **Udhewadi Village:** Sits right on the fort summit. **Kataldara Valley:** Located east/south of Rajmachi, this deep valley features a spectacular waterfall during the monsoon. The Ulhas river originates here. Bhairav hill is to the west of the river. **The Citadels:** Rajmachi has two citadels: Shrivardhan and Manranjan. * **Ridge Connects:** Between them is the Lord Bhairavnath temple, a lamp post, and a Goddess Laxmi idol. Follow the left path to Manranjan, right to Shrivardhan.**1. Uday Sagar Lake (उदयसागर तलाव):** Often overflows in the rainy season. Descend the hill in front for a plateau view of magnificent valleys, waterfalls, and dense forests. **2. Manranjan Citadel:** * **Access:** Easy, 30-minute route. * **Entrance:** Gomukhi architectural style. * **Sights:** Ruins of ancient fort keepers' mansions, a roofless stone temple with a Lord Ganesh carving on the door, and water tanks. The fortified wall is mostly in ruins. * **Views:** Karnala, Prabalgad, Irshalgad, Dhakbhairi, and Dukes Nose forts are visible.**3. Shrivardhan Citadel:** * **Highest Point:** The bastions and fortification wall are well-preserved, suggesting a possible dual fortified wall historically. * **Entrance:** Door arch and gate keeper porches are still standing. * **Approach Way:** Two water tanks and a cave used for arms/ammunition storage. * **Summit:** Features a flag post. * **Views:** The rugged Dhak-Bhairi pinnacle and Shirota lake are visible.**4. Lord Shiva Temple:** Located west of Uday Sagar Lake. A beautiful temple with a Gomukh outlet feeding water into a tank.