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A calm seashore destination, Malvan lies in the heart of Konkan, it is a part of the Konkan coast in western Maharashtra.

We planned a trip or a small budgeted weekend stay at Malvan beach to enjoy the water sports and the food. After working hours instead of getting tired we were filled with enthusiasm and energy as we all knew amazing adventure was waiting for us at the Malvan beach.

In the late evening we boarded our booked bus and headed for Malvan beach. It was a 11 Hrs long journey.

How to reach Malvan beach…

Day 1:

Refreshing after the long journey…

After reaching Malvan Depot in the morning at around 7:00 AM, we headed towards our booked room. We have done the booking on call and made reservation for a room.

We quickly got refreshed, had our morning breakfast and tea and asked the room owner for water sports on the Malvan beach.

With his reference we met one of the broker we arrange water sports at the malvan beach. We bargained for the price of all water sports and then came to the conclusion of paying Rs 1500 per head for all water sports.

Malvan beach…

Soon we headed to the Malvan beach which was few meters away from our stay. Malvan beach has smooth silky sand which feels soft under your feet as you walk and explore the beach. Also the sea water and the sky is clear with fresh air for breathing.

We met the broker who was going to arrange for our water sports and headed out to our first water sport which was Scuba Diving.

Scuba Diving…

From the Coast, they took us to the center of the ocean, near the Sindhudurg fort for Scuba Diving. Along with us there were other 4 members on the boat which took us to the scuba diving spot.

When we reached to the Scuba Diving spot we were transferred to another boat where professionals (people, mostly locals whose daily job is in the ocean and are good swimmers) along with other tourists were there. The boat which bought us to the Scuba diving spot exchanged the tourists from other boat and again headed to the cost.

Turn by turn we started our activity. We were provided with Oxygen cylinders, face mask which covers your nose completely and you need to breathe from your mouth and our body was tied with weights so that we can go down till the sea bed.

Initially the instructors guide us on how to use our oxygen cylinders and after that they take us to the bottom of the occean. Underneath the occean the water is crystal clear and you can have amazing view of the corals and differents types of colorful fishes around you.

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Video shooting and photo shooting is done by the professionals, you just need to follow their instructions and keep yourself calm when you are underneath the water.

After the scuba diving, we went to have our lunch and took rest for half an hour. After that we went to other water sports which included Banana ride, Jetski ride, Bumper ride and Parasailing.

Bumper ride…

Jetski Ride…

Parasailing…

Enjoying the Sunset on the Speed Boat…

After parasailing it was almost evening we enjoyed on the speed boat on our way back to the cost enjoying the amazing sunset view.

After completing all day enjpyment we proceeded to our stay place where we had our dinner and slept.

Day 2:

This was our last day at Malvan and also we need to catch our Bus to Mumbai at 3PM from Malvan Depot. So first thing was to explore the Tarkarli beach.

Tarkarli beach is attached to Malvan beach cost and is also famous for its white sand, clear water and the water sports.

After exploring the tarkarli beach we again went back to Malvan beach and from there took the ferry towards the Sindhudurg fort built by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj on an island.

The ferry to the fort costs you around Rs 70 per head which includes return cost as well. We explored the Sindhudurg fort for some time and had a photo shoot and enjoyed the coastal view from the top.

After exploring the fort, we hurried back to the Malvan beach as we need to catch our Bus. We returned back to Mumbai with loads of memories and a mesmerizing experiences. It was an indeed pleasant weekend for rejuvenating ourselves from the normal daily life.

Yeva Konkan Aploch Assa!!! : Weekend trip to Malvan beach A calm seashore destination, Malvan lies in the heart of Konkan, it is a part of the Konkan coast in western Maharashtra.

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Why Kalavantin Durg should be in your Bucket list…

Sai enjoying the view after the climb

Group Selfie with fellow trekkers

Exploring kalavantin peak from Prabal Machi

Lying in the western ghats of Maharashtra and standing tall at a hefty height of 2300 feets above sea level, Kalavantin Durg is one of the dangerous fortress. Since this fort was constructed in honor of Queen Kalavantin it is so called today. It was used as a watch tower to keep a watch on the surroundings.

After an intense climb through rugged terrain, narrow rock cut steps and steep slopes with no support this fort gives you a panoramic view of the mountains around the Kalavantin Durg.

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Matheran hills, Chanderi forts, Karnala fort, Irshalgad and Peb fort can be seen from the peak of the Kalavantin Durg once you reached at the top. Owing to its dangerous nature and bird’s eye view of immense beauty from the top, it is famed as the “Climb to heaven.”

How to reach Kalavantin Fort…

Route to Kalavantin Durg.

In order to reach the base station of the Kalavantin Fort (Thakurwadi village), one can take a public transport from Panvel station. ST buses (State Transport buses) and also share Auto (Tum-Tum rickshaw in local language) are available.

People travelling from ST buses should better take note of timings of the bus. People travelling from Mumbai can follow route Panvel local train –> Panvel Bus station/ Auto rickshaw to Thakurwadi village. ST bus tickets are Rs 12 and Share auto Six seater Charge 200-250 per head.

People travelling through Private vehicles, can reach the base station within 45 mins. Distance from Panvel station to Thakurwadi village is around approx 15 Kms.One has to take Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH4) and from Shedung Phata there is route towards the Thakaurwadi. 

Mumbai to kalavantin route

 Pune to kalavantin route

My trekking experience of Kalavantin fort….

My first night trek…

We planned the trek to the Kalavantin fort during the summer in the month of April, so trekking during the day time to this fort would have been energy consuming due to too much of heat. Hence, we decided to have a night trek which would make feasible for us to climb without bearing the heat of the sun.

 We began our journey from Panvel station towards Kalavantin around 8:30 PM at night. We reached the base station Thakurwadi village with 45 mins of time. We had planned to climb halfway till Prabal machi (Prabal plateau) where we can get food and tents from the hotel located on it.

Getting ready for Night Climb

Checkpoint before the climb…

As you reach to the foot of the mountain there is a chowki where checking of bags and Rs 50 fee is collected from travellers. Here people of forest department and villagers have united to make sure safety of the trekkers and to ensure no alcohol is being taken to the fort.Some people may ask why these fees? well people from Kalavantin and Prabal provide facilities during th last patch of the climb which is done with the help of rope.

They support to all the people who are experienced or non-experienced duirng this last patch to get at the top of the fort which is too risky.And yes our decision to trek at night was absolutely right. We easily climbed till the Prabal machi within one and half hour time without taking too much breaks.

Night halt/stay at Prabal Machi…

At the plateau there is a small hotel  which offer trekkers with food such as breakfast, lunch dinner at reasonable rates. Also tents and bonfire services can be availed from them.As soon as we reached the Prabal machi, we lost in the splendid view of the city from the top. The view was just amazing. We took a break of around 10 mins and then headed to the hotel for night stay query.

Night camping, tents, talks and enjoying view from Prabal plateau…

As we were 4 people, we rented 2 tents, in which one tent can accomaodte two people. We were charged Rs 400 for each tent, making the tent ready and providing blankets for night were included in that cost. After having dinner from the hotel we chit-chatted making plans for our next treks. enjoying the view.

Getting set for night stay

Night view from inside the tent

The night during which we planned this trek was a full moon day and we were really mesmerized with the beautiful view the Klavantin fort and Prabal Fort provided during the full moon night.

Kalavantin and Prabalgad during full moon night

As time passed by we started feeling chilled and pleasant. We then, went into our tents for sleep as rest of journey we had planned to cover early in the moring.

Early morning start to the Kalavantin Durg…

We woke up around 5.45 AM in the morning to start early and avoid the summer heat during the climb. After getting fresh we sat at one point having our breakfast observing the panaromic view of the mountains covered in the morning mist and fog. Its was like sitting on the clouds and viewing the world from the top.

Early morning view of Karnala fort from Prabal Plateau

After finishing our breakfast and morning tea and without wasting any time we began our climb to the heaven.

There is a cave on the way towards up, it is a small cave, and some meters long. Some people say it is a secret route to Prabalgad.

Small cave on the route to Kalavantin

Soon after a medium climb, we reached at the second last patch, from this point is the real challenge and risk.

One should take atmost care and have a firm grip of his hands and legs to avoid any accident.This climb is too inclined, one can have a view of the deep valley between the Prabal fort and Kalavantin fort if one dares to during the climb.  

While climbing the steps one should use both his hands and legs as the height of the steps comes upto your knees and there is no support to grab with your hands. Therefore it is advisible to climb the steps holding both the hands and legs and crawl upstairs.

It is also advised not to take selfies during this patch as there are incidents of accidents reported. This is extremely dangerous patch so climbing safe by taking care of yourself and fellow travellers must be kept in mind.

Once you reach at the final patch which is completely inclined rock, you need to climb up with the help of rope. There are two support persons who will guide you to climb with help of rope.

Rope climbing for last patch of kalavantin durg

One must have a firm grip on the rope and must not leave his grip whatsoever.

After completing this patch you are at the top of the Kalavantin Durg, it completely feels heaven by the surrounding view of the blue sky, clouds and the fog covered mountains.

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Orange Maratha Empire Flag with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj riding on Horse stands tall on the peak of Kalavantin fort. Its indeed heaven up there, you feel relaxed and all the tireness you felt during the climb just vanishes away while admiring the beauty around.

Conclusion:

One who wants to explore this fort, can visit any time of the year except during the monsoon. The rock steps and the inclined climb is extremely slippery and may cost you your life if you are not careful enough. So it is strongly adviced to avoid visiting Klavantin during Monsoon. There are many accidents where people have lost their lives while climbing this fort and hence it is called as one of the dangerous fortress.

People suffering from Vertigo should avoid this trek, as this can be dangerous for themselves and also fellow travellers. 

Reagrading planning your trip, it will be most convinient if you plan to stay at night at the Prabal machi and then continue your trek next day early morning. Planning so, you can enjoy night trek experience and also beginning the trek early will give you best views and moments of life by exploring the sunrise from the top and the morning fog covered mountains. Happy Trekking…!!!

   Climb to heaven: Trek to Kalavantin Durg Why Kalavantin Durg should be in your Bucket list... Lying in the western ghats of Maharashtra and standing tall at a hefty height of 2300 feets above sea level, Kalavantin Durg is one of the dangerous fortress.

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17 reasons why you should start Trekking

1. Planning a trip is more exciting than planning your careeer.

What say people…Hard truth but yes…Planning a trip is more exciting than planning your career.

Getting everyone together for an adventure to remeber is indeed an exciting job rather to built your own career. Though career is most importatnt things of one life, but you all will agree planning a trip is more exciting may not be important for a person.

Planning a trip is a theraphy for some people no matter what, they make travel happen.

So why not plan a trekking trip to a beautiful spot and get going with your trekking buddies.

“ALL GOOD THINGS ARE WILD AND FREE”

2. Learn to walk.

Way to the second patch of the fort

Royal Sahyadri trekkers ready for the Devkund trek

Did you remeber last time when have you walked for more than a mile?

If you have then I am pretty sure it wont be during your normal day routine.

An average person hardly walks 1,000 to 2,000 steps per day. Nowadays each one of us are using vehicles for transportation even for covering a short distance. Transportation have become our everyday habit and we have forgot to walk.

Nowadays each one of us are using vehicles for transportation even for covering a short distance. 

When you trek you learn to walk, you learn to use your natural capability i.e walking.

Walking is cheap, fun, safe and acceptable exercise.

“IN EVERY WALK WITH NATURE ONE RECEIVES FAR MORE THAN HE SEEKS”

3. To know our history.

Absolutely…!!! Every Fort on that mighty Mountain has its own Unique story. Story of Bravery, story of our ancestor martyrs, story of our rich history…

Have you ever wondered Maratha warriors not only used to climb the forts, but also battle and win the fort.

And today’s generation on the other hand thinks twice even before they climb the fort. We are already so tired when we are not even half our way of the climb.

Trekking to these forts wont only give you an idea about ancient era, but you will also explore and experience it as you climb the fort.

4. Get out of your comfort zone.

We are so addicted to the facilities and amenities in today’s world that we just don’t accept to come out of our comfort zone.

People go crazy even if the speed of their internet connection is slowed down. Sitting in front of the TV screens and mobiles people just tend to forget the real world.

When you are at home for a day you don’t even get off from that cozy sofa or bed chilling yourself within the AC room.

Get out of your comfort zone and enjoy the nature. Its not like you need to go for trekking to come out of your comfort zone but, trekking does make you outstand from the every other comfort zone you are till now.

Trekking will show you the real nature, will show you what is to get tired actually, will show you nights under the shinny moon, will show you what is to feel the natural breeze of air.

Trekking will bring the new you who wants to explore the world out of his comfort zone.

“THERE IS NO WI-FI IN THE FOREST, BUT I PROMISE YOU WILL FIND A BETTER CONNECTION”

5. Take up the challenge and climb

Have you ever challenged your yourself to do something different than you normally do?

If not then challenge yourself to trek at the top of the mountain and find yourself doing the unexpected thing which you wouldn’t think off you will do.

While you trek, the nature challenges you in every possible way. Its up to you how to overcome the challenge and head towards your destination.

Taking up the challenge and finishing the trek by being at the top gives you a self confidence to overcome difficulties in life.

6. Learn about ourselves, about nature, about life.

Flora on the Fort

Our team leader/guide and inspiration

Ant hill Architect by the mighty little ants

Get to know about the person whom you must aim to improve upon…Its no one else but yourself. 

Know what are your capapbilities, know what are your strenghts and know how can you defeat your weaknesses and transform yourself into a better helathy person.

Trekking will bring you close to nature, will give you important life lessons, will help you to relax and help yout to know yourself as a better person.

“IT’S NOT ABOUT JUST GETTING CLOSE TO THE NATURE, ITS ABOUT GETTING CLOSE TO YOURSELF”

7. Commuting is not travelling.

Average people’s daily routine is catching Train/Bus reach to office, again go back home catching the same Train/Bus. People call this travelling, which is not at all true.

There is a huge difference between a traveler and a commuter. A commuter is a person that regularly travels from one place to other typically for work while traveler is a person who travels to distant land to explore new things.

Again there are people who go on long business trips at distant places, they also cannot be called as travelers, they are tourists.

So just just come out of your commuting life and be a traveler to experience the change.

“BE A TRAVELLER NOT A TOURIST”

8. Exercise our lungs.

Trekking takes lots of stamina depending upon the level of trek. Its a lot of physical movement which includes walking and stretching continuously. 

Its like exercising your whole body including your lungs. Heavy breathing, feeling tired while climbing exercises your lungs and also increases your lung capacity.

Trekking will improve your body flexibility, improve your endurance and helps your body to use oxygen more efficiently which improves your breathing.

“FEEL THE BREATHE OF NATURE”

9. Socialize out of our Digital world with real peoples.

Trekking partners

Selfie break

Socializing is what people only do through social media.

People socialize with person that they even dont know or on the basis of their social media profile.

Try to remember the last new person you have met and been friends? wasn’t it directly or indirectly through social media?

Exactly!!! There are very few people you meet and be friends with without having any connection on social media.

When you go out for trekking, you find different people with different cultures, different trek groups sharing one common hobby and madness.

10. So that you wont regret it when you are old.

People often put big trips off until retirement only to find their health failing when they are ready to go.

Yes, you get lessons to save for your retirement, for marriage, for emergency, etc, etc.

But just think of it for a second, you are going to retire anyways, but what about your present life? what of you as an individual? emergency is unpredictable and you can’t have control over these things.

What you have control over is your present, in which you need to live your life. Don’t worry about the money as what matters is the life time experience you will get.

So just don’t think about trekking just do it, it will be the best decision of your life and I promise you won’t regret.

11. Improve your will Power.

Do you quit up early and easily when you plan to do things?

Do you loose focus while achieving your goals?

Then trekking is the thing which you must definitely take. This is the thing where you will find out your true strenghts and will power to acheive your goal.

While trekking passion to reach at the top of the mountain will take over your emotions to quit easily. Here you will experience what are your strenghts and how to overcome your weaknesses.

You have only two options to climb and be on the top of the world or head back and stay where you are.  

“THIS IS WHERE YOU FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE”

12. To taste the happiness of muscle fatigueness.

There is something different to bear the pain of muscle fatigueness while climbing. You put your whole body strenght while trekking.

Each and every part of the body is being exercised and you feel the pain and pleasure at the same time as you focus on your goal i.e to reach at the top.

You feel tired, but enjoy this at the same time as the beauty of the nature don’t let you stop. You want to explore more and more so you bear the muscle fatigueness to explore and enjoy nature and have a great adventure. 

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts; it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you – it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you… Hopefully, you leave something good behind”

13. Stories to tell.

Every trekker has his own unique story to tell about the mountains he climbed and visited. Its very amazing feeling to share your stories and experience with other fellow trekkers you meet.

Who knows who gets inspires from your told stories and began to start trekking to have his own share of adventurous experience.

14. Disconnect yourself from Metropolian life.

Aren’t you bored of the hectic Metropolian life? Crowdy places, Noisy environment, Unclean air, concrete jungle… 

Won’t you love to be somewhere where you meet people having same tastes, place where you find mental calmness, fresh air to breathe and natural greenery surrounding you.

Giving up infrastructural conveninence and energy of city for a quaint and peaceful life is a challenge not meant for most.

But there are some people who pull it off. They run to the call of clean air and unadulterated simplicity and revel its beauty.

“YOU HAVE BRAINS IN YOUR HEAD. YOU HAVE FEET IN YOUR SHOES. YOU CAN STEER YOURSELF ANY DIRECTION YOU CHOOSE. YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN. AND YOU KNOW WHAT YOU KNOW. AND YOU ARE THE ONE WHO WILL DECIDE WHERE TO GO “

15. Peace of Mind.

Myself ready for the climb

The massive structure of Torna

Most of us live in cities which are filled with competitors. Competition for life, competetion to stay ahead of each other, competetion for money, competition for a better life style.

These things disturbs ones peace of mind. People tend to be so busy competeting each other they forget to relax thus losing their peace of mind.

But whom will you or others will compete in the mountains? Your fellow trekker? who are busy admiring nature and testing themselves. Even if you or any other person try to compete, you will soon realize that you are ruining your own trekking expereince.

Trekking helps to get that peace of mind which you won’t get in the city life. Each time you go to the mountains, you will return a better version of yourself with inner peace.

“GO SOMEWHERE YOU FIND YOURSELF”

16. Leaving a normal life isn’t intresting anymore.

Trekking is about thrill, its about adventure, its about pushing yourself at your best. Its far behind a normal life.

You develop intrest in nature once you began to connect with nature. You soon leave behind your normal routine and start loving the mountains.

So if you want to experience the thrill and come out of your normal life trekking is definately for you.

17. Safar Khubsoorat hai Manjil se bhi…

Our team leader/guide and inspiration

The massive structure of Torna

Way from where the flow of Devkund waterfall goes into the Kundalika river

Manjil (Goal) of a trekker is not only to climb and reach at the top of the mountain but to mesmerize the safar (journey) whle reaching at the top.

This journey teaches you many things and lessons of life, hence it is khubsoorat (beautiful) than reaching at the Manjil (goal) itself.

In this journey you come across nature’s beauty, flora and fauna around you, make new fellow mates, know your strenghts and weaknesses to work upon which makes the journey itself a beautiful experience.

When you come back from the mountains you are a better and a different version of yourself.

“Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome.”

17 reasons why you should start Trekking 17 reasons why you should start Trekking 1. Planning a trip is more exciting than planning your careeer.

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Distinctive for its thumb shaped pinnacle Karnala fort is located at Raigad district along the Mumbai-Goa highway. Ringed by the Karnala Bird sanctuary and bounded by the natural greenery the fort is approx 14 Km from the Panvel city and approx 65 Km from Mumbai. The height of the fort is around 1440 ft and one may take 60 to 90 mins depending on his endurance for heading at the top from the base camp.

Best time to visit the Karnala fort…

The best time to visit the fort is in winter or monsoons. If you are visiting on monsoons, go preparing yourselves for continuous rains and slippery routes. If you manage to reach the top you can have stunning view of the fort pinnacle/ pandu tower covered with the clouds and surrounding area totally covered with green vegetation.

How do you reach Karnala..?

Mumbai to Karnala route:

Route to reach Karnala Fort from Mumbai

First route:

         via Bengaluru – Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai – Pandharpur                   Rd/Mumbai – Pune Hwy/Sion – Panvel Expy

     2. Second route:

        via Eastern Express Hwy/Mumbai – Agra National Hwy and Bengaluru –          Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai – Pandharpur Rd/Mumbai – Pune              Hwy/Sion – Panvel Expy

The above route is for those who own personal vehicles and travelling from Mumbai.

For those who don’t own personal vehicle can visit from following route:

Reach Panvel station from local train. (Panvel is the nearest Railway station to Karnala Fort)

You can after hire share auto/cab from Panvel station towards Karnala Fort.

Pune to Karnala Route:

Pune to Karnala Fort route

via Bengaluru – Mumbai Hwy/Mumbai – Pune Hwy/Mumbai – Pune Expy

My experience to the Karnala fort…

The Karnala fort trek was my first ever experience of trekking which gave me a pleasant taste of this sport always wanting to explore more. It was of medium level difficulty for me as it was my initial trek and I would personally recommend this fort if you are rookie trekker.

Since it is located near to Mumbai this would make an amusing one day trek for stress relieving yourself from ones fast pacing life.

“Collect MOMENTS not THINGS”

Tip: The trek will be more pleasant one if you reach at the earliest to the spot. There is a saying “Early bird catches the worm,” so if you reach early you will be able to mesmerize the cool environment and also may catch a glance of the birds in the forests. As you climb the fort you will get to enjoy the view of the rising sun which is just awesome from the top. Besides this you will also beat the heat of the sun.

Entrance from base station

 Once you reach to the base station of the Karnala fort, you need to go through security check by the forest department. This is just for precaution purpose to avoid littering of waste by the tourists. Here are the things one must carry during the trek.

Checking point before entering the Karnala bird sanctuary…

If you are carrying any plastic bottles or bags for carrying water or energy drinks, eatables, etc, the person at the counter will check them and you are asked to pay a refundable amount which you get after the tour on showing the person exact same quantity of plastic bottles or bags.

According to me this is a good initiative taken by the forest department to preserve the beauty of the nature and maintain cleanliness.

Charges for entering the Karnala bird sanctuary…

You are also charged for parking and also a fee called as Upadrav shulk (अपड्रेव शुल्क) i.e trekking fee. The charges are as below:

Visiting Charges:

For Indian Tourists: ₹ 30

Indian Kids: ₹ 15

For Foreign Tourists: ₹ 60

Foreign Kids: ₹ 30

Camera Charges:

For Photography

For Indian Tourist: ₹ 100

For Foreign tourists: ₹ 200

For Video shooting

For Indian Tourist: ₹ 250

For Foreign tourists: ₹ 500

Parking Charges:

Two-wheeler: ₹ 25

Four-wheeler: ₹ 100

Bus: ₹ 250

अपड्रेव शुल्क: ₹ 5 each

Sign board showing way to Karnala fort

Beginning of the trek after crossing the Bird Sanctuary…

After walking 150-200 mt from the entrance through the plain road, you will reach where all canteens are located and this is the point from where exactly the trek starts.

As you march ahead making your way up, you will come across monkeys which are quite an entertainment till the top. After the trek you can calm yourself in the canteens and fill your stomach will delicacy.

Beware of the monkeys….

Stay away from monkeys when you are having your snacks or bites to avoid unwanted attention from them.

There are many cases where monkeys snatch away tourists belonging. Don’t expect to get them back once taken by these animals. Monkeys won’t harm you until and unless you provoke them to do so.

Early morning sun ray passing through the woods.

Exploring the beauty of forest and enjoying morning breeze…

As mentioned earlier, if you begin early you will be lucky enough to catch the glimpse of beauty of the nature as you ascend upwards. Morning sun rays passing through the the branches and leaves of the tree is just bewitching.

As you walk through the middle of the woods with the birds chirping and melodiously singing in the morning, you feel the cool breeze touching your body and passing is just a fascinating feeling. Here are some advantages of starting trek early.

Small mushrooms on your way to the Karnala Fort

Flora and Fauna in the way of Karnala fort…

On your way you will come across many diversified species of flowers, small animals and insects. The little mushroom umbrellas rising from the roots of a tree are eye pleasing.

Challenges you need to overcome while climbing Karnala fort…

Describing the first patch of the climb is a bit challenging one as you go ome distance ahead from the starting point.

The route is some what like climbing steps which are naturally created by the roots of the trees encircling you. The patch is a bit inclined and you require quite a strength in your limbs to overcome this patch.

Natural rocky steps

Inclined patch made from roots of trees

Being a mixed combination of rocks and stepped roots the path challenges a beginner trekker.

Also I must mention you will also come across with small crabs in your way, who play hide and seek as you walk across their homes.

After you complete the first patch, you will get some plain ground and an incredible view from the mid height of the mountain. Vehicles from top appear like mini toy cars making their way through the road surrounded by the green patch.

You can relax a bit here to free your muscles and gain back stamina, you can also have couple of clicks as the scenery is juts outstanding.

Selfie break

Monkeys in your way

Soon after you finish the second patch which is just like walk in a park you will reach to the final patch. The second patch is easy to cross as it is plain and you walk through vegetation making your way to the last patch. The pinnacle along with other trekkers are visible climbing the last patch from the second patch.

Sai and me at Second patch

View of pinnacle from second patch

Railings are constructed to cross the last patch to have a firm grip as you climb the inclined surface. After climbing the inclined surface you can look for yourself how long distance you have covered till up.

Ruins of the fort can be seen on the top which can give you an idea of the history of the fort. Also there is a source of water which is naturally stored beneath the den like structure of the pinnacle. This water can be used for drinking as it is pure coming from the basalt rock of the mountain.

The pinnacle of the fort cannot be climbed without a rope as it is too inclined to climb. The flag on the top of the pinnacle is changed by climbing with the help of the rope. This pinnacle is also known as ‘Pandu tower.‘

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There is no shadowy place to relax or sit except the ruins so it is advised to start trek early in the morning before sun is at the top of your head.

Feasting after the trek…

While returning back we took hardly 45 mins to reach back to the starting point. We relaxed ourselves in one of the canteens and had our lunch.

Feasting after the tiring trek

Though we couldn’t have lunch peacefully as there were group on monkeys constantly entering the canteen for food. The canteen owners helped us to have lunch by keeping away the monkeys.

Conclusion: Why you should visit the Pinnacle head Karnala fort…

Overall my first trek experience was very much enchanting and I decided to explore nature through this sport. Karnala being a medium difficulty level trek is advisable to all those people who want to start their first trek. Also trekkers of all age group can easily enjoy this trek with mother nature. If you are a beginner trek do follow this complete guide on how should you proceed for trek.

If you like the post, please do like and comment. Your comments and suggestions are really appreciated…

“TREKKING….It leaves you SPEECHLESS then turns you to a STORYTELLER”

KARNALA FORT: TREK to THUMB shaped Fort. Distinctive for its thumb shaped pinnacle Karnala fort is located at Raigad district along the Mumbai-Goa highway.

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Torna the first fort captured in 1646 by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj at age of 16 during the establishment of Swarajya and the Maratha Empire. Known for it massive structure and the highest fort not only in Pune but all over Maharashtra, it was name as the Prachandgad (Huge fort).

Since Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj started the Swarajya establishment by capturing this fort, it is known as the toran (Garland) of Swarajya. Also there are numerous varieties of flora found on the fort which are used to make garland. Hence, it was renamed as Torna.

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Being 4609 feets above from sea level, it is indeed a challenging fort to climb. Velhe village, which is the base village lies at the foot of this significant fort. Torna Fort is around 25-30 Kms from Nasarapur Phata. Nasarapur Phata lies on the Mumbai-Banglore highway NH-4. Trekkers coming from Pune/Mumbai can catch up bus from Swargate Pune to reach Velhe village or you can get down at Nasarapur and hire sharing vehicle.

“Don’t worry if you are alone in your journey because once you reach the top everyone will want to be with you..”

During our trek, it was not even half the way up of first patch and we were exhausted. The mountain is too inclined, increasing the difficulty of trek. Our journey towards up took 3Hrs as we were resting every few minutes as the climb was very tough. If you have personal vehicle, there is a roadway constructed till some distance upwards (covering first patch of the climb) where you can drive your vehicle. This fort will make you feel tired from the beginning of the trek. One need to keep strong mindset to climb the fort and never quit in the middle of the trek.

After reaching 1/4 th way upwards, one can experience the massiveness of this fort along with the long never ending stretches of Sahayadris all around you.

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From the second patch one can view of both sides of the fort. Also Gunjawne dam built on Kanadh river can be seen from the the second patch.

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The last patch of the climb is a rock patch and is the difficult one. But iron railings are bulit to make the climb easier, so it becomes a bit feasible to climb this patch.

Rock patch with the railing

Once you conquer this patch you will reach to the main enterance of the fort called as Bini Darwaja. This is the main entry to the fort, if you observe carefully you can see huge door hinges made up of rock which were used for opening and closing of the main door.

“You can Rest When You Reach the TOP”

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Moving a bit forward you will come across the Kothi Darwaja which is the huge enterance to enter the premises of the fort. The speciality of the architecture (Gou-Mukh type: In the manner cow turns its neck backwards) of the Kothi Darwaja is that one have to enter the premises of the fort from this U-shaped turn. This U-turn is constructed in such a manner that one entering or attacking the fort cannot view the main enterance door of the fort, but the guards guarding (tat-bandhi) on the buruj (wall of the fort) of the fort can easily keep a watch who is entering the fort.

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Have a look below for the Gou-Mukh Architechture of the Kothi Darwaja.

On the fort there are many old as well as new constructions. There is one newly built constrcution like an Aashram which can be a temporary place for shelter for the trekkers who are wiling for a stay on the fort.

Newly built aashram for the stay of trekkers

There is also an old temple on the fort which is of years old construction on the fort. Trekkers can also be found here for a stay on the fort. This ancient temple is of Godesses Menghai Devi and many pictures of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Mavle can be seen in the temple.

Ancient Menghai Devi temple

There are two machis on the fort, machi is the strongest point or the part of the fort which is the difficult point to capture. Lets have a look at the two machis below.

We first explored the Zunjar machi of the fort. The way to the Zunjar machi is very tough and risky. The path starts from an iron ladder from where you need to decend downwards from the walls of the fort. After coming down from the ladder you need to climb down the small rock patch and then make your way to the Zunjar machi.

Spectacular view of Zunjar machi

Again you need to climb down one rock patch which is very much difficult and risky. It will be advised for only expert trekkers to climb down this route and head towards Zunjar machi or else you can avoid this and experience the machi from above this patch.

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Since I had two experts with me, I decided to climb down under their guidance and made it to the Zunjar machi. From the above pics one can make a judgement how difficult the way is towards the Zunjar machi and why this machi is named so.

“Everything is a RISK…NOT DOING ANYTHING is a RISK….Its upto YOU…”

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After exploring Zunjar machi, we again climbed up the rock patches and went to the other side of the fort i.e near the Konkan Darwaja. This enterance of the fort is named as Konkan Darwaja (Konkan door) as it is faced towards the Konkan region.

From Konkan Darwaja there is a route towards the Budhla machi and Rajgad fort. The path towards Rajgad is of around 5-6 hours. If trekkers plan for a stay then they can visit the Rajgad fort as well along with the Torna fort. Again the architecture of the Konkan Darwaja is same as the Kothi Darwaja.

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The Budhla machi is on the other end of the fort and is on the way towards Rajgad. Due to time constraints we couldn’t visit Budhla machi but we managed to have some good clicks with the Budhla machi.

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We completed exploring the fort in 3 to 3 1/2 Hrs and it was worth the climb. This fort shows us the history of our Maharashtra and how difficult it would be during the old times not only to climb the fort but also fight and capture the fort. Great were the Maratha warriors great was the King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

“झनझविला भगव्याच्या समान तुम्ही, जागविले मरगळलेले मर्द मावळे तुम्ही, घडविले श्रीं चे स्वराज्य तुम्ही, ऐसे श्रीमंत योगी अखंड महाराष्ट्राचे कुलदैवत, श्री राजा शिवछञपती तुम्ही… !!”

TORNA the garland (Toran) of Swarajya: Trek to the Prachandgad Torna the first fort captured in 1646 by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj at age of 16 during the establishment of Swarajya and the Maratha Empire.

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