Rajmachi

19th July’ 08 (Day 1)
Since I have started cherishing trekking as a passion, Rajmachi has been amongst the most awaited treks every year. Rajmachi has got some sort of X-factor which tends to attract every single person who has visited it. I have got a habit; I trek to Rajmachi twice a year. First one is always in the monsoons (mostly mid-July) and the other one is at the end of the monsoons (September-October) which is a night trek. One thing I hate about any trek is the size of group accompanying you. This time the size of group was 25-26, which is a big number is indeed. The problem of controlling such a huge group is really bothering.
On Saturday, 19th July’08, we boarded a local train to Lonavala at Akurdi Station. This train was scheduled at 8.30 am. We divided our group into two parts. Group 1 comprising of 13 guys including me boarded this local, where as Group 2 were suppose to catch the 10.30 am local, as few guys were having some issues.

We reached Lonavala at 9.30 am. Here we were supposed to purchase the stuffs we need for this 2 days trek. We took another hour or so for the shopping and finally at 10.30am we started off for our most beloved trek. On reaching Tungarli village, everyone decided to have our breakfast. With 2 wadapavs and a cup of tea, we were rejuvenated.
Following the track towards the Upper Deck Hotel, we reached Tungarli Dam. Here we came to know about the real climatic condition of the surrounding region. Every year Tungarli Dam is a sort of measuring unit. If the dam is 80% full then one can consider that the rainfall in this region is ample and the scenery will be charismatic. But here the scene was different. Water level was almost negligible. Making us realize the fact that being rainy season, most parts of the Maharashtra state was yet to receive the rains.
Almost drained by the realization and wondering what would be the picture ahead, we dragged our feet towards Rajmachi via Thakarwadi. I follow certain rules during the treks. 1. Take a break every 1 hour. 2. When you are amidst of nature enjoy, appreciate and respect the nature. 3. Care about fellow trekkers. 4. Respect the native people, their faiths and beliefs, try not to destroy their property i.e. farms, trees etc.

Our next stop was at the next big Odha which forms the famous waterfall of Rajmachi. Here we had to wait for our second group. They reached at this spot nearly after an hour. We ate our snacks and resumed our trek in next 30 mins.
Leaving Dhak Phata behind us, we followed the mud track. In the next hour we were near the next Odha. Here most of the group members were interested in bathing, which took another hour. Remaining group was relaxing by the side of the Odha. As we chatted and captured scenes in the cameras, time was passing pretty fast. Suddenly we realize the extra time we wasted. Forcing everyone to resume our trek, we started our walk again.
For the next one and half hour we walked non stop till the spot where one can see the mighty waterfall in the front and Shrivardhan Fort in the back. From this spot one gets a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. With such a view around, you only need a cup of hot tea to rejuvenate yourself. We enjoyed every moment of it. At the tea stall owned by Rajaram Umbre(every year we stay at his place), we confirmed his house to stay.
We reached Rajmachi at 4.30 pm but it felt as if it was almost dark. The simple and pleasant atmosphere of the village will really fascinate you. Villagers are also simple and helpful people. One can literally live their laid-back lifestyle during the stay. No lights, no vehicles, no cell phones and you simply get used to it. Everything else in life gets pointless and nothing else matters. Away from worries and tensions of life, a life one can only dream about. Dinner was due till 8.00 pm, so few of us decided to visit the lake and the temple of Lord Shiva near the village. The lake is a sort of water reservoir of the village.

Food at Rajmachi is always great to eat. On finishing our dinner, most of the guys were almost in their beds. But with such a refreshing atmosphere around, many of us were not interested in sleeping. So we took a long walk, watching the clear starlit sky and admiring the fireflies.



 
20th July’ 08 (Day 2)  We got up early in the morning. After having our morning tea, we were ready for the climb to Shrivardhan Fort. The route to the top of the fort is quite simple and easy to ascend. We were atop the fort in just half an hour. The surrounding scenery takes your breath away and the pure and fresh air energizes you. We spent next hour sitting on the bastion and watching the waterfall in front of us. You are always short of word when it comes of explaining beauty of nature.

At 10.30 am we descended the fort and reached the village. Now, each one of us was hungry. We ate Kanda Pohe for our breakfast. The Kanda Pohe you get in this village is simply delicious. In Pune, you will never get to eat such tasty Kanda Pohe. I have experienced this as I was in Pune for last 3-4 years. We knew it very well that sooner or later we would be hungry again, so we ordered our lunch. Till then many of us took a quick nap as we had to kill our time.

Suddenly I saw someone whom I knew very well but due to lack of contact we were not in touch with each other. Dude!!! This was my friend Amit Patil. He was my classmate in school till 10th Std. and we were meeting each other after 10 years. It was great to see him.

It was almost 12.00 pm when we finished our lunch. We had plenty of time in hand. So, we decided to leave Rajmachi at 1.00 pm giving sufficient time for everyone to rest. Return journey is always tough (mostly) but in my case it’s always ultta. Nothing much happened on our way back to Lonavala. Taking regular breaks and halting where ever necessary, we reached Lonavala at 5.30 pm.

Rajmachi trek is always a memorable one. You always have a hangover till you plan another trek. Every moment, every incident is flashed in your memory for days to come.

Keep Rocking!!!!

Prashant
prashant.kulthe@gmail.com