Kalavantin Durg Trek

We are back again with another trek. This time we went to Kalavantin and Prabalgad, which we will cover in two separate blogs. When we decided to go on trekking our only destination was Kalavantin, but we ended up covering Prabalgad also in the same day. We chose Kalavantin based on the difficulty level, a little more than our previous Mahuli Trek. Also, it looked challenging in photographs and various accounts we read online. This time we had proper trekking gear - trekking shoes, trekking poles (one for each of us) and trekking bag.

Start of the hiking trail

This time we knew it would be hot so we left at 5:30 in the morning. But as soon as we left from our home, we found that out bike had no fuel. So we wasted around 30 minutes searching for an open petrol pump. Finally we got fuel and left for Kalavantin. To reach the parking spot you will need to reach the Thakurvadi village. You can ask the villagers to reach the parking spot. It took us around 1 hour 45 minutes to reach the parking spot from Powai. There is a small shop at the parking are but it was closed at that time. We paid for the parking and started on our trail.

Feeding our dog friend

We both were very hungry and had very less water. The old lady at the parking spot told us that after hiking trail for some time we will come across a hotel where we can have some food. So with that hope we started the hike but my partner got an injury in the eye and for some time we were deciding whether to continue or go back and see doctor. Finally, we decided to continue and handle things as they would come. There were decent number of trees on the hiking trail, so, it was easy to bear the heat. There was a very clear trail which we had to follow, but we could see some enthusiasts doing mountain climbing to cut short their distance. We followed the regular trail. We walked for almost 30-40 minutes and still had no sign for any hotel. Finally we reached a small shop, which to our disappointment was closed. We moved ahead and after hiking for another 15 minutes we came across an open shop which was selling breakfast, Slice and water. I had a light breakfast and purchased a biscuit, water bottles and a bottle of Slice (as energy booster). We made a dog friend there and fed it biscuits.

Base camp as seen from Kalavantin

Once our hunger was satiated, we moved ahead. After hiking for another 10 minutes we came across another shop which sold, sugarcane juice and cucumbers. We had lemonade and took one cucumber for later use. after hiking for another 20-25 minutes we came across the base camp where we could see various sleeping tents set up by other hikers.

Trail towards Kalavantin base

There was also a decent restaurant to eat. We did not take a break here and moved towards the Kalavantin. The hotel is situated at the edge and the trail to the Kalavantin is through the village. It was a nice trail, with lots of trees and we did not feel much heat. At the other end of the village, from where the hike for kalavantin seriously starts, we saw another person selling lemonades.

Kalavantin Stairs

We kept kept hiking for another 40 minutes and reached the spot from where the Kalavantin stairs start. Another person was selling lemonade there. There was a group coming down so we waited. To reach the stairs we needed to do a bit of rock climbing. Then we climbed all the stairs. From pictures we thought it would be difficult but it was very easy and within 30 minutes we both covered all the stairs.

Temporary flat area before final peak

In between we saw another person selling water and lemonades. Once the stairs are over, you reach a sort of temporary base, after which you have to do a bit of rock climbing to reach to the top of the peak. There was a group coming down so we waited for some time. Someone has made a sort of holding spot, for hands and arms, with the help of a thick wooden stick. This helped the people to climb up and down from the peak. I asked my wife to try a different route, just beside it but height played a factor here and she was not able to. Also, we were a little tired by now, so energy levels were low. I was able to reach the top from that path.

At top of the peak

The view from the top is awesome and you can clearly see the hill on which the Prabalgad fort is situated. Kalavantin Durg used to be a watchtower, as it provided complete 360 degree view of all sides and made it easy for the soldiers to see any approaching enemy. We did some photography of the awesome views and and had the cucumber we purchased earlier.

Rested and satisfied with the achievement we climbed back down and reached at the end of the stairs. There was a group which was talking among themselves and told us that the narrow trail to the left from that point led to the Prabalgad Fort. We will cover the trek to the Prabalgad fort in the next blog as it was an experience in itself and too long for this blog.

Overall, it was a nice experience and even though we expected more challenge, it was fun. There were few contradictions that we found as compared to what we read online before we started this trek. Some important points before going on this trek

• All online information we could gather on Kalavantin mentioned that besides one hotel at the base camp, there was no facility for water or eatables, but you can find a lot of small shops selling lemonades, water, sugarcane juices, cucumbers etc. all the way to the Kalavantin Peak. But all these shops are open only till 2-3 pm in the afternoon.
• It might look daunting in the pictures, but its at medium difficulty and easily covered, as this was our 3rd hike only. For seasoned trekkers its easy trek
• We were able to reach the top within 3 hours with all the breaks and rests.
• At the hotel you can get tents at rent, pre-booking might also be available (we have not checked). You can also get rooms at rent in the village.
• The Kalavantin Durg picture with the stairs that you see in Google, can only be clicked if you hike the Prabalgad hill too. You can take that shot from there only.
• Carry a trekking pole, reduces stress and a must in rainy reason.

#MandatoryPic - Kalavantin Durg

Prabalgad to be continued in the next blog. Stay tuned.

Till then ta da :)

Hill-Skippers

hill.skippers@gmail.com

P.S. Please do not litter. Keep the nature clean.