Name: Bhandardara
Rating: 4.2

Kalsubai Peak, Bhandardara Overview

Mt. Kalsubai is the highest peak of the Sahyadri Ranges. The view of this majestic mountain is an amazing sight in Bhandardara. It is also known as the Everest of Maharashtra, as it is the highest peak in the state.

The trek is a very tricky one and usually the experienced trekkers find their way to the top with some difficulty. There are now man-made stairs to reach the peak if you don't wish to trek. However, the hills near the Kalsubai peak are relatively easier to scale.

Water availability

You must carry your own water supply with you, as there are no sources of fresh water after you leave the base village.

Tips and Tricks

1) The Bhandardara dam and lake can be visited after a trek to the fort. The lake and the dam lie at a mere 6 kilometres drive from the base village. 2)

Food availability

Food is available in the base village. There is a shop put up by a villager at the plateau at the end of the second ladder, which serves homemade snacks and tea to the trekkers.

Accommodation

The accommodation can be arranged in the base village, as the temple of Kalsubai atop the fort can house only three persons at a time. Camping near the Bhandardara dam can be a good idea as well.

Trek Routes

After reaching the base village, we need to move in the direction of the peak till we come across a stream of water. After crossing the stream, we come across a small temple. The route which goes up from behind this temple terminates at the top of the fort. The local villagers have put up three large ladders to make the entire trek easier. After climbing through two ladders, we reach a small plateau and a well adjoining it. The climb through the third ladder from this point is a simple affair from this point. This last ladder takes us to the peak of the fort.

How to reach Kalsubai Peak

Rail: Igatpuri falls on the Mumbai-Nasik route and is a 3 hours journey from Mumbai. Trains are easily available from Mumbai to Igatpuri at all hours of the day. From Igatpuri, the base village of Bari is just 45 minutes away.
Road: Igatpuri is connected to Mumbai through the NH 3 which goes up from Mumbai to Agra. After reaching Igatpuri, it is just an hour's drive to the base village.