It was Monday, right in the middle of office hours, when out of nowhere, I got a call from my college buddy asking if I wanted to join a spontaneous trek with a trekking group. Without giving it much thought, I quickly replied, Yes, let’s go! and reserved my spot for the trek.
I did this trek back in 2020, and I’m posting about it a bit late. But hey, better late than never!
The Trek Day
Friday’s office work was a bit overwhelming, but I managed to finish it. After getting stuck in traffic for an hour, I finally made it home. I went straight to bed and set an alarm, but when it actually rang at midnight, the whole trekking plan felt like a joke. Getting up at that hour? No chance, I just wasn’t in the mood.
Then, right at 12:05 AM, my friend voice buzzed on the phone – Hello, be ready in 10 minutes, we are leaving for trek.
Me: No I’m out. Not feeling it.
Shekhar: Whaaaat? Why ?
Me: I don’t know, it’s just… maybe my office work was too much, and I need rest. Sometimes, the universe whispers, stay in bed, and you just have to listen.
He ignored everything I said.
Shekhar: Aja aja chalege chalege
Me: Nahi nahi
Shekhar: chal chal chal
Me: Nahi nahi nahi..
The same lines repeated for two minutes. I took a few deep breaths, shook off the thoughts, and left my home, choosing to skip sleep for the moment.
Kalavantin is located in the Western ghats, near the Parabalgad fort in the Rajgad district of Maharashtra. It is popular trekking destination near pune. There is series of rock cut steps leading to the top of the pinnacle. According to local guides, it was built for a queen called Kalavantin in the 15th century around the same as the neighbouring Parabalgad. This pinnacle was used by rulers to keep an eye on surrounding area. It is categorised as medium to difficult trek in Maharashtra.
The moment we began hiking through the pitch-dark trails, relying only on the limited light from torches and phones, with the chilly air making way for the warmth of exertion, I started second-guessing my decision. But as we covered almost half the distance and paused for our first break, it hit me – this is exactly why I came. 😉
Things to Carry on Kalavantin Durg trek
- 2 to 3 litres of water.
- Trekking/ hiking shoes provide more grip and comfort on the trek.
- Torch.
- Dry fruits, snacks, energy Bars.
- Day Backpack.
- Sun Cap and Sunscreen.
- Personal First aid and Personal Medicine.
- Identity Proof.
- Wear full pants – protect yourself from thorns and insects.
The moon, our only constant companion.
Lying on the ground with this view feels infinitely better than being confined to the comfort of my room.
A few never showing a hint of tiredness.
There’s a serene silence, and each of us is lost in our own moment of reflection.
Some hike for moments of pure solitude and peace.
Here comes the Sun 🙂
Starting my weekend on a mountain top with a sunrise, can anything possibly top this?
I don’t think so 🙂
A view of Thakurwadi village from the top.
We hiked up this mountain in the faint light of our torches.
The rock-cut stairs, carved into the Kalavantin durg
The group and the trek leader.
The lesson I learned is that sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed, especially at night. But once you make that decision and face a few minutes of discomfort, you’re rewarded with the view of another mountain and the beauty of a new sunrise. And trust me, it’s all worth it.
CurlyGirlyTravely 