Kalavantin Durg - Step It Up!

Maharashtra is home to the Western Ghats and the Beauty and Mysticism of the Sahyadri’s is truly outstanding! Maharashtra is also the land of Shivaji - the great Maratha warrior and an equally great fort builder. There are hundreds of small and large forts in Maharashtra – mostly high above in in the hills or near the sea(Strategic Points to check for enemy attacks and prepare beforehand). Forts like Panhalagarh in Kolhapur(Read our article - http://tinyurl.com/3nvh6zj ) was a city in itself while some forts like Tung Fort acted as an watchtower for enemies(read our article - http://tinyurl.com/4xd5hge)!

 

(Kalavantin Durg as seen from the base)

 

The trek is fun especially during the monsoons(June – Sep) as the greenery and weather is the best then. It also makes the trek far more difficult due to the slippery terrain. Someone has said right – NO PAIN, NO GAIN!

 

 

(Bajrangbali Temple at Prabalmachi Village)

 

 

Simple Dal Chawal Thali at Prabalmachi Village

 

Kalavantin Durg summit is at a height of 2300 ft, and at about 1500 ft falls a village called Prabalmachi. This village has a population of about 300 people and falls about 2.3 km’s from the Thakurwadi village. The villagers offer simple Vegeterian Thali (70 Bucks – Dal, Rice and a Subzi) but be sure to fill yourself up, as the next part of the trek is on steep steps and along ,muddy uphill climb only.

 

The Trek starts to get tough after Prabalmachi

 

The steep steps are there for about 800-900 feet and post that one reaches a small base from where there is an almost vertical climb. It is advisable to climb to the summit with ropes but most do without it! The last 100 feet to the summit is no child’s play and for people with fear of heights – either overcome it or stay at the base!  

 

 

The proud climbers at the summit

 

Once at the summit, the panoramic view is breathtaking. One forgets the climb, the pain in the toes, the sweat as the entire valley unfolds in front of you!

 

 

Coming Down – Is the hardest thing

 

Coming down from the Summit is again another experience and one slip can cause you to spiral down 2000 ft.