Kalavantin Durg

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 (2 mile) hike from the Thakurwadi village in Panvel taluka. After Prabalmachi village (2 km; 1¼ miles 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.^[1]

In December 2016, 27-year old Hyderabad-based trekker Rachita Gupta Kanodia died during a trek to Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad. Her body was found around 10 days after her death. She had earlier climbed the Kalavantin Durg in September, and is suspected to have fallen off from the Prabalgad peak.^[3]

In February 2018, 27-year old Pune-based trekker Chetan Dhande fell to his death while 15 feet away from the top of the Kalavantin Durg.^[4] Several other climbers witnessed his fall, and his body was discovered nearly four hours later.^[5]

After Dhande's death, the local administration instituted new rules to ensure safety of the trekkers. According to the new rules, each trekker had to register with the administration by paying an entry fee of ₹ 20, and providing their personal details. No entry was allowed in the area during dark hours of 5pm-6am. During other hours, the entry was allowed only when accompanied by a local guide, which would cost ₹ 50. The administration trained 50 local villagers as guides. The trekkers were also banned from using plastic bags or plastic bottles.^[6]

• Media related to Kalavantin Durg at Wikimedia Commons
• 250 Megapixel image of Kalavantin.