The fort of Kalavantin Durg can be found near the city of Mumbai, in the Western Ghats or the Sahyadri Mountains, in India. It
is located on a plateau very close to Matheran, but unlike Matheran
Prabalgad fort does not have a good source of water supply. It was known as Muranjan until it was taken over and renamed by the Maratha forces under Shivaji's rule. Located on top of a mountain higher than 7000m, the only way to approach this ancient fortress is chillingly steep climb.
According to legend it was built for a queen named Kalavantin but that really seems to be all that anybody knows. The steps leading up to the fort were cut into the rock of the hill, a very impressive feat. If
this geological formation was present in many other countries it would
be fenced off and no one would be allowed to climb it.
Kalvantin Durg is also called the Climb to Heaven. No rail on the edge
and no ropes on the wall, God forbid if you have vertigo. Worst of all,
the hardest part is coming down. At the top of Kalavantin Durg you can see the Peb, Chanderi, Matheran, Karnala, and Ershal forts. The
city of Mumbai itself can also be seen. It is believed that the Fort
was built around the time of Buddha or around or before 500 BCE.
Technically this fascinating place is abandoned in the sense that it is
not used for its original purpose, but it gets visits from tourist and
locals often and is easily accessible from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. October
to May is the most recommended time to go there. You need to stay away
from trekking in monsoons as the steps get very slippery. A number of instructions must be followed during the trek to ensure maximal safety.
The surrounding terrain is extremely rugged with sharp peaks. This fort was established centuries ago. Climb stairs narrow peaks, steep slopes as challenges for visitors. Kalavantin worthy Durg fort is considered the most dangerous in the world.
