Rajmachi Camping
Udhewadi, Rajmachi near Lonavala
If you are looking for a camping weekend with forts on the skyline, Rajmachi is a great choice. Tents go up at Udhewadi village beneath the twin forts of Manranjan and Shriwardhan, and the plateau at 830 metres is made for sunrise and stargazing. In the pre-monsoon weeks the forest here fills with fireflies, one of the great shows near Mumbai and Pune. It is about 90 km from Mumbai and 60 from Pune, with jeeps or a walk from Lonavala to reach the village. June to February covers the season.
Why go
- Camping near the twin forts of Manaranjan and Shriwardhan
- Fireflies in the pre-monsoon season
- Sunrise and stargazing from the Rajmachi plateau
Travel at a glance
How to reach
Drive/hike from Lonavala to Udhewadi village, campsites are run by local homestays.
Nearest railway station
Lonavala Railway Station; onward jeep or walk to Udhewadi
Things to carry
The off-road approach becomes difficult in monsoon; avoid high stream crossings, stay with a group, and do not depend on mobile signal.
FAQs
Where is the camping base?
Udhewadi village below the twin forts.
Which railway station is nearest?
Lonavala Railway Station is the usual railhead.
When are fireflies seen?
Typically in May and the first half of June before the monsoon.
Is the road suitable in monsoon?
The dirt road can become muddy and may require a local jeep or walking from Fanasrai.