Prabalgad and Kalavantin Durg are two separate hills close to each other. Prabalgad is more of a plateau type (table mountain) while Kalavantin is a steep eroded hill with not much area at top.
On the left the pointed part is the Kalavantin while on the right the table land is Prabalgad. Base village of Prabalgad is Thakurwadi which is accessible and any rickshaw can take one there from Panvel. From Thakurwadi climb starts with wide rocky road till second base village Prabalmachi.
There are two steps one being Prabalmachi and other being the top part of the Forts.
Prabalmachi being at around 450m above sea level and Prabalgad top is around 750m above sea level.
Small village is set in Prabalmachi where villagers provide food and accomodation on request.
Also at certain spots in climb small tents are setup by villagers to provide refreshments.
Trekking till Prabalmachi is very easy and like a leisure walk till village.
Real trek starts from the Prabalmachi to Kalavantin or Prabalgad.
One can trek both hills on single day provided one has enough endurance to withstand the terrain else only one climb in a day is possible.
One can see the Prabalmachi the first step on the above photo where base is far behind. Farming is main occupation on Prabalmachi.
Kalavantin's beauty lies in its structure and its steps. The steps are very steep and has irregular heights. The steps become very slippery during rains and avoid this durg during rains as waterfalls on this step. Kalavantin is named after a queen and the steps are said to be from the times of Buddha. Kalavantin steps are till top after which just 15 mins steep rock climb will take you till top. Kalavantin acted as a watch tower during early days to keep an eye on other forts. This provides a 360 degree view of all the forts in the region seen below.
Every fort can be seen from this point like Malangad, Chanderi, Soneri, Mhasmal, Nakhind, Vikatgad, Karnala, Matheran, Tavli.
There are small caves in Kalavantin adn Prabalgad. Prabalgad has two view points. North end and South end. North end is Kalavantin view point which is 10mins from Prabalgad junction while the South end is far deep inside the dense jungle called Kala Buruj from where Irshalgad, Morbe dam, Manikgad can be seen. One need a whole day to visit Prabalgad.
Mountain view from Prabalgad. Climbing Prabalgad or Kalavantin is easy but very exhaustive. If one suffers from phobia of heights or vertigo Kalavantin is highly not recommended.
Parking for vehicles is available at the base.
