Kalavantin Durg is a 2,250 ft (686 m) high summit located in the Western Ghats, near the Prabalgad fort in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. It is also known as Kelve Teen, Kalavantinicha Sulka, or Kalavantin Pinnacle; alternative transliterations include Kalawantin, Kalavati, and Kalavanti. It is a popular trekking destination.
There is a series of steps leading to the top of the pinnacle, but little is known about the history of structure. According to local guides, it was built for a queen called Kalavantin in the 15th century, around the same time as the neighbouring Prabalgad.[1]
In Marathi language the word "Durg" means fort. Although it is called as "Kalavantin Durg", there is no fort. Kalavantin is a pinnacle which was used by the ruler to have watch on surrounding area.
The trek to the top of the Kalavantin Durg is considered one of the most challenging ones in the Western Ghats. The summit is accessible via a 3 km hike from the Thakurwadi village in Karjat taluka. After Prabalmachi village (2 km from Thakurvadi), the hike route diverges into two paths: the shorter one towards Kalavantin Durg, and the longer one towards Prabalgad fort.[2] The route to the Kalavantin top is a roughly 60-degree incline, and involves climbing rock-cut steps that are as high as 2 feet.
Kalavantin Durg is a perfect one day trek (I Will does not recommend it for beginner trekkers). one can easily reach Kalavantin Durg from Panvel railway station. Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad and close by so one can complete both the forts in one day. The base village of Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad is Thakurvadi Village. From Panvel, ST bus, private auto, TumTum, and taxies are available. ST bus has a very poor frequency so I suggest hiring an auto or taxi (Depends on how big is your group or you can find some trekkers on the way who are going to the same location and then you can hire an Auto/taxi. it will cost you Rs 100-150 by an auto/taxi.
from the base village (Thakurvadi) one has to walk from 3-4 Hrs to reach Kalavantin Durg. at the Start, you will have to pay Rs. 50 per person as an Entry frees. Here they will check your bag and Cigarettes, lighter/ matchbox, Alcoholic drinks, Sharp weapons are strictly prohibited.
If you have any other doubts, please ask me in the comment box. Thank you.
