Want to move away from the hustles of city life then the trip to Rajmachi is the best place to go for. Rajmachi offers you a perfect ideal getaway where you can relax yourself in the midst of hill forts.
Rajmachi is a quaint little hilly plateau in Maharashtra that is surrounded with pleasant climate, green valleys and stunning hill slopes. And not only it is a site of nature but also is a historical place meant for all the history buffs out there. It comprises twin forts of Rajmachi that will take you back to the first Anglo Maratha War. And further trekking to Rajmachi you will explore ancient temples, monuments and first in the cities.
Here are the list of places you must visit in Rajmachi to have a perfect weekend holiday:
- The Forts of Rajmachi
Rajmachi is popular for its twin forts namely Shrivardhan and Manaranjan which were built around the 17th century by the Satavahana rulers. It also nestles around the tiny village at the base of the hills. It is said that Shrivardhan fort was used as a watchtower over the Sahyadri ranges. The forts stand as ancient constructions that include water reservoirs, temples like the shrine to Kal Bhairav as well as the most scenic views around the hills. So you must visit this place to explore the ancient uniqueness and to seek serenity.
- Kondane Caves
Kondane caves is another major attraction built on the face of deep escarpment near to Rajmachi forts. You will see the ancient caves of Chaityas and Viharas in the 19th century. There is also a waterfall which looks extremely mesmerizing as it flows over and from above the caves. There are 16 caves, most of them in ruins but the beautiful carvings and idols of Buddha reflect the sculptors of the ancient times.
The trek to Kondane caves is short one and when you reach you listen to the sounds of the tiny waterfalls which will make you feel so lovely and calming.
- Kataldhar Waterfalls
Kataldhar waterfalls nestled among the deep ravines and hilly slopes of Ulhas valley is the highest waterfall of Pune. The terrains to reach the waterfall are rather tough so it is mandatory to follow the track with the help of the locals from Udhewadi village.
Kataldhar waterfalls puts its best show in monsoon as it looks like clear crystal water and they are easily visible from Rajmachi’s Shrivardhan fort.
You can trek to Kataldhar waterfalls from Udhewadi village from Lonavala.
- Sagareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and Temple
Sagareshwar wildlife sanctuary is covered with thorny and deciduous dense forests and vast wildlife that includes sambar, chital, blackbuds and a number of birds, porcupines and reptiles like snakes. There is also a Sagareshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on the grassy hill in the sanctuary. The temple is said to have been built during the reign of Chaluka kings. It is about 30 kms from Sangli and Rajmachi and constitutes a popular tourist destination for pilgrims.
- Krishnamai Mandir
Krishnamai mandir is located on the banks of ghat where the rivers Krishna and Koyan meet in Karad. Here people worship the deity of Krishnamai set in a beautiful plethora of nature. Here the pilgrims came often to devote their prayers and to seek spirituality.
Further the temple is Preeti Sangam known as the confluence of love. It is a tranquil spot where the Krishna and Koyna rivers collide with each other and it is although more blissful to watch for. You can also visit Karad caves on the southwest of the town and a huge ancient step well namely Naktya Ravyyachi Vihir about 12 kms from Rajmachi.
- Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary
Rajmachi trek wildlife sanctuary is another famous place in Rajmachi. It is an abode of a variety of birds and animals like giant Indian squirrels and deer. You also see the verdant green valley with undulating ranges of vegetated slopes. It is set on the foothills of Sahyadri ranges and offers one to ample opportunities of sightseeing, photography and quite a lot of trekking. So you must visit this sanctuary to explore the various species of wildlife.
- Godaneshwar Mandir
Godaneshwar temple dedicated to Shiva is another amazing place not to be missed in Rajmachi. It is an ancient temple built in Hemadpanthi style and has a small structure but filled with a unique essence of nature. It was built with a handful of pillars in the mandap consisting of a small shrine of Shiva linga and Ganesha inside it. The temple lies in a serene quiet place and you must visit to seek spiritual blessings.