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Kalavantin Durg Trek: Ultimate Guide

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Are you an adventure enthusiast seeking a thrilling trekking experience? Look no further! Kalavantin Durg Trek in the Sahyadri Mountains is the perfect choice for experienced trekkers and nature lovers.

This trek offers breathtaking views, a challenging ascent, and a chance to immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and natural beauty.

Strap on your trekking shoes , pack your backpack, and prepare for an unforgettable journey to Kalavantin Durg!

• Max Altitude:  2,250 Ft. (686 M)
• Distance: 2.5 - 3 KM
• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
• Duration: 2-3 Hours
• Ideal For: Experienced Trekkers Only
• Best Season: June – September & November - February
• Region: Maharashtra

Table of Contents

Introduction: Unveiling the Beauty of Kalavantin Durg

Nestled amidst the Western Ghats, Kalavantin Durg stands tall as a testimony to the region’s rich historical heritage and scenic splendour.

This magnificent fortress in the Raigad district of Maharashtra offers a remarkable trekking experience for adventure enthusiasts.

The trek takes you through lush greenery, rocky terrain, and breathtaking landscapes, leaving you awe-struck at every step.

The History Behind Kalavantin Durg

Kalavantin Durg, also known as the “Fortress of the Queen,” has a fascinating history that dates back to the 15th century. Built during the rule of the Bahmani Kingdom, this fort served as a strategic outpost for the Maratha Empire.

The intricate architecture, including the rock-cut steps and defensive structures, reflects the military prowess of that era. Exploring the fort is like stepping back in time and experiencing the grandeur of ancient Maharashtra.

Best Time To Visit Kalavantin Durg

June to September:

The best time to visit Kalavantin Durg is from June to September,  which coincides with the  monsoon season in Maharashtra .

The region experiences lush greenery and cool weather during this time, making it a picturesque and refreshing trekking experience.

The monsoon brings alive the surrounding landscape with vibrant colours, gushing waterfalls, and mist-covered mountains, adding an exquisite touch to the journey.

However, it’s essential to exercise caution during the monsoon season. Heavy rains can make the trail slippery and challenging to navigate.

It is advisable to wear appropriate trekking shoes and carry rain gear to stay dry and safe. It’s also essential to be mindful of changing weather conditions and check for any travel advisories or warnings before embarking on the trek.

November to February:

Another favourable time  to visit is from  November to February, during winter. The weather during these months is relatively more relaxed, offering pleasant trekking conditions.

The clear skies and mild temperatures create ideal trekking conditions, allowing you to enjoy the panoramic views without the hindrance of rain.

Whether you trek during the monsoon or winter, Kalavantin Durg promises a memorable experience. Remember to plan accordingly, respect the weather conditions, and prioritize your safety to make the most of your adventure.

How to Reach Kalavantin Durg

To reach Kalavantin Durg, hire a private vehicle or rely on public transportation.

Take a train from Mumbai or Pune to Panvel and then hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to Thakurwadi village.

From Mumbai, it will take 2-3 hours to reach via train & bus or auto-rickshaw.

If you prefer a hassle-free experience, various trekking groups and tour operators organize guided trips, providing transportation and expert guidance.

Kalavantin Durg Trekking Route and Difficulty Level

Difficulty Level:

The trek to Kalavantin Durg begins from the village of Thakurwadi, easily accessible from Mumbai and Pune. The trail takes you through dense forests, rugged paths, and steep rock-cut steps.

The ascent is moderately difficult, requiring good fitness and agility. However, the challenges are rewarded with mesmerizing views of the surrounding valleys and the majestic Prabalgad Fort.

Detailed Trekking Route:

The trek starts from Thakurwadi village near Panvel in Maharashtra, India. This thrilling trek takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete, covering a distance of around 2.5 kilometres.

The trail starts with a gradual ascent through a rocky path surrounded by lush greenery. As you make your way up, you’ll encounter steep stone steps carved into the mountainside, adding to the adventure. The climb requires moderate fitness levels and a bit of stamina.

As you ascend, the panoramic views of the surrounding Sahyadri Mountains and the picturesque landscape unfold, providing a visual treat for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. The journey is punctuated with occasional resting points, allowing trekkers to catch their breath and soak in the breathtaking vistas.

The final stretch to the top of Kalavantin Durg presents a challenging climb characterized by steep rock patches and narrow ledges. Relying on ropes and grips, trekkers navigate through this exhilarating section, culminating in the ultimate reward—a magnificent view from the summit.

Reaching the top, you’ll be greeted by the ruins of Kalavantin Durg, an ancient fort steeped in history. Exploring the fort and its remnants, you can marvel at the architectural marvels of the bygone era.

Descending from the fort follows the same route back to Thakurwadi village, offering trekkers a chance to retrace their steps and relish the memories created during this memorable adventure.

Additional Information

Local Culture and Cuisine

Immerse yourself in the local culture of the Sahyadri region as you interact with the warm and friendly villagers. Experience their traditional way of life, learn about their customs, and savour the local cuisine.

From delicious Maharashtrian delicacies to refreshing beverages, the local food will tantalize your taste buds and provide much-needed energy for your trek.

Camping and Accommodation Options

For those seeking an overnight experience, camping near Kalavantin Durg is a fantastic option. Set up your tents under the starry sky, surrounded by the tranquillity of nature.

However, it’s important to note that camping at the fort is not allowed due to safety concerns. Several camping sites, mainly at Prabalmachi, in the vicinity, offer basic facilities and a chance to connect with fellow trekkers.

Safety Precautions and Tips

While embarking on the Kalavantin Durg trek, it is crucial to prioritize your safety. Here are some essential safety precautions and tips to keep in mind:

• Trek with a certified guide who is familiar with the route and terrain.
• Wear appropriate trekking gear and clothing to protect yourself from injuries and harsh weather conditions.
• Stay hydrated throughout the trek by drinking water at regular intervals.
• Pace yourself and take breaks whenever needed to avoid exhaustion.
• Do not litter; respect the natural environment by carrying back all your waste.
• Follow instructions from the guide and stay on the designated path.
• In case of any emergency or discomfort, inform the guide immediately.

Essential Things to Carry for the Trek

Packaging wisely is essential to make the most of your Kalavantin Durg trekking experience. Here are some must-have items for your backpack:

• Sturdy trekking shoes for a comfortable and safe trek
• Ample water and energy drinks to stay hydrated
• Snacks and energy bars to keep you fueled
• Sunscreen, cap, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun
• First aid kit with essential medications and bandages
• A camera to capture the stunning vistas along the way
• A light backpack to carry your essentials without weighing you down

Embarking on the Kalavantin Durg trek is a thrilling and rewarding experience that combines adventure, history, and natural beauty.

As you conquer the challenging ascent, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views, a deeper understanding of the region’s heritage, and memories that will last a lifetime.

So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and let Kalavantin Durg enchant you with its magnificence.

Yes, there have been unfortunate incidents of deaths reported at Kalavantin Durg. Exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines while undertaking the trek.

Kalavantin Durg is a challenging trek that requires moderate to advanced fitness levels. The steep ascents, rocky terrain, and narrow sections make it a moderately difficult trek.

To reach Kalavantin Durg, you must first reach the base village of Thakurwadi. From there, you can embark on a trek that takes approximately 2-3 hours to reach the fort.

Kalavantin Durg is located at a distance of approximately 115 kilometres from Pune. The travel time from Pune to Thakurwadi, the base village, is around 2-3 hours by road.

Dhodap Fort  |  Nanemachi waterfall  | Harishchandragad  |  Karnala Fort  | Peb Fort  | Jivdhan Fort  | Mahuli Fort | Irshalgad  | Sondai Fort  | Salher Fort  | Aadrai Jungle Trek  | Ganpati Gadad  | Korigad Fort  | Tandulwadi  | Garbett Plateau  | Sudhagad Fort  | Kataldhar Waterfall  | Plus Valley  | Mangi Tungi  | Malanggad  | Gorakhgad  | Bhairavgad  | Kohoj Fort  | Rajgad | Ratangad | Bhimashankar Trek | Visapur Fort | Kalsubai Trek | Tikona Fort | Rajmachi Fort | Sandhan Valley |  Andharban Trek | Harihar Fort | Kalu Waterfall

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Explore India's Wonders – BestIndianTreks.com

Explore india's wonders – bestindiantreks.com latest articles, kalavantin durg (updated) – quick facts before you go.

Trekkers’ first choice for the adventurous experience, Kalavantin Durg trek is one of the most thrilling treks around Mumbai.

The height of Kalavantin Durg is 686m and it’s around 17 km away from Panvel. This one day trek is perfect for the weekend getaway. You will feel the adrenaline rush while climbing almost 80-degree steep steps.

The difficulty level of the Kalavantin fort trek is hard. And take extra care if you are just a beginner.

The main attraction of the Kalavantin Durg trek is the trail itself. The rock-carved steep steps make this trek adventurous and rousing.

You can get a 360-degree view of the endless Sahyadri range from the top of the Kalavantin Durg. Also, the trail is covered by the dense forest.

In the monsoon season, you will come across many streams and waterfalls.

Although you can complete the trek in a day, many trekkers prefer to spend a night at the base. You can cover nearby Prabalgad trek on the same day.

Most of the photos of the Kalavantin Durg on the internet are actually taken from the Prabalgad.

Kalavantin Durg is one of the toughest treks in Maharashtra and if you are finding the getaway from the mundane city life; head towards this exciting one day trek.

Let’s see some important points before you go on the trek.

• Kalavantin Durg trek under a minute

Kalavantin Durg History

How to reach kalavantin durg, best time to visit kalavantin durg, is kalavantin durg safe.

• Climbing the iconic rock-carved steps

Prabalgad Trek

What to know before the kalavantin durg trek, what to do after you finish the kalavantin fort trek, precautions for the kalavantin fort trek, kalavantin durg trek images, kalavantin durg trek – a natural adventure waiting for you near mumbai.

Difficulty Level: Hard Type of a trek: One day trek Best time to visit Kalavantin Durg: Winter Season, November to February Distance from Panvel: 17 km Base village: Thakurvadi, Vardoli The time needed to climb Kalavantin Durg: 1-2 hour from Prabalmachi

Durg means fort in the Marathi language. Although there is no fort-like structure on the Kalavantin Durg, the name is inspired by the Queen Kalavantin in the 15th century. Both the forts, Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad are built in the same era and share the same history. Kalavantin Durg is a huge pinnacle beside the Prabalgad.

Kalavantin Durg is in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Panvel is the nearest railway station to Kalavantin Durg and is around 17km away from the fort.

The trek starts from the Thakurvadi base village. You can take a state transport bus from Panvel to reach Thakurvadi. There are many private vehicles available to come to the base village.

If you are coming in your own vehicle then search for the village Vardoli in Google map. From here you can ask locals about the starting point of the trek. Don’t rely completely on the Google map, your communication skills will come in handy here. Haha!

You can visit Kalavantin Durg on any day of the year. Post monsoon season will be the best time to visit Kalavantin Durg.

Avoid going on the peak monsoon season, as the steps get slippery and there are high chances of an accident.

Kalavantin Durg is a popular trek, so there will be a huge crowd on weekends.

If you want to avoid staying in line until the way clears out, visit the Kalavantin Durg in November to February on weekdays.

In summer, the sun will be so harsh and you will get exhausted during the trail. Start the trek as early as possible so that you will reach at the top just in time.

There is not much space on the top of the fort. Keep these things in mind while planning the trek to Kalavantin Durg.

Although Kalavantin Durg looks very dangerous for beginners, it’s completely safe for the trek.

Still, you need to take extra precaution while climbing the rock-cut steep steps.

Keep the focus on your trail, avoid monkey-acts and overconfident moves. Also, avoid looking down as it will freak you out.

Descend is more adventures than ascend. Kalavantin Durg trek is the perfect trek to beat your fear of heights.

As I earlier told you, avoid going to Kalavantin Durg in the peak monsoon days. The rainwater makes the steps slippery. And there will be a huge crowd in the monsoon time.

The main reason to go for the treks is avoiding the busy city life, right?

There are some cases of fatal accidents happened on the Kalavantin Durg trek.

How do you get to Kalavantin Durg?

The trek to Kalavantin Durg starts from the Thakurvadi base village.

It will take around 3 to 4 hours to climb Kalavantin Durg from the base village. The first 3 km section is covered with a dense forest area.

There is a local authority check booth at the start of the main trail. You need to register your name and pay some minor amount which will be used for the goodness of the fort. There are many dustbins provided across the trail.

After the forest section, there is a flat area called Prabalmachi (Machi Prabal). If you want to spend a night on the fort, then this is the best place.

There are many hotels here. Also, you can ask the locals for the food. You need to tell beforehand to cook the food and you can enjoy the authentic Maharashtrian Veg and Non-veg dish after you complete the trek.

From the Prabalmachi, there is gradual ascend for almost 1 km. Then there is a divergent. The left side route goes to Kalavantin Durg and the right side route goes to Prabalgad.

Climbing the iconic rock-carved steps inclined at 80-degree angle

Once you reach the starting point of the Kalavantin Durg steps, you can halt for sometimes. There is a stall available where you can get the refreshments.

The rock-carved steps are inclined at almost 80-degree angle. Each step is almost 2 feet tall.

After crossing the zigzag steps you will reach the top of the fort.

Now to get the 360-degree view you need to climb a rock of almost 15 feet tall. There is rope available tied by the locals to climb this section. Also, there are 3-4 locals who will guide and help you to climb the rock.

There is not much space on the very top of the fort. As Kalavantin Durg is a popular trekking destination, you need to wait for your turn to climb the rock. Sometimes, you will need to wait in a long queue.

After spending an hour at the top you can descend. The route will be the same. Take extra precaution during the descend.

The complete Kalavantin Durg trek will take around 5 hours. After that, you can head towards the Prabalgad. If you start the trek early in the morning, you can complete both the trek in a single day.

Kalavantin Durg is a pinnacle while the Prabalgad is a flat hill. Both the forts can be easily spotted from Mumbai- Pune expressway. The elevation of Prabalgad is 700m which is higher compared to Kalavantin Durg.

Kalavantin Durg trek is a one day trek and it will take around 5 hours for the complete trek.

Food and accommodation service is available at the Prabalmachi village. Locals cook food as per the order so tell them beforehand. You can enjoy your veg or non-veg meal after coming down from the fort.

There is enough space available at Prabalmachi for camping. You can bring your own tent or rent a tent from locals at an affordable price.

You can also have a homestay at the local’s house. Toilets are available at the Prabalmachi village.

Although you will not need to take permission for the Kalavantin fort trek, you have to register your name at the entrance and need to pay some fee. They will also inspect your bags at the entrance.

They will use the money for the goodness of the fort. You will realize it during the trail as there are many dustbins provided across the entire trail.

Thakurvadi base village will be hard to find on the Google map so you can search for Vardoli village which is 2 km away from Thakurvadi. Good parking facility is available at the base village.

The main attraction of the Kalavantin Durg trek is the climb of rock-carved steep steps, inclined at almost 80-degree angle. So avoid going to this trek in peak monsoon days and also avoid the weekends.

There are around 5 caves in the area. During Kalavantin fort trek you will come across 2 caves. Other caves are available on the Prabalgad on either side.

As I told you earlier, you can do the nearby Prabalgad trek after finishing the Kalavantin fort trek. You can do both the treks in a single day.

You can also plan Irshalgad trek and Chanderi fort trek which are in the surrounding area. Both the forts are visible from the top of the Kalavantin fort and Prabalgad.

Kalavantin fort trek is one of the toughest treks in Maharashtra . It’s a straight forward well-marked trek. There is only one route for the trek so you will not get lost.

Wear good quality trek shoes as there are many slippery sections during the trail. Avoid wearing Chappal or Sandals.

Wear full-body clothes to protect yourself from insect bites and thorns.

If you are going in the rainy season then wear proper clothes. If you are going in summer then carry sunscreen.

Avoid going at the edge of the cliff. Please don’t throw your garbage on the fort or during the trek. There are dustbins provided across the trail.

Leave the footprints, not the trash.

This trek is explored by Pravin Katkar, Banner image by Dinesh Valke

Vinay Kadam

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Kalavantin Durg Trek – A trek not for the faint-hearted near Pune/Mumbai (INR 300)

‘The fears you don’t face become your limits’. Take a deep breath Abhi!! You will be able to make it to the top. You are a lover of challenges. Aren’t you? Those lines were constantly beating in my head when I was climbing the Kalavantin Durg. Abhi, is Kalavantin Durg trek so difficult? It may be, but this time the challenge for me was not about the toughness of the trek. It was something new!!

Kalavantin Durg as seen from Prabalgad Fort

While on a trek, for the first time ever in my life, I was feeling dizzy. I am not sure of the reason but this had never happened to me. From the beginning of the trek itself, I thought of quitting it hundred times all along the way to the top, but then my attitude towards travelling never allows me to do so. I know, I shouldn’t be glad about this attitude but that is how I travel.

Thakurwadi village Kalavantin Durg Trek start point

Now talking about the Fort, Kalavantin is a high pinnacle located on the northern edge of Prabal Plateau in the Panvel region of Maharashtra. The trickiest part of the Kalavantin Durg trek is its last stretch where one needs to traverse through steep stairs and climb a vertical rock patch to make it to the pinnacle which stands at an astonishing height of 685 meters. A small mistake here and you will find yourself somewhere deep in the valleys of Sahayadri’s .

Rock cut stairs which lead to Kalavantin Durg top

But all the efforts to make it to the pinnacle will be worth it as you will be rewarded with some breathtaking views. The sun, the sky, the greenery around everything will welcome you with a warm smile. You will see the birds-eye view of Matheran Range and if you are blessed enough with clear weather than you can see the surrounding forts like Chanderi, Irshalgad, and Karnala Fort.

Kalavantin Durg as seen from Prabalmachi

Star Gazing at Prabhalgad

How to reach Kalavantin Durg Trek

The best and cheapest way to reach Thakurwadi village (base village of Kalavantin Durg Trek) is via railways . The nearest railway station to Thakurwadi village is Panvel railway station which is well connected to other parts of the country via railways. From Panvel, regular buses operate for Thakurwadi Village (15 kms – 25-30 minutes – INR 30). Also, one can opt for Tum-Tum (shared autos) to reach the base village.v

Kalavantin trek route till Prabalmachi

If you want to avoid the hassle of changing the public transport, you can drive all the way up to Thakurwadi village from Mumbai (48 kms – 1 hour)/ Pune (115 kms – 2 hours). Just put in Kalavantin durg parking on gmaps to reach the exact location. Parking facility is available at the base village for a small charge. For renting options from Pune, you can compare prices at various bikes rental websites like Royal Brothers ,  wheelstreet ,  sabrentkaro , and  rentrip .

Parking space at Thakurwadi village

Difficulty level of Kalavantin Durg Trek

In terms of difficulty, I would rate Kalavantin trek as a  moderate level trek . It generally takes around 3 to 5 hours to complete the trek depending on an individual’s fitness level. The last patch to reach the pinnacle is what adds to the difficulty in completing the trek.  A small mistake while ascending/descending the rock-cut stairs can result in a free fall from thousands of feet.

The last rocky patch to reach Kalavantin Durg top

My journey to Kalavantin Durg Trek

Curiosity can lead us to do many things; it can make you wander endlessly. It was this curiosity that brought me to this giant structure known as “ The Kalavantin Durg ”. Looking at the photos of the rock-cut stairs at Kalavantin on the internet; I was a bit sceptical on how an individual can make it to the very top passing through this dangerous stretch of the steep stairs.

Steep stairs on Kalavantin Durg Trek

I along with one of my friend started from Pune around 6 am. We decided to travel by bike, as Thakurwadi, the base village of the trek was just around 2 hours of drive from our home. With experiencing the beautiful view of the sunrise on the way, we made it to Thakurwadi Village at around 8:00 am.

Kalavantin Durg Trek route

Keeping in mind that it gets very hot during the afternoon; without wasting any time we began with the trek. The initial stretch is a muddy trail with the terrain being mostly flat. As you trek a little further, you will reach a checkpoint where one needs to show an ID card and fill the required details in a register. An entry fee of INR 50/person is also charged; not sure though why it is taken.

Kalavantin Durg Trek starting stretch

After walking for around 15-20 minutes, you reach a point where there are 2 routes. One of the routes is shorter but much steeper compared to the other. Also, the loose gravel on the shorter route adds to the difficulty in climbing. So choose wisely!! As we were thinking about which route to take; meanwhile I started feeling dizzy.

The shortcut route to reach Kalavantin Durg

I took my shoes off and decided to lie down for a few minutes in hope of getting better. But, unfortunately, things weren’t improving. With the sun already beating down, we decided to continue with the trek at a slow pace. After so many pits stop all along the trail, we made it to the Prabalmachi.

Enthusiastic trekkers  

A board showing directions of Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad

Prabalmachi is a small village that lays en-route and it is here where the camping is done generally. The views of Kalavantin Durg from here were just outstanding. From Prabalmachi, trekking through some forest patches for around 15-20 minutes will take you to the point from where the rock-cut stairs start.

The rock-cut stairs began here

The rock-cut stairs aren’t that dangerous as they seem to be in the videos on YouTube. One needs to be just a bit careful while traversing them. Been already done with the Dhak Bahiri cave trek a few weeks ago, I felt that Dhak Bahiri cave trek had comparatively a much tougher route to traverse. To climb the last patch of Kalavantin Durg, one needs the assistance of a rope.

Ropes used to climb rocky patch on Kalavantin Durg Trek

Kalavantin organized event #2 to Kalavantin Trek

There were tears in my eyes as I made it to the top, tears of happiness that I didn’t quit. I knew somewhere deep in my heart that it wasn’t a wise decision to continue with the trek in such health conditions. But I don’t regret; because that’s how I travel. From the top, the views of surrounding regions were just breathtaking. I meditated for about an hour at the top before we began with the descent.

A trek which could have been completed in around 4 hours, took us around 6 hours to complete. All thanks to my bad health. Anyways, I was happy to have at least complete it and return home with so many memories.

Prabhalgad as seen on Kalavantin Durg Trek

For more details, you can also check out my latest vlog on Kalavantin Durg trek. If you find the video helpful do like, share and subscribe to my channel 🙂

Stay and food options at Kalavantin Durg Trek

At Prabalmachi, there are few locals who provide stay options. One can also book a tent for which the charges are 200 INR /person. For tent bookings, you may contact Vaibhav snacks corner (9870943281), Hotel Soham (9923726930) and Samarth Dhaba (8879464073). Also, you can set up your own tent if you have one. All along the trail, there are small dhabas where you can get the basic food items. Some of them do provide proper lunch/dinner as well.

Camping at Prabalmachi on Kalavantin Durg Trek

Best time to visit Kalavantin Durg

The best time to visit the Kalavantin Durg is from October to February as the weather is pleasant and the surroundings are still green. I would suggest you to avoid doing this trek in the monsoon season as the last stretch of the steep stairs is a bit risky to traverse during that time. If you are still planning to do it in monsoon, I would recommend you to skip doing the final stretch. In summers, it gets very hot in the daytime so you may avoid visiting it.

Lush green valleys as seen on Kalavantin Durg Trek

Travel always sparks my imagination, feeds my curiosity and makes me feel more human. You see some of us are drawn to the mountain the way the moon draws the tide. Both the great forest and mountains live in my bones. The time I was enjoying myself in natural swing I got an intimate feeling, feeling of touching the sky, a connection towards the universe. This experience helped me to be humbler, more purified and more changed.

Kalavantin durg organized trek by onacheaptrip

Kalavantin Organized trek #2 to Kalavantin Durg

Do follow me on Instagram as I am regularly posting travel posts and stories over there. Also, you can message me on Instagram if you want to join me on my next trip.

Are you looking for some essential travel gear? Check out my blog post on What’s in my Backpack .

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Is there any trip we can join this Saturday??! 14/01/2023

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Travel | Food | Lifestyle

Kalavantin Durg Trek : The Unplanned Day Trek in The Sahayadris

We never venture out without doing proper research. Our love for research is so great that we may equate the happiness we get out of it with the happiness while doing the actual travel. But, our experience on the Kalavantin Durg trek was different. It was spontaneous, and we had very little idea of what to expect!

Where is Kalavantin Durg?

Panvel is a suburb of Mumbai , India. It is well connected with Mumbai through local trains. The trail to Kalavantin Durg starts from a village named Thakurwadi. Thakurwadi is about 45 minutes away from Panvel. Auto-rickshaws from Panvel railway station charge near about INR 300 for a one way trip. The same auto can be re-hired for a return trip, provided you note down the driver’s phone number and give him a call for a pick up.

Alternatively, there are MSRTC (Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation) buses which are often loosely referred to as ST (State transport) buses which leave Panvel MSRTC bus stand for Thakurwadi village hourly. It costs INR 17 for a one way trip.

The last bus leaving Thakurwadi for Panvel is at 5.30 PM.

Although referred to as Kalavantin Durg (Durg means fort), there is no fortification. It is just a high hill with a watchtower on top.

Fire in The Oil Tanker

The plan was to go on the Irshalgarh trail. I had scrolled through the photos on Instagram and read the sparse literature which existed on google. When we arrived at Panvel railway station all we had was a handpainted rough map of the trail on a piece of paper. The auto driver was clueless about Irshalgarh and tried hard to convince us to take up his favourite – the Kalavantin Durg trail. We politely rejected his offer.

We were looking at the hills on both the sides of the highway. My hair was blissfully dancing to the tune of the breeze. This dance, however, was shortlived. The police had blocked the road ahead and the highway suddenly looked like a choked alley in the old neighbourhoods of Mumbai .

“The industry ahead has caught fire,” spoke a stranger.

“A resort is burning ahead,” an old woman muttered in broken Hindi.

“An oil tanker ahead has caught fire, the road will remain blocked for about an hour or two more at least,” the police personnel explained.

We preferred believing the oil tanker theory.

Thakurwadi Village – Gateway to Kalavantin Durg Trek

We made up our mind. We asked the auto to take us to his favourite trail – the Kalavantin Durg. He took a U-turn and soon we left the highway and entered into a side track.

The narrow path through which the three-wheeler passed had paddy fields on both sides. The hills overlooking the village appeared to be its guardian. The villagers were busy with their daily business.

Plunging waterfalls throughout the lush valley and tufts of clouds floating by, this is what a typical Maharashtrian village looks like during monsoon.

Some of the houses in the village appeared to be remarkably well-off. I was also surprised by the number of houses in the village with private cars parked in front of them.

Dressed in light shades of green, pink, blue and orange, the village temple complemented the moody lush beauty of the valley. The homes of the average villagers are clustered near the temple zone.

There was a riot of red and yellows in front of the institute of NOTI which deals with offshore vessel anchor handling.

Trek to the Base camp of Kalavantin Durg

“One, two, three, jump!”

Click. Click. Click.

That’s how our trek started.

Whenever we go to a new place, I (Tania) jump as soon as we find a desolate stretch with no one to laugh at us.

The dirt path was lined on both sides by bushes. On that particular monsoon day, the Sun was brighter than usual.

Once in a while we caught glimpse of some rare bird sitting on the branches of the trees on the slope.

For the initial 45 minutes, I felt obsessed with the waterfalls cascading down the hills in front. I made the husband stop every now and then to try and grab an artistic photo of me with the waterfalls. I was gleaming under the abundant sunshine. Profusely sweating and panting.

A carpet of pebbles made up most of the path. When there is a rainfall, I could very well imagine streams gushing down the slope on which we were walking. The rest of the stretch would be knee deep in mud.

The Sun shining brightly worked in our favour.

Makeshift shacks selling chips, lemon water, tea, cucumber for the trekkers gave occasional appearances on the way.

We stopped at scenic spots once in a while to enjoy the moment.

About a month before coming on this hike, we accidentally came across a Youtube video on Kalavantin and what we saw gave us goosebumps . At the bottom of our hearts sat a deep rooted fear, the source of which was that Youtube video.

It was comforting when we saw children and aged people hiking on this trail alongside us. “So the video must have been an exaggerated propaganda to attract eyeballs,” we discussed among ourselves. Little did we know that soon we would be facing some of the scariest moments of our lives.

Like a wolf waiting for a prey, sitting on a rock, I was waiting for a trekker on his homeward journey. I pounced on the first person. Well, from him we came to know – 1. Thakurwadi is not the last village on the Kalavantin Durg trail. 2. There is a real base camp on top with tents. People can choose to stay there overnight.

The good news was that we were close to the base camp.

We enjoyed some calm moments of solitude with cucumbers in hand by the side of a waterfall flowing into a stream.

A narrow strip of land connects the two shores of the stream. The velvety grass on the other shore was too inviting to ignore.

Base Camp of Kalavantin Durg Trail

“What an uncanny resemblance it bears with Mordor of Lord of the Rings,” I exclaimed.

I was referring to the eerily black coloured hill which abruptly rises from one end of the plateau that happens to be the base camp.

The base camp was a huge meadow on a hilltop. In terms of beauty it was in no way less than the Himalayan sites. Close your eyes and imagine any Himalayan meadow sans the snow peaks — well, the Kalavantin Durg base camp had a similar charm.

The vibrant pop of blue here and there on the green attracted our attention. Tents were not the only accommodation available. An entire concrete shelter with rooms was built on that meadow.

The owner is a local named Nilesh Bhutambara who is “the only graduate resident of the village Prabalmachi”- the last village before the no-man and no-woman’s land.

People were merrily sitting, chatting and having a good time on the grassy plateau floor. I saw the kids and some oldies hanging around. The dining space in the concrete structure was packed.

Discovering Prabalmachi

It was not an easy discovery. Since leaving the base camp, we befriended a group of native language speakers and followed a thin trail. It was clear a large number of visitors never venture farther than the base camp. This time we were completely on our own and we could have ended up lost in the forests beyond Panvel.

For one thing, I knew these forests are home to leopards.

We were unsure of our next move when a woman appeared from the bushes. She was wearing a blouse and saree. The saree was draped in dhoti-like fashion, typical to Maharashtra(or Konkan) area. On one hand was a dagger, her other hand was free. On her head was a basket. A nose-ring was dangling from the separation of her nostrils.

She gave us directions of the trail to Kalavantin Durg in Marathi. What she said was incomprehensible to us, we followed the natives.

We were indeed going the wrong way and if not for her, we may have found ourselves somewhere lost in the forests.

This stretch was daunting. We were deep in a forest. The trees and leaves blocked out the light and made the path quite dark even during daytime. It was a wild mess of trunks, branches and roots .We were placing our feet very carefully in the minor gaps among these. It was not a flat land but an uphill rise. We grabbed the trunks and branches for support. At some point our knee started paining.

A blind dog came to welcome us. In a forest clearing we saw little huts rising up. Through the open doors of the huts we saw people living in abject poverty. They had very little belongings. A little girl passed us, hens clucked, the kids with eyes full of playfulness were running around barefoot.

At that moment we understood the true power of Nilesh Bhutambara’s achievement. We felt proud of him.

The village had proper provision of feeding the weary trekkers. Vegetarian and chicken meals were available.

Last Leg of the Trek – The Most Dangerous Stretch

A little ahead from Prabalmachi, the summit and the way to it was clearly visible. There were no more trees or forests to block our sight. There was nothing but a gigantic perpendicular rock.

Rock cut steps with very narrow footspace were carved out of that hill. There were no handrails of any sorts. Since it was monsoon season, most of the stretch was wet and slippery.

From the solo lemon water shack at the base of this hill, we observed the plight of the people climbing up and down. It was a hard decision to make, but we finally made it.

In order to reach the perpendicular rock, we needed to cross a roundish rock with cracks and fissures. The round shape of the rock and the mosses thriving on it made this stretch extremely dangerous. A fall meant almost certain death.

As I am writing this, my hands are shaking at the thought of it. The climb up was nothing compared to the petrifying climb down.

We placed our legs oddly in the fissures and cracks of the rock and successfully avoided stepping over the mossy rock surfaces. With our hands we grabbed the safe holds in the rock. We were waging a different war in our minds. We fought hard to push aside all negative thoughts and kept on believing ‘WE CAN’.

Once this part was done, another challenge presented itself.

One set of rock cut steps abruptly ended. The next set of rock cut steps was to the right of the previous one. There was a considerable gap in between them. The gap was a 90 degree rock wall. Extreme stretching of legs without losing balance is required to reach from one set to another. The taller you are the better.

At this point I almost gave up and was ready to return back. But I didn’t. I did the stretching and survived.

The next part included just climbing up the stairs without slipping and falling. It was definitely easier than the two challenging stretches which we had already covered. Once in a while we stood still and looked back, rather down. Strangely, it didn’t scare us much.

We saw a flag fluttering on the hill opposite to us. It’s summit was higher. It is Prabalgad Fort- the twin of Kalavantin Durg.

The climb continued for about 20 minutes. The steepness of the stairs and our paranoid nature made us use all four limbs.

Kalavantin Durg Summit

The summit had panoramic views of the surroundings. Matheran, Karnala and many other places are said to be visible from the summit. Though we saw many a place, green valleys and water bodies, we have no idea how to distinguish between Matheran and Karnala. Again, one of the disadvantages of inadequate, or in this case zero, research.

The summit of Prabalgard Fort was in front of us on the opposite hill. May be we watch way too many fantasy movies, but we almost felt an evil vibe radiating from that mountain. It looked like Mordor from Lord of the Rings more than ever.

Soon we were under the blissful cloak of clouds. The surroundings grew surreal. We saw a waterfall plunging down through the clouds on the slope of another mountain.

A downpour started. We sat on a rock under an umbrella. In the worst weather conditions, on top of a treacherous mountain we found our moment of solitude and bliss.

We were finally living our dream of travelling together in offbeat places, doing things which scare us and living a fulfilling life.

Some loosely fit boulders made up the steps of the tower built on the summit. Infinite leg stretching was required in order to scale it. Since we were just two people and conditions were already adverse with the rain and clouds drenching us, we decided not to try it out.

Climbing Down – The Horror and New Friends

We started our downward journey as soon as the rain stopped. Fortunately, our lack of expertise was spotted by a hiking expert. He taught us some proper techniques of climbing down.

As we descended, we befriended another expert who was busy helping a man with cramped leg climb down.

If on our own, the descent would have terrified us. The downpour had made the path more slippery and life threatening. But, the company of our new found friends supplied us with loads of courage and confidence to overcome the fear.

The descent down the round rock numbed me of my senses. I spent so much time in taking that first step that I must have created a queue behind me.

I couldn’t believe both of us made down to the bottom of the rock unharmed.

Walking down the rest of the trail till the base village of Thakurwadi was a breeze. We were no more just a group of two persons but a group of around ten people. New friendships were formed, interesting stories were exchanged.

This daytrip was traumatizing and freeing at the same time! I couldn’t sleep that night. The thought of the magnitude of the notorious terrain we had just managed to climb and get down safely tormented me throughout the night.

Do’s and Dont’s In Kalavantin Durg Summit Expedition – Learn From Our Mistakes

• Anyone with average amount of body fitness can reach till Kalavantin Durg’s base camp.
• Scaling Kalavantin Durg’s summit is no joke. Don’t go farther than the base camp if you are an amateur.
• It is best to go for the summit with a group including an experienced (mountain climbing) person to guide you.
• Don’t panic at any moment. You have to keep your mind under control and think clearly if you want to scale a vertical rock and come back alive.
• Wear very good shoes with excellent gripping.
• Throughout the trail there are shacks selling drinking water, the last shop is at the base of the vertical rock.
• Don’t get overexcited and shock your muscles by jumping on the summit. It may result in leg muscle cramp.
• Avoid monsoon season. If you can’t, then at least go for the trek on a non-rainy day.
• Carry extra pair of trousers as the one you are wearing may get torn up due to friction with the rocks while climbing up or down.

Have you been here? Do you plan to go here and need more information? Comment below and let me know!

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Tania Banerjee

Tania is a freelance writer based in India who tinkers with words here and there but mostly focused on travel, food, arts and crafts. She writes for several Indian dailies and magazines.

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71 comments.

usathroughoureyes

Great trek! The photos allowed us to really see where you were.

Tania Mukherjee

Thanks! Taking photos while hiking is so challenging! Not to mention when it rains handling the camera becomes a nuisance! We still don’t have any sports camera like GoPro. Saving up so that we can buy it in future! 🙂

We sure can relate to those hiking moments, lol. You two are doing awesome with the equipment you have. One day you’ll own that “go-pro”.

Awww you are so kind. God bless you! We badly need that GoPro to continue taking photos in tropical climate! Moreover, we wish to do a scuba diving course, so the GoPro will be a must then!

That will be exciting to take photos underwater. We can’t wait.

Ah how I wish I was richer and could buy the GoPro right now!

It’ll happen Tania. Watch and see how when you least expect it’ll happen. We can’t wait.

You are very kind and motivational person. I really hope to meet you someday.

We feel the same way toward you Tania. We believe it will happen and think of the wonderful stories we will all share over a nice meal together.

Just thinking about it had put a smile on my face! 🙂

We’ll be able to pick you out in the crowd because of that smile so please keep it shining!

Haha! Thanks! I will keep smiling! 🙂

SANDEEP PANWAR

शानदार यात्रा विवरण एक बार तो यहाँ भी जाना ही है देखते है कब मौका लगता है। कठिन है तो आनंद और रोमांचक भी रहेगी।

You must visit this place! The tougher the better! 🙂 Best of luck!

Well done indeed for reaching the summit! That looks like quite a climb. I have climbed both Snowdon in Wales and Ben Nevis in Scotland with a group of friends and I know the satisfaction of getting to the top!

Well done for reaching the summit! When I was younger, I climbed Snowdon in Wales and Ben Nevis in Scotland so I know the satisfaction of reaching the top.

Thanks! People who have never been on the top often fail to understand the satisfaction!

Abigail Sinsona

This looks like a great trekking experience. I think it’s suitable for someone like me who have little experience, or don’t particularly enjoy trekking! The views are amazing too!

Keep away from the summit and you will be fine!

livein10countries.com- Danni

Even from base camp, the views here are incredble! Happy you found an expert to help with the hiking, too, I would’ve needed it as well! Definitely a good idea to avoid the monsoon season 🙂

The base camp looked so much like the places often featured in the fantasy movies! We were in love with it! <3

Omg! Is this the crazy place that was featured in a viral video? Was it really scary? Was the track slippery? I think I would have died with fear! :0

There was indeed a viral video on this place but I am not sure if that is the same one which you are talking about! It was very scary and the track was slippery. Don’t worry we almost died of fear too 😀 but the experts there helped us overcome our fear! 🙂

It was! Same place mentioned in the viral video.

Whoah! I didn’t knew that video went so viral that it even crossed Indian borders!! 😀

Wow, you are so brave! I would have probably looked at the rocks and then just say no. I am afraid of heights and no matter how much I love hiking I would never climb a vertical rock like that, especially in the wet season. I can’t believe you were so unlucky that the rain came as well while you were up there.

Thanks! I haven’t done anything that scares me for a long time, so I thought I wouldn’t let this opportunity go! But the place is really dangerous during monsoon so I think no one should venture to this part of the world in the wet season.

thewanderingcore

First of all congratulations on completing the trek and that too with such difficulty. I’m not a trek person so I’m sure I gonna skip this one, but yeah I can go upto the base camp. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful post.

The base camp was beautiful! I am sure you would love your time up there on the camp!

The Thought Card

Spontaneous trips are some of the most memorable trips and I’m glad to hear that you took the auto up on his offer to show you guys his favorite trail in the end. Love how green the trekk route was!

Doreen Pendgracs

Thanks for this awesome post about Kalavantin Durg, Tania. That downward climb would have killed my knees!

I am a perfectly fit 26 year old and yet it almost killed my knees! Couldn’t walk properly for 5 days!

Sounds like a really fun adventure and you two sound so cute together. I love the playful dialogue and the inside jokes. Sounds like you would have fun anywhere you go :).

That part is so true. We do always have fun no matter wherever we are! 🙂 Thanks for reading Chantell!

tatumskipper

” The best views come after the hardest climb!” Wow, you are a rockstar!! Can’t believe you did that. Some amazing pictures you captured. Very brave of you!

Thank you. That quote is so true. Even I can’t believe I did that!

This unplanned day trek to Kaavantin Durg despite of so many odds coming in between really looks more beautiful trek than the planned ones. You have captured natural pictures of this place. This place is so green and is appealing to me because I always love greenery. The views of forest, mountains, waterfalls and fort from top of the mountains are worth and you have taken nice shots in rain also.

Thank you very much for appreciating the little things that I tried to capture in my camera. It is a place for greenery lovers for sure.

A really nicely curated post and the pictures captures the different moods accurately. I have never visited this place but seems like this place needs to be found. Have trekked through a few mountains in lower Himalayas, etc. But western ghats is specially beautiful after a fresh shower, I sure hope its still the same. 😉

Yes, the Western Ghats are extremely pretty and soothing to the eyes during monsoon! Plan a trek here soon! 🙂

Melynda Coble Harrison

Like you, I am a planner, but also delighted when a spontaneous adventure presents itself. The Kalavantin Durg looks gorgeous — I might need to plan a trip there ;). Glad you got to see all those waterfalls and get your jump photo, too.

If you ever find yourself in Mumbai, keep a day aside for this trek!

Claire Summers

I love how much detail you have shared in your post. This looks like a great trek, although I’m not so sure about sleeping in a tent close to leopards hahaha. I am planning a trip to India in 2019 so this will be helpful!

The leopards are not close to the tent in anyways! There is an entire village near the tents, its pretty safe! 🙂

Archana Singh

Shayadris look so beautiful in the monsoon season. So lush and green. Kudos to you for completing your trek. The photos look so enticing. I love trekking and would love to do this one.

Monsoon is infact the correct season to explore the Sahayadris!

Edith Rodriguez

Wow! The views are incredible. You guys definitely got to enjoy a lot of beauty. These are the types of hikes I enjoy. Perhaps I’ll find myself here one day too. 🙂

I am sure you will have a good time hiking here!

SindhuMurthy

The Sahyadri mountain range is home to many trails which are quite popular among monsoon trekkers. The lush greenery is a treat to eyes. Looks like your unplanned detour to Kalavantin durg turned out to be an amazing experience. The trail looks so inviting and equally treacherous. I m really glad I could read about your experience tackling the huge boulders.

We were totally not prepared to handle such a big challenging trek but I am glad I am alive to write about it!

travellingslacker

Hadn’t heard of Kalavantin even though I have stayed in Mumbai. But the green monsoon scenery of Shayadris look familiar and delightful. A great trail that I would love to do some day. I guess it is hard to trek on a rainy day but it is also true that this region looks the best during the rainy season.

The trails of Sahayadris are far less popular compared to its counterparts in Himalayas! No wonder you never heard about it even after staying in Mumbai!

Quite an adventure, I must say .. Never heard about this place. We used to stay in Mumbai for two years and had no clue about such a place exist. It’s a perfect weekend getaway I must say for peeps who are adventurous. I am too lazy when it comes to hiking 🙁

Haha! I understand! 🙂 Right now my heart is in hiking, so I want to use up all the energy before I get bored with it! 😀

Wow..an unplanned trek that also through the greenery of Sahayadris.. You had such a wonderful time. And no wonder, the day looked just perfect with the clouds overhead. Monsoons definitely add so much charm to the hills , isn’t it.

I love the charm and drama added by monsoon in the Maharashtra sky! Ofcourse not to mention the lush greenery!

Sandy N Vyjay

You have uncovered a gem in Maharasthra. I never knew about the existence of this place. But really what a picturesque place. I was enamoured looking at the lush green landscapes. Must indeed have been a magical hike to the top of the hll, even though the descent had its own problems.

Yes, it was frightening but so much worth it. If you ever come then plan on for both the twin treks of Kalavantin and Prabalmachi.

Thakurvadi seems like a perfect monsoon trek. The greens of the place are so refreshing even in your pictures. And I can see you had quite an adventure and a fun time. I should definitely consider this on my visit to Pune, It seems doable from there too.

Yes, though it is closer to Mumbai, it is almost the midway between Pune- Mumbai highway!

Wow! That was an amazing adventure. Glad you both were safe. And thanks for the beautiful photographs. I really enjoyed your story.

I am happy you liked the photographs, afterall we really took some life risk to get the photos right! 🙂

Beautiful photographs of this area! You provide a lot of good information and tips on hiking. It is true, you should never underestimate a hike or climbing a mountain. Always bring more than the amount of water you think you need. You never know what could happen. Keep up the great posts!

Thanks, I try to provide as much information as I can think up of. Yeah water become such a luxury when on a trek.

asoulwindow

Sahyadris are my favourite. In fact I love them even more than the Himalayas. I have trekked so many times in Sahyadris but somehow missed Kalavantin. I love how treks in Sahyadris come with great views and even local food at times. Lovely pictures and blog.

Right now “monsoon Western Ghats” vs “Himalayas” are a tie in my mind! 🙂

Marc Latham

Lovely photos and well described account of fascinating trek. Glad you survived a risky experience, having travelled farther than you at first imagined. Sometimes destinations just keep luring you, and sometimes it is too far. Finding places without knowing about them is better than when you know about them, but it is usually wise to research as you say. Occasionally, a spontaneous journey is also needed, and I’m glad yours went well.

You are so right Marc! Destinations just keep luring travellers like us! Also, once in a while, an unplanned trip is required!

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Kalavantin Durg

Kalavantin Durg fort trek lies between Matheran and Panvel. It is just opposite to Prabalgad fort and clearly visible from Mumbai-Pune highway with it’s distinct shape. It is considered to be one of the most dangerous fortress because of it’s approach from steep rock cut steps.

Little is known about the forts history. According to the folklore, the fort was built for a queen named Kalavantin.On Holi (Shimga) Festival, the Adivasi People of the Prabalmachi village observe the custom of dancing at the top of Kalavantin fort. It was used a secret hideout by freedom fighter Umaji Naik in the early 19th century. Kalavantin Durg’s history is often mixed with that of the nearby Prabalgad Fort which was built at 685-metre (2,300 foot) high stone spire around 530 BC during Bahmani Sultanate. Around 1458 AD the fort was taken over by Ahmadnagar Sultanate. In the following centuries it was conquered by the Mughal Empire, and became the theater of many battles by different dynasties.

Nested between Panvel and Matheran, Kalavantin Durg offers great views of the Western Ghats, Prabalgad, Peb, Irshalgad and Chanderi Forts as well as panoramic vistas of Matheran and the city of Mumbai. Kalavantin Durg is more of a watch tower and is a twin to Prabalgad, which is an established fort. Prabalmachi is the village half way to the top of any of these mountains.

The trail from Thakurwadi, the base village to the Prabalmachi is well defined and easy. It is a mud trail and is home to a lot of scorpions and snakes. It takes about 3 hours to reach the top of Kalavantin Durg from the base village. Prabalmachi has a lot of small establishments that provide snacks, supper and accomodation. Further from Prabalmachi the trail ascends to the col between the two mountains with Kalavantin Durg on the left and Prabalgad to the right. The trail from this point onwards is treacherous and exposed. One has to negotiate spiralling rock cut steps without any railings. A slip here is certain death. One needs to be careful while ascending this stretch. Just shortly before the top is a small patch that offers very good view of Prabalgad. The access to the top is via a small rock patch. There is a fixed rope that aids in climbing this stretch and one need to be very careful here.

How to reach

To reach Thakurwadi, alight at Panvel Railway Station. Take a State Transport Bus till Khopoli or get down at Shendung Phata. You can take a Share Auto Rickshaw from here.

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Kalavantin Durg Trek

Maharashtra • 2 days.

MAX ALTITUDE

₹ DIY + 5% GST

Mumbai to Mumbai

Available Batches

Brief description.

The Kalavantin Durg trek is a spectacular adventure to the Kalavantin Durg fortress which was used as a watchtower in the olden days. The trail of this trek is stunning and unique as it zig-zags its way through steep rock steps and is a little dangerous since there is no railing to support you. However, the panoramic views en-route to the pinnacle is amazing giving you the full display of the greenery of the Western Ghats. Those who have vertigo should be careful before planning this trek. This trek is perfect for fit trekkers and experienced ones alike who wish for a quick getaway from Mumbai or Pune, making it the perfect weekend trek. Located on the Prabal plateau the area hosts stunning streams and waterfalls, thus a nature lover's paradise. The best months to undertake the Kalavantin Durg trek is between October and April when the weather is dry. Monsoon season in spite of its unimaginable beauty and greenery is risky due to extremely slippery steps, hence appropriate precaution needs to be taken. Stay on this page for more information on the Kalavantin Durg Trek - Itinerary, FAQs, Pictures, etc.

Starting point of the trek near Thakurwadi Village

Night-halt at the base camp with Kalavantin Durg visible in the background

After trekking for about 45 minutes from the base camp, the trail turns into a steep set of rock-cut stairs

This trek is not meant for those with a fear of heights!

After climbing the stairs, there's a short rock wall that needs to be tackled with the help of a rope

On top of the Kalavantin pinnacle!

View while descending

Mumbai to Thakurwadi Village drive. Trek to Kalavantin base.

We will pick you up from Panvel IST depot at 15:30 hours and drive to the base village of the trek, Thakurwadi. From here we begin our trek to the base of Kalavantin after an introduction and briefing session. Reach the Kalavantin Base and enjoy some night photography. Have a delicious dinner and retire for the night. Overnight in tents.

Kalavantin Base to Kalavantin Summit and back to Thakuwadi Village. Drive to Mumbai.

Wake up early. Have breakfast. Today we start the trek to Kalavantin pinnacle. The hike is vertiginous and the steps are steep with no railing to support. We will reach the top in about 2 hours. After a short rest at the top have lunch and we start to retrace our steps back to Thakurwadi village. Drive back to Panvel railway station. The trip ends here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pick your question, eligibility: experience required.

This trek can be done by beginners as well as experienced trekkers. The overall this trail is easy to cover only the steep steps make this trail a little dangerous.

Eligibility: Fitness benchmark

There is no requirement of extreme fitness training for this trek. If you have basic physical fitness and if you are not scared of heights then you must undertake this trek. Those who have acrophobia should avoid this trek altogether.

Eligibility: Requisite Skills

Basic mountain mannerisms. Basics of knowledge of mountain ascending and descending techniques.

About the activity: Why should I go for this trek?

If you want to explore the Western Ghats and witness the biodiversity and the greenery then the Kalavantin Durg trek is for you. Adventure buffs find this trek especially attractive because of the steep steps climb. There is no railing to support you while climbing the steps. The deadfall on one side makes this trek a favourite among the adrenaline junkies. Giving you panoramic views of the Western Ghats, the Kalavantin Durg Trek can be done by both novice and experienced trekkers. Due to its close proximity to Mumbai and Pune, the Kalavantin Durg is a great weekend getaway trek.

Best Season: What are the best months to visit this trek?

October to March is the best time to undertake this trek. Monsoons are pleasant too, but heavy rains can make the trail dangerous.

Packing List: What to pack

Connectivity: How to Reach the base of the trek & how to go back from the end point?

By Road: The base camp of this trek is Thakurwadi village. This village can be easily reached from Mumbai. Take the local train from Mumbai to Panvel. A bus ride from the Panvel railway station will take you to Thakurwadi. Alternatively, you can walk towards the Mumbai-Pune expressway from the Panvel railway station and take a shared auto ride till Shedung Phata. At, Shedung Phata another auto ride will take you to Thakurwadi.

Connectivity: What is the cellular network connectivity for this trek?

The cellular network is available in several patches of the trek.

Nearby attraction: What are the nearby attractions that I can explore?

Prabalgad, Kalavantin hill, and Irshalgad they all are in close proximity to each other. Kalavantin hill, as well as Prabalgad, can be done easily if you start trekking by 9 am. And if started at 6, all 3 treks could be done.

Age limit: What is the minimum & maximum age limit?

The minimum age limit is 9 years. However, minors aged between 9 to 17 should be accompanied with their parents or guardians. If you are above the age of 60, kindly carry a medical certificate from your doctor that deem you fit for adventure activities like trekking.

Mandatory documents: What are the mandatory documents required for the trek?

No mandatory documents are required for the trek.

Transport: In case we opt for the transport with you, where will you pick us from and where will you drop?

Your pick-up point will be at Panvel ST Depot near Mumbai. Drop off location is the Panvel Station.

Transport: What time will you drop us at the end point on last day of the trek?

Expect to reach Panvel by late evening.

Miscellaneous : Is there an option to offload my backpack?

No, there is no option to offload your backpack.

Miscellaneous : Who will lead us on the trek?

A team of participant will be led by a course certified trek leader and a local guide. All participants are requested to abide by what their leader says. There will also be a team of kitchen staff and porters on the trek. We maintain 1:8 ratio of trek leader and participants. All our trek leaders and staff have a certified training in first-aid and rescue operation.

Miscellaneous : Is the trekking pole necessary?

No, trekking pole is not necessary.

Miscellaneous : Are there any local stores/shops from where I can shop trekking necessities?

It is recommended that you come prepared with all the stuff. Please do not leave anything for last-minute buying.

Miscellaneous : Is it safe for a solo woman traveller to trek in Fixed departures?

Yes, it is absolutely safe for solo woman to travel in fix departures. Women on the trek will be sharing tent with each other. In case you are the only woman on the trek, you will be given a separate tent.

Miscellaneous : Will you give certificates on completion of trek?

Yes, e-certificates will be given at the end of each trek provided that you completed it. It will bear your name, the trek, and the maximum altitude you achieved on the trek.

Weather conditions: What will the temperatures be like during this trek?

Monsoon season will see a significant amount of rainfall with temperatures ranging from 30 to 20 degree celsius. Winter months will be much cooler with temperatures dropping down to as low as 10 degrees at night.

Weather conditions: When will there be snow on this trek?

No, there will be no snow on this trek.

Equipment and facilities: What kind of tents and sleeping bags will be provided to us?

We use four-season Gipfel tents and sleeping bags. If you carry your own sleeping bag, you will get a cashback reward, provided that you inform us as soon as you have booked your trek.

Equipment and facilities: Are there any washroom/toilet facilities on the trek?

Toilet tents will be provided to you on the trek.These are portable toilets tents where a deep pit will be dug. A shovel will be provided inside the tent to cover the waste after you have made your business. You can take a toilet roll inside. Make sure you dig used toilet paper along with the waste. Though water is recommended in place of toilet paper. Please refrain from using wet wipes as they are non-biodegradable. There will be no facility for bathing on the trek. Go through our blog section for tips on how to maintain personal hygiene on treks.

Equipment and facilities: If we trek in snow, what equipment will you provide?

There will be no snow on this trek.

Equipment and facilities: What kind of food will be provided for the trek?

Vegetarian food will be served throughout the trek. The only non-vegetarian item served on our treks are eggs. Our kitchen staff follows a proper menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner which has been designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of the participants. There will be milk, poha, eggs, muesli/corn flakes, bread and butter served for breakfast. Rice or simple roti sabzi will be packed for lunch. In dinner, you will have dal, egg curry or any other vegetarian dish along with rice, roti, and a dessert item. Packed lunch will be provided to you on the days you are trekking. You are requested to carry your own tiffin box and a mug to consume food. The meals consumed on journey and arrival day are not included in our cost.

Equipment and facilities: What equipment can I rent from you?

You can rent the following items from us- Trekking Pole, Trekking Shoes, Fleece Jacket, Rucksack

Accommodation: What will be the accommodation type in this trek?

Accommodation on trek days is in tents on a twin sharing basis.

Packing List: How should I pack my rucksack?

Packing List: How should I select my trekking shoe?

Learning Experience

• We are an Adventure Learning Organisation first.
• We want you to not just complete a trek safely but also pick up some basic trekking knowledge and skills along the way.
• To achieve this we have integrated learning modules into our itineraries.
• These modules will help you build the necessary skills to progress from trekking to mountaineering over time.

Loyality Programs

Our community is an integral part of us and we take pride in our trekkers and climbers. When you complete at least three days on any trek or expedition with us, you become eligible for our membership and referral programs.

• Currently we have three levels:
• Basic Membership
• Summiteer Membership
• Leader Membership

Personalized Attention

• Our group sizes on treks don’t exceed 15 members in order to maintain a healthy Participants : Leader Ratio of 8:1.
• Over time we have found this number to be optimum when it comes to ensuring personalised attention to every member of our group.
• On mountaineering expeditions this number is even smaller. Our group sizes are capped at 12 members ensuring a Participants : HAP Ratio of 2:1.

Best Expedition Leaders

• Our Expedition leaders are advanced mountaineering course qualified, specially trained in rescue procedures from NIM and certified first-aid responders.
• Even our local guides are certified first-aid responders.

Eco-friendly Practices

• Group sizes are capped at 15 people.
• Batch sizes are capped at 250 people per trail per season.
• We follow a rolling campsite model.
• We are constantly exploring and introducing new trails to reduce the burden on existing ones.

For us, a successful summit is not about reaching the highest point of a mountain but about making it safely back to base.

• To ensure this:
• Every region of ours is mapped with an emergency evacuation plan.
• The equipment we use is UIAA certified.
• Our trek leaders are AMC certified with specialisation in rescue procedures.
• Our support staffs are trained in first aid as well.

What's Included

Whats included.

• Meals during Trek
• Forest Permits/Camping Charges , if any (Upto the amount charged for Indian nationals)
• Safety Equipment
• Trek guide, cook, helpers.
• Services of a Trek Leader
• Accommodation during the trek (Tents/Guesthouses)
• Transportation from Mumbai to the base and back to Mumbai

Whats Not Included?

• Meals during road journeys
• Cost of any kind of travel insurance
• Any expense of personal nature
• Any expense not specified in the inclusion list
• Portage of personal rucksacks

Cancellation Policy

Cash refund.

Cancellations up to 30 days prior to departure date 5% Deduction

Between 30 days to 15 days prior to departure 50% deduction

Less than 15 days of departure No Cash Refund

Voucher Refund

Cancellations up to 5 days prior to departure date No Deduction

Cancellations less than 5 days prior to departure No Refund

Please note

• Cash refund is applicable only in case of bookings made without using any promotional offer code or vouchers.
• This is only a brief of cancellation terms. For finer details please refer Detailed Cancellation Policy.

How to Choose the perfect pair of Trekking Shoes?

Sarthak Madan 21 May 2021

<p><span style="color: #000000;">Your choice of trekking shoes can make your trek a blissful or blister-full experience based on how well it fits you. A good pair of trekking shoes is the most essential piece of equipment you will use while hiking.&n

Campcraft Basics : How to Pack your Rucksack

10 Mountain features that must be a part of any trekker’s vocab!

Experiential.

Maharashtra Memoirs: Hiking in the Sahyadris

Informative.

HIGHLIGHTS OF BARAADSAR LAKE

Baraadsar lake: Who is this trek meant for?

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Why Kalavantin Durg Is The Ultimate Trek For Adventure Seekers In Maharashtra

A trek to kalavantin durg with friends is a must do as it's full of nature and adventure. kalavantin durg will give you some thrilling memories to cherish..

By: Priyanka Chakrabarti Published: May 21, 2019 08:00 AM IST

If you have been craving an adventure-laden trip, a trek to Kalavantin Durg is highly recomended. Kalavantin will give you some thrilling memories that you will hold on to for a very long time. By Divyansh Mehta

Being listed as one of the 33 most beautiful abandoned places in India, Kalavantin Durg is a trek that all adventure seekers should experience at least once in their lifetimes. Located next to Prabhalgad fort, Kalavantin Durg was initially used as a watch tower. The watch tower is situated on the old Mumbai-Pune route and it will give you an opportunity to witness the lush green stretches of Maharashtra in its rawest forms.

The trek starts from Thakurwadi village, which is at the base of Kalavantin and Prabhalgad fort. You can have some snacks and tea before you kick-start the adventure trek. The trek to this peak takes about three hours and is accessible by stairs carved into the edges of the rocky mountains, with no ropes or guard rails. As you move up, the trail gets steeper and vertigo-inducing, but the jaw-dropping views and beautiful scenery on the way makes it worthwhile.

The trek is dotted with tea-and-snack stalls, accompanied by a breakfast point at Prabalmachi, and a midway hamlet base settled at an elevation of 1279.5 feet above sea level. This point is preferred for relaxing before you hit the trail again. Once you climb to the top, you will be greeted with mesmerising panoramic views .

October to March is the best time to take this trek up. Monsoons are crowded and pleasant too, but heavy rains can make the trek more dangerous and difficult.

How To Reach Thakurwadi (Trek Base)

The nearest railway station in Panvel, Navi Mumbai which is 162 km away from the trek base. Most of Kalavantin trek tours are organised from Mumbai. With 274 km away from Pune and 147 km from Mumbai, the place can be easily reached by cabs or buses.

What To Pack

Sturdy trekking shoes, first-aid kit and water bottles are a must among others. Depending upon the season, wear an appropriate gear, please.

Related:  Five Of The Toughest Treks In India You Need To Experience If You Like…

• Kalavantin and Prabhalgad fort
• Kalavantin Durg
• Maharashtra
• old Mumbai-Pune route
• Prabalmachi
• Prabhalgad fort
• Thakurwadi village

Priyanka Chakrabarti

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Kalavantin Durg Trek

Are you looking for some some thrilling adventure in Sahyadri? Then embark on an exhilarating adventure as we explore the Kalavantin Durg Trek, a hidden gem nestled in the Sahyadri Mountain ranges of Maharashtra. This awe-inspiring journey will take you through lush green landscapes, rugged terrains, and panoramic vistas that will leave you breathless.

Also Read :

Milkybar Waterfall Trek – Most Beautiful Waterfall near Tamhini Ghat, Pune.

Kumbhe Waterfall – A Complete Guide

In this blog post, I will provide you with all the essential information to plan your trek to Kalavantin Durg.

History Of Kalavantin Durg : 

Kalavantin Durg is not mentioned much in history. It is believed that, it was built for a queen named Kalavantin in the 15th century. It is also said that, this fort was built during the rule of Bahmni Sultanate.Later it was captured by the Nizam Shai dynasty of Ahmednagar.

In Marathi language Durg means Fort. At that time, this fort was used to keep an eye on surrounding region. Kalavantin durg is not a proper fort.

Kalavantin Durg :

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Western Ghtas in Maharashtra, India, Kalavantin Durg stands at a height of 2,200 feet (700 meters) above sea level. In the recent years Kalvantin Durg has become a favorite destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lover.

Kalavantin Durg is a high summit located in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated very close to Panvel railway station. Kalavantin Durg is located at a distance of 30 Km from Panvel railway station.

Trek Details :

• Base Village : Thakurwadi Village
• Trek Duration : 2 to 2:30 hour ( One Side)
• Trek Distance : 3 Km from Thakurwadi base village
• Difficulty Level : Moderate
• Nearest Railway Station : Panvel
• Nearest Bus Stand : Panvel
• Nearest Airport : Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport

Kalavantin Durg Trek : 

Trek to Kalavantin Durg starts from the base village of Thakurwadi. Thakurwadi is a small village located in the raigad district. It is at a distance of 30 Km from Panvel raiway station. It takes only 2 to 2:30 hr to reach on the top of the kalavantin Durg.

Summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding lush green valleys, picturesque landscapes and nearby forts. From the top you can see the Prabalgad fort which is situated very close to Kalavantin Durg.

For adventure enthusiasts, the journey to Kalavantin Durg offers an exhilarating trekking experience. There is less chances of getting lost as the trek route is well marked and maintained.

Trek route to Kalavantin Durg can be divided into three parts. first part goes through the plain area. Second one is passes through the dense jungle. After passing through this two parts a last the most exiting parts come. Which is the 80 degree rock cut steps. This is the main attraction and thrilling part of this trek.

Final Stage : 

After crossing the steps you will come at needle like structure. At this point ropes and chains are available to take support while climbing. This is the difficult part of this trek. Keep in mind no one should try to cross this patch without the help of ropes and chains.

At the top of Durg you will get to see the statue of Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Along with that panoramic view of Sahyadri mountain ranges can be seen.

How To Reach Kalavantin Durg :

Kalavantin durg is easily accessible by road. You will easily get the buses to Panvel. From Panvel you can take a bus or shared jeep to Thakurwadi base village. Thakurwadi is located at a distance of 30 Km from Panvel.

Panvel railway station is the nearest station to Kalavantin Durg. It is located at a distance of 35 Km away from Thakurwadi village. To reach Thakurwadi you have to catch the train to Panvel.

You will easily get trains that runs regularaly from Mumbai or Pune. From Panvel railway station about 5 to 10 min. of walking distance you will get Panvel bus stand. From bus stand you will easily get the buses to Thakurwadi. It will cost you only 40-50 rs.

From the Panvel bus it will take only 50 min. to reach Thakurwadi village. From Thakurwadi village you can start your trek. It will take 2 hour to reach on the top.

Mumbai airport is the nearest airport to Kalavantin Durg. From the airport you can take a cab to reach Panvel bus stand. Otherwise you can also rent a vehicle. This would be a better option. 

Best Time To Visit :

You can visit Kalavantin durg throughout the year. But you are pluviophile wanted to witness the lush green landscape then monsoon will be the best time for you. But also keep in mind in monsoon the steps get slippery. So care should be taken while crossing the steps. 

Pro Tip : If you are afraid of heights then avoid look down into trenches. 

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Tips For Trekking To Kalavantin Durg :

Trekking to Kalavantin Durg can be a thrilling and challenging adventure. Here are some important tips to help you make the most of your trek. 

Research and Plan

Begin your trek early in the morning., carry essential gear such as good trekking shoes, a water bottle, backpack etc., stay hydrated, take breaks and pace yourself., pack lightweight, be mindful of safety, respect the nature., frequently asked questions :, how much time does it take to reach on the top of the kalavantin durg .

Ans. It will take only 2 hour to reach on the top of the Kalavantin Durg.

2. Which is the Nearest Railway station To Kalavantin Durg ?

Ans. Panvel Railway Station is the nearest station to Kalavantin Durg.

3. Which is the base village of Kalavantin Durg ?

Ans. Thakurwadi village is the base village of Kalavantin Durg. It is located at a distance of 35 Km away from Panvel railway station.

4. What is the distance between Mumbai to Kalavantin Durg?

Ans. Kalavantin durg is located at a distance of 50 Km from Mumbai.

5. Trekking to Kalavantin Durg is risky ?

Ans. Trekking to Kalavantin Durg can be considered risky, due to the steep and challenging terrain. But with taking some precaution we can easily reach at the top of Kalavantin Durg.

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The World's Most Dangerous Fortress, Kalavantin Durg, Is Not For The Faint Hearted

Kalavantin Durg

The world's most dangerously-located fortress, Kalavantin Durg, used as a watchtower in the olden days, stands 2,300 feet above sea level on the northern edge of the Prabal plateau in the Western Ghats near Mumbai. To get to this fortress, you have to take a one-day trek, which is a bit challenging with narrow steps, steep slopes and no support. Once you climb to the top, however, you're greeted with ethereal panoramic views.

All About Kalavantin Durg

Credits: Sahil Gala

Where is Kalavantin Durg located?

The trek starts from Thakurwadi village, which can be reached by taking a train from Mumbai to Panvel and then a bus from outside the railway station. It will take you an hour to reach Thakurwadi. Alternatively, from the railway station, you can walk till the Mumbai-Pune Expressway for a shared TumTum Rickshaw and get down at Shedung Phata. At Shedung Phata, hire a rickshaw till Thakurwadi Village.

Credits: Aniket Khaire

Difficulty Level of Kalavantin Durg trek

This trail is a bit tricky to navigate due to the rock-cut steps and steep slope. However, the difficulty level is medium, requiring basic physical endurance. Do note that the Kalavantin Durg trail becomes tougher to tread through during the monsoon as the steps become slippery.

You can do this trek on your own or book it with a travel company. If you are travelling on your own, don't rely on Google Maps as it takes you to the Kalavantin Durg Peak through a dense forest, which is not recommended. Instead, get on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and get off at Shedung. From there, ask locals directions to Thakurwadi. They will also be able to help you with the route to Kalavantin Durg.

While you can do this trek on your own, taking the services of a travel company is recommended as you won't have to worry about checking for directions, and there is always a general sense of encouragement and togetherness when you're travelling in a group. This is also a great way to meet some new travel buddies, especially when you're travelling solo. Treks And Trails India, Mumbai Hikers and Trip Hippie are some companies that arrange this trek.

Cost of Kalavantin Durg Trek

If you're trekking on your own, the only expense you will have to make is on getting there, which should cost you as low as ₹150. Travel groups, on the other hand will charge around ₹800 to 1000. Some companies offer overnight camping and bonfire at the fortress, which is included in the cost.

When to go for Kalavantin Durg trek?

October to March is the best time to go. Monsoons are pleasant too, but heavy rains can make the already dangerous trail difficult. Avoid trekking during summer as it's really hot and humid.

Credits: Priyanka Bidkar

The Kalavantin Durg trek route

Since this is a one-day trek, the route is fairly simple. You can start early in the morning and return to Mumbai by late afternoon.

Mumbai – Panvel – Thakurwadi – Kalavantin Durg

After reaching Thakurwadi, walk the uphill terrain to Prabalmachi. Before moving towards the Kalavantin Durg, you can take a break at the base of Prabalmachi and have some snacks available at the small shops and restaurants of the village. From there, start climbing Kalavantin Durg. The hike is vertiginous, as the rock-cut steps are very steep and there are no railings to support you climb. So be careful if you're scared of heights. Hiking down is challenging as well, so if you have acrophobia, it is best to avoid the trek altogether. You can then enjoy the Prabalgad Fort, which is situated next to the fortress.

Although, the journey from Mumbai to the fortress can easily be completed in 10 to 12 hours, for a wholesome experience spend the night near the fortress by pitching your tent in the village.

What to pack for Kalavantin Durg trek

Since this is just a one-day trek, you don't need to carry much. Wear proper trekking/hiking shoes, carry two litres of water per person and pack eatables such as fruits, dry fruits, energy bars.

Have you done the Kalavantin Durg trek, or any other trek near Mumbai? Write about it on Tripoto , and inspire others.

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Kalavantin Durg Trek

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Kalavantin Durg

Kalavantin Durg is located between Matheran and Panvel in the Indian state of Maharashtra, in the Western Ghats. It was built on a plateau very close to Matheran, but unlike Matheran it does not have a good source of water. It was known as Muranjan until it was taken over and renamed by the Maratha forces under Shivaji’s rule. Prabalmachi is the midway base village for two famous treks named Prabalgad and Kalavantin durg. Prabalmachi offers breathtaking view of both Prabalgad and Kalavantin durg, with a scenic valley view of Panvel outskirts. Nothing can beat Prabalmachi when it comes to location, weather and food. It also offers a small trek through the forest which has potential Wildlife.

Information about  Kalavantin Durg:

• Type : Hill forts
• Place : Kalavantin Durg
• Location: Near panvel
• Difficulty: Easy

The Descend

See you again, to register yourself,.

Deposit the Amount into the Following Account: Account Details: Bank Name: ICICI Bank Account Name: Treks And Hikes Account No: 641505000696 Account Type: Current IFS Code: ICIC0006415 Branch: Vile Parle (W)

UPI: pay2tah@icici

Google Pay (Tez): 8369457750

(Please drop an e-mail after transaction to confirm your registration)

Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations prior to 30days from the start of the trek — 90% refund., cancellation before 15 days to the start of the trek — 50% refund., cancellation a week to the start of the trek — no refund..

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CST – Panvel Slow Local CST – 11:30pm Vadala Road – 11:48pm Kurla – 11:58pm Vashi – 00:17am Panvel – 00:48am

(If you miss the train you miss the trek so make sure you are on time to catch the train.)

People may board the same train from the station of their convenience and meet us in the train directly. (Get into second Last boggy from CST side)

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• Prabalmachi as the name itself indicates is a huge gigantic plateau situated at a massive height of more than 1200 feet above mean sea level. It is a little hamlet hiding in the hills, close to our megacity - Mumbai! Prabalmachi camping offers breathtaking picturesque of the two magnificent and gigantic peaks of Sahyadri - Prabalgad and Kalavantin forts. Because of these two glorious forts and the bewitching natural beauty of the surroundings, many visitors are attracted to this place. Being an ancient and beautiful village situated halfway up a mountain it is an ideal place to pitch your tents and experience outdoors. Apart from being a camping place, it is also the base village for the Kalavantin trek and Prabalgad trek. One will also get to explore beautiful village homes; small farms; dense forests; in and around this hamlet. Prabalmachi camping and trekking transport you to a whole new world of scenic beauty and peace.
• A little something about Kalavantin Durg, Kalavantin, a 2,250 ft high summit, is a beautiful steep fort that lies to the north of Prablagad, which was initially used as a watchtower. Kalavantin Fort is also renowned as the ‘Climb to Heaven’. You get to witness a wide variety of flora and fauna as you ascend. The mesmerizing scenery from this watchtower gives you a memory to cherish for a lifetime. One remarkable thing about the Kalavantin Durg trek is that takes you to the top of the fort the amazing rock-cut steps that zig-zag their way up to the mountains. 
• Overview Region : Sahyadris
• Elevation: 1500 feet above mean sea level (approx)
• Grade: Moderate
• Base camp: Thakurwadi village
• Best time to visit:  Throughout the year | Preferably - Winter
• Fort Region : Sahyadris
• Elevation: 2300 feet (701 m) above mean sea level (approx)
• Distance: 4-5 km Approx
• Grade: Medium
• Best time to visit: Throughout the year | Preferably - Winter
• October: ,27th, 28th
• November:  3rd, 4th, 10th ,11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th
• December:  1st, 2nd, 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd 29th, 30th 

Event Fees:

• Pune: 1299/- per person
• Base Village : Rs 699/- per person 
• 10:00 PM:  Report at FC Road ( https://goo.gl/maps/53XNsyDPwcSVReZW9  )
• 10:30 PM:  Pickups From Wakad Flyover, Sukhwani Petrol Pump
• 02:00 AM:  Reach Base Village Thakurwadi. 
• 02:30 AM:  Start our trek to Prabalmachi post briefing and instructions by Trek Leaders.
• 04:30 AM:  Reach at the Prabalmachi . Have rest for some time.
• 06:00 AM:  Start our thrilling trek to Kalavatin Peak. 
• 07:00 AM:   08:00 AM:  Reach Kalavatin Peak and Explore the View , Do Photography.  
• 08:00 AM:  Start descending
• 09:30 AM:  Reach Prabalmachi, Get freshen Up, Have Breakfast.
• 10:30 AM: Stat Descending   to the base Village. Have lunch (Veg thali)
• 12:00 PM:  Reach at Base. 
• 12:30 PM:  Start return journey to Pune
• 01:30 PM:  Take a Hault and Have Lunch
• 05:30 PM:  Reach Pune (Arrival Time Depends on the Pace of the Group and Road Traffic conditions)

Inclusion :

• Travel from Pune 
• Breakfast & Tea
• Trek Leader Charges.
• Entry Charges.
• Expertise Charges. 
• First Aid Charges.

Exclusion :

• Travel till pickup points
• All kinds of Extra Meals / Snacks / Mineral water/ soft drinks etc purchased for personal consumption
• Any kind of personal expenses
• Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above
• All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
• Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
• Any kind of Insurance

Things to carry:

(Highly Required and Mandatory Things)

• backpack (waterproof or covered with waterproof cover) 
• trekking shoes or any sports shoes with a Good grip
• Trekking pants (compulsory), 2 T-Shirts (Preferably full sleeves or Half T-shirt with sleeves), Raincoat/ waterproof jacket/ windcheater, Handnapkin/Towel, etc
• Water 2-3 liters.
• Ready-to-eat food like plum cakes, Dry fruits, dry snacks and biscuits, Chikki, chocolate bars, etc.
• Personal Medicines and Personal First aid 

(Required but Optional Things)

• To change after trekking - Facewash, Extra pants/ shorts, Extra T-shirt, sleeper/ floaters, an extra bag to carry your trekking shoes, innerwear, etc
• Sweater For bus journey
• Electoral or Glucose D powder. 
• Portable Phone Charger, Earphones, etc.
• Sun protection cap, sunglasses, Sunscreen lotion, toothbrush-toothpaste, etc
• Proper face mask or shield 
• Extra Pair of clothes.

(Note: Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pants,  this will protect your body and skin from Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles, etc)

1. Is Prabalmachi Camping safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, it is completely safe for female and solo travelers.

2. Where are fireflies found around Prabalmachi?

Fireflies can be spotted at Prabalmachi plateau in Sahyadris just a few weeks before the beginning of the monsoon. The perfect time to visit is during premonsoon or the start of monsoon. These play around in large numbers at night, however, ensure not to make much noise or light any torch.

3. Is the Prabalmachi trek difficult?

Prabalmachi trek is easy and can be done by beginners as well.

4. When is the best time to visit Kalavantin Durg?

The best time to visit Kalavantin Durg is from November to March. Monsoons are pleasant too, however, rains can make the trail much more dangerous and difficult.

5. Would I get connectivity in my cell phone?

You will get very limited connectivity during the trek. Also, in a few areas, there might be no connectivity at all.

6. What type of food will I get?

You will be served locally cooked meals. However, proper care of hygienic food will be taken.

7. How much time is required to ascend Kulvantin Durg?

You can complete the ascend in 3-4 hours, depending on person to person.

8. Is Kalavantin Durg Trek difficult?

In terms of difficulty, the Kalavantin trek is a moderate level trek. With a little bit of experience and good endurance, one can complete this trek.

9. Can we stay in our tents?

Most definitely yes! On the Prabalmachi plateau, you can set up your tents and get the camping feels.

10. What if I have a medical emergency?

We always carry a first aid kit with us. The guides and volunteers are first aid certified. If the problem increases, we will quickly get you to the closest medical attention possible.

11. Are toilets available on the trek route?

Proper toilets are not available on the route. Toilets will be available in the Thakurwadi village and Prabalmachi village where you can freshen up.

12. What is the cheapest way to get to the base village?

The cheapest way to get from Mumbai to Thakurwadi base village is via train. Take a train from Mumbai (Dadar) to Panvel Station and from Panvel take a auto till Thakurwadi. The Approx cost would be 400 rs one side.

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