A good friend, a bike in good condition, good road with fantastic views on each side and excitement of first trek. Enough reasons for me to select Kalsubai Trek - the highest peak in Maharashtra, that lies within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary.
ENROUTE TO BARI VILLAGE
Myself and my friend Vishu started from Navi Mumbai in his bike at around 2 AM and the bike ride itself was thrilling.
And that’s how we went for experiencing the new world.
Our route was Navi Mumbai - Thane - Mumbai Nasik Highway - Igatpuri - Bari.
We took a right turn from Igatpuri on the Mumbai Nasik route to reach Bari . This route is a good choice for bike riders. Another option to reach Bari from Mumbai is through local train and get down at Kasara station. From Kasara one can get buses and share taxis to get down at Bari.
We had our breakfast from a hotel on the way. We reached Bari Village at around 8 AM after few halts. Bari is a small village surrounded by vast mountain ranges and lush green paddy fields. Parked the bike in one of the villager's house. We ordered for food also from there, so that they can keep it ready when we come down. We had to cross the village to start our trekking.
About Kalsubai:
Height: ~ 5400 feet
Grade: Medium
Time: ~ Maximum 3 hrs. from Bari.
Location: Igatpuri
And step towards my first trek.
Initially, we crossed the muddy trails with ease, but these soon graduated to steep paths. After a half-an-hour we reached a plateau and that was also our first resting point. From here one can see the ladders that are built on the rock patches.
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| climb to the top |
There are many small stalls for food like lemon water, kakdi (cucumber) etc. and this was enjoyable during halt. There is a small well before reaching Kalsubai peak. We filled our bottle with that water and washed our face and hands.
After two hours of trekking and climbing two ladders, we reached the plateau from there it took another 40 minutes trek to reach the final ladder.
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| Few minutes more to reach the top |
After scaling the final Ladder we reached the summit - top of Maharashtra. The summit is an open area with a small red shrine dedicated to Kalsubai, a local goddess.
As per legends, this temple of local deity Kalsubai, is named after a lady who vanished at this mountain while aspiring to get away from anguish of her employer.
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| Kalasubai top temple |
And the view from the top was mesmerizing. Meditating at the top of Maharashtra is a lifetime experience
The blow of gusty wind made me feel like a leaf and I just loved that.
Kalsubai offers a panoramic view of other mountain range forts.
Towards west Alang, Madangad, Kulang can be seen and to the east Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad , to the east Aundha, Vishramgad, Bitangad can be seen.
Towards north Ramsej, Harihargad, Brahmagiri, Anjaneri, Ghargad, Bahula, Tringalwadi, Kavnai , to the south Pabhargad, Ghanchakkar, Harishchandragad can be seen .
Another view from top is famous Bhandardara Lake.
There was a chain which is metallic, and is something like 30 meter long. You throw it downward, with one end tied on to the hill top. Then you have to pull it back, in one stretch.
After spending around one hour at the top, we started descending.
It was a thrilling experience to stepping on to steel strips by holding on to the railing/side bars.
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| final ladder |
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| And mile to go |
When we reached village, a delicious lunch of bhakri, batata ki sabzi , rice and daal was waiting for us. Even though this was my first trek, I never felt it as difficult and will always cherish the memories. And we drove back to home with memories of conquering Top of Maharashtra!
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