Brief About Kalavantin Durg Trek
Kalavantin Durg is a towering summit that stands at 2,250 ft (686 m) in the Western Ghats. It is also known by other names, including Kelve Teen, Kalavantinicha Sulka, and Kalavantin Pinnacle. Escape the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and embark on a peaceful trekking experience near the city. Explore the Prabalgad Fort in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Marvel at the stunning scenic beauty as you make your way through lush green forests and cascading waterfalls.
Although little is known about its history, local guides suggest it was built for a queen named Kalavantin in the 15th century, around the same time as the nearby Prabalgad Fort. The word “Durg” in Marathi means fort, but Kalavantin is actually a pinnacle that was used as a lookout point.
Ideal Number of Days for the Visit: 1-2 days
Trek Distance: 3.7 Km
Trek Altitude: 2,250 Feet
Nearest Railway Station: Panvel Railway Station
Nearest Airport: Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport, Mumbai
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What is the best time to visit Kalavantin Durg Trek?
It is best to visit Kalavantin Durg from November to February on weekdays to avoid crowds. It is advised to avoid visiting during the peak monsoon season as the steps become slippery and increase the risk of accidents.
If you’re visiting in summer, it is recommended to start the trek as early as possible to avoid the harsh sun and minimize exhaustion during the trail. On weekends, the trek is known to attract a large crowd, so if you want to avoid waiting in line, it’s better to visit on weekdays. Overall, the post-monsoon season is considered the best time to visit Kalavantin Durg for a pleasant and safe trekking experience.
How to reach the Starting Point of Trek?
The base point for Prabalgad or Kalavantin Durg trek is Thakurwadi which is located around 25 km from Panvel. You can take a train to Mumbai and get down at the Panvel railway station on the Harbour Line. From there, you can walk to the State Transport Bus Station, which is just 5 minutes away, and take a one-hour bus ride to the base village of Thakurwadi. From Thakurwadi, you can either trek on the well-marked route to Prabalmachi or hire a rickshaw. If you’re driving, you can use Google maps to locate Thakurwadi village.
Availability of Public Transport and Taxis
There are multiple ways to reach Prabalgad from where the trek starts of Kalavantin. The route by train & bus is mentioned above while you can also reach by rickshaw. To reach the base village for your trek, start by getting off at the Panvel railway station on the Harbour Line. From there, walk to the highway and take a shared Tum Tum rickshaw to Shedung Phata. At Shedung Phata, you can hire a rickshaw to take you to the Thakurwadi village.
The trekking route is well marked from here, and local guides and stay facilities are available in the base village. You can also book a rickshaw or Tum Tum to the base village, but be sure to negotiate the price before starting your journey.
Availability of Accommodations & Food near the Trek
Food arrangements can be made on top of Prabalmachi or at Kalavantin Durg. You can find food available at the top of Prabalmachi, and many villagers offer homestay and camping options in the Prabalmachi village. You can also bring your own lunch. Water is available at the base village, and small huts sell refreshments on weekends at Kalavantin Durg.
Difficulty Level of Kalavantin Durg Trek
Kalavantin Durg is a medium to hard level trek in Maharashtra. During monsoon season, the terrain can be marshy, but it is safe to trek if you take the right precautions and approach it with calm and patience. On weekends, the route can be crowded as there is only one way to ascend and descend, so be prepared to give way to trekkers in the opposite direction.
The trek includes different levels where you can stop, but reaching the summit requires you to prepare for a vertical rock climb. This climb is not impossible, and trekkers are usually helpful, but it is not ideal for solo trekkers. The summit of the mountain is a cliff, and the key to overcoming any fear of heights is to face the wall and keep trekking. Ultimately, if you have a passion for trekking, you will be able to complete the climb.
Physical & Mental Preparation Required for Trek
Before embarking on the Kalavantin Durg trek, it is important to wear appropriate footwear like sports shoes or trekking shoes with a good grip. The trek activity may be postponed or delayed due to weather conditions, and travelers should be prepared for this possibility. Personal expenses and items are not included in the trek package, and any meals or transfers not mentioned in the itinerary will not be covered.
It is crucial to follow proper safety precautions and take one step at a time during the climb. If you have any medical conditions like heart problems or high blood pressure, it is important to inform the trek leader before booking or after completing the booking. The trek leader’s decision should be respected in case of a medical emergency.
