Above 250 Feet Sea Level, the Kalavantin Durg Trek is said to be one of the toughest trek in Maharashtra. With steep gradient, narrow routes and rough terrain – the kalavantin durg trek is not for the inexperienced trekkers (beginners).
History of Kalavantin Durg (Fort)
In the year 1657, the fort was controlled by the Maratha Empire. It is said that the fort was build for a queen called Kalavantin.
Locals say that the ruler used to keep an eye on the enemy from the top of the fort.
How to reach Kalavantin Durg?
- The base village of Kalavantin Durg Trek is the Thakurwadi Village. In order to Reach Thakurwadi Village one needs to get down at Panvel Railway Station.
- From Panvel Railway Station you can either take a ST bus, private rickshaws, Tumtum and Taxis.
- As the frequency of ST bus is not that great, taking a private rickshaw or Tumtum is preffered.
- Once you reach the Base Point – Tharkuwadi Village, start walking towards Prabalgad. Keep walking until you find a diversion which divides the routes in two. (One heading towards Kalavantin, the other heading towards Prabalgad Fort).
En-route you will find series of Sign boards showing directions towards the Kalavantin Durg.
Keep walking until you arrive at a Check Post where your bags will be checked.
Trekking rules for Kalavantin Durg Trek
- No entry allowed before 6 AM and 5PM
- Rs. 50 per Person will be charged as Entry Fees.
- Hiring a local guide is mandatory of the Trek. No Group will or individual will be allowed to enter the fort without the local guide. One needs to Pay Rs. 50 to the local guide.
- Plastic bags/bottles, Cigarettes, lighter/ matchbox, Alcoholic drinks, Sharp weapons are strictly prohibited. are strictly prohibited inside the Fort.
Why Kalavantin Durg Trek is Consider as one of toughest Trek in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has a rich history of beautifully crafted and well engineered Forts and Kalavantin Durg fort is one of them.
But what makes Kalavantin Durg Trek as of one of the toughest trek in maharashtra?
Even before starting the trek you would be exhausted because of the tiring hike starting from the base village of thakurwadi. It takes around 2-3 Hours to reach the kalavantin durg from the base village and this journey is very tiring in summer.
Once you complete the hike, the steep 80 degree climb is the next challenge on your way towards the top of the fort. One needs to climb the rock cut steps that are as high as 2 – Feet.
The terrain is rocky, which becomes slippery during monsoon season. And when you trek during summer, the soil becomes loose, therefore also increasing the chances of slipping.
In monsoon, the trek becomes dangerous. Water pouring down the steps, Strong winds, foggy weather and low visibility makes the climb during the monsoon ridiculously difficult.
The summit of the fort is after a small vertical rock climb. The local guides will help you climb this part of the rock.
As rightly said by someone – ” The best view comes after the hardest climb”. If the weather is fine, you would be offered with an astonishing view of the Prabalgad Fort, Matheran and Irshalgad Fort.
Now that you have enjoyed the view, it’s time for the most difficult and jaw dropping part of the Kalavantin Durg Trek – The Descend.
With no proper support, broken rock cut steps getting down is even more enigmatic.
One needs to be extra alert while descending. One small mistake and you may end up falling down the cliff.
It is advised to descend with the help of a local guide.
Accidents at Kalavantin Durg Trek
The kalavantin Durg Trek is prone to accidents. Every year, a lot of young trekkers with no prior experience visit the fort, and this has lead to increase in number of accidents.
Incident of a Pune – Based Trekker and Hyderabad-based trekker are two well known accidents that took place at the Kalavantin Durg Fort.
Best Time to Visit Kalavantin Durg Trek
- Through out the Year
- Avoid Going in Monsoon as the Trek gets difficult due to heavy rains and strong winds.
If you take necessary precautions and abide to the guidance and rules, the trek to Kalavantin Durg would be truly an amazing experience.