Kalavantin Durg Trek — Attraction in Maharashtra

Failure to pack the right equipment before setting out an adrenaline-pumping adventure runs the risk of casualties. Perfect sturdy trekking shoes are essential, as are a first-aid kit, personal medication, 2-litre water bottles and energy bars are a must. Be sure to wear the appropriate winter or rain gear, depending on the season.

From the base point (in the village of Thakurwadi) to Kalavantin Durg and the Prabalgad Fort, the trek to this adrenaline-sparking fortress take about a little over three hours and is accessible by zigzag stairs carved into the edges of the rocky mountains, with swathes of scree and no guard rails or ropes. The trail gets notably steeper and vertigo-inducing on the way up – though this doesn’t deter those in pursuit of heart-pounding adventure – but jaw-dropping views and beautiful scenery on the way up make the trek all the more worthwhile. Expect to catch a glimpse of the tiny waterfalls south of Kalavantin Durg.

Pro tip: Anyone suffering from vertigo should avoid doing this trek.

Kalavantin view from base village Thakurwadi | © Avinash Bhanu / Flickr The trek is punctuated with tea and snack stalls, followed by breakfast point that is nestled at the lower plateau of Prabalmachi, the midway hamlet base nestled at an elevation of 390 metres (1279.5 feet) above sea level. This is the point to relax, fill up for the way forward, top up water bottles, and take some Instagram-worthy photos (stunning views of lush green slopes, unexploited nature and the valley below can be seen from this point).

From this point forward, it’s quite a precipitous path, and any rainfalls gives it a whole new level of risk as the path gets slippery, thus requiring the trekkers to cling on to the rocks and roots of trees lining the way. At some points, the path demands scrambling up the steep slopes and over the rocks.

Pro tip: At this altitude, cling to the rocks for a reasonable grip when it gets windy.

Zigzag Steps to Kalavantin Durg | © Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons

Zigzag steps carved into rocky mountains | © Dinesh Valke / Flickr Higher and higher – complete with undulating terrain, rocky patches and waterfalls gushing down the steps – the trail gets even more treacherous until climbers finally reach the pinnacle of the Kalavantin Durg, witness the bird’s eye view and forget all about the arduous ascent. Soak in the gorgeous views of the Western Ghats, Prabalgad, Peb, Irshalgad and Chanderi Forts as well as panoramic vistas of Matheran and the city of Mumbai.

Pro tip: Prabalmachi Village offers numerous homestay options, or a tour operator would arrange accommodation for climbers.

A panoramic view of the valley | © Elroy Serrao / Flickr The main challenge of the Kalavantin Durg trek is the path back down, filled with boulders and slippery terrain. While descending, follow the narrow trail leading to Prabalgad Fort, another must-see spot, which takes just over an hour or so to reach. The gradient is tricky, steep and rocky, so it is advisable to have a professional trekker along. While there’s no human presence whatsoever, the area is inhabited by a considerable snake population. Standing beneath the floating clouds and soaking in the natural beauty, memorable moments to be had at the summit of the Prabalgad Fort are plenty – climbers can literally spend hours gazing at the awe-inspiring views.

The descent from the Prabalgad Fort to Thakurwadi takes a different track through the forest, complete with a myriad of rocks, muddy patches and small streams cascading down from the mountains. This trail is relatively easy trail and equally as visually intriguing as the first.

Pro tip: While trekking to Kalavantin Durg is possible throughout the year, the best time is between October and May, and it is advisable to avoid monsoon season.

Kalavantin Fort and Prabalgad Fort | © Niteshsavane143 / Wikimedia Commons Tips for the trek How to get to Thakurwadi

To reach Thakurwadi, start at the Panvel Railway Station. Take a cab or state transport bus and travel approximately 162.6 kilometres...

Kalavantin Durg is a 2,250 ft (686 m) high summit located in the Western Ghats, near the Prabalgad fort in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is also known as Kelve Teen, Kalavantinicha Sulka, or Kalavantin Pinnacle; alternative transliterations include Kalawantin, Kalavati, and Kalavanti. It is a popular trekking destination.There is a series of steps leading to the top of the pinnacle, but little is known about the history of structure. According to local guides, it was built for a queen called Kalavantin in the 15th century, around the same time as the neighbouring Prabalgad. In Marathi language the word "Durg" means fort. Although it is called as "Kalavantin Durg", there is no fort. Kalavantin is a pinnacle which was used by the ruler to have watch on surrounding area.The trek to the top of the Kalavantin Durg is considered one of the most challenging ones in the Western Ghats. The summit is accessible via a 3 km (2 mile) hike from the Thakurwadi village in Karjat taluka. After Prabalmachi village (2 km; 1¼ miles from Thakurvadi), the hike route diverges into two paths: the shorter one towards Kalavantin Durg, and the longer one towards Prabalgad fort.The route to the Kalavantin top is a roughly 60-degree incline, and involves climbing rock-cut steps that are as high as 2 feet. Accidental deaths of trekkers In December 2016, 27-year old Hyderabad-based trekker Rachita Gupta Kanodia died during a trek to Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad. Her body was found around 10 days after her death. She had earlier climbed the Kalavantin Durg in September, and is suspected to have fallen off from the Prabalgad peak. In February 2018, 27-year old Pune-based trekker Chetan Dhande fell to death while 15 feet away from the top of the Kalavantin Durg.Several other climbers witnessed his fall, and his body was discovered nearly four hours later. After Dhande's death, the local administration instituted new rules to ensure safety of the trekkers. According to the new rulers, each trekker had to register with the administration by paying an entry fee of ₹ 20, and providing their personal details. No entry was allowed in the area during dark hours of 5pm-6am. During other hours, the entry was allowed only when accompanied by a local guide, which would cost ₹ 50. The administration trained 50 local villagers as guides. The trekkers were also banned from using plastic bags or...

Very proud moment when you at hight point of durg(fort). Because there is so many challenges when you tracking in rainy season.It is big deal if you are tracking in rainy season for kalavantini durg because it getting sleepry,If you have experience of tracking in rainy season then you can go but if it is not then it's risky.There are two points of risk one is at to reach for stairs on mountain and another at to reach at top its required rope climbing.There are two villagers are always present for help while you climb.At the starting point mean at the bottom of durg there is one small hotel there you have to park vehicle and get your snaks.Then after tracking some distance then there is one main checkpoint where you have to enter your details and pay fees 100rs for maintenance of durg.Then continue to tracking you got so many board are available at many trees for guidance so there no need to guide by any person.There are so many points to get at small snaks and if you asking for any information related to fort the aslo told.At 2 point there is also swing(jhulla/zopala).Also one checking point is there the checks our receipt and confirm our preseces.After 1.30hrs of walking there is small village and also a tracking point where we can stay by paying it's aslo best for night out there tent aslo present.From that village there are two different ways for kalavantini and prabhalgad.Kalavantini takes 1hrs and it's little beat difficult and prabhalgad is easy but it's takes 1.30hrs for walking distance.For prabhal gad you have go little beat early because there is check at 3pm in afternoon.At kalavantini durg at top there one moment when we see stairs in stone mountain and if you reach at top point after doing rope climbing you got one pride moment that is our legend Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Flag is continuously flaged in air.From that point viwes is very amazing,fanstatic,wonderfull, feeling like in heaven.At 5pm we want to reach back to the bottom of fort because the close all the check point at 5 o'clock.So you required 1hrs to reach at bottom from top.All the best to everyone go to kalavantini at one time in our whole life...It is very amazing and there no word to express the feeling.....Jay bhavani ! Jay Shivaji ! Jay...