‘World’s most dangerous fort trek’, ‘A trek not for the faint hearted’ are such labels Kalavantin fort is referred to as. This is cause of the angle of photos or videos taken from a bird’s eye view. But honestly, it can be considered as an easy-moderate trek. This can be on your list of must-do treks but with adequate precautions taken.
Lying in the western ghats of Maharashtra and standing tall at a hefty height of 2300 feet above sea level, Kalavantin Durg is a fort that was constructed in honor of Queen Kalavantin. Unlike the name says a fort, there’s nothing as such built but was just used as a watchtower to keep a watch on the surroundings.
Kalavantin trek offers stunning views via an intense climb through rugged terrain with narrow rock-cut steps and steep slopes with no support - the trek to and from the fort is a bit risky yet fascinating. This fort gives you a panoramic view of the mountains around like Prabalgad, Chanderi, Peb Matheran, Irshalgad, and Ulhas river. The hike is vertiginous, as the rock-cut steps are very steep and there are no railings to support your 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.
The base point of kalavantin is situated in Thakurwadi village, which leads the path to both kalavantin and prabhalgad. The trail initially takes you to Prabhamachi which is the diversion point for the two treks. The trek can be divided into three sections; The first is from Thakurwadi to Prabhalmachi plateau. The second section is from Prabhalmachi to Col. this section includes ascend through rocky patches. The trail gets notably steeper as you make the move upwards to the top, and there is a sense of vertigo-inducing on the way up through this doesn’t deter those in pursuit of heart-pounding adventure. The third section is from Col to the pinnacle of kalavantin. This includes a huge set of rock-cut steps with nearly 80° angle. This is followed by a short climb over a rock about 15 ft high to reach the pinnacle. One has to be very cautious while climbing this rock patch since the footholds have been destroyed due to heavy rains. Preferably carry a rope along for this patch or if you’re a beginner, it’s better to avoid this third section and keep your hands empty. Skipping the third section isn’t a big deal since the view from Col and the pinnacle are almost the same. The stunning view of abundant greenery, virgin nature, and the alluring valley below can clench your heart with the thirst for purity and divinity.
Best time to visit:
Usually, the best time to visit any sahayadri trek is in monsoon but for Kalavantin post-monsoon months and winter is the best time as the level of risk faced automatically surges during monsoon as the way becomes slippery. Above all, it’s sure to be jammed with huge crowds during monsoon season.
“The fears you don’t face become your limits”
Board train at Hyderabad (8:40pm) / Begumpet (8:49pm) / Lingampally (9:12pm)
We will reach the Lonavala railway station by 10.30 AM. To save time we will freshen up and complete our breakfast on the train itself.
After reaching Lonavala we will move into the private bus hired only for GoAdventure and head to the base village of Kalavantin, Thakurwadi Village.
Thakurwadi village is around 1.30 hours away from Lonavala railway station. Enroute we will stop at a small market to buy some fruits and also we will pack some food. You can buy water as well at the same stop.
Note: Please carry water bottles from home to avoid littering plastic bottles on the trails. Let's be very responsible trekkers.
We will reach Thakurwadi village around lunchtime. Our trek leader will take care of entry permits and a few more formalities. Meanwhile, our local guide will join the team to support the team. Also, hiring local guides will provide some employment to the local villagers. We suggest you provide tips to the guides if you feel they have supported you and guided you well during the trek. It motivates local guides and bus drivers to provide additional support.
You can drop off all unnecessary luggage and a few other things not required during the trek by bus only. Please make sure that you don't drop any valuables in the vehicle. And, our trek leader will brief you about the complete plan along with team roles at the starting point of the trek. Once the briefing is completed, we will start our long trek and head toward Prabalmachi Plateau.
For the first 15-20 mins we will be walking through the Thakurwadi village (During the monsoon this way will be slushy so be careful)
Start ascending in Zig-Zag till you reach Prabalmachi Plateau.
The entire trail will be offering you Jaw-dropping views and beautiful scenery on the way up makes the trek all the more worthwhile.
In monsoon, you can catch a glimpse of small waterfalls. In peak monsoon, you can expect to see 10-12 waterfalls on these mountains.
After 1.5 - 2Hrs we will reach Prabalmachi.
The plateau is similar to a big playground with lush green slopes.
You can see the surrounding villages and mountains from the plateau.
Once you reach here you can drop off all your luggage (We will be camping here for the night), take a small refreshment break, and head towards Kalavaning Pinnacle.
From this point, we need to walk for around 15-20mins.
Here the route is divided into ways. The shorter one goes towards Kalavantin Durg while the longer one towards Prabalgad fort.
The journey to the Kalavantin pinnacle is quite treacherous and considered not to be for faint-hearted people.
The route to the top is roughly a 60Degree incline and involves climbing rock-cut steps which are nearly as high as 2 feet.
These rock-cut stairs are not that hard to climb if you are not afraid of heights and follow your captain's instructions.
The final patch is about 15ft tall and can be climbed using the fixed rope.
Once you reach the top you will get a feeling of accomplishment !!
The views from the top are breathtaking. The panoramic view from here includes Prabalgad, Chanderi, Peb Matheran, Irshalgad, and the Ulhas river.
Note: If you are afraid of heights and not so confident about the climb we recommend you not to try climbing the pinnacle. Views from the base are nothing less
Make sure you have a good trekking shoe with the right grip.
The descent is as difficult as the ascent due to slippery terrain and this becomes worse while raining.
Climb down the pinnacle and reach Prabalmachi Plateau.
Have your dinner and sleep under the stars.
Note: Camping is the only option we have here so don't expect any kind of luxury in terms of stay and food.
Few common washrooms are available but these have to be shared by many trekkers around.
After a healthy breakfast, we will resume our trek toward Prabalgad.
We can leave our luggage here and collect it after coming back from Prabalgad.
The entire trail is well marked and self-explanatory.
Initially, we will be walking along with the green meadows and then towards the narrow path of the mountains.
After a while, we will come across a rocky patch which we have to climb.
this will take about 20-30mins.
After finishing the rocky patch dense forest trail welcomes you. The large leaves cover you from the harsh sun.
The trail will be a mix of trekking up and down.
After an hour of trekking, we will reach the top. You can see a flag pole and a stunning view of the Kalavantin pinnacle in front of you.
The entire Zig-Zag steps which you climbed earlier day can be clearly visible from here.
A whole Matheran range of the forts is visible and it is one of the most astonishing sights in Sahyadri.
After spending some time and clicking a few group photos we will take the same route and reach the plateau.
Once you reach the plateau collect your bags fill your water bottles and start descending.
We need to be extra careful while descending and don't run as there is a risk of cramps and leg twists.
Reach Thakurwadi Village by afternoon and board our private vehicle and reach the railway station.
We might/might not stop for a lunch break based on the time we have to catch our train.
Board the train and head back to Hyderabad.
Reach Hyderabad very early in the morning with promises to meet again on some other Trek.
Clothing & Footwear
Food & Beverage
Miscellaneous:
In order to reach the base village Thakurwadi, one can take an ST bus from either Panvel or Karjat railway stations to Shedung Phata. From Shedung Phata you can hire a service auto till Thakurwadi.