Rajmachi Fort: Sentinels of the Sahyadris

Sometimes, the journey becomes the destination- the route to Rajmachi Forts is as fascinating as the forts themselves. There are two citadels atop Rajmachi - Shrivardhan and Manaranjan.

Strategically located at a height of 3000 feet, these forts were probably intended to serve as watchtowers from where one could keep an eye out for suspicious movement in the surrounding areas. Shivaji won them from Adil Shah of Bijapur in the 17th century. They changed hands several times until the British eventually gained control over them.

The fortification houses mighty ramparts and walls, gateways, secret exits, administrative offices, water storage tanks and reservoirs, residential quarters, temples and idols of deities.

The Rajmachi forts are a popular trekking and camping spot. One can opt to drive through the forest instead, which is an experience by itself. The roads are rough and the landscape changes dramatically from a dense jungle to grasslands, to a rocky terrain all in the course of a single journey.

The village at the base of the Rajmachi hill is called Udhewadi. It is idyllic with a picture- pretty lake. A temple has been recently excavated in the area. The pillared shrine is said to be a part of an ancient Shiva temple. The temple has a statue of Nandi Bull, Shiva’s mount; water drips through its mouth continuously.

Ancient temples from beneath the ground do not appear the least bit asynchronous. It is as if these regions belong equally to the past and the present. One cannot help wonder at what all might have played out in the past. The sentinels standing high above the Sahyadris would know best.

Good to Know

Location: 25 km from the Sterling resort

Take care to: Travel light; Follow photography/mobile phone instructions; Keep kids safe (and quiet).