Everything about Kalavantin Durg Trek

Where is Kalavantin Durg?

The Kalavantin Durg fort is on the mountains near the Mumbai Pune highway, close to Panvel. It’s right across from Prabalgad fort and you can see it clearly from the highway. Long ago, tribes say it was built for a queen named Kalavantin. The steps up to the fort are cut into the rock of the hill. From the top, you can see Matheran hill, Chanderi, Peb, Ershal, and Karnala forts, plus Mumbai city. Every Holi Festival, the Adivasi people from Machi-Prabal village dance at the top of Kalavantin fort. They’ve had a connection with the fort for ages, and it’s a big part of their history.

How to reach Kalavantin Durg?

Self Drive: If you’re planning a trip to Prabalgad or Kalavantin Durg, starting from Thakurwadi is the way to go. It’s about 25 km from Panvel, so the easiest way to get there is by driving from Panvel. The drive from Mumbai to Thakurwadi is super scenic, making it a perfect weekend getaway.

Bus: Alternatively, you can catch a state transport bus from Mumbai to Panvel. Once you’re in Panvel, there are regular buses heading to Thakurwadi Village. It’s a short ride, only about 15 km, taking around 25-30 minutes, and costing about INR 30. Or, you can opt for a Tum-Tum (shared auto) to get to the base village.

Train: For the cheapest option, take the train. The best way to reach Thakurwadi village (the base village for Kalavantin Durg Trek) is via railways. Panvel railway station is the closest one, and it’s well connected to other parts of the country. From there, you can hire a ride like a tum-tum or auto-rickshaw to reach Thakurwadi. 

Best time to Visit Kalavantin Durg

The best time to visit the fort is during the rainy season and right after it. But, because it gets really busy, the local government says you can’t trek to Kalavantin Durg during the rainy season. You can still go there any time of the year, though. Just so you know, it gets super crowded during the rainy season, so try to get there early to beat the crowds.

From June to September:

That’s the best time to go to Kalavantin Durg, especially because it’s rainy season in Maharashtra. Everything is so green and the weather’s nice and cool. It’s like walking through a fairy tale with all the waterfalls and misty mountains. But be careful, the trail can get slippery in the rain. Make sure you wear good hiking shoes and take rain gear to stay dry and safe. And check the weather forecast before you go.

However, due to overcrowding, bans are placed by the local government to trek till Kalavantin Durg during the monsoon season. Please check with the local campsites before starting.

From November to February:

If you don’t like the rain, no problem. November to February is another good time to visit, during winter. The weather’s milder, perfect for a trek without all the rain. Whether you go in the rainy season or winter, Kalavantin Durg will give you some awesome memories. Just make sure you plan well, stay safe, and have fun!

Things to do at Kalavantin Durg:

Trekking to Kalavantin Durg: The trek up to Kalavantin Durg is tough and takes about 3-4 hours. You’ll encounter stone steps, rocky areas, and some steep climbs along the way. It’s a bit of a challenge, so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks to keep you going.

Exploring the Fortress: Once you make it to the top, take some time to check out the fortress and the area around it. This defense was built back in the 15th century and served as a lookout tower for the rulers of the region. Inside, there are water tanks and caves where soldiers used to hide during battles.

Photography: Kalavantin Durg is a hot spot for photographers because of its stunning views of the hills and valleys nearby. You can snap some awesome pictures of the fortress and the scenery around it.

Bird Watching: The Western Ghats is home to lots of different bird species, and you can see plenty of them around Kalavantin Durg. Keep an eye out for birds like the Malabar Whistling Thrush, Indian Pitta, and Indian Paradise Flycatcher.

Nature Walk: Take a stroll around the fortress and explore the area nearby. The Western Ghats is known for its diverse plant and animal life, so you might spot some interesting flora and fauna while you’re out and about.

Camping: After your trek, why not camp out at Prabalmachi near the fortress? It’s a popular spot for adventure lovers and offers a cool way to experience the beauty of the Western Ghats up close.