Overview
  • Prabalmachi as the name itself indicates is a huge gigantic plateau situated at a massive height of more than 1200 feet above mean sea level. It is a little hamlet hiding in the hills, close to our megacity - Mumbai! Prabalmachi camping offers breathtaking picturesque of the two magnificent and gigantic peaks of Sahyadri - Prabalgad and Kalavantin forts. Because of these two glorious forts and the bewitching natural beauty of the surroundings, many visitors are attracted to this place. Being an ancient and beautiful village situated halfway up a mountain it is an ideal place to pitch your tents and experience outdoors. Apart from being a camping place, it is also the base village for the Kalavantin trek and Prabalgad trek. One will also get to explore beautiful village homes; small farms; dense forests; in and around this hamlet. Prabalmachi camping and trekking transport you to a whole new world of scenic beauty and peace.
  • A little something about Kalavantin Durg, Kalavantin, a 2,250 ft high summit, is a beautiful steep fort that lies to the north of Prablagad, which was initially used as a watchtower. Kalavantin Fort is also renowned as the ‘Climb to Heaven’. You get to witness a wide variety of flora and fauna as you ascend. The mesmerizing scenery from this watchtower gives you a memory to cherish for a lifetime. One remarkable thing about the Kalavantin Durg trek is that takes you to the top of the fort the amazing rock-cut steps that zig-zag their way up to the mountains. 
  • Overview Region: Sahyadris
  • Elevation: 1500 feet above mean sea level (approx)
  • Grade: Moderate
  • Base camp: Thakurwadi village
  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year | Preferably - Winter
  • Fort Region: Sahyadris
  • Elevation: 2300 feet (701 m) above mean sea level (approx)
  • Distance: 4-5 km Approx
  • Grade: Medium
  • Base camp: Thakurwadi village
  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year | Preferably - Winter

Bacthes: 

  • March: 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30
  • April: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26,  27.

Event Fees: 

  • Panvel: 1499/- Per erson
  • Base Village: Rs 1199/- per person 
1 Night 2 Days Available on request Prabalmachi, Panvel
Itinerary

Panvel to Panvel : (Travel From Panvel)  

(Mumbai -Pune People Report to Trekleader At Panvel Station)

  • 04:00 PM: Report to Trekleader at Panvel Station Ticket Counter Pick-Up Point.
  • 04:30 PM: The journey starts with a private Vehicle Towards the Base Village of Thakhurwadi.
  • 05:30 PM: Reach Thakurwadi Base of Prabalmachi and introduction. 
  • 06:00 PM: Start Trek towards Prabalmachi.
  • 08:00 PM: Reach Prabalmachi base and stay. 
  • 09:00 PM: have dinner and play some games with a view of stars and mountains.
  • 04:00 AM: Wake up Call Freshen Up and Start Trek to Kalavantin Fort 
  • 06:00 AM: Reach the pinnacle.and Enjoy Sunrise Click Picture in the clouds and explore nature's beauty.
  • 08:00 AM: Take a Group photo and we start descending towards Prabalmachi. 
  • 09:30 AM: Breakfast, Tea relaxation at Prabalmachi.
  • 10:30 AM: Start Descending towards Thakhurwadi.
  • 12:30 PM: Reach Thakhurwadi Base Village.and Start Return Journey To Panvel
  • 02:30 PM: Reach Panvel Station 

Inclusion :

  • Travel from Panvel to Panvel
  • Dinner 
  • Tent Stay 
  • Breakfast & Tea
  • Guide Charges.
  • Entry Charges.
  • Trek Expertise Charges. 
  • Trek guide Charges
  • First Aid Charges.

Exclusion :

  • Lunch
  • Travel till pickup points
  • 5% Gst
  • All kinds of Extra Meals / Snacks / Mineral water/ soft drinks etc purchased for personal consumption
  • Any kind of personal expenses
  • Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above
  • All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
  • Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
  • Any kind of Insurance

Things to carry:

(Highly Required and Mandatory Things)

  • ID proof
  • backpack (waterproof or covered with waterproof cover) 
  • trekking shoes or any sports shoes with a Good grip
  • Trekking pants (compulsory), 2 T-Shirts (Preferably full sleeves or Half T-shirt with sleeves), Raincoat/ waterproof jacket/ windcheater, Handnapkin/Towel, etc
  • Water 2-3 liters.
  • Ready-to-eat food like plum cakes, Dry fruits, dry snacks and biscuits, Chikki, chocolate bars, etc.
  • Torch 
  • Personal Medicines and Personal First aid 

(Required but Optional Things)

  • To change after trekking - Facewash, Extra pants/ shorts, Extra T-shirt, sleeper/ floaters, an extra bag to carry your trekking shoes, innerwear, etc
  • Sweater For bus journey
  • Electoral or Glucose D powder. 
  • Portable Phone Charger, Earphones, etc.
  • Sun protection cap, sunglasses, Sunscreen lotion, toothbrush-toothpaste, etc
  • Proper face mask or shield 
  • Sanitizer 
  • Extra Pair of clothes.

(Note: Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pants,  this will protect your body and skin from Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles, etc)

FAQ

1. Is Prabalmachi Camping safe for solo female travelers?

Yes, it is completely safe for female and solo travelers.

2. Where are fireflies found around Prabalmachi?

Fireflies can be spotted at Prabalmachi plateau in Sahyadris just a few weeks before the beginning of the monsoon. The perfect time to visit is during premonsoon or the start of monsoon. These play around in large numbers at night, however, ensure not to make much noise or light any torch.

3. Is the Prabalmachi trek difficult?

Prabalmachi trek is easy and can be done by beginners as well.

4. When is the best time to visit Kalavantin Durg?

The best time to visit Kalavantin Durg is from November to March. Monsoons are pleasant too, however, rains can make the trail much more dangerous and difficult.

5. Would I get connectivity in my cell phone?

You will get very limited connectivity during the trek. Also, in a few areas, there might be no connectivity at all.

6. What type of food will I get?

You will be served locally cooked meals. However, proper care of hygienic food will be taken.

7. How much time is required to ascend Kulvantin Durg?

You can complete the ascend in 3-4 hours, depending on person to person.

8. Is Kalavantin Durg Trek difficult?

In terms of difficulty, the Kalavantin trek is a moderate level trek. With a little bit of experience and good endurance, one can complete this trek.

9. Can we stay in our tents?

Most definitely yes! On the Prabalmachi plateau, you can set up your tents and get the camping feels.

10. What if I have a medical emergency?

We always carry a first aid kit with us. The guides and volunteers are first aid certified. If the problem increases, we will quickly get you to the closest medical attention possible.

11. Are toilets available on the trek route?

Proper toilets are not available on the route. Toilets will be available in the Thakurwadi village and Prabalmachi village where you can freshen up.

12. What is the cheapest way to get to the base village?

The cheapest way to get from Mumbai to Thakurwadi base village is via train. Take a train from Mumbai (Dadar) to Panvel Station and from Panvel take a auto till Thakurwadi. The Approx cost would be 400 rs one side.