Quick Facts
Altitude: 5400 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Area: Bari Village, Akole
Famous for: Exciting trekking trails, all-encompassing perspectives on Western Ghats, Kalsubai Temple
Length of the Trek: 13 kilometers
Duration to complete the trek : Approx 13 hours to finish the trek.(Timings may vary because of different course alternatives)
Overview
Kalsubai Peak is a very popular trek which is nestled in the Sahyadri district of Maharashtra. It is Maharashtra’s highest elevation. The trek offers a stunning mix of natural ecosystems such as waterfalls, trees, grasslands, and historic forts.
Kalsubai Temple was built on the top in the memory of Kalsubai Devi, who was a young village girl who lived in the mountains. She used to heal villagers and animals during that time and participate in various village activities. She left towards the peak one day and never came back. This destination attracts many devotees to the Kalsubai Temple.
This mountain range attracts the trekkers who are determined to reach the peak. Apart from trekking there is Arthur Lake and the Bhandardara Dam. Another tourist attraction is the forts like Harihargad, Anjaneri, Kulang, and Anudha Kanvai.
Best Time To Visit
The Monsoon season (July to October)
A gorgeous landscape filled with cascades and greenery spread around the mountain can be seen as the monsoon showers begin. In cool and misty weather, you also witness floating clouds accompanying you.
During winter(October to March)
From the top of the mountain, you find spectacular views and sights frequently engulfed in mist. The meadows bursting with blooming flowers and activities such as stargazing and moonlight treks draw a large number of travelers to Kalsubai in the winter.
Transportation services available
The railways are the easiest and shortest way possible to reach Kalsubai. The closest railway station to Bari Village is Igatpuri. You can take a taxi or a local rickshaw from there, or a bus to Bari Village.
Bari village can also be reached directly from Mumbai by road.
Main Highlights
Once you are at the top you see an incredible view that awaits you which will amaze you. As you look at the sight of greenery, clouds and mountains for endless miles up to the horizon. Your heart will jump out in pure joy as the ring clouds pass slowly.
You get to walk through vast fields and farming land from the very beginning of the trek.
You feel calm inside, and peace within yourself and can simply listen to the silence around you and live the moment.
The temple is considered very auspicious and many villagers still visit the temple every Tuesday and Thursday to offer prayers and seek blessings.
In the village, you can have an early breakfast before you leave for the trek. In lunch,a Maharashtrian thali is served for which you can also pre-order as well.
Monsoon season is the perfect time to enjoy the delights of nature like waterfalls, mist and river streams. You feel the carpet of clouds under your feet during monsoons due to fog.
Essentials to carry
- You must carry a good pair of trekking shoes and comfortable clothes so you are at maximum comfort.
- You must carry clothes according to the climate.
- For a very obvious reason that,with the changing altitude you must keep yourself hydrated. So, carry drinking water.
- You must carry some snacks and energy bars with you to recharge your energy , while on the trek
- Make sure you don’t forget to carry essentials like torchlight, first aid, etc.
- Make sure you carry as much as light luggage as possible.
Points to be noted
- It is up to you to choose between a day trek and a night trek, but a day trek is preferable for first-timers.
- During the winters and summers, night treks are ideal and set up a camp at top to enjoy a splendid sunrise.
- You can also set up camp near the Bari Village or go for a homestay. The locals also offer traditional Maharashtrian food.
- The base village has a washroom and sanitation facilities. On the summit, there are no such amenities.
- Carrying valuable items during the trek is not recommended.
- It is strictly prohibited to smoke and to consume alcohol or any other intoxicants.
