The fort of Kalavantin Durg can be found near the city of Mumbai, in the Western Ghats or the Sahyadri Mountains, in India.It is located on a plateau very close to Matheran, but unlike Matheran Prabalgad fort does not have a good source of water supply.
It was known as Muranjan until it was taken over and renamed by the Maratha forces under Shivaji's rule. The fort has a sister fort, Irshalgad. Kalavantin Durg is located at an elevation of 2300 feet, lays just opposite of Prabalgad and is visible from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. According to legend it was built for a queen named Kalavantin but that really seems to be all that anybody knows.
The steps leading up to the fort were cut into the rock of the hill, a very impressive feat. If this geological formation was present in many other countries it would be fenced off and no one would be allowed to climb it. In India Kalvantin Durg is also called the Climb to Heaven. No rail on the edge and no ropes on the wall, God forbid if you have vertigo. Worst of all, the hardest part is coming down.
At the top of Kalavantin Durg you can see the Peb, Chanderi, Matheran, Karnala, and Ershal forts. The city of Mumbai itself can also be seen. It is believed that the Fort was built around the time of Buddha or around or before 500 BCE. Technically this fascinating place is abandoned in the sense that it is not used for its original purpose, but it gets visits from tourist and locals often and is easily accessible from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
October to May is the most recommended time to go there. You need to stay away from trekking in monsoons as the steps get very slippery. A number of instructions must be followed during the trek to ensure maximal safety. There is no source of water there, so carry at least 3 or 4 litres.
I. C.
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