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Kondana Caves ,Rajmachi Fort,Shrivardhan Fort,Manaranjan Fort,Nagnath Caves- Karjat Mumbai Maharashtra , India (2025 )

 



Kondana Caves from Karjat : 
Kondhane are  Buddhist Caves . It has four caves
Cave No1: Chaitya
Cave No.2: Vihara
Cave No.3
Cave No.4 
Kondana Caves is situated in the small village of Kondana. These caves are approximately 2000 Years old built in first century B.C. 
How to reach : Nearest Station is  Karjat , from  Karjat  station you can take sharing autos /cabs to reach the base village of Kondivade from where you can start the trekk  or walk for  15 mins and reach Shreeram Pool/ Shreeram Bridge there you will get Sharing Cabs to Kondivade Village  for 200-300 Rs  ( Sharing it comes to  30- 40 Rs per head) 
Nearest Airport : Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport) 
By Car or Bike  put location as Kondana caves Kondivade village on Google Maps  
Its beautiful especially during the monsoon season. The path is lush  green in monsoons. You will come across many waterfalls which is mesmerizing. 
Best time to visit :  June to October. 
Can be enjoyed with family & friends  short  trekk.
Places you can also visit near Kondana Caves are Rajmachi Fort & Nagnath Caves,Shrivardhan Fort,Manaranjan Fort. 
Level of Trekking : Easy trekk good for  beginner trekkers.
Trek time : 30 Minutes.
Food : There are temporary food stalls  on the route to Kondana caves , there are also locals in Kondana village who  provide  tasty local food on request.
To reach Kondana Caves from Mumbai city by road, follow these general directions:
1. Route from Mumbai to Kondana Caves :
   - Start from Mumbai and head towards the Eastern Express Highway (EEH) if you are in the eastern part of the city, or the Western Express Highway (WEH) if you are in the western part.
   - From EEH or WEH, you'll eventually need to merge onto the Mumbai-Pune Expressway (NH48).
   - Continue on NH48 towards Lonavala.
   - After Lonavala, take the exit towards Karla Caves.
   - From Karla Caves, continue towards the village of Kamshet.
   - Kondana Caves are located near Kamshet, and you'll find signboards directing you towards the caves from Kamshet.
2. Local Transportation Options:
   - Once you reach the vicinity of Kondana Caves, you might need to park your vehicle and hike a short distance to reach the caves.
   - Alternatively, you can hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw from Kamshet to take you to the caves.
3. Navigation Apps:
   - Utilize navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time navigation and updates on the best routes considering traffic conditions and road closures. These apps can guide you from your specific location in Mumbai to Kondana Caves.
4. Travel Time:
   - The travel time from Mumbai to Kondana Caves by road typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
5. Road Conditions and Safety:
   - Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the journey.
   - Pay attention to traffic rules and drive cautiously, especially on winding roads.
   - Be prepared for some rural roads and slower traffic as you pass through towns and villages.
By following these directions and considering local transportation options, you should be able to reach Kondana Caves from Mumbai city by road.

To reach Kondana Caves from Pune city by road, follow these general directions:
1. Route from Pune to Kondana Caves :
   - Start from Pune and head towards the Pune-Mumbai Expressway (NH48).
   - Drive on NH48 towards Mumbai.
   - Take the Lonavala exit from the expressway.
   - From Lonavala, continue towards the village of Kamshet.
   - Kondana Caves are located near Kamshet, and you'll find signboards directing you towards the caves from Kamshet.
2. Local Transportation Options :
   - Once you reach the vicinity of Kondana Caves, you might need to park your vehicle and hike a short distance to reach the caves.
   - Alternatively, you can hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw from Kamshet to take you to the caves.
3. Navigation Apps:
   - Utilize navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze for real-time navigation and updates on the best routes considering traffic conditions and road closures. These apps can guide you from your specific location in Pune to Kondana Caves.
4. Travel Time:
   - The travel time from Pune to Kondana Caves by road typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
5. Road Conditions and Safety:
   - Ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the journey.
   - Pay attention to traffic rules and drive cautiously, especially on winding roads.
   - Be prepared for some rural roads and slower traffic as you pass through towns and villages.
By following these directions and considering local transportation options, you should be able to reach Kondana Caves from Pune city by road.

 Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort, located in the Sahyadri mountain range of Maharashtra, India, is a historical fortification significant for its strategic location and picturesque surroundings. Here are some key details about Rajmachi Fort:

1. Location: It is situated in the Western Ghats, about 15 km from Lonavala and 7 km from Khandala, making it easily accessible from both towns.

2. History: Rajmachi Fort has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was built by Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire. It played a strategic role in guarding the trade route between Mumbai and Pune.

3. Two Forts: Rajmachi consists of two twin fortresses named Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort, each with its own bastions, gates, and ramparts. Shrivardhan is the taller peak and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills.

4. Trekking: The trek to Rajmachi Fort is popular among adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The trek starts from villages like Lonavala, Tungarli, or Kondhane.

5. Scenic Beauty: Apart from its historical significance, Rajmachi Fort is known for its breathtaking views of lush greenery, waterfalls (especially during the monsoon season), and the Rajmachi Wildlife Sanctuary nearby.

6. Accessibility: While trekking is the most common way to reach Rajmachi Fort, there is also a motorable road that leads to the base of the fort. From there, visitors can hike up to explore the fort ruins.

7. Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Rajmachi Fort is during the monsoon (June to September) when the surroundings are lush green and the waterfalls are at their peak. However, trekking can be challenging during heavy rains due to slippery paths.

8. Facilities: There are basic accommodation options available at Rajmachi Village for overnight stays, and some local villagers also offer homestay experiences.

Overall, Rajmachi Fort is not just a historical site but also a trekker's paradise offering stunning natural beauty and a glimpse into Maharashtra's rich history.

Route : Trekking to Rajmachi from Kondhane Caves

Trekking to Rajmachi from Kondhane Caves is a popular route for adventurers seeking a scenic and historically rich journey in the Sahyadri mountains of Maharashtra, India. Here’s a guide to the trek from Kondhane Caves to Rajmachi:

Starting Point: Kondhane Caves

Kondhane Caves serve as the initial point for the trek. These ancient Buddhist caves are nestled amidst lush green surroundings and provide a glimpse into the region's historical significance.

 Trek Route:

1. Kondhane to Rajmachi Village:

   - The trek starts by heading towards Rajmachi Village. This part of the trek is relatively moderate and takes around 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and the weather conditions.

   - The trail passes through dense forests, small streams, and occasionally opens up to beautiful vistas of the valleys.

2. Rajmachi Village to Shrivardhan Fort:

   - From Rajmachi Village, you can proceed to Shrivardhan Fort, one of the two forts of Rajmachi.

   - The path involves a steep ascent and can be challenging but rewarding. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

3. Exploring Shrivardhan Fort:

   - Once at Shrivardhan Fort, explore the ancient ruins, bastions, and the breathtaking views it offers. The fort also has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

   - Take some time to soak in the historical ambiance and enjoy the cool breeze from the elevated heights.

4. Manaranjan Fort (Optional):

   - If time permits and energy levels are good, you can also trek to Manaranjan Fort, the twin fort of Shrivardhan.

   - Manaranjan Fort offers similar views and historical structures, completing the Rajmachi experience.

 Tips for the Trek:

- Best Time: The ideal time to trek is during the monsoon (June to September) when the surroundings are lush green and waterfalls are active. However, ensure to check weather conditions as heavy rains can make trails slippery. 

- Preparation: Carry sufficient water, snacks, and basic medical supplies. Wear comfortable trekking shoes and carry rain gear during the monsoon.

- Accommodation: Rajmachi Village offers basic accommodation options, including homestays. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak trekking seasons.

- Guides: While the trek is well-marked, hiring a local guide can enhance the experience by providing insights into the history and local flora/fauna.

Conclusion:

Trekking from Kondhane Caves to Rajmachi Fort is not just about reaching a historical site but also about immersing oneself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Western Ghats. It offers a memorable journey through ancient caves, dense forests, and majestic forts, making it a must-do for trekking enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Nagnath Caves

Nagnath Caves, also known as Nagnath Parvat Caves, are a group of ancient rock-cut caves located near the village of Nagnath in the Junnar region of Maharashtra, India. These caves are notable for their historical, architectural, and archaeological significance. Here’s an overview of Nagnath Caves:

 Location:

Nagnath Caves are situated in the Sahyadri mountain range, approximately 8 km from the town of Junnar in Pune district, Maharashtra. They are nestled amidst scenic surroundings and are accessible via a short trek from the village of Nagnath.

Historical Significance:

1. Buddhist Caves: Nagnath Caves belong to the Hinayana phase of Buddhism, dating back to around the 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE. They were used as viharas (monastic dwellings) and chaityas (prayer halls) by Buddhist monks.

2. Architecture: The caves are carved out of the natural rock formations and exhibit typical Buddhist rock-cut architecture. They feature intricately carved pillars, stupas, sculptures of Buddha and Bodhisattvas, and inscriptions in Brahmi script.

3. Connection to Trade Routes: Situated in the ancient trade route network, these caves served as resting places for travelers and pilgrims moving between the Deccan plateau and the western coast of India. 

 Features of Nagnath Caves:

- Main Cave: The largest cave among the group is notable for its spacious vihara with multiple cells for monks.

- Chaitya: There is also a smaller chaitya cave dedicated to prayer and meditation.

- Stupas and Carvings: The caves contain several stupas and sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and other Buddhist deities.

 Trekking and Accessibility:

- Trek Route: The trek to Nagnath Caves typically starts from the village of Nagnath. It's a moderate trek that takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the starting point and trekking speed.

- Scenic Views: Along the way, trekkers can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding hills and countryside, making it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers. 

 Visiting Tips:

- Best Time to Visit: The caves are accessible throughout the year, but the winter months (October to February) are generally more comfortable for trekking due to milder temperatures.

- Facilities: There are limited facilities at the caves, so it's advisable to carry water, snacks, and basic first aid supplies.

- Guides: Hiring a local guide can provide deeper insights into the history and significance of the caves.

 Conclusion:

Nagnath Caves offer a fascinating glimpse into Maharashtra's rich Buddhist heritage and provide an opportunity for trekkers to explore ancient rock-cut architecture amidst tranquil natural surroundings. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply enjoy trekking, a visit to Nagnath Caves promises a memorable experience steeped in cultural and natural beauty.

Also Read Places to Visit in Mumbai :

Also read Waterfalls you can Visit during Monsoons:

 

 

 

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