Night Trek to Kalsubai - Conquering the Highest Peak in Maharashtra

Almost after 5-6 months I decided to do trek in Sahyadris, And it was Night trek to Kalsubai with Trekkers United own by my friend Tirth Sangoi (Whom I met during Kedarkantha trek) and his friends. Very excited about my trek, I packed my bag and reached Thane station. I took the over- crowded kasara local train with three other travelers, my friends Nagarjuna, SriHari and his younger brother. Almost getting pushed down at Thane by passengers I managed to get back in the train. The journey started off with 30+ crazy travelers and our lead Tirth and we left for Bari village. There were lot of things uncommon in this group, age, physique, trekking experience; some were first timers while some had experience of trekking in Himalayas. But one thing was common, aim to reach top of Mt. Kalsubai.

A group pic at the Summit.

Kalsubai is a mountain in the Western Ghats, located in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Its summit situated at an elevation of 1646 meters (5400 feet) is the highest point in Maharashtra which earns it the much glorified title of the 'Everest of Maharashtra'. The mountain range lies within the Kalsubai Harishchandragad Wildlife Sanctuary. It is visited throughout the year by avid trekkers, Kalsubai temple devotees and wildlife enthusiasts alike. The name Kalsubai has given to the mountain on the woman who used to live in this mountain according to the villagers living at the base of Kalsubai Mountain. It is said that a woman name Kalsubai was punished by the villagers and forced to leave the village, that woman climbed this mountain and started living on it and died there. That's how the name of this mountain Kalsubai came.

Bhandardhara Dam View!!

Trek to Kalsubai peak was a surreal experience. We reached Kasara by 12:45 AM where Tirth had arranged for a taxi to reach Bari village. It is advisable to pre book a taxi if travelling from Kasara. It took 1+ hour to reach Bari village. Being January we were experienced chilly, but it was quite pleasant. As an alternative spending the night at Bari village, one can reach Bari village early in the morning and start trek as early as possible.

Kalsubai Peak as seen from Bari Village.

We started our journey towards the summit at 3:00 AM after introducing each to others. You will be able to see breathtaking views of Bari village and surrounding area as scale towards the top. Monsoons, however – are the forerunner to splendid greenery all around here. The onset of the monsoon season is in June, when the Sahyadri’ s blooms with all of its vivaciousness and vehemence. Between the months of June and August, Sahyadri hills face some heavy rainfall that leaves the weather of Sahyadri humid, wet and cool. The average annual rainfall in the Sahyadri hills ranges between 3,500 and 8,000 millimeters. The beauty of the seasonal waterfalls of Sahyadri hills is best experienced during the months between July and September. Monsoon is also the season for the adventurous people as this is the season in which adventure activities is in full swing. The natural beauty is there in abundance for you to enjoy all year long. If you are planning a trip in the summertime, then you should dress in light cotton clothing. If you plan to schedule your visit closer to the winter months in Sahyadri's, come along with your woolen apparel.

Mt. Kalsubai 

The weather conditions was perfect for hiking, there was light cool breeze blowing, I never had to exudate while mounting up. I reached my first ladder steps at 4.30 am, so it took me 90 minutes to figure out the way from Bari to the ladder along with the various breaks I took. The first ladder is series of steps with railing on one side, these ladders are usefully placed so as to make the trek more accessible to common people, they are placed where there are rocks and one can overcome this rocks by crossing on the stepladders. There are four ladders on the way with the last two being very steep.

Second Ladder!!

From here on the route is straightforward, just follow those series of ladder till you reach a table top, from there just follow in the direction of the peak which becomes visible and reach the final ladder which will take you to the top of the mountain. Though the trek looks easy but you must have good endurance level, prepare to walk at least for three to four hours from the Bari village. One has to be careful while climbing the ladders, as some of them are placed on vertical sections. The other danger is there are loose soil and gravel all along the trek which could make one slip if not careful. So be cautious, don’t be in hurry, or challenge yourself for something foolish. The good thing about this route is that there are railing provided for the steps and ladder sections.

A view from table top.

The view becomes more and more beautiful as to go up. You will be able to actually walk amongst the clouds as you scale further up during monsoon. One needs to climb 4500 feet from Bari village base through bushes, slippery patches and iron stairs to reach the top. Overall, Kalsubai is not a difficult trek but it does test your endurance and resolve. And that's a trekker wanted to prove, beyond the greed of getting some good pictures. We were the first group started towards the summit. Mt. Kalsubai offers a fantastic view of Sahyadri mountain ranges from the top. It took us four hours to reach the top with breaks in between. But it has been flooded with tourists which makes place lose its charm, Otherwise it would have been a fantastic summit.

Kalsubai range of Hills.

Dawn at Peak.

The view from the top is breathtaking, could see mountains all around you, also one can see the backwaters of Bhandardara dam, the various forts like Ratangad, Harischandragad, Alang, Madangad, Kulang and more. We were carrying food and water for our breakfast, had breakfast at the top. We were at the top for more than hour and decided to descend by 8:45. Now descending can be little tricky. Moving down the ladders will certainly test your fear of height.

Rest time.

Getting down from third ladder-steps.

There are many numbers of monkeys here, they are a very common sight, leaping from boulder to boulder or climbing the trees. They are a restless race with bulky bodies and black faces, though some have a red or a whitish tinge in the color of their faces. It is a very funny spectacle to see their females clutching their little ones close under their bellies and jumping or their kids engaged in a hot quarrel. They never molest the passersby though in some of them familiarity with mankind, However, while hiking on Kalsubai trail, just be careful and don't carry any type of bag in hands they may attack you assuming it as a food.

We decided to descend without wasting time grabbing rocks and jumping.In between we took break to finish rest of the drinks and snacks then continued with rappelling kind of descend. Descending was easy compared to ascending, at certain points; the steep descends risky due slippery surface. It took us around three hours to descend safely and come to the Bari village. The time was around 12’o clock and it was time proceed to Bhandardhara for Sandhan valley expedition with great memories in mind of Everest of Maharashtra’s climb. The best example of how much you can stretch your mind in a given situation. Each and every aspect of great nature met while ascending and descending down the summit, taught us the way of living together in adverse conditions (Quite common in every trek).

Me at last ladder just below the summit.

In the subsequent blog post I will contemporary the detailed account of my adventures in Sahyadri’s own Grand Canyon one and only Sandhan Valley.

Experience with Western Ghats untouched beauty!!

3 months back one fine day;

Vasudev: Dude (In WhatsApp group), we have week off on 13th, 14th, 15th of August, so shall we plan for some trekking?

Me: Okay, let’s execute the plan!!

Vasudev: How about going Chorla Ghat (On the way to Goa from Belgaum) water falls?

Me: Awesome, I am in!!!

Vasudev: Cool, Who all are coming?

M Shiva Reddy, Shivu Murthy , Bharath Bhardwaj , Sudhee Rao and Bhargava P said let’s go!!

This is how our plan came into picture,Let me explain my trip experience as follows!!

Vasu, Shivu, Sudhee and Bhargava P who were initially been there to Chorla ghat water falls trek 2 years back and they missed few water falls at that time, I included myself in this trek and went along with them. 

Clouds formation over rice paddies on the outskirts of the town Dharwad.

We left the dawn of the Friday from the Yeshwantpur, Bangalore railway station. Bhargava, Shiva and Shivu got some homemade rotis had those in train journey. We passed by Tumkur, Hubli, Dharwad and finally reached Londa station at around 4'o clock in the evening i.e 12th of August.

@Londa Railway Station,Goa.

As per the initial plan the travel was supposed to be reach Gokak falls that day but during journey we all discussed and decided to go towards breath taking Vajrapoha falls drops over a rocky bed 170ft down are often compared to Niagara Falls near Jamboti village which is located 28 km south-west of Belgaum and 26 km west of Khanapur in the Belgaum District of Karnataka.

We started at Khanapur to Jamboti at 7’o clock then we started enquire bus conductor and fellow travelers. They said trek to Jamboti falls (A.K.A Vajrapoha falls) seeks permission from Range forest officer (RFO) Khanapur range for accessing the Vajrapoha falls and they don’t allow trek to falls during monsoon. Again we had to change our plan decided to head towards Parwad Village near famous Kanakumbi. The tiny “Parwad”, which nestles in the dense forests of the Western Ghats in the Khanapur taluk of Belgaum district, the surroundings of the village located in the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary have been declared a protected area for medicinal plants.Bus driver was so friendly he stopped bus around half an hour at Jamboti, we had some snacks and tea got parcels for our dinner.

Statue of Maharashtra King Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the village center,Parwad.

We reached Parwad village, it was 9PM by the time we reach and was raining there. We visited the temple located at the heart of the village and planned to spend our night there.

Day – 1(13th August)

On the 13th morning we woke up by 5; we enquired some of the village people to reach Parwad falls(Shiva named it as trilling falls with his previous experience as we had no idea what is it’s official name) which was one of the best falls as per Vasu and other fellow mates. They have visited before, after a while the trail leading through a jungle, again started ascending up a mountain. The Jungle seemed to be getting denser as we passed towards our destination. Now we noticed that there were several other jungle paths leading all around the forest. 

On our way to chikkale falls
LTR->Shivu,Bharath,Shiva,vasu,Me,Bhargava S and Bhargava P

We unsuccessfully tried getting under it, and the closer we got to it, the faster it pushed us away. I stood looking at it for some time trying to capture it forever in my mind. The only one thing I want to mention here is we have seen amazing view of Mahadayi river valley and a beautiful stream which we crossed on our way. Finally we decided, started way back to Parwad to get start with another trek to stunning “Chikale” falls, it was about 10 kms trek we have done with till back to the village. We reached Parwad had some snacks and tea started trek towards Chikale falls.

Clear view of Chikhale falls!!

The trek which is fairly easy along with the fog and beautiful landscape. After 2.5 to 3 kms trek the roaring sound of the falling water and the sight there after will make you forget all the hardships you faced to reach up there. A rivulet which is tributary to Mahadyi River forms this water fall. We spent around one and half an hour there and have enjoyed under the water falls. With no one from government or locals to monitor this place, it was very badly littered with plastics and beer bottles all around. It would be a great camping site though.

After we reached back to Parwad unpacked all our eatables we had got, everything was empty in just few minutes.

Later we packed our luggage started walking towards Kanakumbi which is about 4 to 5 kms approximately. It was 4PM in by the time we reach “Kanakumbi” had some Poha and 2 cups of tea every one there at a small hotel. Got a GOA state transport bus till Sural cross check post which is of 5 kms far from Kanakumbi, FYI this is the last village in Karnataka state. From there we have decided to trek to Sural falls which is about 5 kms from check post, Bharath, Shivu and Bhargava P opted out for this trek to take some time rest near check post.

Typical 'Malnad' house which is covered by algal flora of Western Ghats,!!

However myself and 4 other mates started to reach Sural falls, it is one of the tallest falls of the Western Ghats. Sighting it in the peak of the monsoon will make your jaw drop. We were just near to the falls that we could hear the voice. First we thought there must be some plane coming so we were searching for the falls inside misty fog. But no water falls seen instead we could hear the tremendous falls coming down. After long wait fog moved away we were awestruck seeing the falls as it was a splendid sight. The falls didn’t look like a simple one. We came back to Check post by 6:30 in the evening with truly mind-blowing experience of Sural Falls view and the beauty of the nature.

Mejestic view of splendid Sural falls,Goa-Karnataka Border.

From check post without even few mins rest again we have started walking towards a Village called “SADA” which is northernmost village in Khanapur Taluk of Belgaum district, adjacent to borders of Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka. It takes 3 hours trek (around 10+ kms) to reach that small tiny village from check post.
Sada village has small fort which built by Shivaji, lava caves and waterfall. Another attraction of Sada is the flowering, like the Kas platue of Satara. Although in Karnataka, sada is a small konkani speaking village. From Sada we can see the reservoir of Tilari in Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra.

Kalasa - Banduri naala near Surla Checkpost.

Intentionally posing to a selfie(I and Shiva).

After some time we were almost near to “Chorla Ghat” Dhaba, it was started pouring badly. We spent some time near Dhabha by having snacks and tea. Though Vasu and others had idea on SADA village with last visit to SADA 2 years back again we have enquired about stay at SADA and other facilities as it is a night about 8PM. Dhabha people and others gave some good information about village. From Dhabha it is around 8 kms to reach SADA. It was about 9PM in the night when we were inside the jungle towards SADA village, “Remember This area is a tiger corridor, bison resort, sloth bear habitat, king cobra host and a treasure trove of evergreen species of trees”.

@Surla Thambdi village,Goa.

Eventually we heard a big sound at that time beside us, had no idea what sort of Animal it is but must be a bison, Thank god it ran away without harming us but truly and badly myself, Bharath and Shiva frightened like anything. Finally we are at Chadrakanth’s house after 3 odd hours trek from check post. Chandrakanth is a famous guide and who provides home stay at this small village. We requested them to prepare food and served us. Folks don’t forgot that myself, Shiva, Sudhee, Vasu and Bhargava S had trek 45+ kms till now today since from early in the morning. We went to sleep without wasting long time as everyone tired at their best.

Chandrakanth's House,Where we had lodging.

Day-2(14th August)

We all woke by 6’o clock and discussed which places to be covered for the day. Initially we decided to have some decent time by trekking to water fall near that village. SADA waterfall has lots of leeches if you visit in June to September. Avoid visiting SADA falls in the rainy season (June to September) since there are a lot of Leeches and also other animals around.
There is a decent trail till the end of the water falls and is not very difficult. The entire trek is around 3-4Kms with average to difficulty. Probably very few go to the under waterfalls during rainy days as it falls rapidly down with huge force; the reason for this guess is because the place was very clean with no trace of human interference in the region. No bottles, no plastics, just huge rocks, water and greenery.

SADA Water falls !!

We took exactly an hour to reach the beautiful waterfalls; I tried to explore in and around to get some good and complete picture of the beautiful water falls. Finally we all made it to the under the water falls and it was out of the world experience. Came back to chandrakanth’s house and I have decided to trek Mangeli water falls on Tilari river which is 5+ kms travel from SADA. But unfortunately took rest for whole day as Shivu was not feeling well suffering with cold and cough and Sudhee Rao left to Bangalore due to family emergency in the evening.

Trying to get under the water falls.

Jai Hind  Day-3(15th August)

Sorry folks nothing much to write out trekking practice today. Early morning headed towards Chorla ghat to visit water falls in and around Chorla which is in GOA state. By the time we reach Chorla Ghat main road it was pouring cats and dogs. A passerby said that there are no famous water falls on ghat road except seasonal small falls on the road and decided to move towards Belgaum and Gokak as we initially planned.

On the Belgaum - Goa Highway.

Reached Gokak by 2’o clock in the afternoon, The Gokak Falls is a waterfall located on the Ghataprabha River in Belagavi district of Karnataka, India. The waterfall is six kilometers away from Gokak. After a long winding course, the Ghataprabha River takes a leap of 52 metres (171 ft) over the sand-stone cliff amidst a picturesque gorge of the rugged valley, resembling Niagara Falls on a smaller scale. We took some pics magnificent view of the famous Gokak Falls. Got our return train “Rani Chennamma Express” there at Gokak railway station as we had booked return tickets to the same.

 Gokak Falls across the Ghataprabha River.

I,Shiva and Vasu

We arrived Bangalore on 16th morning waved good bye to all my trek mates and hoping that we would go again for another adventure soon. The great adventure that I had and moreover very dangerous coz we were trekking next to the tiger corridor, bison resort in the night. Truly amazing experience it was!! Cheers to all who made it true and lively!!